So… I meant to post this a week and a half ago. Alas, the day I planned to write it I came down with a migraine. And then I had other scheduled posts I had to get to first. And now over half of my list is released as of today. But… now at least you don’t have to wait if any of these books catch your fancy?
Enough excuses! It’s time to give you what you came here for. These are the five book releases I’m anticipating this May.
Nocturna by Maya Motayne
Release Date: May 7
Summary: To Finn Voy, magic is two things: a knife to hold under the chin of anyone who crosses her…and a disguise she shrugs on as easily as others pull on cloaks.
As a talented faceshifter, it’s been years since Finn has seen her own face, and that’s exactly how she likes it. But when Finn gets caught by a powerful mobster, she’s forced into an impossible mission: steal a legendary treasure from Castallan’s royal palace or be stripped of her magic forever.
After the murder of his older brother, Prince Alfehr is first in line for the Castallan throne. But Alfie can’t help but feel that he will never live up to his brother’s legacy. Riddled with grief, Alfie is obsessed with finding a way to bring his brother back, even if it means dabbling in forbidden magic.
But when Finn and Alfie’s fates collide, they accidentally unlock a terrible, ancient power—which, if not contained, will devour the world. And with Castallan’s fate in their hands, Alfie and Finn must race to vanquish what they have unleashed, even if it means facing the deepest darkness in their pasts.
My Impression: It’s a fantasy in a Latin-inspired world and a friend of mine compared the relationship between the two main characters to that between Kell and Lila. Kell and Lila. And you know I’m a sucker for criminal protagonists and magical heists. I need this book so bad.
Middlegame by Seanan McGuire
Release Date: May 7
Summary: Meet Roger. Skilled with words, languages come easily to him. He instinctively understands how the world works through the power of story.
Meet Dodger, his twin. Numbers are her world, her obsession, her everything. All she understands, she does so through the power of math.
Roger and Dodger aren’t exactly human, though they don’t realize it. They aren’t exactly gods, either. Not entirely. Not yet.
Meet Reed, skilled in the alchemical arts like his progenitor before him. Reed created Dodger and her brother. He’s not their father. Not quite. But he has a plan: to raise the twins to the highest power, to ascend with them and claim their authority as his own.
Godhood is attainable. Pray it isn’t attained.
My Impression: I mean. I mean. This is villain protagonist territory and I love it. Also in a weird way it sounds like Dark Powerpuff Girls, if that makes sense. This sounds like such a cool story and I can’t wait to read it.
Carmilla by Kim Turrisi
Release Date: May 7
Summary: Newly escaped from the stifling boredom of a small town, college freshman Laura is ready to make the most of her first year at Silas University. But when her roommate, Betty, vanishes and a sarcastic, nocturnal philosophy student named Carmilla moves into Betty’s side of the room, Laura decides to play detective. Turns out Betty isn’t the first girl to go missing— she’s just the first girl not to come back.
All over campus, girls have been vanishing, and they are completely changed when (or if) they return. Even more disturbing are the strange dreams they recount: smothering darkness, and a strange pale figure haunting their rooms. Dreams that Laura is starting to have herself.
As Laura closes in on the answers, tensions rise with Carmilla. Is this just a roommate relationship that isn’t working out, or does Carmilla know more than she’s letting on about the disappearances? What will Laura do if it turns out her roommate isn’t just selfish and insensitive, but completely inhuman? And what will she do with the feelings she’s starting to have for Carmilla?
My Impression: A novel adaptation of the web series adaptation of a classic novel? That’s Carmilla-ception! And you guys know I love all things Carmilla. Obviously I need to read this.
The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad
Release Date: May 14
Summary: Fatima lives in the city of Noor, a thriving stop along the Silk Road. There the music of myriad languages fills the air, and people of all faiths weave their lives together. However, the city bears scars of its recent past, when the chaotic tribe of Shayateen djinn slaughtered its entire population— except for Fatima and two other humans. Now ruled by a new maharajah, Noor is protected from the Shayateen by the Ifrit, djinn of order and reason, and by their commander, Zulfikar.
But when one of the most potent of the Ifrit dies, Fatima is changed in ways she cannot fathom, ways that scare even those who love her. Oud in hand, Fatima is drawn into the intrigues of the maharajah and his sister, the affairs of Zulfikar and the djinn, and the dangers of a magical battlefield.
Nafiza Azad weaves an immersive tale of magic and the importance of names; fiercely independent women; and, perhaps most importantly, the work for harmony within a city of a thousand cultures and cadences.
My Impression: This sounds like a book that’ll whisk me away to another world and keep me there. I’m also kind of getting The City of Brass vibes, which is a plus. I’m so ready to dive into this undoubtedly beautiful world.
Kingsbane by Claire Legrand
Release Date: May 21
Summary: Rielle Dardenne has been anointed Sun Queen, but her trials are far from over. The Gate keeping the angels at bay is falling. To repair it, Rielle must collect the seven hidden castings of the saints. Meanwhile, to help her prince and love Audric protect Celdaria, Rielle must spy on the angel Corien— but his promises of freedom and power may prove too tempting to resist.
Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora grapples with her new reality: She is the Sun Queen, humanity’s long-awaited savior. But fear of corruption— fear of becoming another Rielle— keeps Eliana’s power dangerous and unpredictable. Hunted by all, racing against time to save her dying friend Navi, Eliana must decide how to wear a crown she never wanted— by embracing her mother’s power, or rejecting it forever.
My Impression: Furyborn pulled me out of a YA slump last year. I imagine I’ll love the sequel just as much, if not more. I love Rielle and her arc. I’m so excited to see more of her.
What book releases are you looking forward to this month? Let me know in the comments!
Strange Storyteller 