Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
Long live dislikable female main characters with this flip on traditional fantasy tropes.
I love the idea of flipping the script on fantasy tropes, where our main characters are fundamentally good or working towards good. Our main character Ray, is pretty dislikable the entire time. She is selfish, and self-absorbed. She leans into being a villain so hard that she calls her guard Key "minion" regularly.
Black Tide Son by H.M. Long
Pirates and magic and storms, oh my!
An atmospheric, adventure-filled follow up to Dark Water Daughter.
Hera by Jennifer Saint
Find your inner goddess and unleash your rage with this book.
I love that Hera's story is one of feminine rage, and power.
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
Them: "Critique colonialism, but make it a YA action-packed heist adventure."
Hafsah Faizal: "Hold my tea"
Morgan Is My Name by Sophie Keetch
A compelling new adult feminist introduction to the legend of King Arthur.
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
This book is best read at a house party where you don't know anyone, but everyone is beautiful, relaxed and looking at you like you're their next snack.
The Will of the Many by James Islington
A fast-paced, original re-imagining of ancient Rome with elements of The Hunger Games and dark academia.
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
A fairytale for adults who grew up reading books about adventures.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
An atmospheric, dual POV, wintery fantasy pirate adventure with a powerful female main character.
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
A high-fantasy quest adventure with found family and a cute godling.
2023 is the Year of the Pirate
From 40 year old single mother pirate captains, to a vampire and mermaid pirate love story, this list will have something for everyone.
Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig
This book is best read in a fish market, by the ocean on a warm spring day with a light breeze. After you've finished, make sure to get your fortune read.
Dark Water Daughter by H.M. Long
An atmospheric, dual POV, wintery fantasy pirate adventure with a powerful female main character.
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
A reluctant female pirate captain is coerced into one last sea adventure and the results are magical.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
This book is best read while you're recovering from an injury/illness, sitting in a well-loved chair, while eating fresh baked goods. Oh, and if the book suddenly opens up a portal into another dimension, definitely reach your hand through and see what you can find.