The Dark We Know (2024) Wen-yi Lee "The true hallmark of an exceptional horror novel is in its hold, and in her debut outing, Wen-yi Lee has crafted a gorgeously dark and unforgettable story that will linger long after the book is closed. The Dark We Know heralds the arrival of a rare and exciting literary talent-do not miss it."
There Is a Door in this Darkness (2024) Kristin Cashore "Cashore's command over language and her incredible mind for extraordinary ideas are reminiscent of Madeleine L'Engle. There Is a Door in This Darkness contains the wonder, and the ideas it holds are bigger than words."
Honey (2024) Isabel Banta "Honey was everything I was hoping it would be and more. Beautifully defiant, persistently empathetic, and the writing itself is absolutely crystalline."
Listen for the Lie (2024) Amy Tintera "Every so often, a book comes along that takes you for a ride--now buckle up, because Amy Tintera has written it. Listen for the Lie explores the cruelest kind of world through the eyes of a woman whose grit is only outmatched by her razor-sharp wit. This bitingly funny and subversive thriller is one of the freshest and fiercest you'll read this year."
The Bad Ones (2024) Melissa Albert "THE BAD ONES is a thrilling reminder of what horror that respects its audience can feel like. This was an addictively terrifying, beautifully vicious book."
Songs of Irie (2023) Asha Ashanti Bromfield "Songs of Irie is a powerful and urgent reminder of what's worth fighting for in a world determined to tear you apart. Irie and Jilly's love for one another is boldly vulnerable, achingly real, and absolutely unforgettable. Bromfield is a bright, burning talent with a voice that demands--and deserves--to be heard. A stunning book."
The Whispers (2023) Ashley Audrain "Ashley Audrain has a profound understanding of how thin the line between good and evil can be. THE WHISPERS leads readers past the carefully composed facade of Harlow Street to dig, unflinchingly, into themes of motherhood, fidelity, privilege and complicity, resulting in a novel that not only delivers on the promise of its taut, explosive and page-turning plot-but redefines the very idea of what a thriller is and can be. Daring, incisive, and exquisitely written, Audrain has proven herself a force like no other."
Out of the Ashes (2023) Kara Thomas "A deliciously unsettling and grimly beautiful examination of the dark and twisted potential lurking within us all. That Weekend is a bold and expertly plotted page-turner from beginning to end, and it firmly cements Kara Thomas as a master of the craft - no one writes a thriller like her."
Throwback (2023) Maurene Goo "Throwback is as fun and feel-good as your favorite '90s teen flick but wrapped up in a beautifully written and poignant story of mothers, daughters, the immigrant experience, and the 'American dream.' Maurene Goo writes with heart, humor, tenderness and an unabashed optimism that will remind readers what's worth believing in - and the importance of being true to yourself. No other author out there is doing it like Maurene, and Throwback is her best yet. An absolute triumph by an unparalleled talent."
We Weren't Looking to Be Found (2022) Stephanie Kuehn "A compelling and thoughtful exploration of mental health by way of an unexpected--and beautiful--friendship forged during the darkest of times. Stephanie Kuehn writes fearlessly, honestly, and tenderly about the challenges of recovery and We Weren't Looking to Be Found is a hopeful, affecting, and important book."
The Counselors (2022) Jessica Goodman "With her bold and powerful prose, unforgettable main characters, sophisticated and nuanced plots and strikingly clever twists that leave you guessing and breathlessly turning pages, Jessica Goodman has cemented herself as an incisive and exciting must-read author on the thriller scene. An incredible talent."
All the Best Liars (2022) Amelia Kahaney "A searing and provocative exploration of friendship, desire, envy and obsession, of girls pushed to the very edge. Amelia Kahaney has written a beautifully twisted and unsparing thriller that will have readers holding their breath until its fiery conclusion."
Ophelia After All (2022) Racquel Marie "A sweet and tender ode to love and self-discovery. Racquel Marie's vibrant and insightful prose, and fresh, funny, fearlessly vulnerable characters make for a beautiful debut you won't want to miss. Ophelia After All is utterly lovely."
White Smoke (2021) Tiffany D Jackson "Tiffany Jackson takes the classic haunted house story to the next level by infusing it with her trademark twists and turns and her brilliant and unflinching prose. White Smoke is a gripping, unsettling, and incisive novel by a YA powerhouse who knows her thrills—and her chills."
The Dead and the Dark (2021) Courtney Gould "The Dead and the Dark has something for everyone: thrills, chills, a mystery that'll keep readers guessing and a romance they'll absolutely love rooting for. Snakebite is a setting as unforgettably alive as the characters who inhabit it and once it gets hold of you, it won't let go. A riveting, spooky and expertly-crafted debut from a talented new voice in YA fiction."
In the Quick (2021) Kate Hope Day "In the Quick is an enthralling, romantic, and powerful testament to human strength and frailty, and to the pursuit of possibility. Kate Hope Day pushes against the edges of all we know and could only dare to dream, and with that she has written a true wonder. This is a gorgeous book."
Firekeeper's Daughter (2021) (Sugar Island, book 1) Angeline Boulley "Firekeeper's Daughter is a gripping and unforgettable story of family, community and identity told through the eyes of a protagonist so powerfully realized on the page, you'll swear you can hear her heart beat. Daunis Fontaine is a force to be reckoned with-and so is Angeline Boulley. This is one bold, uncompromising and elegantly crafted debut."
Your Corner Dark (2021) Desmond Hall "A riveting, fiercely heartfelt and gutsy exploration of one boy's determination to wrest control over his own life, on his own terms. Readers will find it impossible not to root for Frankie as he is confronted with one impossible choice after another. Your Corner Dark is a memorable and unmissable debut by an author to watch."
Every Single Lie (2021) Rachel Vincent "A suspenseful, gritty, action-packed story that will leave you absolutely breathless."
The Mall (2020) Megan McCafferty "A delightful, funny, sweet and affecting real life adventure with such a big heart, it'll make you cry the happiest tears. The Mall is something special."
Tigers, Not Daughters (2020) Samantha Mabry "A moody and unflinching examination of the gritty, tender and impossible parts of people that make them unforgettably whole. You don't read Samantha Mabry’s books so much as experience them. Ferocious and gorgeously crafted. I loved it."
Wreck (2019) Kirstin Cronn-Mills "Every so often a book comes along that is so sharp, so moving, so real, and so good, you want to press it into everyone's hands and say, Read this! READ THIS!"
How to Make Friends with the Dark (2019) Kathleen Glasgow "A bold, fearlessly crafted story of loss and love. Kathleen Glasgow’s prose commands the page with its trademark beauty and grace, and Tiger Tolliver is a character readers will root for every step of the way—and won’t soon forget."
Tell Me Everything (2019) Sarah Enni "A timely examination of social media and the importance of self-expression. A truly special debut-I loved every single page!."
Sawkill Girls (2018) Claire Legrand "With prose as fierce and uncompromising as its three main characters, SAWKILL GIRLS is a fresh and unflinching exploration of female friendship wrapped in a spine-tingling page-turner. Claire Legrand doesn’t hold back--and you won’t be able to put this book down."
Mirage (2018) (Mirage, book 1) Somaiya Daud "Mirage had me enthralled from its first page to its last. It's a a heart-wrenching, romantic, and exhilarating page-turner. Begin preparing yourselves for it now. Somaiya Daud is a brilliant writer and she has written a brilliant book."
Winner Take All (2018) Laurie DeVore "A bold, incisive, timely examination of the high price girls often have to pay for daring to want it all... Clever, romantic, and absolutely unputdownable."
