New year, new reads: January 2024 fantasy & romantasy can't-miss book releases

Release: January 2, 2024

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"A Fragile Enchantment" by Allison Saft is a romantic fantasy set in a Regency England-inspired world. The story revolves around Niamh Ó Conchobhair, a magical dressmaker who can imbue emotions and memories into fabric. She is commissioned for a royal wedding in Avaland but finds herself in a scandal due to her undeniable chemistry with the groom, Kit Carmine. Amidst Avaland's societal unrest, Niamh and Kit's growing relationship becomes entangled with political intrigue and royal secrets, challenging Niamh's previously limited aspirations and opening up possibilities for love and change. This novel combines romance, intrigue, and a captivating magic system.

Release: January 9, 2024

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"The Atlas Complex" by Olivie Blake is the final book in her trilogy that began with "The Atlas Six." The story continues with an explosive return to the library, making the six Alexandrians vulnerable. Old alliances break as the initiates adopt different strategies to cope with the deadly terms of their recruitment. While some grapple with the ethics of their immense powers, others attempt to manipulate global politics. The book poses a critical question: what are the recruits willing to betray for limitless power, and who will be destroyed in the process?

Release: January 9, 2024

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"Sanctuary of the Shadow" by Aurora Ascher is an erotic fantasy novel set in a darkly magical circus world. The story centers around Harrow, a Water Elemental with the rare ability to see the future and the sole survivor of a genocide against her people. She lives in disguise as a circus fortune teller, hiding her true identity and abilities. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Salizar, the circus manager, introduces a new attraction: a deadly wraith trapped in a cage.

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This wraith, Raith, is a beastly figure with no memory of his past, only a few days of recollection, and fiery eyes. Despite his intimidating presence, Harrow feels a deep connection to him and helps him escape, driven by her Water magic and a belief that their destinies are intertwined.

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What unfolds is a passionate love affair between Harrow and Raith, who possess Fire and Water magic. Their relationship evolves as they unravel the lies of the Elemental Queens, whose wars destroyed Harrow's people and utilized wraiths as their tools of death.

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The novel is noted for its compelling character dynamics, especially the balance and equality in Harrow and Raith's relationship, along with the palpable sexual tension between them. The story is filled with twists, sensuality, and revelations that add depth to the narrative. "Sanctuary of the Shadow" is a passionate and gripping fantasy romance, exploring themes of identity, love, and the struggle to live authentically amidst chaos and conflict.

Release: January 16, 2024

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"Midnight Ruin" by Katee Robert is the sixth book in the Dark Olympus series. The novel follows Eurydice Dimitriou, known as the innocent sister in her family, who is ready to step out of her powerful family's shadow and heal from a heartbreak caused by her ex. Charon Ariti, a long-time friend and right-hand man to Hades, helps her on this journey. The story evolves into a complex relationship involving Eurydice, Charon, and her ex, Orpheus, exploring themes of second chances, growth, and polyamorous dynamics amidst the backdrop of the crumbling world of Olympus and its political intrigues.

Release: January 16, 2024

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"Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" by Heather Fawcett is the second installment in the Emily Wilde series. The book follows Emily Wilde, a genius scholar of faerie folklore who has recently completed the world's first comprehensive encyclopaedia of faeries. Emily's adventures have taught her many secrets about the Hidden Ones, largely thanks to her former rival, Wendell Bambleby.

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The story takes a thrilling turn when Emily decides to embark on a new project: creating a map of the realms of faerie. Meanwhile, Wendell Bambleby, still dealing with threats from his murderous mother and in search of a door back to his realm, lands Emily in trouble when assassins invade Cambridge. This leads them on an adventurous journey to the Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find a way to free Bambleby from his family's dark schemes.

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Throughout the novel, Emily navigates new relationships and faces dangerous Folk hidden in every shadow. She delves into the mysteries of faerie doors and her own heart, creating a narrative rich in adventure, intrigue, and character development.

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The book is described as a heartwarming and enchanting tale, blending elements of fantasy, history, and mystery in a medium-paced narrative. Emily's character is particularly notable for her intelligence and prickly nature, making her journey and relationships a central focus of the story.

Release: January 23, 2024

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"Destroy the Day" by Brigid Kemmerer is the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series. This captivating novel weaves a tale of desperation, survival, and the struggle to save a kingdom. The story follows Prince Corrick, who is held captive by the vicious Oren Crane and desperate to reunite with Tessa. To achieve this, he must ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, an unlikely but essential partnership for survival.

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On an island away, Tessa Cade is grappling with heartbreak and anger, mourning Corrick and struggling with trust issues. She finds an unexpected ally in Rian, the least trusted man, who offers her a chance to oust Oren Crane. Meanwhile, in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run, striving to unite rebels in a fractured kingdom, finding unexpected support that could mean more than just an alliance.

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The story is a complex tapestry of characters fighting for their lives, their loves, and their kingdom. It explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the power of unity in the face of adversity. The narrative is packed with heartrending twists and devastating turns, promising a breathtaking journey to the end.

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"Destroy the Day" is not just a story of survival; it's about the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope and love amidst chaos. It's a fitting and dramatic conclusion to a series that has captivated readers with its rich storytelling and intricate characters.

Release: January 23, 2024

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"Faebound" by Saara El-Arifi is the first book in a captivating new fantasy trilogy. This enchanting novel centers around two elven sisters, Yeeran and Lettle, who find themselves drawn into the alluring and perilous world of the fae. Yeeran, a warrior born and bred on the battlefield, is accustomed to a life of violence, while her sister Lettle tries to make a living as a diviner, seeking prophecies for a better future.

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Their lives take a dramatic turn when Yeeran's exile from the Elven Lands, due to a fatal mistake, leads both sisters into the wilderness beyond their borders. Here, they encounter the fae court, creatures thought to be extinct for a millennium. This unexpected journey into the fae realm places the sisters in a position where they must navigate a world filled with magic, secrets, and romance. They find themselves torn between their loyalties to each other, their homeland, and their hearts.

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Described as a romantic fantasy of epic proportions, "Faebound" is expected to enthrall readers with its blend of lush worldbuilding, intricate character development, and a focus on the deep bonds of sisterhood. The narrative promises an exhilarating exploration into a world of dangerous secrets and dazzling possibilities, making it an enticing read for fans of fantasy and romance.

Release: January 30, 2024

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"A Reckless Oath" by Kaylie Smith is the sequel to the captivating "A Ruinous Fate." This installment continues the saga with more action, romance, and magic, as the characters grapple with their losses and their roles in the impending Fates’ War.

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The story follows Calla and her fellow witches. They find themselves in the perilous Neverending Forest, where they must make critical decisions as the Fates’ War draws near. Calla, struggling with her past allegiances and current circumstances, finds herself distancing from the one person who might hold the key to her future.

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Meanwhile, Amina, with a still-beating heart in her hand, returns to the Land of the Valkyries, only to find everything changed during her six-year absence. She seeks revenge against the Valkyrie Queen, who banished her years ago. Delphine, a favorite character among readers, faces her own challenges. She must navigate a dangerous court, turning past lovers into enemies and former foes into allies, as she plots her escape to the surface.

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Set against the backdrop of Siren's Sea and the Land of the Valkyries, "A Reckless Oath" promises to take readers on an enthralling journey filled with stunning revelations that will leave them questioning everything. The book particularly recommended for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black, offering an expansive fantasy world and a compelling ensemble cast.

Release: January 30, 2024

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"The Dark Fable" by Katherine Harbour is an enchanting young adult fantasy novel. The story centers around Evie Wilder, an orphan who has spent most of her life going unnoticed, but her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers she has the ability to turn invisible. This unique skill captures the attention of the Dark Fable, a mysterious gang known for their heists of obscure and occult artifacts.

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During a museum party, Evie is caught in a dramatic heist, leading to her invitation to join the Dark Fable. The allure of belonging to a new family is irresistible to Evie, who has always yearned for a sense of belonging. However, she soon learns that the Dark Fable's past holds more skeletons than she could have imagined, revealing secrets that might even be connected to her own tragic past.

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The novel promises to be a thrilling ride filled with magical heists, deadly secrets, and a morally gray ensemble cast. Described as fast-moving and twisty, "The Dark Fable" is perfect for fans of magical heist stories and found-family dynamics, drawing comparisons to popular works like "These Violent Delights" and "Six of Crows". With its blend of witty dialogue, immersive world-building, and original magic systems, this book is set to charm its readers with a tale that celebrates the intimacy of being seen and accepted.

Release: Jan 30, 2024

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"House of Flame and Shadow" by Sarah J. Maas is the third book in the Crescent City series, known for its captivating blend of fantasy, action, and romance. In this installment, Bryce Quinlan faces an unexpected turn of events. She finds herself in a world beyond Midgard, a place she never anticipated seeing. Her goal is to return to everything she loves in Midgard, including her family, friends, and mate. However, being stranded in this new and strange world, Bryce must rely on her wits and navigate the complexities of trust to find her way home.

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Meanwhile, Hunt Athalar encounters his own set of challenges. After a brief period of having everything he desired, he finds himself back in the dungeons of the Asteri, deprived of his freedom and uncertain about Bryce's fate. Despite his desperate situation, Hunt is eager to help Bryce but is hindered by his confinement under the Asteri.

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This thrilling sequel continues the saga of Bryce and Hunt as their world teeters on the brink of collapse, with its future resting on their shoulders. The book promises a blend of suspenseful and breathtaking moments, as well as deeper exploration into the intricate relationships and emotional depths of the characters. Fans of the series can expect another enthralling adventure filled with Maas's signature storytelling elements.

Re-release: January 30, 2024

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"Heartsong" by TJ Klune is the third book in the Green Creek series, a beloved fantasy romance saga. The novel tells the story of Robbie Fontaine, who has always sought a place where he truly belongs. Robbie finds himself drifting between various wolf packs, forming temporary connections to avoid becoming feral. His life takes a significant turn when he receives a summons from the wolf stronghold in Caswell, Maine.

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Robbie's life in Caswell, serving as the trusted second to Alpha Michelle Hughes and befriending a gentle old witch, teaches him the true essence of being part of a pack and having a home. However, a mission assigned by Michelle plunges Robbie into a world of doubts and questions. He begins to question his place and all that he has been told, amidst whispers of treacherous wolves and wild magic. At the heart of this turmoil is Kelly Bennett, a wolf who might be Robbie's destined mate.

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The novel delves into themes of belonging, loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of pack and familial bonds. As Robbie seeks answers, he must navigate a web of deceit and hidden truths, leading to revelations that could shatter his world. "Heartsong" is celebrated for its rich narrative, exploring deep emotional connections within a fantastical setting, resonating particularly with readers who appreciate queer, paranormal romance themes.