Let’s begin January 2024 with the top 10 new book releases that you must add to your TBR right away!
Happy New Year, Readers! What were your top reads of 2023? And your favorite genres? Well, if you have as many books as us on your TBR this month and don’t know where to start, dive into these ten new book releases to read in January 2024 that we have curated for you below.
- 1. House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
- 2. The Fury by Alex Michaelides
- 3. Goldenseal by Maria Hummel
- 4. The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship with our Wild Neighbors By Erika Howsare
- 5. You Dreamed of Empires: A Novel (Hardcover) By Álvaro Enrigue and Natasha Wimmer (Translated by)
- 6. Argylle by Elly Conway
- 7. Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia By Kate Manne
- 8. Come and Get It By Kiley Reid
- 9. Broughtupsy by Christina Cooke
- 10. So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
1. House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
Genre: New Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 816 (ebook)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing (January 30, 2024)
We are back again inside the Crescent City in the upcoming third installment of Maas’ January 2024 release, following the phenomenal success of House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath.
Initially rooted in Midgard, Bryce Quinlan finds herself in an unfamiliar realm, yearning to return to the comforts of her old life—her family, friends, and mate. Stranded and surrounded by uncertainty, she must navigate a labyrinth of challenges, testing her resilience and discernment as she grapples with trust in this unknown world. Meanwhile, Hunt Athalar, familiar with life’s deep pitfalls, faces perhaps his most profound struggle. Despite a fleeting taste of bliss, he now languishes in the dungeons of the Asteri, unaware of Bryce’s fate. Bound by circumstances beyond his control, he yearns to aid her, but the Asteri’s grip tightens, leaving him powerless. As Bryce and Hunt confront challenges threatening the fabric of their world, the weight of the future rests squarely on their shoulders, promising a thrilling narrative that will leave readers breathless.
2. The Fury by Alex Michaelides
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: 320
Publisher: Celadon Books (January 16, 2024)
In this world, love and murder unfold on the sun-soaked canvas of Lana Farrar’s private Greek island, a haven for the glitterati seeking refuge from the relentless English weather. Lana, a former movie star and an enigma, gathers her closest friends each Easter, turning the island into a theater of secrets and simmering tensions. This isn’t just a murder mystery; at its core, it’s a love story, a complex interplay of emotions and desires that transcends the boundaries of fame and friendship.
As the winds howl, so do the whispers of old scandals and hidden grudges. Elliot Chase, our guide through this maze of intrigue, invites us to rethink what we thought we knew about that fateful night. Trapped on the island, the characters find themselves in a high-stakes game of deception. Elliot’s firsthand account peels back the layers of celebrity facades, revealing the raw humanity beneath. In a night marked by violence and death, the mystery deepens, leaving us to question not only the identity of the murderer but also the very nature of love and friendship.
3. Goldenseal by Maria Hummel
Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama,
Pages: 240
Publisher: Counterpoint LLC (January 9, 2024)
Lacey Crane, an enigmatic recluse, finds herself alone in the luxury of her hotel suite when she welcomes an unexpected visitor, Edith, in her suite. Former best friends Lacey and Edith harbor a silence that has endured for over four decades since their paths diverged in the radiant glow of postwar Hollywood. Their saga began amidst the idyllic backdrop of a summer camp in Maine, blossoming into a bond that once shielded them from the isolating clutches of despair. Together, they navigated the glittering labyrinth of Hollywood, finding solace in their shared history that provided refuge from both public scrutiny and private torments, all while the world around them sought to erase the scars of the past.
Set against the vibrant landscapes of Los Angeles in the 1990s, Goldenseal peels away the layers of an intimate female friendship, revealing a poignant and haunting tale of connection and the enduring echoes of lost love. This evocative narrative, with the ephemeral quality of a dream, invites readers to explore the depths of human connection and the indelible imprints of time.
4. The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship with our Wild Neighbors By Erika Howsare
Genre: Non-fiction, Science, Nature
Pages: 397
Publisher: Catapult (January 2, 2024)
Deer – the majestic creatures woven into the fabric of everyday surroundings – are uniquely adaptable, have navigated the eons alongside us, and are quickly becoming one of the few large animals to thrive in our shared landscapes. In the 21st century, our relationship with deer is a kaleidoscope of contradictions. We simultaneously hunt and protect them, designate them as both icons of wilderness and suburban pests, and view them as victims and nuisances.
Howsare explores the historical roots that underlie these intricate attitudes toward deer, unraveling the complex tapestry of our coexistence through her keen observations. She also invites readers into a world where scientists delicately capture and collar fawns, hunters proudly display their trophies, museum interpreters intertwine American history with the art of tanning deer hides, animal-control officers somberly collect the carcasses of deer felled by sharpshooters, and compassionate souls nurture orphaned fawns in backyard sanctuaries.
5. You Dreamed of Empires: A Novel (Hardcover) By Álvaro Enrigue and Natasha Wimmer (Translated by)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Latin-American Literature
Pages: 240
Publisher: Riverhead (January 9, 2024)
In the dawn of 1519, the intrepid conquistador Hernán Cortés stepped into the heart of Tenochtitlan, the precursor to modern-day Mexico City. A fateful encounter awaited him as he crossed paths with Emperor Moctezuma, initiating a collision between two worlds, two empires, two languages, and two potential destinies. Cortés, flanked by his nine captains and soldiers, brought two crucial figures: Friar Aguilar, a reserved, formerly enslaved person, and Malinalli, a strategic ex-princess with a mysterious past. The intricate dance between the Spanish and the formidable Aztec empire unfolded during a ceremonial feast hosted by the resolute Princess Atotoxli, sister and wife to Moctezuma. However, the Spanish’s grand entrance nearly spiraled into chaos, foreshadowing the challenges ahead.
The Spanish navigated the labyrinthine palace as the anticipation of meeting Moctezuma hung in the air. Within this vast and complex setting, Jazmín Caldera, one of Cortés’s captains, began to question the sincerity of their welcome. Overwhelmed by the city’s splendor, she pondered the difficult journey ahead, casting doubt on their chances of survival, let alone conquering the empire. Enrigue breathes life into a pivotal historical moment in this January 2024 release, turning it into a surreal tapestry of intrigue and imagination.
6. Argylle by Elly Conway
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Espionage
Pages: 384
Publisher: Bantam (January 9, 2024)
Embark on a palpitating journey through the pages of Argylle, a tale of suspense and intrigue, where the fate of nations hangs in the balance and the line between hero and villain blurs in the pursuit of an elusive treasure. Amidst the enigma of globetrotting events, a missing treasure—hailed as the world’s eighth wonder—remains lost for seven decades. Will Frances, a notorious CIA spymaster, and Argylle, a troubled agent, succeed in preserving global stability, or will the world succumb to the chaos unleashed by a single man’s dream? Only time will tell! Tasked with confronting one of the planet’s most formidable figures, Argylle must first navigate the rugged terrain of self-redemption.
Also, TikTok rumor has it that Taylor Swift is the writer of this book (?), one that’s being made into a major motion blockbuster featuring Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Cena.
Also Read: https://www.highonfilms.com/most-anticipated-movies-of-2023/
7. Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia By Kate Manne
Genre: Non-fiction, Feminism, Health
Pages: 320
Publisher: Crown (January 9, 2024)
Since her earliest recollections, Kate Manne has harbored a desire to diminish herself. Battling bullying and constant belittlement, our author has succumbed to the pressures, resorting to extreme dieting. As a feminist philosopher, Manne initially believed herself immune to the societal gaslighting compelling many to suppress their hunger. Yet, she discovered she was not exempt.
Interweaving personal narratives with her characteristic incisive analysis, Manne illuminates the urgency of addressing fatphobia as a crucial social justice issue. Manne dissects the mechanics of anti-fatness, revealing its impact on our perceptions of attractiveness, fortitude, and intellect, demonstrating its intersection with other oppressive systems. Here, Manne advocates for a paradigm shift in our approach to our bodies—a radical embrace of “body reflexivity.” She urges a profound reevaluation of our bodies, emphasizing self-determination over external judgments.
8. Come and Get It By Kiley Reid
Genre: Literary, Queer, Contemporary
Pages: 400
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (January 30, 2024)
This book is set against the backdrop of the University of Arkansas in 2017, where our protagonist, Millie Cousins, is a determined senior resident assistant with dreams of graduating, landing a job, and owning a home. When Agatha Paul, a charismatic visiting professor and writer, presents Millie with an unexpected opportunity, she eagerly embraces it, unaware of the whirlwind it will unleash. What unfolds is a tale of ambition, tangled relationships, and unforeseen consequences. Millie’s journey takes a thrilling turn as she navigates the complexities of odd new friendships, vengeful dorm pranks, and clandestine intrigue.
Come and Get It is more than just a story; it’s a fresh and intimate exploration of desire, consumption, and the consequences of reckless abandon. Pick this January 2024 release to be immersed in a world where the boundaries between ambition and temptation blur and the consequences of one’s choices reverberate through the corridors of academia.
9. Broughtupsy by Christina Cooke
Genre: Queer, Adult, Coming-of-Age
Pages: 240
Publication: Catapult (January 24, 2023)
In the spellbinding debut novel, readers are transported into the cinematic yet intimately woven narrative of Akúa, a twenty-year-old Jamaican woman navigating the intricate tapestry of grief and identity. Fleeing the disconnectedness she feels in Canada, Akúa embarks on a poignant journey back to her homeland, Jamaica, searching for solace and reconnection with her estranged sister, Tamika. The weight of loss hangs heavily on Akúa, carrying the remains of her brother Bryson, a victim of sickle cell anemia like their late mother, in a small wooden box.
Akúa and Tamika revisit the pivotal locations of their childhood, unraveling the complex threads that bind and separate them, where the haunting doubts about her roots fuel simmering anger and resentment, echoing unasked questions of abandonment. Besides, a transformative meeting with Jayda, a bold stripper who introduces Akúa to a different facet of the city. Broughtupsy is a multifaceted narrative, seamlessly blending elements of a diasporic family saga, bildungsroman, and a poignant exploration of sexual awakening.
10. So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Queer
Pages: 400
Publication: Little, Brown Young Readers (January 16, 2024)
This Jamaican-inspired fantasy seeks to seamlessly weave together magic, sibling bonds, and the weight of impossible choices. Faron, a formidable wielder of divine magic, once liberated her island from the clutches of the dragon-riding Langley Empire. Now, at the age of seventeen, she finds herself in a unique predicament—her powers at their peak, yet devoid of wars to wage. Celebrated as a legend by her people and deemed a nuisance by her neighbors, Faron’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is compelled to attend an international peace summit. Anticipating a mere display of tricks, Faron is unprepared for the startling events unfolding.
Her older sister, Elara, forges an unprecedented bond with an enemy dragon, triggering divine intervention that demands a sacrifice—Elara’s life. As Faron embarks on a desperate quest for an alternative solution and Elara unravels the shocking secrets concealed within the Langley Empire, the sisters are faced with choices that will not only define their own destinies but also determine the future of their world. In So Let Them Burn, the line between heroism and sacrifice blurs as Faron and Elara navigate the intricate tapestry of fate, magic, and the bonds that hold their universe together.
Also Read: https://highonbooks.co/7-books-on-mental-health-issues-to-read/