As April draws to a close, I’ve put together a list of captivating new releases in the world of literature. In this edition of our monthly round-up, we’re diving head first into the literary delights published this April. From bewitching fantasy to adventures on the high seas, April has delivered a treasure trove of reading experiences for every taste.
Fantasy
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
From the wonderfully talented author of Six of Crows and Ninth House, Bardugo’s latest novel, imbued with the dark fantasy and atmosphere of “Ninth House” and the historical intrigue of the Spanish Golden Age, promises a whirlwind of dark secrets, bewitching storytelling, and a richly imagined world filled with whispers of wonder. Buckle up for a story of ambition, hidden depths, and the perils of using magic for personal gain.
Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin
Steeped in Chinese mythology and laced with gothic romance, Judy I. Lin’s “The Song of the Six Realms” is a melody of mystery and peril. Xue, a gifted musician with a clouded past, finds herself entangled with the enigmatic Duke of Dreams. With echoes of “Rebecca” and vibrant descriptions, Lin weaves a tale of forgotten memories, celestial intrigue, and a slow-burning romance.
A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall
Cathrall’s whimsical and romantic tale is set in an underwater-set magical academia, with a story that revolves around a recluse and a scholar who mysteriously vanish after making a fantastical discovery.
Fiction
Saltblood by Francesca de Tores
A rollicking reimagining of the life of the infamous eighteenth century female pirate Mary Read, de Tores’ debut novel explores the themes of gender and survival in this period piece which promises to take its readers on an adventure they won’t be able to put down.
The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman
From the author of the richly atmospheric gothic page-turner Pandora comes a new novel set in the 18th century, exploring the stories of Henry Talbot, a disgraced physician sent to a backwater Welsh town, and Linette Tresilian, a lonely and self-reliant woman, whose destinies are intertwined as Henry investigates the dark secrets of this small town.
The Gentleman from Peru by André Aciman
From the author of the bestselling Call Me by Your Name comes an evocative novel exploring themes of love, regret, fate, and the possibility of past lives, all against the backdrop of a sun-drenched Italian summer. A group of American friends become intrigued by a mysterious older gentleman and invite him to join them for lunch.
History
Fall of Civilizations: Stories of Greatness and Decline by Paul Cooper
From the great empires of Mesopotamia to the jungle-shrouded temples of the Maya, Cooper delves into the grandeur and demise of empires, revealing the factors that led to their rise and fall. Weaving meticulous research with captivating storytelling, Cooper’s writing allows you to imagine the lives of those who witnessed the collapse of their world.
An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence by Zeinab Badawi
This compelling history journeys from humanity’s origins in Africa through glorious kingdoms, resilience against external forces, and the fight for independence. By focusing African voices, Badawi rewrites the often-ignored story of Africa’s rich history and its profound impact on the world.
Storm’s Edge: Life, Death and Magic in the Islands of Orkney by Peter Marshall
A deep dive into Orkney’s history, Marshall, an Orcadian himself, explores the islands’ folk beliefs, community spirit, and dramatic past. From Viking raids to witchcraft accusations, it’s a fresh perspective on Scottish and British history, all set against the wild backdrop of the Orkney Islands.
Crime & Thrillers
Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz
In “Close to Death,” Detective Hawthorne tackles a murder in idyllic Riverside Close. The tranquility shatters when a newcomer disrupts the peace. With a crossbow bolt in the victim and motives galore, Hawthorne must untangle a web of secrets among the seemingly perfect neighbors.
The House of Mirrors by Erin Kelly
A chilling past threatens to shatter the present in “The House of Mirrors.” Karen and Alice try to bury a deadly secret from their youth. But when cryptic notes arrive, their carefully constructed lives unravel. Secrets, lies, and a hint of the supernatural twist in this gripping psychological thriller.
A Spy Like Me by Kim Sherwood
Set in the world of 007 spies and Bond, a group of Double 0s race to stop a series of attacks planned by a vast network of terrorists, while also trying to save their missing top agent and Britain’s finest agent, James Bond himself.
The Ink Thief 