With the hope that spring will soon be sprung, and the weather clears up, here are some recommendations for books to chase away those dreary February clouds. From beloved fictional favourites to enthralling historical opuses, fall head over heels for the fantastic selection of publications coming out in March.
Fantasy
The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare
The eagerly awaited sequel to Clare’s intriguing Sword Catcher sees Kel delves into a conspiracy threatening the royal family, while Lin grapples with the consequences of her claim as the Goddess Reborn, forging uneasy alliances to harness the magic needed to save her people.
The Prince Without Sorrow by Maithree Wijesekara
Transporting readers to a fantasy realm inspired by the ancient Mauryan Empire, this compelling first instalment masterfully weaves together themes of vengeance, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas as a vengeful witch and an outcast prince navigate persecution, curses and power.
Tideborn by Eliza Chan
Continuing the same sublime world building, blending East Asian mythology into a richly detailed narrative, the second part of the Drowned World duology finds the submerged city of Tiankawi still wrought with danger and conflict as Half-siren Mira and dragon princess Nami confront political strife and looming threats.
Faithbreaker by Hannah Kaner
The exhilarating conclusion to the bestselling Fallen Gods trilogy, as the formidable fire god Hseth advances with an indomitable force, unlikely alliances must form to counter the impending devastation.
Fable For the End of the World by Ava Reid
From the author of Lady Macbeth and A Study in Drowning comes a dystopian romantasy exploring themes of resilience and unexpected connection. In a society where a vicious corporation orchestrates the lethal Lamb’s Gauntlet, Inesa, betrayed by her mother, becomes a target. As she fights for survival, she encounters Melinoë, a seasoned assassin haunted by her past.
Fiction
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
The highly anticipated prequel to Suzanne Collins’ bestselling trilogy, The Hunger Games, Sunrise on the Reaping follows the events of the 50th Quarter Quell and the plight of District 12 tribute Haymitch Abernathy.
The Hymn to Dionysus by Natasha Pulley
This timeless tale reimagines the myth of Dionysus through Phaidros, a soldier haunted by past traumas. As unrest brews, Phaidros encounters the enigmatic Dionysus, leading him on a transformative journey. Pulley’s narrative masterfully intertwines themes of divinity and humanity.
The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley
An intriguing tale of treachery and love set in 1613. Andrew Logan, a King’s Messenger with secret abilities, is tasked with capturing Sir David Moray, a former courtier accused of Prince Henry’s murder. As they journey through Scotland and England, they confront courtly rivalries and hidden truths.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Four intertwined lives embark on a riveting journey through love, fulfilment, and societal expectations. This mesmerizing narrative peels back the layers of female experience, revealing how deep bonds and personal ambitions collide in the modern pursuit of happiness.
History
Lionessheart: The Life and Times of Joanna Plantagenet by Catherine Hanley
In this comprehensive biography, Hanley illuminates the remarkable life of Joanna, the youngest daughter of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and explores Joanna’s fascinating journey as a princess, queen, and crusader, often overshadowed by her brothers.
The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of History by Selena Wisnom
Assyriologist Selena Wisnom delves into the 7th-century BCE library of Ashurbanipal, offering insights into ancient Mesopotamian culture, literature, and daily life, exploring how this civilization’s advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and law have influenced modern society.
BOWIELAND: Walking In The Footsteps Of David by Peter Carpenter
Peter Carpenter embarks on a heartfelt journey, retracing David Bowie’s footsteps from London’s suburbs to Berlin’s streets, uncovering the locales that shaped the legendary artist’s life and music.
Science
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green
Delving into the intricate dance between disease and society, Green’s compelling narrative intertwines the poignant journey of a young patient with the rich tapestry of tuberculosis’s scientific and social history, not only examining the profound impact of the disease on our world but also advocating for accessible treatment solutions globally.
The Age of Diagnosis: Sickness, Health and Why Medicine Has Gone Too Far by Suzanne O’Sullivan
Through compelling patient narratives, neurologist Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan delves into the complexities of modern medical diagnostics, examining how the proliferation of health screenings and diagnostic labels can both aid and complicate our understanding of illness and wellness.
Crime & Thrillers
The Vipers by Katy Hays
On the sun-drenched island of Capri, the affluent Lingate family’s annual retreat turns ominous when a long-buried murder resurfaces. From the bestselling author of The Cloisters comes a gripping tale of wealth, secrecy, and intrigue.
Death At The White Hart by Chris Chibnall
The creator of Broadchurch crafts a tantalising debut mystery, when the gruesome murder of pub landlord Jim Tiernan shatters a community’s veneer of tranquility, and Detective Nicola Bridge, returning to her hometown, delves into a web of secrets and lies, uncovering the darkness lurking beneath the picturesque facade.
Comment below which book you’re looking forward to reading this month, and if you’ll be adding any of these to your reading list!
The Ink Thief 