It looks like April is shaping up to be a month of fascinating fantasy releases, with new releases from old favourites like Olivie Blake and Luke Arnold, and debuts by newcomers such as M. H. Ayinde, there’s sure to be something to immerse you in a world of magic and wonder. As well as some enthralling fantasy picks, there are more fiction favourites to keep your entertained and a whole host of history publications that would make a worthy addition to your shelves this month.
Fantasy
Whisper in the Wind by Luke Arnold
The latest instalment in Luke Arnold’s Fetch Phillips series sees the ex-detective seek solace in his café. However, when a fugitive child seeks refuge and a series of gruesome murders plague Sunder City’s elite, whispers of revolution emerge, thrusting Fetch back into the heart of the city’s chaos.
Gifted and Talented by Olivie Blake
From the bestselling author of The Atlas Six comes a twisted tale about three siblings who, upon the death of their father, are forced to reckon with their long-festering rivalries, dangerous abilities and the crushing weight of all their unrealized adolescent potential.
The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah
Continuing the tale of myth and magic that began with The Stardust Thief, legendary merchant Loulie al-Nazari and exiled prince Mazen bin Malik find themselves in the crumbling realm of the jinn. As ancient cities sink and political tensions rise, they must navigate a centuries-old conflict to save this world—and their own.
A Palace Near the Wind by Ai Jiang
Eldest princess Liu Lufeng, bound by duty to marry a human king, plans to end the oppressive unions by assassinating him. As her wedding approaches, she uncovers truths about her people’s origins, challenging her to defy tradition and fight for her family’s freedom.
A Song of Legends Lost by M.H. Ayinde
Ayinde’s debut novel is an epic tale of conflict, betrayal, and intrigue in a richly imagined world. When commoner Temi accidentally invokes a powerful entity, she uncovers a force that could end a centuries-long war.
Fiction
Mere by Danielle Giles
A dark and disturbing tale about fear and survival, power and position, set in 990 AD Norfolk, a convent’s serene existence is shattered when a mysterious marshland, the mere, encroaches upon its grounds. As the nuns confront ancient forces and internal strife, their faith and resilience are tested in this hypnotic tale of survival and forbidden love.
The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce
Four estranged siblings return to their childhood home after their enigmatic mother’s death, uncovering a labyrinth of hidden truths, secret recipes, and lost love. This evocative tale blends heartfelt mystery with dark humour, inviting readers on a stirring journey of family, faith, and the power of memory.
Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoilcoin
An unmissable debut novel about secrets, miracles, and quiet heroism that pulse through a small Irish town where everyday lives become extraordinary. A tapestry of faith, family, and hidden legacies unfolds as citizens confront love and loss, unveiling the untold power of kindness. This spellbinding tale celebrates the beauty of the unsung.
The Expanded Earth by Mikey Please
Bursting with irreverent charm and boundless creativity, this fantasy launches shrunken humans on an audacious odyssey across an expanded, surreal Earth. Their journey, fraught with whimsical encounters and cosmic mysteries, challenges fate as they pursue an elusive, enigmatic deity.
History
Mythica by Emily Hauser
Discover untold legends of ancient heroines—from Cassandra’s prophetic warnings to Penelope’s enduring strength—as Mythica illuminates the hidden narratives woven into Homer’s epics. This captivating journey into forgotten history revives the powerful voices of women once overshadowed by myth and time.
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global by Laura Spinney
Tracing humanity’s first words from prehistoric migrations to the birth of global communication, the author of the acclaimed Pale Rider illuminates the origins of language with riveting insights. This groundbreaking exploration reveals how early speech forged connections that shaped cultures and civilizations, unlocking the secrets of our shared linguistic heritage.
Allies At War: The Politics of Defeating Hitler by Tim Bouverie
Particularly apt in the current political climate, Bouverie’s exploration of the gripping political chess game behind Hitler’s downfall as Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin navigate precarious alliances that reshape World War II. This incisive account reveals how strategic compromise and global rivalry forged the Grand Alliance, setting the stage for the post-war world.
Children of Radium by Joe Dunthorne
Spanning continents and generations, this electrifying memoir unearths the extraordinary legacy of radium and its eerie allure. Blending a riveting family saga with sharp insights on scientific discovery and inherited fate, it reveals how one element’s mysterious power reshapes lives and forever alters our understanding of the past.
Science & Nature
The Great Tree Story by Levison Wood
Embark on an expedition through Earth’s vibrant forests where ancient trees silently shape our world. The Great Tree Story reveals how these towering giants sustain life, preserve ecosystems, and inspire wonder. This mesmerizing narrative uncovers nature’s hidden connections, urging us to rediscover the vital power of our planet’s green heart.
Of Thorn & Briar: A Year with the West Country Hedgelayer by Paul Lamb
Discover the art of hedgelaying on the West Country’s ancient, winding hedgerows. This vivid account follows a dedicated hedgelayer’s year-long quest to preserve a fading craft, blending tradition, nature’s resilience, and rural life into an enchanting tale of heritage and revival.
Crime & Thrillers
Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
From the brilliant criminal mind of Anthony Horowitz, the third thrilling instalment in the Magpie Murders series sees Editor Susan Ryeland returns to England, reluctantly drawn into editing a third Atticus Pünd novel. As fiction blurs with reality, she becomes entangled in a series of mysterious deaths, including a hit-and-run that casts suspicion her way.
Fair Play by Louise Hegarty
A razor-sharp and inventive novel, Fair Play intricately weaves dual narratives around the suspicious death of a young man at a murder mystery party, one following a detective’s quest for truth, the other delving into his sister’s profound grief and her search for answers.
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 