Reading is widely enjoyed all around the world. There are YouTube channels out there solely based on books, there are book blogs, discussions, and almost everything you could think of. People love reading. However, sometimes it’s a major struggle to try to find something to read. Many people finish a really good book and just can’t get back into the reading groove. To help with that, here are some new releases as of 2024 from a range of genres. Find one you’re interested in and check it out at a local library to overcome that infamous reading slump.
Fantasy is one of the most popular book genres in the world. People eat it up like it’s candy. According to wordsrated.com, fantasy books generate around $590.2 million in sales each year. #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo just came out with a new fantasy standalone on April 2nd of this year called The Familiar. It is a historical fantasy about a kitchen scullion who gets caught using her magical powers. The story is set during the Spanish Golden Age and it hits readers with all sorts of things—a slow-burn romance, a court-politics thriller, and an entertaining coming-of-age journey that teaches readers to fight for more. This book earned 3.81 stars on Goodreads and is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and fantasy.
Readers love a cozy mystery. Just picture it—there’s a thunderstorm pounding outside and you are cozied up by the fire with a good cup of tea, flying through a classic whodunit. To make things even better, the story is set in Italy. Murder in an Italian Cafe by Michael Falco was released on September 24th of this year—just in time for the spooky season. It is the second book in the Bria Bartolucci series with a Goodreads rating of 3.88 stars. This book is set in Positano, Italy, and Bria’s bed and breakfast is moving at a timely pace. However, while a famous culinary master with the name of Chef Lugo, and his production team are staying at the Bella Bella (Bria’s B&B), Chef Lugo unexpectedly dies on camera and Bria suspects murder. This delightful, cozy mystery will get any reader out of a slump.
Thriller attracts all different types of readers. There are so many unexpected twists and turns and the thrill is always high. (See what we did there?) Holly Jackson, the author of the famous series A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, demonstrates this perfectly in The Reappearance of Rachel Price. This stand-alone thriller with a 4.12 on Goodreads is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy read. It’s a fast-paced true crime thriller that follows a young woman determined to find her missing mother. During her search, she films a documentary about the case.
Freshman Marley Winters said, “Holly Jackson never fails. It was slow at first but once it got interesting and more tea was spilled, I couldn’t stop reading it. The characters were also very dynamic which I liked. Four stars overall.” It is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a good crime novel.
People tend to binge action novels in one sitting. The book can easily steal your breath and have you flying through the pages, dying to find out what will happen to the heroic main character. Cameron Johnston’s new book, The Last Shield, is a fun and exciting story set in a mysterious castle. Briar is the commander of the Shields and must prevent the Wildwood Reivers from smuggling artifacts from the corridors of the palace. And she’ll die trying. The story is a fun twist on action and fantasy which is sure to entertain readers of all ages. It earned 4.15 stars on Goodreads and readers are positively eating it up.
If action is not your thing, and you’re looking for something more…enigmatic, if you will, try Sarah J. Maas’ new book, House of Flame and Shadow. It is the third (but not final) book in the Crescent City series with a 4.21 on Goodreads. It is set in a fantasy land with a classic enemies-to-lovers romance. During the story, readers follow Bryce, the princess of Midgard, who is on a journey to end the rule of the oppressive Asteri. According to thecrimson.com, “Maas makes the romance feel exciting and believable [by focusing] on the less glamorous parts of relationships, like marital spats and miscommunication.” But watch out, there are a few steamy scenes in the book for the readers out there that enjoy the spice.
Speaking of steamy romance, Emily Henry is the queen of the flirtation and enchantment that make a good love story. Her new standalone, Funny Story, was the most shelved new release on Goodreads and also earned a rating of a whopping 4.25 stars. The story follows Daphne and Miles. How did they meet? Well, it’s a funny story—Daphne’s fiance left her right before their wedding for none other than Miles’ girlfriend, Petra. So…yeah. Their partners dumped them and married each other.
“I’m probably most excited to read some Emily Henry books next,” Marley said. “I’m trying to expand my taste.” Emily Henry reigns supreme with this ultra-spicy and slow-burn romance that readers love.
If you’re sick of the romance talk and are craving something that will transport you to another world, Playground by Richard Powers is for you. The story takes place in French Polynesia. Two polar opposite boys—Todd and Rafi—become friends and it seems everything is cupcakes and rainbows. Nothing cuts off their friendship, not even both falling for a girl named Ina. Suddenly betrayal runs high and they all split off, taking different life paths. The story is a rollercoaster sure to captivate any reader. It earned 4.32 on Goodreads and readers are loving the adventure and intrigue of the novel.
If you’re fed up with fiction and are looking for something a little more inspiring (and actually true), take up a memoir. The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop is a captivating story about the life of a woman with many accomplishments. From Broadway and Tony Awards to her famous role as Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls, Bishop has come full circle and is now telling us every detail. She takes us through the highs and lows in her career and the struggles she’s had to overcome. The family struggles she has endured as well as personal struggles have made her a brave woman. The memoir is a must-read for anyone who needs a book that will make them cry yet feel absolute joy at the same time. This book has gained a 4.51 star rating on Goodreads and has caught the attention of millions.
There are genres and storylines for every type of person. All you have to do is take a risk and turn the page and there is a chance you will be swept into another world. Happy reading!
