Hi, and welcome (or welcome back to) my book reviews column. Since summer break is right around the corner, and several books are scheduled to be released, I thought I’d share some of my favorite upcoming books with you all.

KATABASIS by R.F. Kuang
Expected Release: August 26

Alice Law has sacrificed everything in her life—her pride, her health, and definitely her sanity—always with one goal in front of her: to become one of the brightest minds in the field of Magick. Everything she has done has been to have the chance to work with Professor Jacob Grimes at Cambridge, a world-renowned magician. Everything she wants appears to be achievable—until Grimes dies in an accident that she may have caused.

Grimes is now in Hell, and Alice is going after him. Her future may rest in the hands of his recommendation, and nothing—not even death—will stop her from getting what she wants.

To say I’m excited for this book to come out would be an understatement. R.F. Kuang’s latest novel builds upon her earlier works, like Yellowface and Babel, and is sure to be equal (if not more) interesting than both of the earlier books. According to author R.F. Kuang, Katabasis is said to be inspired by aspects of Dante’s Inferno and Greek tales of “Orpheus and Eurydice”, and is set to be a mix of romance, dark academia, and fantasy. Every single aspect, from its characters to its plot, just make it more and more intriguing to me, and I am absolutely hooked.

BURY OUR BONES IN THE MIDNIGHT SOIL by V.E. Schwab
Expected Release: June 10

This is a story about love. About hunger. And about rage.

In 1532 in Santo Domingo, a young girl grows up wild and wily, dreaming of escaping from the monotonous life where she is used as a pawn by those around her. Her dreams of escape lead her down a dark path, where she makes a desperate deal with a stranger to change her fate. Years later, in 1827, a young woman finds herself being shipped off to London after a moment of forbidden intimacy. This punishment, however, seems to be more like a gift when she meets a beautiful widow. Yet the price of freedom will be much higher than she expects. Centuries later, a student named Alice finds herself lost; college in Boston was supposed to be her chance at a new start, yet when an out-of-character one-night stand leaves her with questions about her past, present, and future, Alice decides to go on a hunt for answers. No matter where they take her,

Another new book by a favorite author of mine! Author of books such as the Vicious series and of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,Schwab’s upcoming novel is a twisted horror story about vampires. I’ve seen and read many vampire-esq books, but none have caught my eye like Schwab’s latest release has. While it might not be a typical summer-y read, the plot, characters, and setting appear to be incredibly compelling, and I feel like this is a must-read for anyone looking for a new book to read this break.

FORGET ME NOT by Stacy Willingham
Expected Release: August 26

Over twenty years ago, Claire Campbell’s older sister, Natalie, vanished only days after her eighteenth birthday. Shortly after, evidence was found, a man was arrested, and the case was swiftly closed. In the years following, Claire has attempted to escape her traumatic past by focusing on constructing a new life in the city and climbing the ranks of her job as an investigative journalist. However, this escapism only lasts long enough for her father to unexpectedly reach out and force her to return home.

With an entire summer looming ahead of her with nothing to do but attempt to spend time with her estranged mother and empty childhood home, Claire randomly accepts a job in the nearby “idyllic” coastal village of Galloway at a local farm. Here, however, Claire stumbles upon an abandoned diary—one with a story that, white beginning with childhood rebellion, develops into something much more sinister. And as Claire becomes obsessed with these rebellious stories that have developed into full-on crimes, she becomes convinced that this diary had something to do with the disappearance of her sister all-those years ago.

I don’t read many mysteries or thriller books—not that I don’t like them, but many don’t seem to have unique plots or characters. Willingham’s upcoming release, however, seems to be anything but your typical murder-mystery, and because of that, I am so intrigued! Forget Me Not is a “fast paced and gripping Southern thriller” (Goodreads), and it looks like the perfect book to get you out of a reading slump. If you love mysteries, or are simply looking for something new to try, I’d definitely recommend Stacy Willingham’s upcoming book.

That concludes this month’s book reviews! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this month’s issue. While these are only a handful of the books that are set to come out, if you’re looking for a new book to read, keep an eye out for these new releases this summer! After all, summer break is the perfect time to kick back and read a good book.