2026 is right around the corner, so you know the drill! Here are my most highly anticipated fantasy, sci-fi, and horror book releases to add to your TBR. Among them you'll find: prowling beasts, eldritch gods, grad students regretting their life choices, and not one but two Moby Dick retellings in space. The Swan's Daughter by Roshani Chokshi Release: January 6, 2026 Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally. Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their wa...
The Swan's Daughter by Roshani Chokshi weaves an enchanting fairytale that'll sweep you into a delightfully fantastical world. Here you’ll find a sentient castle, fallen clouds, a talking library wyvern, and veritas swans: shape-shifting swan maidens who can compel the truth with their song. As the title suggests, the main story draws from swan maiden folklore—albeit with a bit of an Ugly Duckling twist. Our main character, Demelza, is the youngest daughter of a diabolical wizard and an imprisoned swan maiden. She’s the only of her siblings without wings or a lovely singing voice. However, she must rely on her wits to assist a prince in finding a bride who won’t murder him. I really enjoyed watching Demelza grow as a character and gain her own independence (learning how to fly with her own wings so to speak). I have one gripe about this book though. I feel like the author has a tendency to dump too much character backstory up front or give several-page long...