We’ve heard you loud and clear: w*iting p*tiently for the next House Andrews offering would be a lot easier if the Horde had new books to devour in the meantime.
Please help your fellow bookworms, and post your book recommendations and/or requests for book suggestions in the comments. Most people seems to be looking for escapism, comfort reads, cosy fun or feel-good fiction, so you may wish to focus on that.
First, a few guidelines! I knoooow, it’s so hard to be a pagethirsty Horde these days, so many rules, such meanie strict moderators. The heart bleeds :P. But this is the 4th or 5th installment of the recommendations thread, so we’ve learned the lessons on making it more efficient and accessible for all:
- Keep it Current:
We’re looking for relatively new reads—ideally nothing published more than a decade or so ago. We know the Horde is well-read on the classics, and we’ve had hundreds of comments for the perennial favorites like Tamora Price, Mercedes Lackey and Anne McCaffrey etc in the previous posts. Please let us know about something you’ve read more recently.
We want to make room for fresh finds and maximize discovery!
- One Recommendation Per Person:
Whether it’s a standalone book, a series, or a beloved author, please keep your comment to just one. It’s easier for everyone to read and make up their mind if they’re not overwhelmed by a wall of text mentioning all the Urban Fantasy authors ever.
If you’ve already +1 replied to someone who recommended your preference, please don’t start another thread for the same books or author.
CTR+F is a shortcut that allows you to quickly search a webpage for key words, if you want to check for previous mentions of your favourites. Here’s how to do the same thing on your mobile phone.
- Stay on Target:
If you’re replying to someone who made a specific request, please try to keep your recommendation tailored.
Steering a fellow Horde bookdevourer who wants to read cosy, feel-good LitRPGs towards gritty miliary sci-fi won’t help, as great as your intentions are. We love all genres, but should respect everyone’s comfort preferences. If OP mentions specific triggers they wish to avoid and you can’t remember whether your book rec contains them, please err on the side of caution.
- Suggestions for Ilona
Ilona is looking for a particular type of read, something similar to Kinsmen or Jayne Castle’s St. Helen series. It can be SF or present day. If you are looking for that type of read that’s more recent, Ilona recommends Jennifer Estep and Jessie Mihalik. They are both amazing, and she has read their entire backlist. If you are an author who would like to recommend your own book to Ilona, please label your comment with Author Recommendation.
Looking forward to your suggestions!
A beautiful Sapphic SF mystery series (2 books so far) by Malka Ann Older starts with “The Mimicking of Known Successes” and then “The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles” came out this year. Book three comes out next year. I forget how I found out about them, probably a librarian friend on Twitter, but Malka Ann Older posits a humanity fled from Earth, living on platforms constructed around Jupiter. They are too short but the language is so beautiful and the mysteries are incredibly compelling. I checked out book one from the library and after reading 5 pages, bought a copy for myself. The audio book is also very good.
+1
+1 also
One of my favorite comfort read authors is forthright, which I found through a recommendation here- from Ilona if I remember correctly. The first book of her Amaranthine Saga, Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox is a great place to start.
The series description is “Humanity is rocked by the Emergence of a people who call themselves the Amaranthine. They are our myths and legends come to life. Neither human nor animal, yet embracing qualities of both, the inhuman races inspire both awe and fear.” The writing is cozy.
Same, +1 on the author and it’s one I picked up from a recommend on the blog. Definitely enjoyed the series, but as a tip to new readers: the author suggests reading in order of publication and that includes novellas, and that really is a good idea because otherwise you’re going to miss stuff in the later full length novels because characters and plot points were introduced in the novellas.
Also, it leans heavily into tropes more commonly found in manga/manhua (a large part of it is set in Japan), and the writing style is very meandering, so if you’re unsure about that, read an excerpt first as ymmv 🙂
I agree! I love Forthright ✨ I read Forthright’s books when I want to relax into a cozy fantasy with happy endings and diverse characters.
Here’s the author website if you’re interested: https://forthwrites.com/about/
Along with fantasy, I love SF, particularly Space Opera (the real kind, not the pastiches). Currently I am rereading the Serrano Legacy series by Elizabeth Moon.
Had to check my library shelves list, found this fun book.
Author – Henry H. Neff
Book – The Witchstone
Features Lazslo, the least productive curse keeper, who happens to be an 800 year old deamon. Overseeing a multigenerational Drakeford curse, which essentially he’s ignored because life is good as is.
Okay, comfort reads…fairly new…Geez Mod R you would make a girl’s brain hurt 🙂 And of course my absolute favorite current comfort read comes from House Andrews *le sigh*
Annnnd only one recommendation *sobs of frustration because there are so MANY*
Ah….HA For the BOOK Devouring Horde (TM) I give you…..
Ellery Adams’ Storyton series beginning with Murder in the Mystery Suite. Imagine a luxury hotel that is essentially an English Manor House transported to Virginia’s mountains and the owners are charged with keeping books that are not only rare but would ruin humanity secret. Go forth and read. There are secret societies, yes, murder (nothing too bloody), and a lovely romance for our Protagonist who is a widow with twin boys named Fitz and Hem (Fitzgerald and Hemingway).
I very much enjoyed the Luck trilogy series: The Rule of Luck, The Chaos of Luck, The Game of Luck by a new author Catherine Cerveny. It is a futurist romantic SF.
I just read “Thank You For Listening” by Julia Whelan for my book club. A really fun romance. Lots of laughs and no heat at all. I enjoyed it a lot!
Forgot to add it’s about audiobook narrators.
+1 This was so fun as a super fan of audiobooks
The Big Bad Wolf series by Charlie Adhara. Interesting take on the supernatural world being hidden from regular humans.
Author Recommendation
Since I get most of my readers by telling people the series Wolf Harbor is a lot like Ilona Andrews, I’ll recommend it to you, Ilona. It’s a ‘shifters are among us’ series, featuring, Abby Stafford, a middle-aged, over-weight, burned out professor who goes to a fitness resort for the summer — things aren’t quite what they seem.
This seems particularly on point — a new book is out today!
Thanks for letting us share.
your description sounds great. What is the author’s name?
the tag “Author Recommendation” means the commenter is recommending their own book.
Just read this first one because of the BDH- really good! Search for LJ Breedlove
L.J. Breedlove. (Me) Wherever you buy your ebooks.
A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall stole my heart and put it in a box and NOW I WANT THE NEXT ONE.
I just read this and I fully second and support this recommendation. It was such nice surprise of a book and I really enjoyed it. I loved every character and I cannot wait for the second book (FYI to others it’s a duology so you’re not committing to a massive series) to come out next spring.
the torrent cozy witch mysteries by tess lake
starting with butter witch
The Blackened Blade by Isla Davon. It’s a academy reverse harem romantasy, so probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but I really like the main character. Without getting into spoilers, she’s someone who hit absolute rock bottom, got a second chance, and now fights for revenge and the life she wants, with a refreshing appreciation for the important things in life, like lasagna.
The second one in the series is out, and there will be at least a third one.
I just read Anathema by Keri Lake. Gothic fae fantasy which is new to me. Slow burn with just enough spice…great plot!
Hi Delilah,
It’s one recommendation per person, not per comment. All subsequent OP comments you make will be deleted as per the rules.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the books by Heather G. Harris.
Starting with:
Glimmer of the Other: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Other Realm Book 1)
I recently read “Days at the Morisaki Bookshop” by Satoshi Yagisawa and enjoyed it very much.
It’s like a cozy slice-of-life anime in book format and a rather short read.
Lindsey Buroker has lots of interesting sci-fi series that I have been thoroughly enjoying -some some of them are on hoopla as audiobooks so free even better
Correction on Lindsay broker it’s more fantasy than sci-fi
She has both – Star Kingdom is great fun
It seems that I am rather late to this party but the most interesting “new” thing I’ve ready lately that hasn’t already been listed here is:
Trip the Starlight Sarcastic by Bridget Hawley
This is a sci fi/fantasy blend, and the second book is already out, but there are clearly more planned. Please note that that if you prefer a female lead who’s constantly in life threatening peril, this one is not for you. If you are looking for an emotionally charged read, this is not for you. This book is for letting go and fading into a new universe where the main character is attempting to enjoy a second chance life in every way possible. I enjoyed the gradual but complex world building and the interactions between the characters who seem to be slowly building in dimension and complexity.
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson- For Ilona and anyone who wants a cozy fantasy romance. Has echoes of the anime Your Name. Beautiful artwork included!
Author recommendation.
+1
I also loved The Sunlit Man by the same author. I’m rereading a series set in this universe in preparation for a release in a few weeks, but that one is an epic fantasy, so I’ll save that for another post!
Kinda shocked it’s not mentioned above:
Dennis E. Taylor’s Bobiverse series.
Great sci-fi series about a programmer turned AI. Had a new title come out just this September.
I did enjoy the Bobiverse books myself, but will add a caveat: very high (hard) science level, and they do read very Gary Stu-ish. I didn’t mind that, but I know a few folks for whom that was a big deterrent. So, as usual, ymmv and try before you buy 😊
Didn’t know a new one came out this year, will have a look!
i quite enjoyed the “bobiverse” books, they’re good fun. but they is some heavy science. some things i had to google to understand, but i’m a visual person and pictures really help me with math and science stuff. there’s lots of snark and humor as he copies himself again and again to create more ‘bobs’.
his other books i love as well. he releases his books to audible exclusively at first, and then the ebook comes out about 5 months later.
I recommend “Born to run” from Christopher MC Douglas. Being a book about history, science and running very different from the Ilona Andrews books, but wat a read! All about being different and finding the group you belong to and achieving something special. Hope you enjoy!
Recommend “Project Hail Mary”, NYTimes best seller, last two pages are awesome
Dave Turner How to be Dead series is funny and entertaining. Would recommend.
I haven’t read all the recommondations yet, so I don’t know,if it was mentioned. But right now, in the pain of waiting, I very much enjoy/ed Annabelle Chase’s “Crossroads Queen”-series…
+1
And the Crossroads Queen is still being written.
Came here to recommend this. Waiting (not so patiently) for book 8 which is due out in January. It’s a great fantasy read, and available on KU.
Sharon Shinn’s Elemental Blessings series is fantastic. Starting with Troubled Waters, the series has great everything, characters, world building, magic rules, and plot. Highly recommend.
+1 Agreed! I devoured the first three books
I recommend Linesman by S.K. Dunstall. There are 3 books in series. It’s SiFi about spaceships and the hero Ean who has an unique way of keeping them running. There are alien races to be discovered. Not much violence or romance, just caring for the underdog Ean and his way of doing things.
+ many. I still re-read the Linesman trilogy once every couple of years…
The audio version is excellent
+1!
This series is a go-to comfort re-read for me, and I’ve never found anything else quite like it.
Alll the +1! I especially loved the lines and all the ships!
The Kurtherian Gambit series, by Michael Anderle
21 book, not counting the spinoff mini-series
High action, that does not seem to stop.
Kate would most likely get along well with Bethany Anne ⚔️
Ann Leckie and her Imperial Radch trilogy.
Yes! Beautiful and heartbreaking. For fans of sentient ships, space stations,…
Dr. Greta Helsing Series by Vivian Shaw. A little romance, a little mystery, a little history…
+1
Haven’t read all the comments but comfort read I recommend is the “Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash.” An eight year old who has been scapegoated by her village goes on the run, tames a slime and a giant feline, and meets wonderful people along the way. The people with good intentions are very much “must protecc smol bean.”
It is an isekai, but the previous life is basically just providing advice and recipes.
The House Witch, book 1 by Delemhach. (not to be confused with The Burning Witch). Absolutely captivating!
Love all of these!
Recommending anything by K. L. Noone – wonder fantasy and contemporary romance. I love all her stories!
The Soulwood series by Faith Hunter is one of her fantasy series that I loved.
I like Laura Thalassa’s The Bargainer series. The first book is Rhapsodic.
Description doesn’t do justice to the way this book dragged me in. “Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.
Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want… at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.”
+1 really enjoyed this series!
Scorpio by Marko Kloos. Sci-fi with a strong female lead, K9 companion, and a small bit of romance to boot. Loved it!
+
I recommend Constance Fay’s Calamity. Space Opera Kick-Ass Enemies to Lovers story. Similar violence and pacing to Jennifer Estep and Amazon started recommending I read Jessie Mihalik after I read this one and even tags the story as like Ilona Andrews in the blurb.
Author Recommendation
My other post must have broken the rules (Sorry Mod R!)
I just published a Romantasy that I’ve said reminds me a bit of Iron and Magic, or the Immortals After Dark Series, but is its own thing for sure. Lots of action and spice, a bit of a trigger warning… References to SA and child abuse, but none fully on page. But it’s the first of a standalone series called The Ladies of Justice series.
The Queen’s Lady by Laura Henning
I will toss in a recommendation for Anna Hawke’s series “The Immortal Accords.” Urban Fantasy and Romance, with multiple immortal races coming together to combat an emerging enemy. Good character-driven stories, lots of action. Enemies to lovers tropes in some stories, fated mates in others (and I enjoy the series even though I don’t love the fated mates trope). The series is nearly complete though the most recent book ends on a cliffhanger and the next one won’t be out for a few months, grrr.
Christine Baehr’s Secrets of Ormdale series. The fifth (and final) book is coming out November 15. Utterly charming Victorian gothic with family secrets, hidden powers, and dragons.
I also wanted to recommend this series. I’m looking forward to reading the last book on Friday.
Kraken Rider Z by David Estes. Book two, Thunder Kraken is coming out on Kindle in January.
Twisted Luck series by Mel Todd is a new favorite. Every time one comes out I order it. Alternate world where people with magic are elite but have to serve in a draft and be tattooed to show exactly what they have. Starts with woman EMT finding a body. Alternative lifestyles depicted with grace and kindness. Coolest sentient beings from other worlds. Lots of great characters. Feel good stories
If you want a different type of vampire, try the Argeneau series by fellow Canadian Lynsay Sands. I think she’s now up to book 30 something….
The vampires in this series are actually really long lived humans with nanobots keeping them alive and healthy. The series is funny and easy read.
Dr. Greta Helsing series by Vivian Shaw. First in the series is Strange Practice.
+1 Awesome!
Red Sister Series by Mark Lawrence.
This is awesome. He is a great writing, I did find it quite intense though, definately not a light read.
Deborah Wilde has some great urban fantasies. My favorite so far is the Nava Katz series, starting with The Unlikable Demon Hunter. And, you can check it (and her other titles) out from the Hoopla library service – both ebooks and audiobooks.
I just started reading The Jezebel Files by Deborah Wilde, and I really enjoyed it. At first, it seems like it’s kind of a rip-off (or homage) to other urban fantasy series, but she really does her own spin on things, and I’m really enjoying it.
Yes, it felt a bit off at first but as I kept reading I really began to enjoy these books and ended up buying the whole series.
The Marann (Tales of Tolari Space, Book 1) by Christie Meierz
+
Yes, LOVE THEM!
Dahlia in Bloom: Crafting a Fresh Start with Magical Tools.
This is a Japanese light novel series written by Hisaya Amagishi. Like a lot of the light novels in Japan lately, this is also serialized freely on the web, but unlike a lot of them, the author has been consistently uploading weekly for years. It has just been turned into an anime (IMHO terrible adaptation….unfortunately). I also found that it is translated into English so I’m happy that I can recommend the series to you.
The first book follows the cliche of those reincarnated women dumped by a fiancé story meets a better boy, however, the story deviates from there. Dahlia instead of throwing herself into romance starts focusing on her magical invention and growing business and group of friends. It is a slice-of-life story of a woman growing to feel comfortable and confident about herself with a bit of monster killing by her new “friend.” If you like kickass action this might not be for you but if you like a cozy fantasy with a lot of food and magical craft making you might enjoy the series.
Right Hand Magic by Nancy A. Collins
Anything by Vanessa Nelson. Fabulous stories, world building and series.
John Conroe is one of my favorites