There's so much new this week to get excited about with some heavy hitters like Richard Osman, local romance authors like Isabelle Taylor, a Sci-Fi thriller from James Islington. It's not just fiction though, non-fiction is also 'popping off' with a beautiful new journal, some amazing new cookbooks, and the perfect guide for parents navigating digital boundaries for tamariki. There are so many wonderful new reads to add to the TBR (and then add to your shelf!). Here are a few highlights!
Fiction Releases
Don’t miss the second book in the 'We Solve Murders' series!
In the Italian hills, a body is found on the steps of a private villa at sunrise. Our mis-matched detective trio Amy, Rose and Steve return, in pursuit of an elusive and ruthless killer that will take them across the globe to Palm Springs, Barcelona, and the sleepy village pub.
Perfect for anyone who loves the cozy and yet thrilling crime genre and the excellent everyday characters that Osman creates!
High octane readers will be excited to get stuck into the exciting new collaboration between James Patterson and MrBest (Youtube Star!) with 'The Most Dangerous Games' - a blockbuster of a novel about a world on the brink of collapse and a ruthless game of challenges. If you're more into a cozy translated novel instead, 'Every Bookshop Needs a Cat' is the one for you this week - full of a colourful cast of characters (cats mostly) who have made a dusty old bookshop their home. And for those who loved the beautiful and heart wrenching novel 'The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart' by Holly Ringland, make sure to take a look at her beautiful new novel, 'The World Beneath Her Feet'.
Romantasy lovers rejoice - this week brings a few great new reads. 'The Lion and the Deathless Dark' is the newest novel in Crowns of Nyaxia by Carissa Broadbent, and Book 1 in the new Bloodborn Duet. From the author of 'Fairydale' comes a dark academia, gothic inspired romance - 'Sinister' that looks absolutely haunting and beautiful. It's also super excited to have book three in Saara El-Arifi's stunning Faebound series, with 'Earthbound' arriving which means the series is complete (if you haven't tried it yet, perfect time to pick up the whole series knowing you won't be left waiting!). Lastly you HAVE to take a look at 'Rune Breaker' - a super exciting new fast-paced romantasy perfect if you love ACOTAR, and enemies to loves that threaten to unravel worlds.
From the bestselling author of The Heirarchy Series comes the sci-fi, cyberpunk, thriller about a contract killer.
Edd's Review:
Pacing, vibes, and plot all come together to make something that is just so much fun.
I’m a big fan of James Islington, so I was really excited to pick up this cyberpunk thriller while I wait for the next Hierarchy book to come out. Scion is a bit of a departure from his other works, focussing more on fast-paced action over a relatively short book, rather than the epic world-building scope we are used to. This is definitely not to its detriment, though. The action never overshadows the emotional throughline, and the faster pace still fleshes out the world well without boring exposition.
Azure is a snarky, super-competent upgraded assassin, so this lands somewhere between John Wick and Murderbot Diaries. This is one of those books where pacing, vibes, and plot all come together to make something that is just so much fun that it’s hard to resist one more chapter. I am eagerly awaiting more in the series (and book 3 of Hierarchy).
Lizzy's Fiction Picks
Personally I am super excited about 'Life of M' by Rachel Cusk, and not just because of the rumours it might be secretly about Natalie Portman?! Rachel Cusk is one of my favourite writers - her quiet novels are definitely vibes over plot and the writing is exquisite.
I'm also incredibly excited to read 'Only One for the Orc' by Wellington writer Isabelle Taylor, after adoring the small town, spicy, paranormal romance in book one ('Accidentally Wedded to the Werewolf'). 'Only One for the Orc' features a bookseller with burnout, an orc who is lovestuck, and the small town of Clawhaven. Perfection.
The other book that I think will be coming home with me this week is 'You'll Love it Here' by Natalie Sue, a sharp and funny story about a quirky apartment community that is both funny and heartfelt.
Non-Fiction Releases
The perfect gift for yourself or for someone else, In 'Mauritau', clinical psychologist Jessica Gerbic introduces the 12 states of Mauri and shows how intentional awareness can guide your sense of balance across mind, body, spirit, environment and whānau. From Mauri Oho, a sudden awakening, to Mauri Tau, a grounding calm, the 12 states reflect the natural ebb and flow of everyday emotions.
Lizzy's Review:
Mauritau is something life changing and special, an empowering guide for anyone who wants to be more in tune with their own inner states and the state of their mauri. Jess has translated her own personal experience and her journey in both Western psychology as well as Mātauranga Māori into a beautiful book that incorporates a lot of useful knowledge about the 12 states of mauri we can be in, as well as a useful journal to get you started with reflecting each day and putting the information to use. I can already feel a shift in the way I am checking in with myself and understanding the daily changing landscape of my hauora thanks to this language Jess has so generously shared. I hope many people get this in their hands.
Some other new releases to get excited about this week include Bruce Ansley's 'The Farm', a timeless story about life in rural New Zealand from one of our greatest living writers who tells the story with a beautiful eye for detail and an expert sense of what makes a good yarn. For parents, make sure to check out 'digital freedom' by Maggie Dent and Kirra Pendergast, an excellent guide to raising children in the digital age (check out our blog about other books about this topic too!).
For an absolutely stunning, sprayed edge, cookbook to add to the collection, 'Sweet Heart' is more beautiful than you can tell online. It's not only full of beautifully simple and delicious baking recipes, it's got the most stunning cookbook design I may have ever seen. Would make such a special gift for the baker in your life!
Children's New Releases
For those who are as obsessed as I am with 'The Observologist' by Giselle Clarkson, good news! There is now a stunning little 'Pocket Observology' - a perfect practical field guide for those who love to get out doors and explore. Shirl and I are both excited to see 'Matihe! Achoo!' released - it's the most vibrant, bilingual picture book about a grumpy tupua who has to sneeze, and a beautiful introduction for tamariki (and their adults!) to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. 'The Little Kiwi Builder' is another fun picture book to add to the collection too, a perfectly silly, rhyming story about Kiwi tradies working together to fix a house.
Lizzy's Pick: Protector of Beyond by Shara Curlett
Experience fierce magical creatures, perilous trials, and a heroine to root for in this 1st instalment in a new blockbuster fantasy series.
If you have a child in your life who loves magical adventures and fantasy series with danger and special creatures, this is the first in a new series by local author, Sarah Curlett, and the perfect one to try!
Transported to the mysterious Beyond, 12-year-old Elder has no choice but to train for battle and compete in deadly trials for the chance to join the Academy of Protectors and fight for her realm.
It's exciting, fast-paced, full of friendships and enemies, and dangerous secrets.
It's also that time of year when every Annual comes out for 2027 - perfect for getting in early with Christmas shopping. Check out the variety of different annuals that have arrived this week below!
There's so much to choose from this week, and a book for literally every reader! Let us know which one is for you in the comments.