Top new fantasy books in May 2022
Last updated:
May 31, 2022
May 2022 featuring new releases by Hernan Diaz, Jasmine Guillory, Josh Malerman, Ramsey Campbell, Nikki St. Crowe, Elena Collins, Elodie Harper, Maria Adelmann, K.F. Breene, Brigid Kemmerer, Kate Scelsa and many more.
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Trust by Hernan Diaz
From an award-winning chronicler of our nation's history and its legends comes his much-anticipated novel about wealth and talent, trust and intimacy, truth and perception. Even through the roar and effervescence of the 1920s, everyone in New York has heard of Benjamin and Helen Rask. He is a legendary Wall Street tycoon; she is the brilliant daughter of eccentric aristocrats...urban · new-york-state · fiction · historical-fiction · literary-fiction · historical · mystery · audiobook · fantasy · 21st-century -
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
A tale as old as time—for a new generation… Isabelle is completely lost. When she first began her career in publishing right out of college, she did not expect to be twenty-five, living at home, still an editorial assistant, and the only Black employee at her publishing house...adult · book · contemporary · fairy-tale · fiction · forced-proximity · humor · myths · new-adult · poc-author -
Dark Stars: New Tales of Darkest Horror by Josh Malerman, Ramsey Campbell, Stephen Graham Jones, Priya Sharma
'DARK STARS' is a tribute to horror’s longstanding short fiction legacy, featuring 12 terrifying original stories from today's most noteworthy authors, with an introduction by best-selling author Josh Malerman ('Bird Box') and an afterword by Ramsey Campbell... -
Hot Vampire Next Door: Season Three by Nikki St. Crowe
One of the scariest vampires in Midnight Harbor loves me. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but I'm not going to look too closely at it. Not when secrets are coming out about my past and a rival vampire is hellbent on not only possessing me, but my sister too. If I want to survive the secrets and plotting, I'm going to need Bran Duval by my side. Having him in my bed is just a bonus...adult · book · coming-of-age · demons · female-mc · fiction · paranormal · shapeshifters · supernatural · urban-fantasy -
The Witch's Tree by Elena Collins
A tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.Present dayAs a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat. The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives...adult · audiobook · book · fiction · ghosts · gothic · historical · historical-fiction · horror · mystery -
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The House with the Golden Door by Elodie Harper
The life of a courtesan in Pompeii is glamorous yet perilous...Amara has escaped her life as a slave in the Wolf Den, the city’s most notorious brothel, but now her survival depends on the affections of her patron: a man she might not know as well as she once thought. At night in the home he bought for her, the house with the golden door, Amara’s dreams are haunted by her past...romance · historical-fiction · myths · fiction · historical · fantasy · feminism · audiobook · roman-empire · ancient-civilization -
How to Be Eaten by Maria Adelmann
This darkly funny and provocative novel reimagines classic fairy tale characters as modern women in a support group for trauma.In present-day New York City, five women meet in a basement support group to process their traumas. Bernice grapples with the fallout of dating a psychopathic, blue-bearded billionaire. Ruby, once devoured by a wolf, now wears him as a coat...fantasy · fiction · retellings · horror · contemporary · magical-realism · feminism · audiobook · literary-fiction · fairy-tale -
Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer
When ancient magic tests a newfound love, a dark fate beckons . . .Magic has been banished in the land of Syhl Shallow for as long as best friends Jax and Callyn can remember...book · epic · fiction · friendship · magic · paranormal · urban-fantasy · young-adult · fantasy · romance -
Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa
A witchy, atmospheric lesbian contemporary romance set in Salem—from the acclaimed author of Fans of the Impossible Life. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Becky Albertalli.Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is the least likely person in Salem to believe in witchcraft—or think that her life could be transformed by mysterious forces...romance · fantasy · young-adult · lgbtq · wlw · witches-wizards · contemporary · fiction · paranormal · audiobook -
Rise of the School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
The battle between Good and Evil begins.Go back in time to the beginning of the School for Good and Evil and uncover the never-before-told events leading up to Sophie and Agatha's dramatic arrival and the beginning of their epic fairy tale.Two brothers. One Good. One Evil.Together, they watch over the Endless Woods. Together, they choose the students for the School for Good and Evil...romance · fantasy · middle-grade · young-adult · fiction · magic · action-adventure · high-fantasy · audiobook · children -
Glow by Raven Kennedy
Rot may bring death... but gold will come alive.This is book four in The Plated Prisoner series, the adult fantasy romance inspired by the myth of King Midas... -
Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee, Geneva Lee Albin
Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest, eligible Rousseaux he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends—whether he likes it or not...adult · age-gap · billionaire · book · contemporary · dark · fake-relationship · fated-mates · female-mc · fiction -
The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R.M. Romero
"A must-read for lost souls everywhere." — Kirkus Reviews, Starred ReviewWith spellbinding verse prose, R.M. Romero channels the spirit of myth into a brilliantly original tale, inspired by her experiences restoring Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe.Magic will burn you up...europe · western-central-europe · czechia · urban · romance · fantasy · young-adult · magical-realism · historical-fiction · paranormal -
The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow by Annette Marie
I'm learning to embrace who and what I am, but there's one thing I can't face: the night Zak betrayed me. But even with the mysteries of our shared past hanging between us, I can't turn Zak away when he asks for my help.Powerful fae are going missing, and when he tried to investigate, Lallakai vanished too... -
When He´s Ruthless by Suzanne Wright
Blair Kendrick was just twelve-years-old when she stared into slate blue eyes and sensed that her world was about to change. She’d known down to her bones that the broody alpha cat shifter was her true mate. For the past six years, Luke has watched over and supported her. When she turns nineteen in a few months’ time, he’ll officially claim her and she’ll then join his pride. Or that’s the plan... -
When She Dreams by Amanda Quick
Return to 1930s Burning Cove, California, the glamorous seaside playground for Hollywood stars, mobsters, spies, and a host of others who find more than they bargain for in this mysterious town...20th-century · adult · audiobook · book · crime · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · law-enforcement · murder -
Realm of Demons by Shannon Mayer
The final (for real this time!) book in the heartpounding, bestselling series. Get ready for the last ride with Zamira, Maks, Lila and Balder as they race to save . . .well I can't say, that would be a spoiler if you haven't ready book eight .adult · book · dragons · epic · fae · female-mc · fiction · low-fantasy · magical-realism · paranormal -
Incarnate by Bianca Scardoni, Bailey Carr
My name is Jemma Blackburn and I'm a Slayer. After being forced to watch my boyfriend take his last breath in order to send Lucifer back to Hell, there was only one thing I could do to cope with my loss: Get as far away from Hollow Hills as I possibly could...angels · book · demons · enemies-to-lovers · fiction · love-triangle · paranormal · supernatural · time-travel · urban-fantasy -
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Book of Night by Holly Black
#1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black makes her stunning adult debut with Book of Night, a modern dark fantasy of shadowy thieves and secret societies in the vein of Ninth House and The Night CircusIn Charlie Hall’s world, shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences—but also to increase power and influence...book · contemporary · crime · dark · dark-academia · dark-fantasy · female-author · fiction · ghosts · horror -
Dearly Despised by Alessandra Hazard
He wasn’t supposed to want the enemy…His family brutally murdered and his throne stolen, Prince Warrehn has planned his revenge for twenty years.When he returns to reclaim his throne, all he wants is to punish the usurpers: the woman who killed his family, and her son, Samir, who has grown up to be as beautiful and as poisonous as his mother... -
The Girl Who Outgrew the World by Zoje Stage
When precocious eleven-year-old Lilly undergoes an inexplicable and startling growth spurt, her father and doctors decide to take drastic action to curb what they see as a dangerous development. Faced with condescending treatment and cruelty, Lilly escapes and embarks on a journey to discover her true self...adult · book · contemporary · family · female-mc · fiction · urban-fantasy · womens-fiction · fantasy -
The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton
Author Dhonielle Clayton makes her middle-grade debut with a fantasy adventure set in a global magic school in the sky...book · children · children-books · family · female-author · fiction · magic · middle-grade · mystery · poc-mc -
Cursed By Love by Leia Stone
Following a trail of blood into the woods isn't the smartest thing I’ve ever done, but when I find an injured wolf, I can’t bring myself to leave him behind.That decision might end up being my last because when a pack of wolves tries to attack us, it looks like we won’t make it out alive...book · coming-of-age · contemporary · fae · fated-mates · fiction · love-triangle · new-adult · paranormal · shapeshifters -
The Calm Before the Storm by Danielle L. Jensen
Set in the world of The Bridge Kingdom series, The Calm Before the Storm is six chapters of extra content that take place after the events of The Traitor Queen and The Inadequate Heir.Ithicana has been liberated from the Maridrinians, but not everyone holds peace in their hearts...arranged-marriage · book · contemporary · enemies-to-lovers · epic · fiction · high-fantasy · new-adult · young-adult · fantasy -
Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater
Merida goes on an all-new, life-changing adventure in this original YA novel set several years after the close of Brave!What if you had one year to save everything you loved?ONE PRINCESS. Merida of DunBroch needs a change. She loves her family—jovial King Fergus, proper Queen Elinor, the mischievous triplets— and her peaceful kingdom. But she’s frustrated by its sluggishness; each day, the same...action-adventure · book · children-books · coming-of-age · fairy-tale · family · female-mc · fiction · historical · historical-fiction -
Arranging My Bride by Alexa Riley
Amelia’s family is traditional, and they’ve set up a royally approved arranged marriage. When she finds out the person they chose for her is not only her long time crush, but the notorious club owner Prince Felipe, she’s dreading her walk down the aisle.Felipe has waited his whole life to marry Amelia. No matter what the tabloids say, he’s stayed faithful to her...romance · contemporary · royalty · insta-love · arranged-marriage · alpha-mc · steamy · multi-pov · age-gap · billionaire -
Rowe by Dylan Page
June 29th, 1973Dear Mom and Dad,The girls and I are ready for our big kayaking trip! We leave July 5th and we’ll be done by the 9th. So hopefully you’ll get my letter before I make it home, all stinky and unwashed from our four day adventure. We did a training class at the University on how to use our kayaks, which we rented from the sports facility, and I’m feeling pretty confident...abuse · action-adventure · adult · age-gap · alpha-mc · barbarians · book · captivity · contemporary · dark -
Crown of Crimson by Karina Halle
The next thrilling instalment in the Underworld Gods series. Perfect for readers who want high steam Hades/Persephone and Beauty and the Beast vibes with a dark Nordic folklore twist.All Hanna Heikkinen wants is to be reunited with her father again. After all, that's why she ventured into the dark and dangerous fantasy world of Tuonela, the Land of the Dead, in order to save his life...action-adventure · adult · book · dark · enemies-to-lovers · europe · fiction · historical · horror · medieval -
Love & Heart Braking by Kelly St. Clare
A moneylending kraken, angry echo imp, and emotionally limited witch have it out for me.I swear. What did I ever do to deserve this crap?Life is more twisted than a forest nymph’s vines, and in an ingenious or moronic move, I’m now working for the Twelve. Until this point they’ve seemed happy to kidnap and drain me, so safe to say this risk is bigger than an earth guardian’s... well, you know... -
Song of the Fae by Tricia O'Malley
She sings the song that only his heart can answer. His loyalty lies with the Royal Fae Court and with his people. Love is a distraction that royal warrior, Nolan, will not let ruin his future.Alone and distrustful, Imogen refuses to accept her attraction for the warrior after he steals her ship and forces her on a quest where Dark Fae battle good and magick rules the night. A prophecy realized...adult · book · enemies-to-lovers · fae · fated-mates · fiction · forced-proximity · paranormal · psychics · witches-wizards -
A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair
Become enchanted by the fantasy world of gods and mortals in bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair's reimagined New Greece. Readers are "hopelessly addicted" to the story of Hades and Persephone told from Hades's point of view.Hades, God of the Dead, does not take sides or bend the rules. He makes no exceptions to these values-not for god or mortal, even his lover, Persephone, Goddess of Spring...adult · book · enemies-to-lovers · fiction · gods · gothic · myths · new-adult · paranormal · retellings -
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao
A middle grade contemporary fantasy that follows a young boy as he journeys across China to seal the underworld shut and save the mortal realm.Zachary Ying never had many opportunities to learn about his Chinese heritage. His single mom was busy enough making sure they got by, and his schools never taught anything except Western history and myths...action-adventure · asian-mc · book · children · children-books · dragons · exploration · fiction · historical · historical-fiction -
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No Gods, Only Monsters: A New Novel in the Hellequin Chronicles Universe by Steve McHugh
Diana, the Roman Goddess of the hunt, lives alone on the far edge of the Roman Empire. When an old friend arrives looking for help, Diana finds herself thrust back into her old life, and old problems.With innocent lives caught in the crossfire, Diana realizes that the only way to ensure the safety of her friends and loved ones is to do what she does best: hunt her enemies down... -
Moonflower by Kacen Callender
National Book Award winner Kacen Callender delivers a captivating novel about a child facing the other-worldly shadows of depression.Moon has been plunged into a swill of uncertainty and confusion. They travel to the spirit realms every night, hoping never to return to the world of the living...book · children-books · contemporary · family · fiction · lgbtq · mental-illness · middle-grade · poc-author · poc-mc -
War of Dragons by Jessica Cluess
The dragon throne has been claimed, but at what cost? Chaos bleeds across the fractured Empire, and the five royal houses feel the unease of destiny denied. The stunning sequel to House of Dragons, this is Three Dark Crowns meets The Breakfast Club with dragons. The Emperor’s Trial is over. The dragon throne has been claimed—yet there is no peace to be had...action-adventure · book · children-books · dragons · epic · fiction · high-fantasy · horror · paranormal · royalty -
All the Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay
Returning triumphantly to the brilliantly evoked near-Renaissance world of A Brightness Long Ago and Children of Earth and Sky, international bestselling author Guy Gavriel Kay deploys his signature ‘quarter turn to the fantastic’ to tell a story of vengeance, power, and love.On a dark night along a lonely stretch of coast a small ship sends two people ashore. Their purpose is assassination...action-adventure · adult · alternate-history · book · epic · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · journey · romantic-love -
Defiance of the Fall 5 by TheFirstDefier, JF Brink
The Tower of Eternity holds unimaginable treasures... for those strong enough to claim them. The clock is ticking, and Earth is on the verge of being swallowed by the Undead Empire. Zac has one final chance to gain the power needed to deal with the threat; the upper levels of the Tower.But even if he survives the challenges of the 81 levels, another trial await him outside...adult · aliens · audiobook · book · cyberpunk · dungeons-dragons · epic · fiction · first-contact · heroic-fantasy -
Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep
Bestselling author Jennifer Estep continues her Gargoyle Queen epic fantasy series where magic reigns, alliances are tested, and a dangerous attraction could tear down a throne. . .Crown princess. Clever spy. Powerful mind magier. Gemma Ripley of Andvari is all those things--and determined to stop an enemy from using magical tearstone weapons to conquer her kingdom...action-adventure · assassins · book · dragons · dystopia · epic · fiction · humor · magic · marriage-of-convenience -
The Sceptic by Lily Morton
As the best friend of a psychic, Will Buchanan can’t help but believe in the dead. It’s the living that he finds to be problematic. However, after a spate of betrayals, he finally has the chance of a new life within his grasp, and he’s not going to risk it for anyone or anything. Staying safe is the name of Will’s game.Jem Dawson defines the word temporary...