Lennon Carter's life takes an unexpected turn when she receives an invitation to Drayton College, a hidden school of magic in Savannah. Gifted with the power of persuasion, Lennon learns to harness her abilities, which allow her to influence others and, in rare instances, manipulate matter. As she delves deeper into her studies, she becomes enchanted by the school's enchanting atmosphere and her enigmatic adviser, Dante. However, as Lennon uncovers the college's unsettling history and Dante's troubled past, she grapples with the challenge of wielding her power responsibly, fearing the temptation of corruption.

Logan Maletis and Rosemary Hale were once inseparable childhood friends, spending summers exploring the woods and dreaming of escaping their small town. However, a falling out before high school turned them into rivals, and they drifted apart for a decade. Now in their thirties, both are back in their hometown, working as teachers and stuck in routines that don't quite match their youthful dreams. Rosemary is all about stability, while Logan embraces chaos. Despite their efforts to avoid each other, circumstances keep bringing them together. When their cherished former teacher reveals he has limited time left, he asks them to accompany him on a cross-country road trip. This journey, filled with unexpected adventures and self-discovery, might just help them reconnect and find a new path forward.

"James" by Percival Everett offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The story is narrated from the viewpoint of Jim, an enslaved man who learns he is about to be sold, threatening to separate him from his family. To avoid this fate, Jim hides on Jackson Island, where he encounters Huck Finn, who is also on the run. Together, they embark on a perilous journey down the Mississippi River, seeking freedom and new beginnings. Along the way, they face various challenges, including natural disasters, unexpected encounters, and deceitful characters. Through Jim's eyes, the narrative explores themes of agency, intelligence, and compassion, offering a unique and insightful retelling of a well-known adventure.

Libby Weeks is the secretive author behind the popular fantasy series, "The Falling Children," known to her readers as F.T. Goldhero. As she struggles to complete the final book, Libby faces a personal crisis when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Her condition worsens, leading to moments of forgetfulness and anxiety. In a bid to finish her series, Libby enlists the help of Peanut Bixton, an eleven-year-old fan who knows her work inside out but carries her own hidden burdens. Together, they navigate the challenges of Libby's illness, leading to a poignant and unexpected resolution.

**Martyr!** by Kaveh Akbar follows Cyrus Shams, a young man navigating the complexities of his past and present. As the son of Iranian immigrants, Cyrus struggles with the legacy of his mother's tragic death and his father's challenging life in America. Battling addiction and driven by a fascination with martyrs, Cyrus embarks on a journey of self-discovery. His path leads him to a terminally ill painter in the Brooklyn Museum, where he uncovers hidden truths about his family and himself. Through encounters with various voices from the past, Cyrus seeks to understand his identity and find meaning in his life.

In 1840 England, Orabella Mumthrope finds herself unexpectedly engaged to Elias Blakersby, a man from a wealthy family. Despite her initial reservations, she agrees to the marriage, hoping for a better future. However, upon arriving at the Blakersby estate, Korringhill Manor, Orabella is met with a decaying mansion filled with secrets and a sense of unease. As she navigates her new life, she becomes increasingly disturbed by strange occurrences, locked rooms, and unsettling dreams. As the line between reality and nightmare blurs, Orabella must confront the darkness surrounding her and within the manor, questioning her own sanity and existence.

In "Moon of the Turning Leaves," Evan Whitesky leads a group of hunters and harvesters on a perilous journey to find a new home for their Northern Ontario Indigenous community. Over a decade after a catastrophic blackout, the Anishinaabe people have adapted to life in the bush, but dwindling resources force them to seek a new beginning. Evan, along with his daughter Nangohns and others, ventures south towards their ancestral lands near the Great Lakes. As they navigate through abandoned reserves and cities reclaimed by nature, they encounter both allies and adversaries, testing their resilience and unity in a world reshaped by survival.

"No Son of Mine" by Jonathan Corcoran is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's journey from his rural West Virginia roots to a life of self-discovery and acceptance. Growing up as the youngest and only son in a family teetering on the edge of poverty, Corcoran shares a deep bond with his mother, who is both his ally and a survivor of her own hardships. As Corcoran ventures beyond his small-town upbringing to attend Brown University, he encounters a world vastly different from his own. This new life brings love and acceptance, but also challenges, as he grapples with the widening gap between his past and present. The memoir explores the complexities of family ties, particularly the painful estrangement from his mother after she disowns him upon learning about his true self. Through the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Corcoran reflects on the loss of his mother and the emotional journey that follows. "No Son of Mine" is a heartfelt exploration of identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of familial relationships.

Violet Hart's life is in flux as her family moves into a mysterious house on Katydid Street. With her mother remarried and a new baby in the family, Violet feels out of place. Her friendships are shifting as she navigates middle school, and everything seems to be changing too quickly. The attic bedroom in their new home, with its eerie yellow wallpaper and creaky floors, only adds to her unease. After moving in, Violet falls ill and struggles to recover, leaving her isolated and questioning her surroundings. As she spends more time in the attic, she begins to sense that she might not be alone, with shadows lurking in the corners and a presence that seems to wrap around her at night.

In "Queen of Dreams," three powerful beings—Ash, Sachi, and Zanya—unite to confront a formidable ancient enemy. Ash, a timeless figure, has awaited a partner to break the chains of the Betrayer. Instead, he discovers Sachi and Zanya, who embody the primal forces of creation and destruction. As Zanya grapples with her burgeoning magical abilities, she must confront her inner darkness to wield her powers effectively in the looming battle. Meanwhile, Sachi's deepening connection to the Dream realm leads her into the heart of the Betrayer's domain, where she must navigate a perilous court and protect her coveted powers. Together, they face a threat that could unravel their world.

In this evocative collection of poetry, the author delves into the intricate tapestry of personal identity, weaving together themes of heritage, memory, and self-discovery. Through a blend of vivid imagery and introspective reflections, the poems explore the myths we create about ourselves and the narratives that shape our understanding of who we are. The work invites readers to journey through the landscapes of the mind and heart, offering a poignant meditation on the power of storytelling in crafting our own realities.

In "Someone You Can Build A Nest In," Shesheshen, a shapeshifting creature, finds herself in a predicament after falling in love. Living quietly in a ruined manor, her peace is shattered when hunters force her to flee. Injured, she is rescued by Homily, a kind-hearted human who mistakes her for one of her own. As Shesheshen and Homily grow closer, Shesheshen struggles with keeping her true identity hidden, especially when she learns Homily is on a quest to find a monster that supposedly cursed her family. Shesheshen must navigate the complexities of love, identity, and family secrets to protect both their lives and find a way to be with Homily without revealing her monstrous nature.

"Stories Are Weapons" by Annalee Newitz explores the evolution of storytelling as a tool for manipulation and control. The book examines how disinformation and propaganda have transitioned from military tactics to instruments in domestic cultural conflicts. Newitz traces this phenomenon from historical instances, like Benjamin Franklin's fake newspaper during the Revolutionary War, to modern-day election disinformation. The narrative highlights how storytelling has been used to influence public opinion, drawing on techniques from advertising and science fiction. The book also presents a counter-narrative, featuring voices of Indigenous archivists, activist storytellers, and tech experts who are working to reshape the landscape of information and storytelling.

Mattinesh Jay is the heir to a struggling family business and needs a skilled swordsman to be his best man for an arranged marriage. The ceremony's sword challenge could make or break his family's future. Enter Luca Piere, a charming con artist trying to start fresh in a new city. Hired by Matti, Luca finds himself giving sword lessons while hiding his own past. As the wedding approaches, both men become embroiled in a web of intrigue and deception threatening Matti's family. With secrets unraveling, they must decide how much truth they're willing to reveal, knowing it could cost them everything they desire.

In "The Book of Love," three teenagers, Laura, Daniel, and Mo, mysteriously reappear in their hometown of Lovesend, Massachusetts, a year after being presumed dead. Their return is shrouded in mystery, and they find themselves in a high school classroom with their music teacher, who holds the key to their disappearance. To reclaim their lives, they must complete a series of magical tasks, all while keeping their return a secret from their loved ones. As they navigate the challenges of their new reality, supernatural forces with their own motives begin to converge on their town. With danger looming, the teens must unravel the mystery of their deaths to prevent impending chaos.

In the enchanting city of Azril, the demon Vitrine has long been a powerful and unpredictable force, shaping the city and its people through generations. Her world is turned upside down when angels arrive, leading to the city's downfall. Left with only memories and a book of lost names, Vitrine is bound to an angel by a curse born of grief and madness. As they navigate their shared history and the ruins of Azril, Vitrine and the angel find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways. Their journey uncovers the city's past and sets the stage for its future. Faced with the threat of war, they must decide whether to let Azril fall once more or fight to preserve what they have rebuilt together. **The City in Glass** explores themes of love, loss, and the power of transformation in a world where redemption and desire can ignite change.

Magdalena Herrera, a high school senior, juggles adult responsibilities in her small desert town, from caring for her grandmother to working a part-time job. She harbors a dangerous secret that draws her into the basement each night, leaving her drained and vulnerable. Her life takes a turn when her childhood friend Nessa returns, stirring memories and revealing her own hidden truths. As darkness threatens to engulf them, Mags must confront her secret and decide whether to risk everything or face losing it all.

In **The Diablo's Curse**, Dami, a demon yearning to become human, is on a mission to break free from all the deals they've made. Their quest is complicated by Silas, a charming boy whose life is bound to a curse that promises an early death. The only thing keeping Silas alive is his deal with Dami. To save Silas and themselves, they must team up to unravel the curse that has haunted Silas's family for generations. As they navigate the dangers of a mysterious island, they must confront the deadly curse that threatens to end them both.

In the summer of 1975, a young girl named Barbara Van Laar disappears from her family's Adirondack camp. As the daughter of the camp's owners, her disappearance sends shockwaves through the community, especially since her brother vanished under similar circumstances years earlier. The story delves into the complex dynamics between the Van Laar family and the local workers, unraveling hidden secrets and exploring themes of mystery and redemption.

Lauren returns to her London flat one night to find a man named Michael claiming to be her husband, despite her having no memory of him. Her friends, home decor, and photos all suggest they've been together for years. As Lauren grapples with this mystery, Michael disappears while changing a lightbulb in the attic, only to be replaced by another man and a slightly altered life. With her attic seemingly producing an endless stream of husbands, Lauren faces the dilemma of choosing the right path in a world where swapping lives is as simple as changing a lightbulb. She must decide when to stop seeking perfection and start truly living.

In **The Lotus Empire**, the final installment of the Burning Kingdoms trilogy, ancient magic resurfaces in Ahiranya, threatening its very core. Empress Malini, having claimed her rightful throne, faces a dire choice to secure her legacy. Meanwhile, priestess Priya, imbued with powerful magic, encounters a mysterious yaksa demanding a sacrifice. As tensions rise, these two formidable women, once allies, find themselves at odds. Yet, when a formidable enemy emerges, they must unite to protect their kingdoms from destruction.

"The Silence Of The Choir" by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr is a compelling narrative set in a small Sicilian town where seventy-two men, referred to as "ragazzi," arrive as immigrants. Their presence stirs the community, prompting a range of reactions and interactions. The story unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, including a vicar with a penchant for rewriting histories, a woman advocating for asylum, a man opposing their stay, an older ragazzo who serves as an interpreter, and a poet who has ceased writing. As these individuals navigate their encounters with the newcomers, they are challenged to reconsider their perceptions and roles in a situation that evolves beyond their control. The tale is a rich tapestry of voices, culminating in a poignant silence that resonates throughout the community.

"The Stars Too Fondly" follows Cleo and her friends who accidentally find themselves aboard a spaceship bound for Proxima Centauri. Their journey begins with a quest to uncover the mystery of the vanished Providence crew. However, things take an unexpected turn when the ship's dark-matter engine activates on its own, leaving them unable to return to Earth. Along the way, they are guided by a hologram of the ship's missing captain, Billie, whose presence becomes increasingly significant. As they venture further into space, Cleo's lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut is tested by strange occurrences and unraveling secrets. Amidst the cosmic chaos, Cleo and Billie develop a complex relationship that challenges their perceptions and emotions.

"There's Always This Year" by Hanif Abdurraqib is a heartfelt exploration of basketball, talent, and loyalty, centered around the iconic figure of LeBron James. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, during the 1990s, Abdurraqib experienced a transformative era in basketball history. Through his personal reflections, he delves into themes of success, expectations, and the concept of role models. Intertwining memoir with cultural commentary, the book offers a rich narrative filled with joy, pain, and hope, inviting readers to rethink their perspectives on sports and society.

"Thunder Song" by Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe is a compelling collection of essays that delve into the experiences of being a queer, indigenous woman in modern America. Through personal narratives and family history, LaPointe addresses themes such as identity, cultural displacement, and environmental issues. The essays blend the extraordinary with the everyday, exploring how art, especially music, and community play a crucial role in empowering indigenous people to embrace their heritage while forging their own paths in today's world.

Teresa Sanchez is a professor, wife, mother, and friend whose life is turned upside down when her husband unexpectedly passes away. Struggling with overwhelming grief, she takes a break from her job, hoping to heal. However, her mourning is interrupted by mysterious incidents of levitation that leave her questioning her sanity and safety. Seeking answers, Teresa travels to Spain, exploring her family's connection to the famous levitating mystic, Saint Teresa of Avila. As she delves deeper into this mystery, Teresa must choose between staying enveloped in her sorrow or embracing a new reality where flight is possible without wings.

In "We Used To Live Here," Charlie and Eve, a young couple who renovate homes, are thrilled with their latest purchase in a charming neighborhood. Their excitement takes a turn when a man arrives with his family, claiming they once lived in the house and asking for a tour. Eve, eager to please, allows them inside. However, their visit triggers a series of unsettling events, including the disappearance of the family's youngest child and eerie occurrences in the basement. As the family overstays their welcome, Charlie goes missing, leaving Eve questioning her sanity and the true nature of their guests and the house itself.