Authors I Look Forward to Discovering in 2023 (Ft. Exciting Upcoming Releases!)

A new year means new books, and new books means new authors to fall in love with! While I obviously intend to continue with the tried-and-true authors whose work I already love, it’s always exciting to discover new talents!

2023 is already shaping up to be an interesting year for releases. I keep saying I’m going to stop adding books to my TBR and start working on whittling it down, but by gosh, the publishing industry keeps making a liar of me. How darn they release all these wonderful works! It’s a conspiracy, I tell you!

The way I see it, my favorite authors were once unknown to me, so if I keep discovering new authors, I’ll eventually find new favorite authors whose works I love. While this is obviously problematic long-term because at some point I’m just not going to be able to keep up with the onslaught of my favorite authors releasing books (a good problem to have, I assure you), that’s something to worry about in the future. Future me will need to take it up with past me. No present me’s problem. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is meant to be debut books I’m excited about, but since I rarely tend to pay attention to that, I’m going to focus instead on new-to-me authors whose work I can’t wait to read! And let me tell you, there are a lot of fantastic books coming up in 2023.

There’s probably a chance that at least some of these are debut books. I’ll just chock that up to a happy coincidence. Prepare yourselves and steel your TBRs, or you might just find that a book or two or three has unwittingly snuck in there. 😉

Hannah Kaner

Godkiller

Kissen kills gods for a living, and she enjoys it. That is until she finds a god she cannot kill: Skediceth, god of white lies, who is connected to a little noble girl on the run.

Elogast fought in the god war, and helped purge the city of a thousand shrines before laying down his sword. A mysterious request from the King sends him racing back to the city he destroyed.

On the way he meets a godkiller, a little girl and a littler god, who cannot find out about his quest.

First of all, do you see that cover?! *flails* It’s absolutely gorgeous, isn’t it? I know, I know, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I assure you, I am not judging the book. I’m judging the cover, and I wants it.

I am immediately attracted to a protagonist who enjoys killing gods for a living (surprise, surprise). The whole plot sounds complex, interesting, and fast-paced. Plus, these sound like characters that I need to meet, even though I don’t know much about them. Obviously, they’re working through some things, and that’s okay. Aren’t we all? I mean, sure, we don’t all work through our problems by hunting gods, but hey, to each their own.

Gabe Cole Novoa

The Wicked Bargain

El Diablo is in the details in this Latinx pirate fantasy starring a transmasculine nonbinary teen with a mission of revenge, redemption, and revolution.

On Mar León-de la Rosa’s 16th birthday, el Diablo comes calling. Mar is a transmasculine nonbinary teen pirate hiding a magical ability to manipulate fire and ice. But their magic isn’t enough to reverse a wicked bargain made by their father and now el Diablo has come to collect his payment: the soul of Mar’s father and the entire crew of their ship.

When Mar is miraculously rescued by the sole remaining pirate crew in the Caribbean, el Diablo returns to give them a choice: give up your soul to save your father by the Harvest Moon or never see him again. The task is impossible–Mar refuses to make a bargain and there’s no way their magic is any match for el Diablo. Then, Mar finds the most unlikely allies: Bas, an infuriatingly arrogant and handsome pirate — and the captain’s son; and Dami, a genderfluid demonio whose motives are never quite clear. For the first time in their life, Mar may have the courage to use their magic. It could be their only redemption — or it could mean certain death.

“Latinx pirate fantasy” was honestly all I needed to read and I was hooked. If that doesn’t sound like the perfect book, I don’t know what does. Plus, throw in a nonbinary protagonist and el Diablo (the devil, for those who may not be aware), and how could I possibly say no? The fact that the cover is both gorgeous and reminds me of a dark adventure doesn’t hurt, either.

I know for sure this isn’t Novoa’s debut novel, but I haven’t read any of their other work, so this will be a first for this author. But at least I know that if I enjoy this, I’ve got other books of theirs to go back to!

Kay O’Neill

The Moth Keeper

Being a Moth Keeper is a huge responsibility and a great honor, but what happens when the new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time? A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about passion, duty, and found family.

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn’t exactly what Anya thought it would be?

The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya’s dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun’s warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.

I am always on the lookout for middle grade graphic novels, both because I love them and can’t get enough of them, but also because the young patrons at my library feel the same! The Moth Keeper has a cover that’s utterly adorable and grabbed my attention. I’m glad to see from samples that the artwork inside is just as gorgeous. I can’t wait to dive into this world! Plus, this is comped to Witch Hat Atelier, which is one of my favorite manga (not only is the artwork breathtaking, but the characters are charming and the story is addictive!).

This one is a little cheating, because as I was typing this, I realized O’Neill actually wrote The Tea Dragon Society, which I did read the first book years ago. But I didn’t remember the author at all, so I’m still counting this as a new author! Besides, this book seems like it’s going to be quite different from The Tea Dragon Society, which is utterly adorable but also super short.

Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan

The Sword Defiant

Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, The Sword Defiant launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons, and bloodthirsty vengeance.

The sword cares not who it cuts.

Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his nine companions saved the world, seizing the Dark Lord’s cursed weapons, along with his dread city of Necrad. That was the easy part.

Now, when Aelfric – keeper of the cursed sword Spellbreaker – learns of a new and terrifying threat, he seeks the nine heroes once again. But they are wandering adventurers no longer. Yesterday’s eager heroes are today’s weary leaders – and some have turned to the darkness, becoming monsters themselves.

If there’s one thing Aelfric knows, it’s slaying monsters. Even if they used to be his friends.

I am always here for dark worlds, especially ones that involve dubious swordsmen, living weapons (perchance a talking sword?!?!), and revenge. Plus, cursed swords? YES! Oh my gosh, this hits so many tropes that I absolutely love. It also sounds like the protagonists and characters are all older, and I’m always up for fantasies that revolve around older characters. Adventuring and stabbing bad guys doesn’t end when you hit 20, okay? The dark atmosphere of this book sounds absolutely delicious, and I can’t wait to dive into this one!

David Ferraro

The Alchemy of Moonlight

When Emile’s aunt declares he must marry or be disowned for being gay—he runs away to hide as a servant in Count Montoni’s mansion. In their service, Emile tends to the family who all suffer a strange affliction on the full moon. And after overhearing suspicious family arguments, he finds a body on the estate, drawing the attention of a handsome doctor as well as the count’s charismatic nephew, Henri.

Before Emile can sort out his affections or unravel the growing Montoni family mystery, his identity is revealed and his aunt comes to collect him.

When she arrives, Count Montoni forces everyone to depart to the remote Udolpho Castle—where there are no witnesses and no chance for escape. There, Emile realizes that he will have to risk his life to find the love he deserves—and survive the Montoni family.

I’ll admit that this one isn’t the type of book I’d usually pick up, but it’s giving me all sorts of A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue vibes, and I loved that book. So yeah, I’m willing to give this one a go. Plus, I’m not entirely against charming guys trying to live their best lives and not meaning to fall in love. What I’m really interested in is the way this blends romance, mystery, and . . . werewolves? If I’m reading that correctly? Super curious to see how they all mix together and discover what sorts of secrets these characters are keeping.

Maxym M. Martineau

Shadows of the Lost

Once I was a Charmer, and the magical beasts of this world loved me. Now I’m something else. Something darker.

As a member of the Charmers Council, Gaige is able to form lasting bonds with the magical beasts of his world. At least, he used to be a Charmer…until he died and was brought back as one of the immortal assassins of Cruor. Now he’s far more dangerous.

…and something beyond the shadows lies in wait, hungry to claim him for its own.

As leader of the assassins, all Kost can do is watch as Gaige struggles with his new life day by day. He wants nothing more than to ease Gaige’s suffering–yet how can he when they both know he’s the one responsible? There is nothing left but bitter memories and hopeless longing between them. Yet when Gaige is lost to the shadow realm, Kost is the only one with any chance of bringing him back: if they can learn to trust (and perhaps love) each other again.

I’m not sure what it is about fallen characters that appeals to me, but I knew from the first sentence of this blurb that I had to read it! There’s obviously necromancy (or some version of it), which is always a win for me. But also immortal assassins? Seems like the best sort of assassin. I’m also really intrigued by the combination of potential romance, death, and danger. All the major parts of life, it seems. Can’t wait to see how they tie together!

Patrick deWitt

The Librarianist

From bestselling and award-winning author Patrick deWitt comes the story of Bob Comet, a man who has lived his life through and for literature, unaware that his own experience is a poignant and affecting narrative in itself.

Bob Comet is a retired librarian passing his solitary days surrounded by books and small comforts in a mint-colored house in Portland, Oregon. One morning on his daily walk he encounters a confused elderly woman lost in a market and returns her to the senior center that is her home. Hoping to fill the void he’s known since retiring, he begins volunteering at the center. Here, as a community of strange peers gathers around Bob, and following a happenstance brush with a painful complication from his past, the events of his life and the details of his character are revealed.

Behind Bob Comet’s straight-man facade is the story of an unhappy child’s runaway adventure during the last days of the Second World War, of true love won and stolen away, of the purpose and pride found in the librarian’s vocation, and of the pleasures of a life lived to the side of the masses. Bob’s experiences are imbued with melancholy but also a bright, sustained comedy; he has a talent for locating bizarre and outsize players to welcome onto the stage of his life.

With his inimitable verve, skewed humor, and compassion for the outcast, Patrick deWitt has written a wide-ranging and ambitious document of the introvert’s condition. The Librarianist celebrates the extraordinary in the so-called ordinary life, and depicts beautifully the turbulence that sometimes exists beneath a surface of serenity.

This is another book that’s a little bit of a venture away from what I normally read. In fact, the whole blurb sounds somewhat normal, doesn’t it? Part of me is attracted to the idea of a protagonist who’s a retired librarian. How could I not be? It’s not just that, though. First, we have another older protagonist, which I absolutely love. Also, I love the sound of a kind of kooky cast of characters helping Bob heal and grow. This book sounds super ambitious, which makes me all the more curious about how this turns out!

Emma Mieko Candon

The Archive Undying

WHEN AN AI DIES, ITS CITY DIES WITH IT
WHEN A CITY FALLS, IT LEAVES A CORPSE BEHIND
WHEN THAT CORPSE RUNS OFF, ONLY DEVOTION CAN BRING IT BACK

When the robotic god of Khuon Mo went mad, it destroyed everything it touched. It killed its priests, its city, and all its wondrous works. But in its final death throes, the god brought one thing back to life: its favorite child, Sunai. For the seventeen years since, Sunai has walked the land like a ghost, unable to die, unable to age, and unable to forget the horrors he’s seen. He’s run as far as he can from the wreckage of his faith, drowning himself in drink, drugs, and men. But when Sunai wakes up in the bed of the one man he never should have slept with, he finds himself on a path straight back into the world of gods and machines.

The Archive Undying is the first volume of Emma Mieko Candon’s Downworld Sequence, a sci-fi series where AI deities and brutal police states clash, wielding giant robots steered by pilot-priests with corrupted bodies.

I am always for AI. Especially when it goes wrong. Because when it goes wrong, it goes really wrong, and who doesn’t love that sort of chaos? This is another one that touches on gods gone wrong, which is a trope I will never tire of. The fact that these deities are actually AI makes it all the more interesting. Sounds like this will be full of betrayal, conflict, and action, so yes, sign me up!

Waka T. Brown

The Very Unfortunate Wish of Melony Yoshimura

In this magical and chilling Coraline-esque retelling of the Japanese folktale “The Melon Princess and the Amanjaku,” one girl must save herself—and her loved ones—from a deceitful demon she befriended.

Melony Yoshimura’s parents have always been overprotective. They say it’s because a demonic spirit called the Amanjaku once preyed upon kids back in Japan, but Melony suspects it’s just a cautionary tale to keep her in line. So on her twelfth birthday, Melony takes a chance and wishes for the freedom and adventure her parents seem determined to keep her from.

As if conjured by her wish, the Amanjaku appears. At first, Melony is wary. If this creature is real, are the stories about its destructive ways also real? In no time, however, the Amanjaku woos Melony with its ability to shape-shift, grant wishes, and understand her desire for independence. But what Melony doesn’t realize is that the Amanjaku’s friendship has sinister consequences, and she quickly finds every aspect of her life controlled by the demon’s trickery—including herself.

Melony is determined to set things right, but will she be able to before the Amanjaku turns her life, her family, and her community upside down?

First, can I just say how amazing that title and cover are? Both are super creepy and make me want to read it all the more! I’ve always been interested in the story of the Amanjaku, so I’m interested to read Brown’s take on it. This will obviously be a cautionary tale of some sort (and it’s easy to see why), but I’m still here for it. Tricksy demons are always a win, even when we’re obviously intended to root against them.

Amy Goldsmith

Those We Drown

Liv’s best friend disappears on their first night aboard their dream semester-at-sea program—but is he really sick, like everyone says, or is something darker lurking beneath the water?

It should have been the trip of a lifetime.

When Liv lands an all-expenses-paid opportunity to study aboard luxury cruise ship The Eos for a semester, she can’t believe her luck. Especially since it will offer her the chance to spend time with Will, her ex–best friend, who’s barely spoken to her since the night their friendship changed forever.

But as soon as she steps on board, Liv realizes just how far in over her head she is. With Will, with the rest of the Seamester students—including the brittle and beautiful Constantine, who may be hiding his own ties to The Eos—and most of all, with the Sirens, three glamorous and mysterious influencers who seem to have the run of the ship.

Liv quickly discovers that the only reason she was invited to join the trip is because another girl disappeared shortly after enrolling—and no one seems to know what happened to her. When further disappearances rock the ship and strange creatures begin haunting Liv’s dreams, she wonders: Is The Eos hiding a dark secret in its watery depths?

The truth will come at a price . . . only, how much is Liv willing to pay?

This is giving me “monster in the depth” vibes, which is one of my favorite horror tropes! I’m very curious about all the disappearances and the girls who have gone missing. The whole vibe of this one is very sinister and mysterious, which is right up my alley!

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