From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel by M.L. Wang (Del Rey, $29.99, 9780593873359). "An immersive fantasy with a lot to say. Wang crafts a fantastic magic system that sets the foundation for ethical questions and masterful framing of societal ills, all nestled within a plot that is beautifully complex, yet briskly paced." --Michaela Devine, Invitation Bookshop, Gig Harbor, Wash.
The Bloodless Princes by Charlotte Bond (Tordotcom, $20.99, 9781250290779). "The perfect follow up to The Fireborne Blade! The lore of Maddileh and Saralene runs even deeper than we previously knew. Just like last time the two prove that their names will be etched into the history books right alongside the lore." --Katherine Nazzaro, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, Mass.
Paperback
The Hurricane Wars: A Novel by Thea Guanzon (Harper Voyager, $19.99, 9780063277250). "In this lush, romantic debut, two mortal enemies are forced into an arranged marriage to save their countries from each other and forces that threaten their world. I loved the intricate world, its politics, and the steamy romance!" --Haley Calvin, The Novel Neighbor, Webster Groves, Mo.
Ages 4-8
A Stickler Christmas by Lane Smith (Random House Studio, $18.99, 9780593815281). "Stickler knows just what to get everyone for Christmas: sticks! Each one is special, including Doug-the-Fir's stick, which Stickler supplements with his own version of holiday cheer. No previous Stickler introduction needed for this silly Christmas joy!" --Tildy Lutts, Belmont Books, Belmont, Mass.
Ages 10-14
Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows (Holiday House, $18.99, 9780823456383). "Never want to say goodbye to Bye Forever, I Guess! The perfect middle grade novel about the changing nature of friendship, finding your fit while remaining true to yourself, and where to sit at lunch. Plus, a focus on nerdy girls rocks!" --Susan Williams, M. Judson Booksellers & Storytellers, Greenville, S.C.
Teen Readers
The Dividing Sky by Jill Tew (Joy Revolution, $19.99, 9780593710357). "Jill Tew's debut is everything readers have been waiting for. I was completely sucked in! With its swoony romance, twisty plot, and all the thrills, it's sure to make its way into the canon of YA dystopia." --Vania Stoyanova, Brave + Kind Bookshop, Decatur, Ga.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
