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Reading Roundup: Tor Books to Read this Autumn

Looking for books that pair perfectly with cozy nights this autumn? From epic fantasy sagas to spine-tingling mysteries, this list is packed with fall reads that are as satisfying as wrapping yourself in a chunky knit sweater. Scroll down to discover some books that should definitely be on your autumn radar!


9781250357243The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days. But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

Image Placeholder of - 22Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Arthur Parnassus lives a good life, built on the ashes of a bad one. He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six magical and so-called dangerous children who live there. Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. And he is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth; Zoe Chapelwhite, the island’s sprite; and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children. But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve. And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart. Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.

9781250852496After the Forest by Kell Woods

Twenty years after the witch in the gingerbread house, Greta and Hans are struggling to get by. Their mother and stepmother are long dead, Hans is deeply in debt from gambling, and the countryside lies in ruin, its people starving in the aftermath of a brutal war. Greta has a secret, though: the witch’s grimoire, hidden away and whispering in Greta’s ear for the past two decades, and the recipe inside that makes the best gingerbread you’ve ever tasted. As long as she can bake, Greta can keep her small family afloat. But in a village full of superstition, Greta and her mysteriously addictive gingerbread, not to mention the rumors about her childhood misadventures, is a source of gossip and suspicion. And now, dark magic is returning to the woods and Greta’s magic—magic she is still trying to understand—may be the only thing that can save her. If it doesn’t kill her first.

GREEN CREEK SERIESThe Green Creek Series by TJ Klune

TJ Klune’s The Green Creek Series is a completed fantasy romance saga that explores love, loyalty, betrayal, and joy. Following the Bennett family, a close-knit pack of werewolves, the series captures the emotional highs and lows of their supernatural world. As they face challenges that test their bonds, Klune’s masterful storytelling shines, delivering a heartfelt and captivating journey that has earned its place as a fan favorite.

A Sorceress Comes to CallA Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

Cordelia knows her mother is . . . unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms—there are no secrets in this house—and her mother doesn’t allow Cordelia to have a single friend. Unless you count Falada, her mother’s beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t evil sorcerers. When her mother unexpectedly moves them into the manor home of a wealthy older Squire and his kind but keen-eyed sister, Hester, Cordelia knows this welcoming pair are to be her mother’s next victims. But Cordelia feels at home for the very first time among these people, and as her mother’s plans darken, she must decide how to face the woman who raised her to save the people who have become like family.

9781250907981The Naming Song by Jedediah Berry

When the words went away, the world changed. All meaning was lost, and every border fell. Monsters slipped from dreams to haunt the waking while ghosts wandered the land in futile reveries. Only with the rise of the committees of the named—Maps, Ghosts, Dreams, and Names—could the people stand against the terrors of the nameless wilds. They built borders around their world and within their minds, shackled ghosts and hunted monsters, and went to war against the unknown. For one unnamed courier of the Names Committee, the task of delivering new words preserves her place in a world that fears her. But after a series of monstrous attacks on the named, she is forced to flee her committee and seek her long-lost sister. Accompanied by a patchwork ghost, a fretful monster, and a nameless animal who prowls the shadows, her search for the truth of her past opens the door to a revolutionary future—for the words she carries will reshape the world. Out on 9/24!

9781250799067Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Opal has been obsessed with The Underland since she was a child. When she gets the chance to step inside Starling House—and make some extra cash for her brother’s escape fund—she can’t resist. But sinister forces are digging deeper into the buried secrets of Starling House, and Arthur’s own nightmares have become far too real. As Eden itself seems to be drowning in its own ghosts, Opal realizes that she might finally have found a reason to stick around. And now she’ll have to fight. Welcome to Starling House: enter, if you dare. Out on 10/01! 

9781250342782Legends & Lattes by  Travis Baldree

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time. The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone. But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed. This luxe edition is out on 10/29!

9781250342751Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Viv’s career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens isn’t going as planned. Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she’s packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she’ll never be able to return to it. What’s a thwarted soldier of fortune to do? Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn’t possibly imagine. Still, adventure isn’t all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected. This luxe edition is out on 10/29!

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Fall into a New Book Series!!

Whether you’re looking to start a completed series or dive into one with a new release, this list has something for everyone. From TJ Klune’s beloved Green Creek series to new releases like Blood Jade in the Phoenix Hoard series, these stories are perfect to binge as we prep for cozy weather again. Grab your favorite fall beverage and get ready to fall (see what we did there) into a new book series!


GREEN CREEK SERIESThe Green Creek Series by TJ Klune

TJ Klune’s The Green Creek Series is a completed fantasy romance saga that explores love, loyalty, betrayal, and joy. Following the Bennett family, a close-knit pack of werewolves, the series captures the emotional highs and lows of their supernatural world. As they face challenges that test their bonds, Klune’s masterful storytelling shines, delivering a heartfelt and captivating journey that has earned its place as a fan favorite.

Screen Shot 2024 09 04 at 12.26.55 PMThe Divide Series by J. S. Dewes

The Expanse meets the Night’s Watch from Game of Thrones in J. S. Dewes’ fast-paced, science fiction adventure The Divide. An outcast war hero, a banished prince, and a division of delinquent soldiers stationed at the edge of the universe and left for dead by their military, they hold humanity’s survival in their hands as they contend with a collapsing universe, an oppressive tyrant, and a pangalactic war—the outcomes of which will change the face of the universe as they know it.

Screen Shot 2024 09 04 at 1.11.56 PMTales of Tremaine by R.R. Virdi

Based on author R.R. Virdi’s South Asian heritage and inspired by the many culturally divergent stops along a fantastical Silk Road, Tales of Tremaine is not your typical medieval European fantasy series.
All legends are borne of truths. And just as much lies. These are mine. Judge me for what you will. But you will hear my story first.
 
The first book in this fast-paced, worldbuilding series, The First Binding, tells the story of Ari, an immortal wizard hiding as a storyteller. Ari’s buried villages, killed gods, stolen magic, and knows he is a monster for it. On the run and seeking obscurity in a remote tavern, he and his companion, a singer, soon find their pasts aren’t forgotten, and neither are their enemies.

The Redwinter ChroniclesThe Redwinter Chronicles by Ed McDonald

From the author of the critically-acclaimed Blackwing trilogy comes Ed McDonald’s The Redwinter Chronicles, a brilliant, action-packed fantasy series.

In the first epic book, Daughter of Redwinter, Raine, who can see—and speak—to the dead, must do everything she can to save her own skin. But when she rescues an injured woman, who was fleeing from Redwinter, the fortress-monastery of warrior magicians who answer to no one, and who will stop at nothing to reclaim what this woman’s stolen, Raine realizes this random act of kindness might just be the most dangerous decision she’s ever made. Forced to join the citadel, she soon learns that her secret ability could be the key to saving an entire nation.

The Phoenix Hoard The Phoenix Hoard by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle

Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle’s Phoenix Hoard series kicks off with Ebony Gate, a thrilling urban fantasy where magic meets martial arts. Set in contemporary San Francisco’s Chinatown, former assassin Emiko Soong, once known as the Butcher of Beijing, is pulled back into a deadly world when a shinigami demands she repay a family blood debt. Tasked with recovering the Ebony Gate, an artifact that holds back the spirits of the Yomi underworld, Emiko must face dark forces and reclaim her lethal reputation to save the city. The action-packed follow-up, Blood Jade, continues Emiko’s battle against the undead in this gripping blend of dragon magic and assassin intrigue.

Screen Shot 2024 09 05 at 2.03.20 PMThe Cerulean Chronicles by TJ Klune

TJ Klune’s The Cerulean Chronicles begins with The House in the Cerulean Sea, where by-the-book caseworker Linus Baker is sent to evaluate a mysterious orphanage filled with magical children who could potentially end the world—or become the family he never knew he needed. In the heartwarming sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, Klune continues his enchanting, life-affirming tale, offering readers a charming and queer-centered story that celebrates love, found family, and acceptance.

 

Screen Shot 2024 09 04 at 1.23.30 PMThe Ambit’s Run Series by L.M. Sagas

The Ambit’s Run series kicks off with Cascade Failure, a high-octane sci-fi adventure that follows a ragtag team as they uncover a planet-killing computer virus. Faced with the task of exposing the corporate giant behind the threat, the crew must act quickly to save millions of lives. In the action-packed sequel, Gravity Lost, this wild crew returns with more daring missions, vibrant new worlds, and a discovery that could alter the universe forever.

Screen Shot 2024 09 04 at 1.24.49 PMThe Witch’s Compendium of Monsters by Genoveva Dimova

Genoveva Dimova’s The Witch’s Compendium of Monsters duology, inspired by Slavic folklore, begins with Foul Days, a fast-paced fantasy perfect for fans of The Witcher and Naomi Novik. In this gripping debut, Dimova introduces a world filled with dark magic, mythical creatures, and intense battles, showcasing her unique voice in genre fiction. Stay tuned for the upcoming conclusion, Monstrous Nights, as the tale of witches and monsters continues to unfold. Out on 10/22!

9781250334022The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

The Stormlight Archive is the latest epic fantasy from the imaginative mind of Brandon Sanderson: welcome to the remarkable world of Roshar, a world both alien and magical, where gigantic hurricane-like storms scour the surface every few days and life has adapted accordingly. Roshar is shared by humans and the enigmatic, humanoid Parshendi, with whom they are at war.

9781250319180Wind and Truth, the long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive is out on 12/06!

 

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Book Recs Tailored to Your Favorite School Subjects!

Back to school season is here! Love english? Obsessed with history? Tell us your favorite school subject, and we’ll match you with the perfect book to read.


Science

exordia by seth dickinsonExordia by Seth Dickinson

Science meets cosmic mystery in a story where the stakes are as vast as the universe itself.

Anna Sinjari—refugee, survivor of genocide, disaffected office worker—has a close encounter that reveals universe-threatening stakes. Enter Ssrin, a many-headed serpent alien who is on the run from her own past. Ssrin and Anna are inexorably, dangerously drawn to each other, and their contact reveals universe-threatening stakes.

While humanity reels from disaster, Anna must join a small team of civilians, soldiers, and scientists to investigate a mysterious broadcast and unknowable horror. If they can manage to face their own demons, they just might save the world.

Social Science

Place holder  of - 70The Atlas Series by Olivie Blake

Think power, prestige, and the intricacies of human behavior.

Every decade, six exceptional magicians are chosen for the Alexandrian Society, a secret group promising unimaginable power. But as they navigate alliances and rivalries, they’ll discover just how high the stakes are. In this trilogy, social dynamics and the pursuit of knowledge intertwine with a thrilling narrative where not everyone will survive. Perfect for those fascinated by the complexities of human interaction and ambition.

Physical Education

Placeholder of  -88Rogue Sequence by Zac Topping

Rogue Sequence by Zac Topping is like the ultimate workout for your imagination! Set in 2091, it follows super-soldier Ander Rade, who’s been genetically modified for peak performance. After being captured and thrown into brutal fighting pits, he’s offered freedom in exchange for tracking down a former teammate. With high-stakes action and intense physical challenges, this book is perfect for anyone who loves a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping read.

Physics

the three body problem The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, translated by Ken Liu

Dive into the mind-bending world of The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, where physics and science fiction collide.

Set against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space to establish contact with aliens. An alien civilization on the brink of destruction captures the signal and plans to invade Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, different camps start forming, planning to either welcome the superior beings and help them take over a world seen as corrupt, or to fight against the invasion. This one’s for you, physics lovers.

English

craft: stories i wrote for the devil by ananda limaCraft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil by Ananda Lima 

Dive into the world of Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil, an intoxicating debut that every English literature fan will adore! This surreal tale follows a writer who weaves impossible yet true stories for the devil himself. With themes of love, tragedy, and the power of words, this book is a masterclass in the kind of storytelling that leaves a lasting impression—essential for any literary enthusiast.

 

History

the daughter's war by christopher buehlmanThe Daughters’ War by Christopher Buehlman

Step into the past with The Daughters’ War by Christopher Buehlman, a thrilling adventure set in the war-torn, goblin-infested years before The Blacktongue Thief. Just like a good history lesson, this book is packed with battles, political intrigue, and family drama. Discover the enslaved cities, burned fields, and epic conflicts in this captivating prequel.

 

Theater

The Naming SongThe Naming Song by Jedediah Berry

For those who live for imaginative worlds and epic journeys, The Naming Song is a must-read! Perfect for theater lovers, this tale is filled with marvelous discoveries, strange adventures, and dangerous truths. If you’re into stories as rich and vivid as a stage play, this fantasy—reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki and Guillermo del Toro—is calling your name. Out on 9/24!

 

Anthropology

when among crows by veronica rothWhen Among Crows by Veronica Roth

Curious about human societies and cultures? When Among Crows is a must-read! This swift and striking tale dives into Slavic folklore, exploring what it means to face our deepest fears. It’s a fascinating look at how cultures shape us—and how redemption might just be found in embracing the unknown.

 

Chemistry

Poster Placeholder of - 52The Green Creek Series by TJ Klune

Get ready for some serious sparks in this beloved romantasy by New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune! Love, loyalty, and a little bit of magic make this story a perfect reaction for fans of chemistry in ALL its forms.

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Bosses From Hell : Books with Dreadful Bosses

We’ve all had a boss who’s made us question our life choices, but in the world of fiction, bad bosses take things to a whoooooole new level. Whether they’re ruthless tyrants, manipulative masterminds, or just downright evil, these overlords make our real-life work woes seem like a walk in the park. Celebrate the release of Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby by diving into our spoiler-free list of the bad, the worse, and the downright diabolical bosses in our books!


Placeholder of  -52Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby

A group of employees and their CEO, celebrating the sale of their remarkable emotion-mapping-AI-algorithm, crash onto a not-quite-deserted tropical island. Luckily, those who survived have found a beautiful, fully-stocked private palace, with all the latest technological updates (though one without connection to the outside world). The house, however, has more secrets than anyone might have guessed, and a much darker reason for having been built and left behind.

Kristen, the hyper-competent “chief emotional manager” (a position created by her eccentric, boyish billionaire boss, Sumter) is trying to keep her colleagues stable throughout this new challenge, but staying sane seems to be as much of a challenge as staying alive. Being a woman in tech has always meant having to be smarter than anyone expects–and Kristen’s knack for out-of-the-box problem-solving and quick thinking has gotten her to the top of her field. But will a killer instinct be enough to survive the island?

Image Placeholder of - 76The Unspoken Name by  A. K. Larkwood

What if you knew how and when you will die?

Csorwe does—she will climb the mountain, enter the Shrine of the Unspoken, and gain the most honored title: sacrifice. But on the day of her foretold death, a powerful mage offers her a new fate. Leave with him, and live. Turn away from her destiny and her god to become a thief, a spy, an assassin—the wizard’s loyal sword. Topple an empire, and help him reclaim his seat of power. But Csorwe will soon learn—gods remember, and if you live long enough, all debts come due.

Place holder  of - 27Starter Villain by John Scalzi

Inheriting your uncle’s supervillain business is more complicated than you might think. Particularly when you discover who’s running the place. Charlie’s life is going nowhere fast. A divorced substitute teacher living with his cat in a house his siblings want to sell, all he wants is to open a pub downtown, if only the bank will approve his loan. Then his long-lost uncle Jake dies and leaves his supervillain business (complete with island volcano lair) to Charlie. But becoming a supervillain isn’t all giant laser death rays and lava pits. Jake had enemies, and now they’re coming after Charlie.

His uncle might have been a stand-up, old-fashioned kind of villain, but these are the real thing: rich, soulless predators backed by multinational corporations and venture capital. It’s up to Charlie to win the war his uncle started against a league of supervillains. But with unionized dolphins, hyper-intelligent talking spy cats, and a terrifying henchperson at his side, going bad is starting to look pretty good. In a dog-eat-dog world…be a cat.

Image Place holder  of - 31Vicious by V. E. Schwab

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

9781250357243The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.  Out on 9/10!

Poster Placeholder of - 32Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Arthur Parnassus lives a good life, built on the ashes of a bad one. He’s the headmaster of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six magical and so-called dangerous children who live there. Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago.

And he is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth; Zoe Chapelwhite, the island’s sprite; and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children. But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve. And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.

Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.  Out on 9/10!

The Naming SongThe Naming Song by Jedediah Berry

When the words went away, the world changed.

All meaning was lost, and every border fell. Monsters slipped from dreams to haunt the waking while ghosts wandered the land in futile reveries. Only with the rise of the committees of the named—Maps, Ghosts, Dreams, and Names—could the people stand against the terrors of the nameless wilds. They built borders around their world and within their minds, shackled ghosts and hunted monsters, and went to war against the unknown.

For one unnamed courier of the Names Committee, the task of delivering new words preserves her place in a world that fears her. But after a series of monstrous attacks on the named, she is forced to flee her committee and seek her long-lost sister. Accompanied by a patchwork ghost, a fretful monster, and a nameless animal who prowls the shadows, her search for the truth of her past opens the door to a revolutionary future—for the words she carries will reshape the world. Out on 9/24!

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The Art of Deceit: TOR’s Finest Liars Revealed

Our Favorite Non-Humanoid Aliens

Spoiler Warning: This blog post contains spoilers for various books. Proceed with caution if you prefer to discover plot twists and character revelations firsthand.

Welcome, bookworms and truth-seekers alike, to a deep-dive into the world of Tor’s charmingly deceptive characters! These literary liars are here to spin tales, bend truths, and keep us guessing. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of witty deceptions and clever fabrications as we uncover the finest fibbers in our beloved books.


Lukan Gardova (The Silverblood Promise by James Logan)

The Silverblood Promise

Starting with Lukan Gardova, the epitome of nobility and wealth, or so it seems. Beneath the veneer of his prestigious lineage lies a ne’er-do-well partying failson who squandered his inheritance in an ill-advised duel. However, when foul play targets his estranged father, Lukan finds himself thrust into a game of deception and intrigue. To unravel the mystery, he must tread carefully, juggling truths and lies as he delves into a world where uncovering the truth means embracing the art of deceit.

Giovanni Lawson (In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune)

In the Lives of Puppets

Warning: Spoilers ahead! Meet Giovanni Lawson, the cunning liar at the heart of this story. Playing the role of a father (akin to Geppetto), Giovanni has spun a web of deceit around his adopted human son, leading him to believe in a fabricated narrative involving the eradication of all human life and more. But beware, dear reader, for beneath these falsehoods lies a truth that may surprise you…

Talasseres (Tal) Charossa ( The Unspoken Name by A. K. Larkwood)

The Unspoken Name

Introducing Talasseres (Tal) Charossa, a scrappy rogue and dedicated pessimist with a knack for deception among his many skills. He’s not afraid to resort to backstabbing, thievery, and, crucially for this list, lying to achieve his goals. What does he want, you ask? Mostly, it’s just to excel at his tasks and maybe earn a morsel of acknowledgment from his boss—well, more of a crush, really—Belthandros Sethennai, who, Tal can’t help but note, is a wizard with a garbage track record.

Raine (Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald)

Daughter of Redwinter

Last, but certainly not least is Raine, a survivor in a world where lying isn’t a choice but a necessity. Unlike those who lie for selfish reasons or excitement, Raine’s lies are a lifeline. In a setting akin to a Bruce Willis blockbuster (though she’d find that notion bewildering), the Daughter of Redwinter navigates a third-world highland fantasy where seeing the deceased is not just a quirk but a grave danger. In her reality, such visions mark one for immediate destruction. Thus, Raine’s adeptness at deception isn’t a luxury but a vital skill for her very existence.

 

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A List of Lovable Menaces

Literature is full of characters we love, and often the very ones we love are indeed the ones who drive us crazy. Be it a roguish, irascible smile, witty wordplay, or any other brand of semi-sharp affection, our lovable menaces make us say “Ah! I can’t believe you! Come here…” 

And we’ve got a few of them here on this list 😈


the atlas complex by olivie blakeNicolás Ferrer de Varona from The Atlas Series by Olivie Blake

Everyone loves Nico a little bit, at least. He’s a median of prodigious skill who can cause earthquakes. He’s also the worst. As passionate about annoying everyone around him as he is about unraveling the secrets of the universe, Nico is totally lovable and definitely menace. 


The Thousand Eyes by A. K. LarkwoodTalasseres Charossa from The Serpent Gates Duology by A. K. Larkwood

To describe Tal Charossa as roguish is accurate. He is a rogue. He does odd jobs including theft, murder, deicide, and parenting(?!) to varying degrees of success. He’s always some degree of unhappy and being really annoying about it. The idea of hanging out with Tal for an afternoon should both exhaust and excite, because you’re going to have a wild adventure and he’s going to be an entirely insufferable. Still, he’ll take a knife (or use one) for you ❤️


Empress of Forever by max gladstoneZanj from Empress of Forever by Max Gladstone

In a cosmos ruled by a tyrannical queen who can crush planets by just flexing her thoughts, Zanj waged a campaign against her rule. Zanj failed of course, and was imprisoned in the heart of a star for many, many years. Still, just her name is enough to sew discord because anyone crazy enough to rebel against the Empress is also crazy dangerous. Zanj really doesn’t like being told what to do, so don’t try, however friends will discover that she can be a great ally. 


the silverblood promise by james loganLukan Gardova from The Silverblood Promise by James Logan

Lukan is many things, but foremost among them, is a flop. His dad agrees. After all, dude pretty much disowned Lukan after said failson disgraced himself in an ill-fated duel. At least he’s decently fun company, skilled at cards and at downing cheap wine! After Lukan’s hopes for redemption are squashed when his dad is murdered, he sets out to posthumously win back some dignity by solving the crime. Will he? 

Well. 

That’s what the book’s about, and it’s available for preorder now until 5/7/24, when it goes on sale. 


the jinn-bot of shantiport by samit basu-1Bador from The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport by Samit Basu

He’s a small monkey-bot with big dreams. He’s gonna be a superstar astronaut someday, but until that day he’ll continue to be the argumentative lil bro of Lina, prospective revolutionary / daughter of failed revolutionaries. Like many little brothers, he’s a menace, but means well. Life isn’t a friendly road for monkey robots, but Bador’s gonna walk it, chattering with his sister the whole way. 

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Monster Crush: Bookly Beasties We Love!

Heartsongheartsong by tj klune by TJ Klune is on sale now and we’re all just over the (full) moon (awoo) about it! We love thinking about werewolves and other monsters, and that got us thinking about this list we put together last year with all our literary monster crushes… If you missed our heartfelt confessions, check them out, and then check out Heartsong!

Monsters evoke a lot of emotions in us. In many ways they are fragments of our vulnerabilities and our fears, given shape and story by artists brave enough to dream them up. They’re also sometimes the object of our affections—fear isn’t the only emotion at play, folks!

We’ve compiled a list of monsters, deities, and mythical creatures we love. Enjoy 😈


The Thousand Eyes by A. K. LarkwoodZinandour, Dragon of Qarsazh — The Unspoken Name & The Thousand Eyes by A. K. Larkwood

She is the flame that devours and definitely a bad influence—a profoundly tragic force of banished calamity. Her magi are infinitely suspicious of her, and they should be, because Zinandour is the intrusive whispers in their minds, the little voice that wheedles wouldn’t it be nice to burn everything and languish in the heat of the inferno? She’s scary, and what’s scarier: you’re starting to think she might be right…

a cat, Assistant Marketing Manager


wolfsong by tj kluneThe Bennett Family – The Green Creek series by TJ Klunes

Do we really need to explain? THEY ARE WEREWOLVES. Werewolves. As they say, packpackpack. Sometimes they will leave a dead rabbit on your doorstep. Other times they really need a good tackle hug to get their scent on you. Every so often, one will lose control and you’ll be there to guide them back to who they are at heart. It’s a lifetime commitment, but with a giant wolf by your side, what more could you want?

Becky, Senior Manager of Ad/Promo & Marketing


book of night by holly black trade paperback[REDACTED] – Book of Night by Holly Black

I can’t really describe the character because it’s such a spoiler! But shadowshadowshadow! I think anyone who has read the book will know what I’m talking about, and if you haven’t read the book then you need to.

Julia, Marketing Manager


somewhere beyond the sea by tj kluneArthur Parnassus —The House in the Cerulean Sea & Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

This man is on fire. As the loving caretaker for a motley crew of magical children, Arthur screams family material. Hello, daddy. He is kind and wise and determined to protect his kids. So, what’s so monstrous about a middle-aged chap with impeccable dad energy? He’s a literal phoenix. So, if you’re into fiery birds, Arthur is The One for you.

Burns Alike


the monster of elendhaven by jennifer giesbrechtJohann – The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht

Johann, the titular monster of this dark little novella, commits brutal crimes aplenty and yet he still has my heart. He’s a pale, slinking thing that creeps through the shadowed streets of Elendhaven murdering with abandon, but frankly, he has his reasons, and at the end of the day, he just wants to be loved. I spent the whole book rooting for this depraved creature of the night to find his happy ending.

Merlin Hoye, Marketing Assistant

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Be Gay, Do Crime: 7 SFF Books Full of Chaotic Queer Criminals

Two things we love at Tor: Being gay. Doing crime. And who does gay crimes better than the characters of our authors? Check out this list of queerly criminal stories for your perusal pleasure. 

Check it out!


the-thousand-eyesThe Thousand Eyes by A. K. Larkwood

Eons ago, the Serpent Goddess Iriskaaval destroyed her own empire. Millenia later, our wayward heroes from The Unspoken Name must contend with her re-manifestation. Contained within this book is a multiplicity of crime, yearning, love, action, death, betrayal, and sometimes apotheosis. It’s amazing and incredible and should be read with quickness and haste.

atlas-1The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

Olivie Blake’s virally sensational The Atlas Six tells the story of six ambitious magicians as they vie for induction into a secret society that safeguards all the world’s most dangerous and forbidden research and knowledge. They drink fancy drinks, create magical wormholes, pour over research, and occasionally gayly pour over each other… and then backstab!

This is a book for lovers of romance, betrayal, and intricate intrigue 😈

Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka AokiLight From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

In Ryka Aoki’s brilliant debut, Light from Uncommon Stars, love is weighed against Faustian bargains. Shizuka Satomi cut a deal with a demon long ago to save herself from damnation. Now, she must convince seven violin prodigies to sell their souls for success. But! A retired starship captain and a shop that sells warm donuts give her a chance at real love. Don’t miss this defiantly joyful adventure of queer courtship and crimes. 

winters-orbitWinter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell

Look. Sometimes, to solve the big crimes, you need to commit a few smaller, more fun crimes. Kiem and Jainan, our two favorite space princes, need to solve a murder as they fall into mutual pining (despite being married) and that means things like hacking databases and a little bit of light breaking and entering.

ceruleanseaThe House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Linus works for Extremely Upper Management, and they have a lot of rules. One of the most important is “Do Not Form Attachments”. But that’s pretty hard when you’re soft and gay and you end up on a private island with the mysterious Arthur Parnassus and the cabal of terrifying but adorable children with supernatural powers he looks after.

becaame a sunShe Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

Few people on this list frighten us as much as Zhu Chongba, the titular heroine of She Who Became the Sun. She’s willing to do an awful lot of crime to achieve greatness. Plus she did steal her brother’s identity to masquerade as a man and join the rebellion against the Khans.

book-9781250175359Trouble the Saints by Alaya Dawn Johnson

Set in gritty alt-history Harlem, the crime in Trouble the Saints is organized! Phyllis LeBlanc is a bisexual assassin, hired to keep the Manhattan underworld in line. Trouble is both a magical love story and a compelling exploration of race in America at the dawn of World War II. And there are also knives. A lot of knives.

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Trope Spotlight: 5 Accidental Child Acquisitions

by Merlin Hoye

Here at Tor, we love stories, and the building block tropes that make them! Today, we’re thinking about The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and Accidental Child Acquisition.

If you’re going through withdrawal from lack of content involving Pedro Pascal accidentally acquiring a child under extremely dangerous circumstances and then reluctantly growing to love said child so much that he would die for them, we totally get it. Lucky you, we’re here to fill that Pedro-shaped hole in your heart with some equally hot reluctant parental figures!

Check them out here. 


Mistborn by Brandon SandersonMistborn by Brandon Sanderson

In a world torn apart by a despot known only as Lord Ruler, a thief named Kelsier forms a crew to take back the world. Kelsier is a Mistborn, a person with the ability to use Allomancy, or metal magic. When he comes across a girl named Vin with the same unique ability, he begins training her in the arts of Allomancy and crime. Vin has had a hard life and she is initially reluctant to allow herself to grow attached to anyone, but as the two broken souls work together, they soon form a kind of trust that is new to both of them.


The Thousand Eyes by A. K. LarkwoodThe Thousand Eyes by A.K. Larkwood

Without being too plot-specific because The Thousand Eyes is the second and final book in the incredible Serpent Gates Duology—this book is in many ways about getting older, as we all must, and do. Our lives don’t turn out the way we thought, for better or for worse. Sometimes that can involve not being wed and sacrificed to the god of death. Sometimes that means not getting as much time as we would like with those we love. In The Thousand Eyes, a character (who never really learned how to get this whole life thing right so much as always be landing on their feet) finds themselves in a guardian role to the precocious child of a former enemy. The kid is powerful, and reckless, and their mom is scary, but so is their world, and our reluctant, frequently exasperated, and sharply witty guardian might be the ideal candidate to help them prepare for it. 


Pinocchio by Carlo CollodiPinocchio by Carlo Collodi

While there’s nothing accidental about the way Geppetto comes by Pinocchio, he’s kind of the OG when it comes to acquiring a child under unusual circumstances. After the lonely cobbler carves a boy out of wood and gives him a name, he is initially overjoyed when the boy magically comes to life. However, the puppet quickly shows a remarkable capacity for mischief and it isn’t long before Geppetto is rather wishing he could unacquire his new son as soon as possible. Don’t miss T.J. Klune’s wholesome take on the classic tale with In the Lives of Puppets, out next March!


Witch King by Martha WellsWitch King by Martha Wells

Kai is a demon. And he was dead. But after getting rudely re-alived by a particularly inept mage, Kai must rally his few allies in order to figure out what on earth has been going on since his assassination. A power called the Rising World Coalition is growing and Kai’’s ragtag group of demons, witches, and sorceresses sets out to stop them, picking up a plucky street urchin named Sanja along the way. There is no one better at writing prickly, emotional characters than Martha Wells and this is a touching story of loveable monsters who ultimately care greatly about one another.


Vicious by V.E. SchwabVicious by V.E. Schwab

When Victor is released from prison, he has only one thought in his mind – getting even with his best friend-turned-arch-nemesis, Eli. The two were college roommates who conducted dangerous experiments involving supernatural powers and superhuman abilities which eventually landed Victor in jail. With the help of Sydney, a young girl with extraordinary powers, he sets out to track down his old friend who he now blames for his misfortunes. In a story of superpowers gone wrong and morally-grey characters, the relationship between Victor and Sydney is the beating heart. If their budding friendship doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, yes it did. You’re lying.

 

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Our Ships Will Never Sink: A List of Tor Staffer’s Ultimate OTPs!

We have a lot of OTPs (One True Pairings) here at Tor, but today, we’re here to talk about our ULTIMATE OTPs. We asked our staff to tell us about their favorite TDA ships and they delivered.

Check them out below!


Image Placeholder of - 35Samantha Friedlander, Marketing Assistant (she/her)

My favorite TDA OTP would have to be Esther and Cye from Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey. Their chemistry leapt off the page and was one of the many reasons why I loved this novella!

Placeholder of  -2Yvonne Ye, Ad/Promo Assistant (she/her)

The Stormlight Archive: I ship Kaladin/therapy, and if you’ve met the man, you’ll understand why

Alternatively! For the Teixcalaan duology by Arkady Martine, I ship Three Seagrass/Mahit Dzmare because I support beleaguered bureaucrat 4 beleagured bureaucrat :))))) If your OTP doesn’t have email work sessions together, do they even love each other?

Poster Placeholder of - 4a cat, Marketing Coordinator (he/him)

My TDA OTP is a match made in magic hell and it’s Talasseres Charossa from The Unspoken Name by A. K. Larkwood and John Gaius from Harrow the Ninth. Tal is a rogue with a thing for garbage wizards and John Gaius, the Emperor Undying, is the garbage-ist wizard of all. This pairing is literally cursed, but so potent it must be true.

Image Place holder  of - 50Anna Merz, Publicity Assistant (she/her)

I would like to start this off by saying I for one ship the Marketing and Publicity teams at TDA xoxo

But also I mega ship Samson and Abitha from Slewfoot. A wholesome Monster/devil love of flower crowns, bees, and revenge.

Place holder  of - 61Becky Yeager, Manager of Ad/Promo & Marketing (she/her)

Kadou and Evemer from A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland

One is a prince. The other one is a bodyguard. Could I make it any more obvious? Prince Kadou is kind, thoughtful, and anxious. Evemer is loyal, honorable, and reserved. Together they are everything I want out of a couple: a perfect balance of sweet and oh no, he’s hot. They bring out the very best in each other as they contend with conspiracies, a counterfeit crisis, and the periodic assassination attempt. If slow burn and pining are your cup of tea, then look no further than A Taste of Gold and Iron.

cover of A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz MeadowsRachel Taylor, Marketing Manager (she/her)

Definitely Caethari and Velasin from A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows. Arranged marriage trope? Queer romance? Yearning? WHAT MORE COULD I WANT?!?!?!

What is your SFF OTP? Let us know in the comments? 

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