Do you hear that??
It’s the sweet, sometimes stressful sound of your gift list getting longer and longer as you remember all of the humans, animals, and unidentified entities in your life that you need to buy things for. That’s a lot of pressure, but don’t worry about it too much because we’ve put out heads together to come up with some egg-cellent recommendations for you, if we do say so ourselves. Check them out here and let us know which ones you’re grabbing in the comments!
by Rachel Taylor and Tiana Tolbert
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson: For the person in your life who’s been dying to start reading Brandon Sanderson, but doesn’t know where to start
Do you have that person in your life who’s always wanted to dive into Brandon Sanderson’s stunning worlds, but just didn’t know what to pick up first? We’re here to help and to tell you to kick their journey off with Mistborn, the first book in The Mistborn Saga. This book has heists, political intrigue, and epic fantasy–what more could they want? Even better, it has a fresh new cover AND there’s even a boxed set, if you really want to be the best gift giver ever!
Wind & Truth by Brandon Sanderson: For the Brandon Sanderson aficionado
Every Sanderson fan knows the wait for the next installment in the Stormlight Archive series feels like a lifetime (okay, it has been a lifetime). But now, you can give them the ultimate present—Wind & Truth!!! Packed with epic battles, mind-blowing magic systems, and the complex characters they’ve come to love, this book is everything they’ve been dreaming of and more. It’s basically the fantasy version of hitting the jackpot. It’s the perfect gift for the fantasy lover who’s ready to dive back into Roshar for the next epic chapter.
Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust: For the special edition collector!
Some books are for reading, some books are for displaying, and some are for both! We are thrilled that BOTH Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust by #1 New York Times bestselling author Travis Baldree are now out with shiny new special editions, featuring updated covers, stenciled edges, beautiful endpapers, and delightful chapter art. Whether your friend has been dying to dive into cozy fantasy or just wants some beautiful books to show off on their shelves, you can’t go wrong by grabbing this set!
Blood of the Old Kings: For the K-Drama connoisseur
Whomst among us hasn’t mooched off the friend who shelled out for Viki Pass PLUS? Listen, we need to know how My Sweet Gangster ends, okay?! But don’t worry, you can repay their kindness with a new epic fantasy they’ll love–Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim, translated by Anton Hur (who, fun fact, also translated the BTS memoir, also from Macmillan!) Filled with magic, necromancy, and the kind of high stakes we love to see from our dramas, you won’t regret making this the gift of choice this holiday season!
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune: For the person who wishes they were on an island vacation instead of dealing with winter storms
We all have that friend in our life who hates, hates, HATESSS the cold. They yearn for sunshine and heat waves and a tropical paradise, so why not give them the gift of escapism this holiday season with Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune? Journey to Marsyas Island and bask in another magical adventure with TJ Klune, a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it. And don’t forget to get The House in the Cerulean Sea in hardcover to match, now with teal sprayed edges!
The Naming Song by Jedediah Berry: For the Studio Ghibli enthusiast in your life
For the friend who watches Spirited Away on loop and swears their cat is secretly a Totoro, The Naming Song will feel like pure magic. With its dreamy, mystical vibes and heartwarming story, it’s like opening a portal to a world where everything is just a bit more whimsical. Perfect for those who believe that a strong breeze could carry you off on an adventure. (We highly recommend they read this with the Howl’s Moving Castle soundtrack playing in the background. Game. Changer.)
The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab: For the reader ready to go on a new adventure to a beloved world
Have someone on your list who’s been obsessing over A Darker Shade of Magic since forever? The Fragile Threads of Power is their ticket back to the world of four Londons—because let’s be honest, they never wanted to leave. This first book in V.E. Schwab’s new Threads of Power trilogy brings fresh faces (hello, Tess!) and old favorites together for a political chess game with magic, betrayal, and intrigue around every corner. Even though it can be read as a standalone, true fans will be thrilled to catch up with familiar characters. Gift it to the friend who’s ready for a new adventure—or who just needs a break from holiday small talk.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi: For the friend who sends you way too many pictures of their cat
Got a friend whose phone is 90% cat pics? Starter Villain is the purr-fect gift for them (sorry, not sorry). It’s packed with evil felines, corporate takedowns, and just the right amount of cat-itude to keep them laughing—and sending even more pictures of their furball overlord. You’re welcome in advance.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher: For the person who can’t get enough of unhinged fantasy retellings
Listen, this isn’t your typical fairytale retelling. A Sorceress Comes to Call takes The Goose Girl to a whooooole new level, complete with an evil sorceress, a white horse named Falada, and some truly terrifying killer geese. With dark magic, sinister schemes, and plenty of twists, it’s perfect for those who crave a little chaos in their stories. Plus, the stunning hardcover—featuring a foil stamp and custom endpapers illustrated by the author—makes this book as much of a treasure as the story itself.
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth: For the reader who’s favorite Taylor Swift album is folklore
Does someone in your life stand by the fact that folklore is Taylor Swift’s best album? Then they’re a person of *taste* and you should reward them with all kinds of folklore, including the Slavic folklore found in #1 New York Times bestseller Veronica Roth’s When Among Crows! Swift and striking, this powerful short novel packs a punch and will leave you longing for more of this alternate Chicago dreamscape.
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake: For the friend who still wishes it was Halloween
Know someone who’s bummed scary season is over? Don’t worry, it lives on IN OUR HEARTS and on the pages of Masters of Death by Olivie Blake, now in paperback with beautiful purple stained edges! This is a story about vampire, ghosts, and death itself–’tis the season!
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow: For the person whose favorite Disney movie is Beauty & the Beast
For the friend who swoons over brooding castles and cursed heroes, Starling House is the perfect holiday gift. Think Beauty & the Beast, but with a haunted mansion, a cursed town, and no enchanted teapots—just eerie secrets and a misanthropic heir. With its stunning purple sprayed edges and a bonus short story, this edition is as gorgeous as it is spooky. It’s ideal for the friend who dreams of magical mansions, mysterious figures, and a whole lot of mystery (minus the enchanted rose).
