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Mind-Bending Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books Picked For You

Mind-Bending Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books Picked For You

These science fiction and fantasy books capture the wonder and danger of venturing into the unknown. From interstellar voyages to alien encounters, they’re perfect for readers who dream of the stars and want adventure at light speed.



To Condemn a Witch (Tales of the Witchborn Book 1)

by Lisa A. Traugott

Release Date: August 11, 2025

A stolen scroll. A cursed bloodline. A prophecy binds three witches—maiden, mother, and crone—across life and death. From haunted Scotland to colonial Virginia, they must protect a changeling child from a ruthless witch hunter. To Condemn a Witch is a dark tale of magic, sacrifice, and sisterhood.

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Lava & Lightning (Dragonhammer Saga Book 1)

by J.S. Morin

Release Date: September 23, 2025

The Dragonhammer Saga isn't the story of one dwarf, but of the whole clan. If you want the whole vibe of dwarves as hard-drinking, hard-working, family-oriented, and tougher than nails, then this is the series for you. If you prefer gruff, bearded miners who might occasionally break into song, good news: this is also the series for you!

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The Outpost at Tal Ghrna (The Chronicles of Dorn Book 1)

by Simon Dell

Release Date: September 16, 2025

When the Dominion falls and the Sovereign dies, chaos erupts on the backwater planet of Tal Ghrna. Outnumbered and abandoned, Commander Dorn must unite miners, soldiers, and traders against a vengeful uprising led by a ruthless warlord. Survival means sacrifice—and trust may be deadlier than war.

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The Red Occupation (The Book of Ruin Book 6)

by W.G. Hladky

Release Date: July 24, 2025

Six centuries after solar storms severed contact between Earth and Mars, the Martian colonists return, not as kin but conquerors. They unleash destruction on Europa. But conquest turns to occupation when coveted antigravity factories are found abandoned. Some realms are spared to supply slave labor. Yet, an insurgency rises, sparking a brutal war.

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Diplomat's Heir (Diplomat’s Apprentice Book 12)

by LJ Dix

Release Date: September 15, 2025

Acting Ambassador Anwyn Owens came to Erran to broker peace. Instead, she's watching a world tear itself apart—literally. Volcanic eruptions threaten the capital. Rogue military units hunt anyone who knows too much. Somewhere in the chaos, an ancient puppet master is orchestrating the final act of a centuries-old war. The enemy should be clear: the Malvore, whose fleets have terrorized the galaxy for generations. But when one of Anwyn's team vanishes into the heart of enemy territory, disturbing patterns emerge.

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Wild Sun (Dark Mass Book 1)

by Ehsan Ahmad & Shakil Ahmad

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Defeated and broken, the natives of Corvos are forced to ravage their lush planet of its natural resources—all for the glory of a mysterious empire they’ve never seen and barely comprehend. But not all light is lost. In the heart of one young woman alone, the gods have set a flame that cannot be extinguished. Cerrin remains as fierce and unyielding as the planet itself.

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Enemies, Rivals, Lovers: Romance Novels You Can’t Resist

Enemies, Rivals, Lovers: Romance Novels You Can’t Resist

Tension turns into passion in these enemies-to-lovers tales, packed with sizzling chemistry and clever banter. Perfect for readers who love slow-burn attraction and high-stakes romance. Each story transforms conflict into irresistible love. You’ll cheer for these couples every step of the way.



Mind of Milya

by Bess Hendrick

Release Date: August 18, 2025

Confident and free-spirited, Milya Hart embraces life without commitments. Chris Nelson, her devoted partner, longs for stability when she moves to Alaska for a chef’s job. Mind of Milya explores love, freedom, and the family legacies that shape their choices.

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Blindside Me (Cessna U Hockey Book 3)

by Kimberly Readnour

Release Date: September 18, 2025

When a one-night stand turns out to be her uncle’s star hockey player, Jade Howell is forced to face the one guy she can’t afford to fall for—especially when he starts falling right back.

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Recipe for Love (Cat's Paw Cove Book 24)

by Sharon Buchbinder

Release Date: September 22, 2025

A sous chef discovers her kitchen has been appropriated for a viral internet cooking show and must stop a showrunner from revealing a sanctuary for supernaturals.

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My Favorite Lost Cause (The Favorites Book 2)

by Elizabeth O'Roark

Release Date: August 28, 2025

My stepbrother’s estate is fading fast. My resistance to him is fading faster. When my marriage hits rock bottom, I escape to South Carolina to help my charming disaster of a stepbrother, Charlie—aka "the douchiest man in Manhattan"—fix up the decaying Southern mansion he's just inherited.

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Valentine Nook (The Valentine Nook Chronicles Book 1)

by Lulu Moore

Release Date: September 18, 2025

It's a title he'd sooner burn to the ground, especially following the fallout of his 'almost' wedding. It doesn't help that his mother is trying to set him up with every single woman in the country, none of whom he's interested in. The final straw is when she rents out his former pre-marital home to Holiday Simpson. . . America's sweetheart and box-office favorite.

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Pack Scratch Fever

by Liliana Carlisle

Release Date: September 20, 2025

Who needs a pack when you can have cats? Piper has everything she wants, even if others call her a crazy cat lady. She doesn't need a pack; she has a cat rescue and enough cuddly felines to keep her company. She definitely isn't attracted to the handsome Alpha lawyer that smells like catnip and claims he doesn't like cats. But when a cat colony shows up in the backyard of his packhouse, Piper has no choice but to help Poe and his packmates, Avery and Maddox.

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Interview with Joe Colopy, Author of Bootstrapping Bronto

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Bootstrapping Bronto: The Art of Scaling Your Startup Without Venture Capital?

Building a startup is often associated with raising venture capital. I wrote this book as a counter-narrative—a story that shows bootstrapping can be a viable, and often better, path to building a high-growth startup. I followed this approach with Bronto Software, and this book shares the lessons I learned along the way.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Bootstrapping Bronto: The Art of Scaling Your Startup Without Venture Capital, what would they be?

"Ramble On" by Led Zeppelin.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I have several—business biographies, hacker fiction, and historical science. I’m new to writing, so no preferences yet!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many self-help books! I’m not a big fan of that genre, thus the pile!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I enjoyed describing “The Conjoined Triangles for Bootstrap Success”—there are a lot of hard-learned truths in that quirky little diagram.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not really, just a quiet room and some hot coffee.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

"Live outside your comfort zone."

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Success in entrepreneurship comes to those who run the marathon, not those who chase the sprint.

 

Joe Colopy is the author of the new book Bootstrapping Bronto: The Art of Scaling Your Startup Without Venture Capital

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Interview with W.G. Hladky, Author of The Red Occupation

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Red Occupation (The Book of Ruin Book 6)?

While traveling in lands with many more layers of history than those in the U.S., I often pondered what it would be like to live at those moments of upheaval, when one era ends and another begins, such as when the Roman Empire fell and medieval Europe began. Would our structures be turned into barns or quarries, like what happened to Roman buildings? My stories feature people living during a time when a new world is emerging.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Though I read fiction and non-fiction, I’m drawn to books that provide a long sweep of time.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Robert Harris’s Imperium, Paul Cooper’s Fall of Civilization, Mustafa Suleyman’s The Coming Wave, Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle’s Footfall.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I do not believe history is made by the lone, rugged individual, but by a group of people—sometimes bound by blood, other times not who come together as a family. I enjoy writing about those moments.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

None.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Joseph Campbell said humans do not search for the meaning of life; they search to experience life.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

We are social animals that must come together to survive.

 

W. G. Hladky is the author of the new book The Red Occupation (The Book of Ruin Book 6)

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Interview with Simon Dell, Author of The Outpost at Tal Ghrna

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Outpost at Tal Ghrna (The Chronicles of Dorn Book 1)?

I’ve been writing since I was 13 years old, and growing up, I was a big fan of Star Wars and classic 1980s TV shows like The A-Team and Knight Rider. This book is my take on the 1976 film Assault on Precinct 13, combined with the question: what would happen to the outlying parts of an empire once it fell? The idea had been in my head for many years, but it was actually a marriage breakdown that finally gave me the motivation to write it.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Outpost at Tal Ghrna (The Chronicles of Dorn Book 1), what would they be?

That’s such a good question, because in Book 2, I’m actually going to include a full soundtrack for the story. Music is such a massive part of my life, so I’ve already given it a lot of thought. For Dorn, it would be Massive Attack’s Protection. For Rikki, Pat Benatar’s All Fired Up. For Barker, Oasis’s Rock ’n’ Roll Star. Nols is the hardest to pin down, but I suspect she’d be into some kind of freeform jazz—which, honestly, I can’t stand. Lol.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’m a massive science fiction reader, too. I read a bit of fantasy, but largely stick to science fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Artemis by Andy Weir, Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson (which has been on my TBR for about 10 years! Lol), and about half a dozen Greg Bear books. I’m also halfway through the first Dungeon Crawler Carl book on audiobook.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That’s hard to describe without spoilers. But there’s a great “everything is lost” moment at the end that was thrilling to write. Basically, anything with Barker causing chaos and destruction is fun to write. In Book 2, he’s the centerpiece of a lot more chaos!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not really, but I don’t write in a linear way. Sometimes I skip massive parts and leave gaps to write later, then put everything back together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I have a huge document full of quotes, so I could write about 50 here. One of my favorite fun ones is often attributed to Mike Tyson—but it wasn’t him. It sounds like something he would say, so let’s just pretend it was. “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The whole book is about doing the right thing when you have no choice. Sometimes that’s the hardest decision to make. But I think we become better people when we make those tough calls and do what we know is right.

 

Simon Dell is the author of the new book The Outpost at Tal Ghrna (The Chronicles of Dorn Book 1)

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Interview with Lisa A. Traugott, Author of To Condemn a Witch

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write To Condemn a Witch?

Last year, I released my debut novel, To Rescue a Witch. (It’s 1739: an abused girl accused of witchcraft must be rescued by a man married… to an actual witch.) My new prequel, To Condemn a Witch, is about… the actual witch. (It’s 1729: a clairvoyant healer must form a coven with a scandalous mistress and a vengeful ghost to protect a child from a ruthless witch hunter who wants to steal her magic.)

While To Rescue a Witch is historical fiction with magical elements that could be explained away, in To Condemn a Witch, I went all in on the dark fantasy. Witches! Ghosts! Spells! Because magic is way more fun than reality—and I think a lot of us want an escape from the news these days.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

When I’m writing, I try to read lots of different genres to brainstorm new ideas for plot twists. I also like reading nonfiction psychology books to discover new and exciting ways to make my villains seem authentic.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

OMG. So. Many. Books… I’m pretty eclectic. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, The Complete Guide to Heroes and Heroines by Tami D. Cowden, Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, and The Fairy Bible by Teresa Moorey.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really like the opening chapter. It’s not every day you watch a wrongly accused woman “go medieval” and curse powerful men to protect her niece, while simultaneously burning a sigil into her traitorous coven sister, who then shape-shifts into a raven to escape.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

When I was struggling to connect with Fiona (the clairvoyant healer), I decided to move my desk from my office into the living room beside the fireplace for inspiration, since bonfires were the primary way for the coven to meet up in the Otherworld. I also bought some incense and burned it as I wrote her chapters because that seemed witchy. My family and bulldog were very confused, but they went with it.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt. It’s a good reminder that anyone can act today; no perfect conditions required.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Flaws don’t erase worthiness. Anyone can reach redemption if they truly work on themselves.

 

Lisa A. Traugott is the author of the new book To Condemn a Witch

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Interview with KB Fisher, Author of The Two of You

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Two of You?

The Two of You is my fourth novel and the sequel to my debut, Admit Two—the beginning of a crime thriller series that explores mistrust, mental illness, and the fight to survive in the unforgiving world of law enforcement.

In The Two of You, Detective Asher Huxley continues his pursuit of his rogue partner, Cassandra Lejeune, while juggling two new serial killer cases that could determine his future as lead detective of the New Orleans homicide department. After Cassandra’s husband murdered Asher’s wife, Cass is now on the run—or is she dead, after being shot by Asher’s best friend and colleague?

The Asher Huxley series pulls readers into a fast-paced world of intricate criminal investigations while delving into the real-world struggles of anxiety and the personal life of a homicide investigator.

As a native of Greater New Orleans, I can honestly say no other city provides such a rich and diverse cultural backdrop. The Crescent City is truly one of a kind. Combine its intrigue with the fight to endure in a world of chaos and death, and you get a story that will bleed out slowly for years to come.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read an equal amount of true crime and mystery thrillers. True crime gives me fresh ideas for my own writing while also offering a break from fiction. Reading other mystery thrillers shows me what’s already been done in the genre and keeps me motivated to push boundaries and explore new ways of storytelling.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Currently, I’m reading Seneca’s Selected Works, as I am always seeking new philosophical perspectives on life and death. I also plan to read Ann Rule’s But I Trusted You and James Patterson’s 2nd Chance.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I can’t say that I had one favorite scene to write, but there were certain chapters, collectively, that were an absolute pleasure to pen—and those are what I call the “you” chapters. Select chapters throughout the book are written in second person after the initial murder is carried out. These chapters follow the killers themselves as they commit the crimes, without revealing a clear connection as to who they are. This is my first novel to include this sort of “you” writing, and I think it serves the tension of such an intricate mystery well. It adds to the uncertainty of the killers’ identities, even if the reader is convinced they’ve got it all figured out.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Although not too quirky, I always need a fresh cup of coffee. I have to write in order—no jumping ahead to later chapters. Each morning, I edit the previous chapter before moving on to the next, and my wife reads every single chapter as soon as I finish it.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

The more I study it, the more I realize the Greeks and Romans may have had it right. The formal philosophy of Stoicism offers a great deal when it comes to mental well-being and living a life one can consider worthwhile, even in the face of hardship. I’m now focusing more on my physical and mental health, while also developing interests and skills that feel meaningful and rewarding—not merely a “career.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

A good story doesn’t require likable characters—only characters with a story worth telling.

 

KB Fisher is the author of the new book The Two of You

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Interview with Kimberly Readnour, Author of Blindside Me

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Blindside Me?

Blindside Me is book four in the Cessna U Hockey series. Drew was introduced in book one. At first, you think he’s this wild guy with pent-up frustrations. But as you get glimpses of his character, you soon realize there is something driving his behavior. Blindside Me opens up with him clashing with this self-destructive side, and he soon realizes he needs to shape up, or he won’t meet his goals. I couldn’t wait to dive into his character flaws. Writing wounded characters is my favorite thing to do. Pairing him with Jade, who is the complete opposite but has deep wounds herself, was so fun to write. I love characters with opposite characteristics because their banter is always fun to write.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre is definitely romance! I read a few nonfiction titles on occasion, but nothing beats a couple falling in love.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I am currently reading No Rhyme or Roughing by Michelle MacQueen. It’s another hockey romance.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have to write whenever I can carve out free time. But my favorite time is in the morning, with a cup of coffee beside me.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Years ago, I was at the bookstore looking for stocking stuffers for my children. On a bookmark, a shortened quote—“Never, never, never quit,” from Winston Churchill—stood out to me. Needless to say, each child received that bookmark, and I have repeatedly reminded them of his words. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t live by that motto myself.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I would love for people to walk away from this book with the knowledge of trusting themselves to make the right decisions. These characters have walls made of stone. They do chip away at each other’s barriers, but it’s when they take an internal look and start to heal themselves that the last of the walls falls.

 

Kimberly Readnour is the author of the new book Blindside Me

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Interview with Sharon Buchbinder, Author of Recipe for Love

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Recipe for Love (Cat's Paw Cove Book 24)?

I love to cook, and I am always on the lookout for a new and easy recipe. One day, I stumbled across an old cooking video where the “chef” assembled a daffodil cake from two store-bought cakes and a box of store-bought cookies. The comments on the video were so funny that I was crying. It wasn’t long before my imagination cooked up the idea for my new paranormal romantic comedy!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Recipe for Love (Cat's Paw Cove Book 24), what would they be?

For the entire book: “Mahna Mahna,” by the Snowths, in The Muppet Show (1969).

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Paranormal Romance, Paranormal Romantic Suspense, and yes.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Fiend by Alma Katsu, Casket Case by Lauren Evan, and Snapshot of a Murder by Alison Henderson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The luau that goes from zero to 100 mph with the addition of Dionysus and his followers.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I chew on Tootsie Pops and drink coffee while I write.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Love one another, embrace differences, and help your children grow to their greatest potential.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

You are lovable.

 

Sharon Buchbinder is the author of the new book Recipe for Love (Cat's Paw Cove Book 24)

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Interview with Bess Hendrick, Author of Mind of Milya

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Mind of Milya?

The process of writing Mind of Milya has been full of surprises. I’d set out to write a love story that compared how Milya’s choices around relationships were different from those of her mother’s generation, but an unexpected portion also became about Chris’s experience of growing up male in today’s world.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Mind of Milya, what would they be?

I Did It My Way.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Literary fiction is my favorite genre, especially books by authors like Kristin Hannah and Barbara Kingsolver, who often feature a love story as part of the novel.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Island of the Sea Women and Remarkably Bright Creatures.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

One of my many favorite scenes to write was the one in which Chris compares the vast beauty of the Olympic mountain range with his love for Milya, minutes before he finds out that she is taking a job hundreds of miles away in Anchorage.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I do my writing in a small cabin tucked among the trees and mountains surrounding our property, often accompanied by a snoring dog or two.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Live and let live.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

There are many ways to be in a relationship, each with its own benefits. The ability to make choices around that is essential to a fulfilling life.

 

Bess Hendrick is the author of the new book Mind of Milya

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