1. The Unseen World by Liz Moore
At the heart of this novel is Ada Sibelius, a brilliant young girl raised by her single father—a computer scientist working on artificial intelligence in the 1980s. When he begins to show signs of dementia, Ada uncovers secrets about his past that force her to reexamine everything she thought she knew. The Unseen World is a moving blend of literary fiction and speculative themes, praised for its emotional complexity and elegant prose. Liz Moore, now well known for Long Bright River, first caught critical attention with this book, which earned starred reviews from Kirkus and Library Journal.
2. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Twelve-year-old David, mourning the loss of his mother during WWII, retreats into a world of books—only to find himself drawn into a dark, fairy tale-like alternate reality. In this realm, twisted versions of familiar stories become dangerous, and David must navigate trials that reflect his deepest fears and grief. A beautifully written coming-of-age fantasy, this novel was a finalist for the Hugo Award and lauded by Publishers Weekly as “rich, layered storytelling for grown-up lovers of fairy tales.”
3. The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
In a world recovering from a rebellion against magical elites, young Davian discovers he possesses forbidden powers that may shape the fate of the realm. As he and his friends flee their academy, they become embroiled in ancient prophecies and political unrest. This high-stakes fantasy blends action, mystery, and complex world-building. Originally self-published, it gained traction among fantasy fans and was later acquired by Orbit Books. It’s the start of a trilogy often compared to The Wheel of Time and Mistborn.
4. Songbirds by Christy Lefteri
Set in Cyprus, this novel follows Nisha, a Sri Lankan domestic worker who mysteriously disappears. Through the perspective of Petra, her employer, and Yiannis, her lover, the story unfolds as both a tender love story and a searing critique of migrant labor conditions. Inspired by real-life disappearances, Lefteri shines a light on those whose lives are often invisible. Though less publicized than her bestselling The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Songbirds was praised by The Guardian and shortlisted for the Aspen Words Literary Prize.
5. The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
Carolyn was once a regular girl—until her parents died and she was taken in by a mysterious, godlike figure known only as “Father.” Raised in a strange library filled with arcane knowledge, she and her fellow “siblings” each master a different discipline—language, war, healing. When Father disappears, Carolyn must outwit her siblings and possibly save the world. This debut is part horror, part fantasy, and part satire, earning a spot on NPR’s Best Books of the Year and cult status among genre fans.
6. The Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss
In rural Oregon during WWI, 19-year-old Martha Lessen sets out to work as a horse trainer using gentle, humane techniques. As she visits isolated ranches and forms bonds with both horses and the families who hire her, Martha quietly becomes a vital part of a struggling community. With its slow pace and lyrical style, this novel offers a meditative look at rural life, kindness, and quiet strength. Gloss, a PEN/Faulkner finalist, received critical praise for the book’s understated emotional power and historical richness.
7. The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling
Gyre Price accepts a solo caving expedition on a distant planet in hopes of earning a big payout—but her only contact is Em, a mysterious handler with secrets of her own. As the psychological tension builds underground, Gyre must confront both environmental threats and the increasingly strange dynamics between her and Em. This sci-fi thriller is claustrophobic, character-driven, and praised for its originality. A Locus Award finalist, it’s a standout in queer speculative fiction.
8. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
When lighthouse keeper Tom Sherbourne and his wife Isabel discover a baby adrift in a rowboat, they decide to raise her as their own. Years later, the consequences of that choice ripple through their lives and the lives of others. Set against the backdrop of post-WWI Australia, this novel explores love, morality, and redemption. Though the 2016 film adaptation drew some attention, the novel itself remains underappreciated despite being longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and praised by The New York Times Book Review.
9. The Ninth Hour by Alice McDermott
This lyrical novel centers on a group of Catholic nuns in early 20th-century Brooklyn who care for the sick and poor. When a young woman’s husband dies by suicide, the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus step in, and their quiet acts of service ripple across generations. McDermott, a National Book Award winner, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award for this novel, which explores grace, sacrifice, and the complexities of faith and womanhood.
10. Beartown by Fredrik Backman
In a small, hockey-obsessed town, a rising teen star is accused of a violent crime, forcing the community to confront uncomfortable truths. This emotionally charged novel examines loyalty, silence, and the pressure to protect success at all costs. Though Backman gained international fame for A Man Called Ove, Beartown is often overlooked despite being a Goodreads Choice Award finalist and widely praised for its depth and insight by outlets like Booklist and The Washington Post.
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