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Space opera is definitely having a moment, and A Memory Called Empire deserves all the moments. Think The Goblin Emperor set in interstellar space with a rich and deeply realized cultural backdrop. Tons of political intrigue, vivid world building, murder, secret technology, and poetic cipher are just part of the glory that is A Memory Called Empire.

Believe the hype. This book will shred you. Unremittingly beautiful and horrific, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is filled with beautifully crafted prose that is searing and precise. Told as a letter from a son to his mother, this novel has haunted me for weeks.

I am one of the many Caro fanatics desperately awaiting the final volume of his Lyndon Johnson series. While we wait, I’m delighted to have this book that will provide insight into Caro’s method for producing my favorite works of history.

The American justice system gives prosecutors immense power with little accountability. In Charged, Emily Bazelon — one of my favorite legal writers—explains how this disparity has contributed to the mass incarceration crisis.

Tricky subjects are so much easier to learn when pretty drawings, stunning graphs, and simple basics are provided. Genetics is so popular right now, but not exactly the easiest subject to wrap one’s mind around (based on personal experience, or course). The Secret Life of Genes: Decoding the Blueprint of Life will pave the way to deeper understanding, while entertaining at the same time.

I love a good apocalypse title. It’s not the devastation that intrigues me, it’s the rebuilding process. Starting from scratch, the uncertainty, the coming together of people and communities that in a different world would never even share the same dinner table, let alone rebuild civilization together. I suspect The Lightest Object in the Universe will provide me with many “what if” moments.

Next World Tarot, an indie tarot favorite, just got picked up by one of our distributors and I couldn’t be more excited! Cristy Road spent seven years creating this gorgeous “Oracle of Resistance," combining traditional tarot symbolism with an apocalyptic theme and images of an incredibly diverse group of real-life activists and revolutionaries. Filled with queer people of color, it’s inclusive, radical, and flat-out AMAZING.

Hollow Kingdom is set in a Seattle teetering on the edge of apocalypse, now that a new zombie-like virus is spreading. Luckily there’s hope, in the form of a smart-ass domesticated crow that loves junk food, watching TV, and humanity. I found this upcoming novel funny, weird, surprisingly touching, and extremely lovable — there’s something for everyone here!

The Reluctant Royals series is everything I want in a contemporary romance: strong, diverse characters who are so much better together than they are apart! A Prince on Paper is the third title in this awesome series, but new readers will have no trouble jumping right in.

Helen Hoang blew the roof off of romance last year with her debut novel, The Kiss Quotient. In this companion novel, we have an autistic hero, a bold heroine from Vietnam, and the meddling mama who throws them together. I cannot WAIT to read this one!

Look and listen: Georgia and Karen — hosts of the phenomenal podcast My Favorite Murder — are the coolest ladies around. If you’re into true crime, female friendship, and inappropriate humor, then you’ll devour their upcoming co-memoir.

Brashares and Bergeland beautifully illustrate the comfort of being yourself. Edie deals with different emotions that manifest as different animals, depicted in stunning pencil and watercolor drawings with relatable text to help kids talk about their own emotions.

I’m a big fan of Bees: A Honeyed History by Piotr Socha, and I’m thrilled to see this amazing nonfiction picture book on trees! Explore one of our world's most valuable resources in a gorgeous book packed with practical information that’s approachable for all members of the family.

I love Phaidon’s Vitamin series. So far they have covered a variety of artistic mediums, and I am so excited that it’s finally textiles’ turn! There is incredible work being made in this medium today.

The handful of poems I’ve read by Natalie Scenters-Zapico were extraordinary. I’m really looking forward to this new collection that focuses on immigration, gender, violence, and ultimately healing.

I love the spare and darkly humorous voice of this writer, and I really want to read her memoir. In this age of everyone and their cousin sending off DNA to find their roots, this book sounds like the real thing, the deep and painful beginnings of what makes us what we are.

I’m sure my coworkers are sick and tired of hearing me enthuse about how The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins was an incredible adaptation of an incredible podcast. Well great news, gang, I’m changing it up: it’s time for book two, Murder on the Rockport Limited! This comedic D&D twist on the classic train mystery was a delight to listen to, and I can’t wait to see Carey Pietsch’s visual take — especially on Angus McDonald, Boy Detective!

I stayed up until 2 a.m. devouring this brilliant standalone, set in a world where sorcerous texts are kept appeased and imprisoned in Great Libraries — lest they transform into menacing beasts of paper and ink. I have always found the magic of libraries compelling, and I’m a sucker for fantasies that make that magic literal. Elisabeth, main character and Library ward, is a delightful mix of Evie from The Mummy, Kel from Protector of the Small, and Sophie from Howl’s Moving Castle — Rogerson’s brilliant writing actually reminded me of Diana Wynne Jones, and since Jones is my all-time favorite author, that’s saying a lot!

This charming couple cooks delicious, healthy, and big-flavored food in their tiny kitchen. I just want to go hang out at their house and snack with them.

Appalachian cooking presented with highland country tales and stories. Besides the Southern cooking, this is a welcome invitation to the Blue Ridge Mountain region's beauty and way of life.

Set in the last days of Muslim Spain, it’s a rousing, grand, mystical, magical adventure.

Cep reports the story of a murderous preacher, his assassin, and the crusading lawyer who represented them both. It also chronicles Harper Lee’s attempt to tell this fascinating story that remains a compelling mystery.

After being assaulted by some of the men from their colony, eight Mennonite women hold a secret meeting to plan what to do next. Toews is a gifted writer and gives these women a strong sense of self and hope for the future.