Welcome to 2026’s first new book releases round-up, friend! Let’s take a look at some books from January that caught our attention.
As always, Ariel and I have organized the books by genre as well as mentioned some keywords – themes, places, moods – that we glimpsed from each synopsis. Do let us know if any books catch your eye! We have identified the ones we are particularly looking forward to reading.
Fantasy and Science Fiction
To Ride a Rising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose
January 27, 2026 • Del Rey
Read if you enjoy: LGBTQIA+, Dragons, and YA.
Ariel is looking forward to this one!
City of Others by Jared Poon
January 13, 2026 • Orbit
Read if you enjoy: LGBTQIA+, Urban Fantasy, and Adult.
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva
January 20, 2026 • Orbit
Read if you enjoy: Cozy, Romance, and LGBTQIA+.
Ariel really enjoyed this one!
Historical Fiction
The Last of Earth by Deepa Anappara
January 13, 2026 • Random House
Read if you enjoy: Historical Fiction, Tibet, and Politics.
Stay tuned for an interview with the author!
The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bell
January 13, 2026 • St. Martin’s Press
Read if you enjoy: Mystery, books about books, and early 1900s.
Contemporary Fiction
Wreck Your Heart by Lori Rader-Day
January 6, 2026 • Minotaur Books
Read if you enjoy: Mystery, Suspense, and Music.
Stay tuned for an interview with the author!
Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily R. Austin
January 13, 2026 • Atria Books
Read if you enjoy: Fiction, LGBTQIA+, and Grief.
Dandelion Is Dead by Rosie Storey
January 13, 2026 • Berkley
Read if you enjoy: Romance, Grief, and Literary.
Mystery/Thrillers
Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies by Jenny Elder Moke
January 20, 2026 • Minotaur Books
Read if you enjoy: Mystery, Rom-com, and Rich People.
Behind These Four Walls by Yasmin Angoe
January 1, 2026 • Thomas & Mercer
Read if you enjoy: Thriller, Revenge, and Secrets.
Stay tuned for an interview with the author!
Children’s
Hello Baby, It’s Me, Alfie by Maggie Hutchings , Dawn Lo (Illustrator)
January 6, 2026 • Tundra Books
Read if you enjoy: Baby, change, and picture book.
The Wildest Thing by Emily Winfield Martin
January 6, 2026 • Random House Books for Young Readers
Read if you enjoy: Picture Book, Building Imagination, and Uniqueness.
Non-Fiction
Life After Ambition: A “”Good Enough”” Memoir by Amil Niazi
January 6, 2026 • Atria/One Signal Publishers
Read if you enjoy: Memoir, Essays, and Millenials.
Kriti is enjoying this book!
Something to Hold Onto: Simple Metaphors, Images, and Practical Tools to Transform Your Life by Kate Robson
January 6, 2026 • Simon & Schuster
Read if you enjoy: self help, essays, and inspiration.
Kriti is excited to dive into this short read.
We hope you enjoyed the new book releases by genre!
Is there one or a few from above that caught your attention? Let me know if you decide to pick up any of these. 🙂
If I missed any of your anticipated new book releases from this month, comment below.
If you are releasing your own book, send me the information through this form for a chance to get the book featured.
Last month’s new book releases were posted here.
Looks like a lot of great books are coming out!
Too many every month! What’s a book you recently loved?