Welcome to May’s new book releases round-up, friend! With Spring at it’s peak in the Northern Hemisphere, I am experiencing the draw of the outdoors. Let’s take a look at some books from this month that caught our attention and which ones might join us outside one of these days. 😉
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.
Contemporary Fiction
The Outer Country by Davin Malasarn
May 5, 2026 • One World
Read if you enjoy: LGBTQIA+, Literary, and Family.
Kriti’s anticipated read this month. Just got it in the mail!
This Is Why I Need You: A Novel by Alecsandra Kakon
May 12, 2026 • ECW Press
Read if you enjoy: Friendship, Literary, and Change.
Fantasy
The Rainshadow Orphans by Naomi Ishiguro
May 26, 2026 • S&S/Saga Press
Read if you enjoy: Folklore, Cozy, and Family.
We Dance Upon Demons by Vaishnavi Patel
May 12, 2026 • S&S/Saga Press
Read if you enjoy: Reproductive Rights, Folklore, and Mental Health.
A 5 star read from Ariel!
Owl King by Bex Hogan
May 5, 2026 • Tundra Books
Read if you enjoy: Young Adult, Fae, and Romance.
Kriti is looking forward to reading this.
All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan
May 12, 2026 • Orbit
Read if you enjoy: Villian POV, Romantasy, and Intrigue.
on Ariel’s TBR!
Horror
Make Me Better by Sarah Gailey
May 12, 2026 • Tor Books
Read if you enjoy: Cult, Multiple POVs, and Grief.
On Ariel’s TBR!
The Temptation of Charlotte North by Camilla Bruce
May 19, 2026 • Del Rey
Read if you enjoy: Gothic, 1910s, and Paranormal.
On Ariel’s TBR!
Mystery/Thriller
I, Spy by L.M. Kemp
May 5, 2026 • Minotaur Books
Read if you enjoy: Espionage, Suspense, and Motherhood.
Stay tuned for an interview with the author.
Science Fiction
Homebound by Portia Elan
May 5, 2026 • Scribner
Read if you enjoy: LGBTQIA+, New Adult, and Adventure.
Kriti is excited to dive into this!
The Republic of Memory by Mahmud El Sayed
May 5, 2026 • S&S/Saga Press
Read if you enjoy: Dystopia, Space Opera, and Political Intrigue.
The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee
May 5, 2026 • Orbit
Read if you enjoy: Samauri, Espionage, and Legacy.
A 5 star read for Ariel!
Platform Decay by Martha Wells
May 5, 2026 • Tor Books
Read if you enjoy: Robot, Humor, and Rescue Mission.
Ariel recommends! 🙂
Ode to the Half-Broken by Suzanne Palmer
May 26, 2026 • DAW
Read if you enjoy: Dystopia, Robot, and Hopeful.
Ariel is looking forward to this one!
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.
Last month’s new book releases were posted here.
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