65 New Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Books to Check Out in April

April brings new titles from Chuck Wendig, Nnedi Okorafor, Timothy Zahn, and many more, with space operas, creepy hauntings, magic gone wild, technology gone even wilder, fanciful romantasies, and beyond. This is a huge list, so dig in and read on!

April 1

The Beauty of the End by Lauren Stienstra 

“In this provocative work of speculative fiction, two sisters navigate the complex moral terrain of reproductive ethics, individual freedoms, and society’s duty to a future facing imminent extinction.” (April 1)

Direct Descendent by Tanya Huff 

“Queer, cozy, and with a touch of eldritch horror mixed in just for fun, this is a charming love story about a small-town baker, a quick-witted PI, and, yes, an ancient evil.” (April 1)

A Drop of Corruption: An Ana and Din Mystery by Robert Jackson Bennett 

A quirky detective and her faithful assistant take on their most perplexing case yet: a murderer that can seemingly walk through walls who’s started targeting the magic-fueled Empire they serve. (April 1)

The Ephemera Collector by Stacy Nathaniel Jackson 

“A tenacious curator fights to save her beloved library and a new, groundbreaking archive in this epic Afrofuturist debut.” (April 1)

Faithbreaker by Hannah Kaner 

The Fallen Gods trilogy concludes, but not before “the fate of Middren hangs in the balance as mighty gods and mortal heroes clash in a final battle for supremacy.” (April 1)

Freakslaw by Jane Flett 

“In this riotous horror debut, a traveling carnival of troublemakers arrive in a small Scottish town and perform their favorite pastime: revenge.” (April 1)

Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake 

“The story of three siblings who, upon the death of their father, are forced to reckon with their long-festering rivalries, dangerous abilities, and the crushing weight of all their unrealized adolescent potential.” (April 1)

Holy Terrors by Margaret Owen 

The Little Thieves series ends as “with bloody conspiracy, sinister magic, and old adversaries closing in, it will take everything Vanja has to save not just the people she loves, but the future she’s fought for.” (April 1)

The Icarus Coda by Timothy Zahn 

The Icarus Saga continues as former Icarus Group operatives Roarke and Selene find themselves fugitives on the run, pursued by the Commonwealth, the Patth, and the ancient Ammei who are hellbent on making a comeback. (April 1)

Iceborn by Michael Livingston 

“In the thrilling sequel to Seaborn, the Windborn threaten war against the Fair Isles – and three women of the sea hatch daring plans to change their fates.” (April 1)

Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr 

The A Course in Magic series continues as newlyweds Ellie (a powerful witch) and Prospero (who’s tinkered with Ellie’s memories so she doesn’t realize she was forced into marrying Prospero) must learn to work together when the future of their magical land comes under threat. (April 1)

Rhino: The Rise of a Warrior by Nicholas Sansbury Smith 

In the author’s latest Hell Divers novel, “In the brutal wasteland centuries after the nuclear apocalypse, a warrior baptized in blood will defy the brutal empire that has enslaved his people.” (April 1)

Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou 

“A stunning reimagining of Bluebeard―one of the most mythologized serial killers―twisted into a modern tale of toxic masculinity, a feminist sermon, and a folktale for the twenty-first century.” (April 1)

When We Were Real by Daryl Gregory 

“A madcap adventure following two friends on a cross-country bus tour through the mind-boggling glitches in their simulated world as they grapple with love, family, secrets, and the very nature of reality in a simulation.” (April 1)

Where the Axe Is Buried by Ray Nayler 

This near-future tale “combines the story of a near-impossible revolutionary operation with a blistering indictment of the many forms of authoritarianism that suffocate human freedom.” (April 1)

April 8

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas 

This “dark romantasy” follows a young woman struggling to succeed in a world controlled by the elite—but her circumstances change when a blood test reveals she has Spartan blood and may have the capabilities to become immortal. (April 8)

The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence 

“Two people once connected by a vast and mysterious library are now separated and must overcome time and distance to reunite and bring peace to their worlds, in the final book of the Library Trilogy.” (April 8)

The Butcher’s Masquerade by Matt Dinniman 

The Dungeon Crawler Carl series continues with this fifth volume, in which “Carl and Princess Donut refuse to be prey.” (April 8)

The Cat Who Saved the Library by Sosuke Natsukawa 

The sequel to The Cat Who Saved Books is described as “an uplifting tale from Japan about a talking cat, a book-loving girl and the power of books to make a difference in the world.” (April 8)

Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes 

In this space horror tale, “desperation for eternal life leads to a fate worse than death.” (April 8)

The Cut by C.J. Dotson 

“In this chilling supernatural horror novel set in a mysterious hotel, a woman fleeing her abusive ex finds herself running from more than just her past.” (April 8)

Dark Rising by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson

“In this fourth installment of the Shepherds Series, good and evil collide in a battle that has raged for thousands of years, and Navy SEAL Jedidiah Johnson and his team are at the tip of the spear—fighting for humanity’s future and the ones they love.” (April 8)

Don’t Sleep With the Dead by Nghi Vo 

This standalone novella is a companion work to The Chosen and the Beautiful, the author’s reimagining of The Great Gatsby. It picks up with Nick Carraway on the eve of World War II, and concerns his unlikely reunion with Jay Gatsby. (April 8)

Firebird by Juliette Cross 

“House of the Dragon meets From Blood and Ash in this epic, scorching dark romantasy.” (April 8)

The Folklore of Forever by Sarah Hogle 

“A steamy enemies-to-lovers romantasy about a paranormal skeptic who is roped into a ghost hunting romp by the charming boy next door… who might just show her what real fantasies are made of.” (April 8)

The Geographer’s Map to Romance by India Holton

“Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect for an emergency mission in this swoony historical-fantasy rom-com.” (April 8)

House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau 

“The first novel in an eerie, darkly creative, and romantic new gothic fantasy duology.” (April 8)

In the Company of Wolves by Steve Lang (April 8)

“Step into a world where the boundaries between science, myth, and the supernatural blur in the In the Company of Wolves trilogy. This action-packed saga will transport you to distant worlds, where fierce warriors battle unimaginable forces, and heroes are forged in the heat of unrelenting war.” All three books release together; the other titles are Brothers in Arms and Anathema. (April 8)

Last Chance to Save the World by Beth Revis 

This conclusion to the Chaotic Orbits novella trilogy finds “Ada and Rian breaking into a high-security facility to give Earth a fighting chance at survival.” (April 8)

The Only Song Worth Singing by Randee Dawn 

“Patrick, Ciaran, and Malachi would’ve been happy to play music for coins on the streets of Dublin, but when their sound lands them a record deal, they also get their first tour of America. As they gather fans, however, they also get the attention of three sídhe, fairies straight out of Irish tradition who play by their own rules.” (April 8)

Scales by Christopher Hinz 

“An electrifying thriller about species re-engineering run amok.” (April 8)

Their Monstrous Hearts by Yiğit Turhan 

In this gothic horror tale, a writer inherits his grandmother’s crumbling villa—a creepy place filled with mounted butterflies and secrets about her mysterious death. (April 8)

Tonight, I Bleed by Katharine J. Adams 

In this sequel to Tonight, I Burn, “a witch finds herself face to face with death as she stands at the center of a magical rebellion and back to back with her enemies as she falls deeper into a seductive romance.” (April 8)

The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson 

“Magic and adventure swirl through this spellbinding romantasy where a young woman reignites the embers of an ancient prophecy, unleashing a storm that could save her realm or doom them all.” (April 8)

April 15

Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan

The remaining Evans women from Bless Your Heart return for another round of battle with the undead—while tracking the new menace that’s just entered their small Texas town. (April 15)

The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah 

“A merchant and a prince trapped in the crumbling realm of jinn must figure out how to save one world to return to their own in The Ashfire King, the second book in the Sandsea Trilogy.” (April 15)

Dark Diamond by Neal Asher 

A new space-opera trilogy begins as a captain being targeted by assassins realizes the strange device that’s come into his possession is bringing him back to life every time he dies. As he tries to navigate this new way of surviving, he must also protect the device from enemies who want it for their own. (April 15)

Forged for Destiny by Andrew Knighton 

“Raul has a destiny: claim his birthright as the last surviving heir of King Balbainus and lead his conquered people to freedom.” (April 15)

The Gentleman and His Vowsmith by Rebecca Ide 

“A young lord, his intended bride, and his former lover become unlikely allies as they race to solve a deadly conspiracy in this queer historical fantasy of magic, murder, and steamy encounters.” (April 15)

The Guilt Pill by Saumya Dave 

A new mom overwhelmed by the pressures of her ostensibly perfect life tries a miracle drug for women that erases all feelings of guilt. But there’s a catch to acquiring sudden total confidence—which becomes evident when she starts getting overly aggressive while under its effects. (April 15)

Hellions by Julia Elliott 

“From the acclaimed author of The Wilds comes an electric story collection that blends folklore, fairy tales, Southern Gothic, and horror, reveling in the collision of the familiar with the wildly surreal.” (April 15)

The Lie That Binds Them by Matthew Ward 

“Set in a world of ancient myth and dangerous magic, The Lie That Binds Them is the heart-pounding conclusion to Matthew Ward’s Soulfire Saga, where a thief dares to seek vengeance against an immortal king—and finds herself on the path to war.” (April 15)

Notes From a Regicide by Isaac Fellman 

“A heartbreaking story of trans self-discovery with a rich relatability and a science-fictional twist.” (April 15)

A Palace Near the Wind: Natural Engines by Ai Jiang 

This “science-fantasy novella” tells “a story of family, loss, oppression and rebellion that will stay with you long after the final page.” (April 15)

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson 

In this epic fantasy, the emperor’s High Scholar must track down a murderer and protect the throne—with help coming from an unexpected place. (April 15)

Senseless by Ronald Malfi 

In this Los Angeles-set, “supernaturally tinged” thriller, “three storylines converge to create a tapestry of deceit, distrust, and unapologetic horror.” (April 15)

April 22

Advocate by Daniel M. Ford 

The Warden series continues as “Recalled from Lone Pine to investigate claims of murder by magic against her mentor―legendary Warden Bardun Jacques―Aelis takes to the streets of the grand city of Lascenise, and plumbs the deepest secrets of the Lyceum to clear his name.” (April 22)

Down in the Sea of Angels by Khan Wong 

“An intense and thoughtful time-travelling dystopian fantasy where three individuals, psychically linked through time, fight enslavement, exploitation, and environmental collapse.” (April 22)

Eat the Ones You Love by Sarah Maria Griffin

“This is a story about desire, dreams, decay―and working retail at the end of the world.” (April 22)

Eleven Percent by Maren Uthaug 

“An inverse The Handmaid’s Tale that asks: what if women took over the world?” (April 22)

When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy 

In this horror tale, a struggling actress rescues a runaway child from his violent father—but her dangerous good deed turns even more frightening when she realizes the boy has terrifying powers. (April 22)

April 29

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner 

A nautical archaeologist travels to the Amalfi Coast to research shipwrecks—and secretly hunt for treasure. Before long, she discovers ancient sorcery may be stirring to life as a result. (April 29)

Awakened by A.E. Osworth 

“A coven of trans witches battles an evil AI in this magical coming-of-middle-age romp about love, loss, drag shows, and late capitalism.” (April 29)

Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews 

“Together they’ll restore a divided kingdom—or burn it down—in this new romantasy.” (April 29)

City of All Seasons by Oliver K. Langmead and Aliya Whiteley 

“A vibrant and emotional science fantasy about cousins trapped in mirrored worlds – the resplendent and verdant summer city and the ice-carved wastes of the winter city.” (April 29)

The Edge of Yesterday by Rita Woods 

A dancer suffering from a career-ending ailment retreats to her hometown of Detroit, where she unexpectedly travels back in time to 1925—and even more unexpectedly, falls in love with a doctor she meets there. But her time-traveling ends up causing cosmic consequences in her original timeline. (April 29)

Enigma by RuNyx 

“A twisted Hades and Persephone meets the enthralling suspense of The Secret History in a new scorchingly hot dark academia tale of unforgettable, legendary love.” (April 29)

The Floating World by Axie Oh 

“Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in this lighthearted romantic fantasy reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens.” (April 29)

The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke 

“Pearl Gorham arrives in 1965, one of a string of young women sent to Lichen Hall to give birth. And she soon suspects the proprietors are hiding something. Then she meets the mysterious mother and young boy who live in the grounds—and together they begin to unpick the secrets of this place.” (April 29)

The Murder Machine by Heather Graham 

An FBI agent takes the puzzling and disturbing case of a smart home that’s seemingly murdered its occupant. (April 29)

One Way Witch by Nnedi Okorafor 

“Set in the universe Africanfuturist luminary Nnedi Okorafor first introduced in the World Fantasy Award-winning Who Fears Death, One Way Witch is the second in the She Who Knows trilogy.” (April 29)

Polybius by Collin Armstrong 

“Stranger Things meets The Walking Dead in this chilling novel based on the terrifying urban legend about a video game created by the government for psychological warfare.” (April 29)

The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig 

Five friends on a camping trip discover a staircase in the middle of the woods—and one of them disappears when he climbs up and never returns, and the stairs disappear. Twenty years later, the friends reunite when the staircase reappears and set out to solve its mysteries. (April 29)

The Traitor of Sherwood Forest by Amy S. Kaufman

“An immersive, sultry, heart-pounding historical reimagining of the Robin Hood ballads, told through the piercing eyes of one of his spies.” (April 29)

Whisper in the Wind by Luke Arnold 

“The fourth installment of Luke Arnold’s Fetch Phillips series, Whisper in the Wind takes readers to a very different Sunder City. One where government corruption is rampant and tensions are rising.” (April 29)

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