The Mercy of Gods comes across as a foundational novel that plants the seeds for bigger things to come in future books, but ultimately has left me wanting more.

The stars are silent, but a deadly secret stirs. A scientist’s discovery sets off a chain of events that could doom or forever change humanity’s fate.

A clean adventure fantasy filled with magic and a soft romance for a young audience looking for Tolkien-type lore and a Snow White and the Huntsman-esque retelling.

ShadowBane by Cal Logan delivers a brutal, unforgettable grimdark saga of ambition, bloodlust, and compromise set in a feudal landscape inspired by Asian culture.

An absolutely action packed story from the very first page. Great for adult readers who love a bit of a twist on the classic science fiction rebellion novel.

Please note that many of these books are being cut not because they’re bad and some very narrowly missed the bar for a quarter- or semifinalist placement.

If you have been hungover after reading Red Rising or desperate for something that feels like Divergent with a more adult feel: This book is absolutely for you.

Please note that, even though these books did not work for us, it doesn’t mean that they won’t work for you, and our views do not mean that they are bad reads.

I learned so much about the Greek Goddess reading this, and I LOVED that. Feminine rage? Check. Fighting Gods? Check. Do you have a favorite Greek God/Goddess?

Nothing Larger Than These Stars is a page-turner with twists and turns that left me guessing until the cliff-hangar at the end. It’s well-paced and full of mystery!

So you want more of Quinaria? Well Garcia has you covered! We’re back in the world with a new perspective and a piratey twist! Get your rum drinks ready!

This is, hands down, the best space opera book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Berne is a masterful storyteller. Sign me up for the rest of the series!

Adams’ foray into the dark, epic fantasy realm is a curse-laden blast. Mistborn meets Borderlands with a splash of Dune & Samurai Champloo thrown in for good measure.

A Justice Hunter, an outlaw, a bodyguard, and a whole heap of violence. This debut has all the makings of a Western but it's grimdark through and through.

Darker than black and drowned in blood, Anna Stephen’s Godblind is a debut that showcases an immense amount of talent and a wonderfully fresh voice.

If you love classic fantasy with likeable characters, rich culture with an added twist of alien invasion, then the Riftwar Cycle is one series you can’t sleep on.

From the beginning, Vaz is truly in a life-or-death situation. In this dark urban fantasy novella, he can only hope lady luck is on his side to survive.

A tantalizingly well thought out premise, Icebreaker was an intense read that will leave readers saying silent prayers and on the edge of their seats.

This is an epic fantasy story that will be remembered for its vivid scenery and battles. It is grandiose in scope that will thrill the fantasy enthusiasts.

Every sentence is a joy, every chapter a new adventure, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Derry, Barrow, and all those we’ve come to love in this world.