Release Week: 16 June 2026
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Release Week: 16 June 2026
Posted on 2026-06-16 at 12:00 by Samuel Montgomery-Blinn
FICTION PICKS:
The Frenzy: Stories by Joyce Carol Oates, read by a full cast for Random House -- "A gripping collection of propulsive, psychologically suspenseful stories by the legendary American writer."
Songs of the Dead by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian, read by Luke Daniels for Simon and Schuster -- "A London rocker is faced with a life-or-death choice when he realizes that a powerful society of magic wielders are the only ones keeping London safe in this deft contemporary fantasy."
A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman, read by the author for Penguin -- "The remarkably life-affirming novel from the highly acclaimed author of Still Life, set in 1940s Cornwall following the unlikely friendship between an eighty-nine-year-old woman at the end of her story and a young soldier, reeling from World War II, at the start of his own."
The Shrouded Queen by Ashley Tropea, read by Soneela Nankani and Rasha Zamamiri for Simon and Schuster -- "In the first book in this romantasy duology inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology, a slave and a princess switch places during an enemy attack, igniting parallel journeys of love and survival."
Voyagers: A Novel by Meg Charlton, read by Michael Crouch for Harper -- "When the Signal—a mysterious transmission pulsing from the edge of the solar system— arrives, the world changes overnight. Planes are grounded, satellites fail, and speculation abounds. With many believing this could be first contact with extraterrestrial life, humanity holds its breath. But for Alex, a thirtysomething lawyer who’s spent years distancing himself from the unexplainable, the Signal feels deeply personal—the opening of an old wound."
Kill All Wizards by Jedediah Berry, read by Raphael Corkhill for Macmillan -- "The barbarian traveled far to consult the wizards of the empire. Instead of lending their aid, they ensorcelled him, exploited his strength, and stole his sword. They should not have done that. Now the barbarian plans to kill every wizard who wronged him, even if that means blending in with their vile society: dressing in finery, taking tea in exclusive clubs, and reserving the best box at the theater. Oh, he hates it all with the fiery passion of his savage heart—but not as much as he hates these wizards."
The Inn Side Shop by Gil Hess, read by Luke Daniels for Simon Maverick -- "A new cozy LitRPG fantasy series about a young man, a magical inn, and a story that levels up with every chapter."
Wildflower: A Novel by Becky Jenkinson, read by Beth Lilly for Random House -- "A magical florist journeys from the kingdom’s capital to its wild woods to fulfill an unusual request, and stumbles upon friendship, conspiracy, and the buds of new love in this debut cozy fantasy."
Leave and Come Back: A Novel by Lavanya Lakshmi, read by Priya Ayyar and Raoul Bhaneja -- "For the first time, Simran Gopal is living out her own swoon-worthy romance to rival the beloved Bollywood films of her childhood... until she receives her cousin’s wedding invitation. Now, Simran finds herself returning to the family home she’s been avoiding for the last seven years to take part in a two-week long Indian wedding."
Vervain Hollow by Catriona Silvey, read by Brenda Scott Wlazlo for Union Square -- "Two years ago, Laura was in a cult. But when the sprawling house in the hollow burned down with Vervain, their strikingly handsome and magnetic leader, trapped inside, Laura had nowhere to go but home. Brokenhearted, she finds herself longing for their lost leader—despite the trauma of that strange and terrifying year, she knows the power he promised her was real. But her estranged friend, Aliyah, calls to tell her that Daniel, one of the other acolytes, has been lured back to the hollow by a message from Vervain."
Queenswood by Kathleen Schwab, read by Liam Gerrard and Jess Moran for Blackstone -- "A lush, lyrical historical fantasy debut that transports readers to twelfth-century Ireland."
Seal of Rome by Eden Maddox, read by Jake Bordeaux and Ash Kingsley -- "When an elite gladiator defies death in the arena, his shocking victory earns him more than glory—it draws him into the heart of a secret mission that could change the fate of the Empire. Hardened by brutality and betrayal, Jason is recruited into a covert task force to stop an insidious coup from toppling Rome from within."
Dhampira by Amy Pennza, read by Jaclyn Kelso for Penguin -- "A long-lost noble of the ruthless vampire court discovers she might not need to choose between her two suitors in this blood-pounding new romantasy."
NON-FICTION WATCH:
I Eat the Stars: How to Live Fully and Beautifully in a Collapsing World by Sarah Wilson, read by the author -- "A deeply moving, wise guide to finding joy and meaning in a world that seems to be falling apart."
Monster of a Land: On the Road in Search of Modern America by Lauren Hough, read by the author for Random House -- "An update of John Steinbeck’s trip in Travels with Charley, a cross-country journey exploring modern America with Lauren Hough’s signature observational wit, searing social commentary, and perspective as someone who knows what it’s like to truly exist on the margins in this country."
How to Be a (Happy) Skeptic: The Power of Doubt in a Meaningful Life--Lessons from Cicero's Philosophy by Massimo Pigliucci, read by Robert Fass
The Crooked Places Made Straight: Reflections on the Moral Meaning of America by Raphael G. Warnock, read by the author -- "From Senator Reverend Warnock, a sermon in the public square on the issues that plague us most."
Never Tell a Black Girl How to Black Girl: Essays by Amena Brown, read by the author -- "An irresistible delight, this hilarious and heartwarming essay collection gathers essential tales about growing up in the South and the pitfalls of date night."
BACKLIST WATCH:
Homo Machina by P.A. Vasey (2025), read by Joshua Macrae -- "The year is 2098. Humanity is no more. Earth is a ravaged, radioactive wasteland. On Mars, a small group of synthetic humanoids survive—their memories of the apocalypse wiped, seeking to understand their role in the fall of humanity. Until Sol-5 receives a message. A message from a possible human survivor, and a plea to go to Earth to find her. But what he finds there will change everything. The humans were wiped out for a reason."
Spellbent: The Jessie Shimmer Series, Book 1 by Lucy A. Snyder (2009), read by Devon Chandler -- "In the heart of Ohio, Jessie Shimmer is caught up in hot, magic-drenched passion with her roguish lover, Cooper Marron, who is teaching her how to tap her supernatural powers. When they try to break a drought by calling down a rainstorm, a hellish portal opens and Cooper is ripped from this world, leaving Jessie fighting for her life against a vicious demon that's been unleashed."
SERIES WATCH:
Exodus: The Helium Sea by Peter F. Hamilton, read by John Lee for Random House -- "The epic conclusion of the Archimedes Engine duology."
The Shape of Monsters: Moon Heresies, Book 2 by Tessa Gratton, read by Emily Lawrence for Orbit -- "A talented heretic and the emperor she both loathes and loves will learn what monsters are really made of."
Choke Point: A Scot Harvath Thriller by Brad Thor, read by Armand Schultz -- "A devastating series of bombings tears through Bangkok. Scores of American citizens are dead. The attacks send shock waves around the world."