Sunday, January 25, 2026

The latest must-read debut fiction

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month's Best New Debut Fiction
 
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Book cover for Canticle by Janet Rich Edwards
This 'atmospheric and unforgettable' debut (People) will transport you to medieval Belgium
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • To avoid an unwanted marriage, spirited Aleys finds refuge among a community of independent religious women — one under siege by mystical and political forces
  • One of People's best books of December
  • "A suspenseful page-turner that is also rigorously researched and utterly convincing — a true gem of historical fiction" (Bruce Holsinger, author of Culpability)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Canticle by Janet Rich EdwardsMEDIA MENTIONS:People, The Washington Post, Real Simple, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
This New York Times bestseller is a perfect pick for fans of The Midnight Library
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • When a man acquires a series of pencil portraits in a small-town coffee shop, he sets out to return them to their subjects — and reaps the surprising effects
  • This self-published sensation was picked up by a major publisher and already has over 55,000 five-star Goodreads ratings!
Learn more...
Media mentions for Theo of Golden by Allen LeviMEDIA MENTIONS:CBS Mornings, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage
Taylor Jenkins Reid meets The Princess Diaries
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Reese Witherspoon's December book club pick is "filled with secrets, scandals, and a few unexpected twists" (Booklist starred review)
  • Lexi loves her quiet life in Australia — until a family tragedy leaves her next in line to become the Queen of England…
  • "One of the best books I've read all year" (Natasha Lester)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Heir Apparent by Rebecca ArmitageMEDIA MENTIONS:Reese's Book Club, NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Parade, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes
In a moment of rage, young mother April steps out the door — and 10 days of freedom turns into a decade
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In a starred review, Kirkus Reviews calls it "a profound journey of the soul" and a "staggering gut punch of a novel"
  • Hailed as a best book of 2025 by NPR, Oprah Daily, and Kirkus Reviews upon publication in November
  • Written in the form of April's letter to her abandoned daughter
  • The first novel from a Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright
Learn more...
Media mentions for The White Hot by Quiara Alegría HudesMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, The Atlantic, USA Today, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy
The buzzy fiction debut from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I'm Glad My Mom Died
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • One of the most anticipated books of the year for The New York Times, USA Today, and Town & Country
  • Waldo may not understand it, but she's full of desire for her frumpy, married writing teacher, Mr. Korgy. And she won't stop until she gets what she wants…
  • "A bleak, hilarious, and uncomfortable triumph" (The Guardian)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Half His Age by Jennette McCurdyMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, TODAY Show, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, New York Magazine, USA Today, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, Bustle, Elle, Vulture, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, The Times, Rolling Stone, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for When the Fireflies Dance by Aisha Hassan
If you liked The Kite Runner or The Beekeeper of Aleppo, you'll love this 'superb' read (Library Journal)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In Pakistan, Lalloo's family is trapped in indentured servitude — but Lalloo will stop at nothing to free them
  • Rave reviews from Santa Montefiore and Marjan Kamali, who says, "Hassan's gift for storytelling makes this a beautiful and poignant read"
  • Book clubs will enjoy this twist-filled, thought-provoking novel based on a true story
Learn more...
Media mentions for When the Fireflies Dance by Aisha HassanMEDIA MENTIONS:New York Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Discipline by Larissa Pham
'A brilliant, entrancing, and provocative mirror-within-mirrors tale' (Booklist starred review)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • A stunning debut from a "lit world phenom" (Harper's Bazaar)
  • Author Christine is on tour promoting her revenge fantasy based on an ex — until he reaches out to shake her foundation once more
  • "With prose that is both lush and precise, Discipline reads like a taut thriller even though it is really an elegant exploration of creativity and commitment to one's craft" (Roxane Gay)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Discipline by Larissa PhamMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Bustle, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Book of Luke by Lovell Holder
Fans of Survivor and The Traitors: Here's your next must-read
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Ten years ago, Luke starred in a competition-based reality show called Endeavor. Now, he returns to the show as his personal life implodes — and must confront the bitter rivalries and broken friendships of his past
  • One of the best books of 2025, according to Marie Claire
  • Steven Rowley, author of The Guncle, calls it "the most fun you'll have reading all year"
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Book of Luke by Lovell HolderMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus
Disappear into an 1800s England steeped in atmosphere, adventure, and folklore
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Along the Cornish coast, a young widow becomes entangled with the enigmatic captain of a band of smugglers
  • In a starred review, Publishers Weekly says this historical novel "stands out from the pack"
  • "This enchanting debut novel offers both suspense and romance" (The Washington Post)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Sea Child by Linda WilgusMEDIA MENTIONS:Locus, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Gallagher Place by Julie Doar
Listen to Lisa Unger: 'Gothic and twisty! Don't miss it'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • A body in the woods reopens the mystery of Marlowe's friend's disappearance decades ago
  • This "unsettling page-turner" (Booklist) whisks readers to a Hudson Valley estate full of secrets
  • Get ready for "a heartbreaking finale that will haunt readers long after the final page is turned" (Publishers Weekly starred review)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Gallagher Place by Julie DoarMEDIA MENTIONS:Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
 
  

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The latest must-read debut fiction

We've done the research to bring you the best, most-talked-about debut fiction books from the past few months! Our latest debut fiction ...