It’s hard to know what’s going to happen this year, but one thing is for certain: I am going to read so many books. I’m pretty excited about a lot of novels that are slated to come out in 2021. Here’s a list of the ones I’m most stoked about. These are in no particular order, except for the first two, which are tied not just for “book I am most excited to read in 2021” but also “book I am possibly the most excited about ever.”
A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine
A Memory Called Empire grabbed me and did not let me go. I had been fortunate enough to get an ARC, which meant that after I read it, I had long impatient months of waiting until any of my friends could read it so we could squee over it together. And then I had to wait more than two years for the sequel. But it’s finally coming next month and I could not possibly be more excited to read A Desolation Called Peace!
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
Of all the books on this list, this is the one I have waited the longest for. When I read P. Djèlí Clark’s short story “A Dead Djinn in Cairo”, I immediately wanted an entire novel set on that world, and finally, my dream is coming true! (Previously, the novella The Haunting of Tram Car 015 tided* me over, but it wasn’t a full-length novel) I really cannot wait to read A Master of Djinn and spend more time in a steampunk Cairo.
The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
I have loved everything I’ve read by Sarah Gailey, and I am excited to see what they do with the thriller genre in The Echo Wife. I really don’t know what else I can say.
Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells
I’m ashamed to admit that it took me a long time to read the Murderbot series. I never looked closely at it and just assumed it was some military sci-fi robot apocalypse thing, aka, not my jam at all. Then I saw the series mentioned by an author whose work I like (I want to say it was Ann Leckie), and when I read their description, I knew I had to read it. I fell in love with Murderbot, and I probably shouldn’t admit to how much I identify with this antisocial AI, but I really do. I’m so excited that its adventures are now coming in novel-form length. Fugitive Telemetry is the second full-length Murderbot novel, following a series of novellas.
You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar
Ok, so this book is already out, I just haven’t had a chance to go to a bookstore and pick up a physical copy.
I adore Amber Ruffin and one of the few bright spots of 2020 (besides how much reading I got done) was when she finally got her own show. So I’m really looking forward to reading this book she co-authored with her sister Lacey Lamar. You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey is a collection of stories about all the racist encounters Lacey has had as a black woman living in Nebraska. I have no doubt there will be some uncomfortable moments reading this book as I encounter things that I’ve done, thought, or said, but I also expect I’ll spend most of it laughing at willfully racist people who deserve to be mocked. Since most anti-racism reading is pretty heavy, it will be nice to take a break with something a little more humorous while still getting a chance to learn how to do better.
Soulstar by C. L. Polk
The first two books of the Kingston Cycle made my “Best Books I Read in 2020” list, so of course I am excited for Soulstar. There is no book excitement quite like final book in a trilogy excitement.
The Thousand Eyes by A.K. Larkwood
Speaking of sequels to books I really enjoyed last year, the only reason why A.K. Larkwood’s debut novel The Unspoken Name didn’t make my best-of list was because I had to stop adding books and had to publish the darn thing. It really was a beautiful novel.
The Thousand Eyes is the next book in The Serpent Gate and I really can’t wait. Larkwood had a lot of fascinating world building in her first book and I felt like we only scratched the surface. Plus I am 1000% here for a queer orc-like main character. Orcs have been maligned for far too long and they deserve adventure and romance.
How to Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole
Alyssa Cole is so good at romance that she can make me enjoy a contemporary series focused on royalty, even though I think that hereditary monarchies are ridiculous and outdated. Her full-length novels usually focus on M/F pairings so I am pretty excited that How to Find a Princess, the second book in the Runaway Royals series (which is a continuation of the Reluctant Royals series), features a F/F pairing.
What’s on Your TBR List?
How about you? What books are you most excited for in 2021? Are there any books whose release dates you’re still anxiously waiting for? Cover reveals you eagerly anticipate?
About the links: All links in this article are Bookshop.org affiliate links. If you purchase a book using my link, I will get a commission and you will be supporting independent bookstores! If you do not use my links I highly encourage you to get your books from a local indie store, or your local library system (which is where I got many of these books).
*You ever have one of those moments where even though words are your bread and butter, you really question yourself? I feel like the past tense of “tide” should be “tid” or “tode”, not “tided.” English, you’re a funny language.