In 2024 I read books from 89 authors I’d never read before. Not all of these were debut novels, however, I do now have a good list of debut books to check out. I always seem to stumble on debuts accidentally, which is always a nice surprise.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
I’ve been thinking about this book a lot lately. I read it so long ago but haven’t continued the series yet. I’m not sure why though. I absolutely adored Serpent & Dove. Knowing that it’s a debut novel as well makes it even more impressive. The magic system is unlike any other I’ve read before and the world is lore rich and honestly, pretty cool.
This book is pretty tropey but not in a trashy way. It’s an actual enemies to lovers as Reid literally tries to kill Lou at one point. But what makes the enemies to lovers even better is the marriage of convenience. The angst is off the charts
I’m going to make it my mission to continue this series this year as leaving three years between instalments is actually ridiculous. Especially as I’ve owned book two for that entire time. I read Serpent & Dove at a time when I didn’t review every book I read so that’s probably part of why I’ve put off book two. Maybe I’ll do a re-read review of book one so I can continue the series.
Synopsis: Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.
A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
If you’re a fan of silly little contemporary romances, this is the debut for you. Loosely based on Romeo and Juliet, A Pho Love Story is about two teens whose families own rival pho restaurants. It’s a really sweet book and that’s reflected in the romance. This is very much a teen book. Clean romance with characters that often make silly decisions.
Synopsis: If Bao Nguyen had to describe himself, he’d say he was a rock. Steady and strong, but not particularly interesting. His grades are average, his social status unremarkable. He works at his parents’ pho restaurant, and even there, he is his parents’ fifth favorite employee. Not ideal.
If Linh Mai had to describe herself, she’d say she was a firecracker. Stable when unlit, but full of potential for joy and fire. She loves art and dreams pursuing a career in it. The only problem? Her parents rely on her in ways they’re not willing to admit, including working practically full-time at her family’s pho restaurant.
For years, the Mais and the Nguyens have been at odds, having owned competing, neighboring pho restaurants. Bao and Linh, who’ve avoided each other for most of their lives, both suspect that the feud stems from feelings much deeper than friendly competition.
But then a chance encounter brings Linh and Bao in the same vicinity despite their best efforts and sparks fly, leading them both to wonder what took so long for them to connect. But then, of course, they immediately remember.
Can Linh and Bao find love in the midst of feuding families and complicated histories?
Check out Young Creative Press on all socials
You can also check out my StoryGraph here
Like this post? Why not read this one too: Graphic Novel Review: An Embarrassment of Witches by Sophie Goldstein & Jenn Jordan