As December unfolds, book lovers eagerly anticipate the release of the most anticipated literary treasures of the month. From heartwarming graphic novels to thrilling fantasy and science fiction adventures, the curated list of top 10 books for December 2023 promises a diverse array of stories that will captivate readers across genres.
1. Winter Turning (Wings of Fire: Graphic Novel #7) by Tui T. Sutherland
The Wings of Fire series, a #1 New York Times bestseller, continues its fiery journey with the seventh graphic novel adaptation, "Winter Turning." In this installment, the royal IceWing, Winter, embarks on a perilous quest to find his sister, Icicle, who has fled from Jade Mountain Academy. As Winter confronts family secrets and faces the formidable Queen Scarlet, the graphic novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the fantastical world of dragons.
Category: Fantasy, Graphic novels, Comics, Middle Grade, Dragons
Release date: December 26, 2023
Wings of Fire Graphix #7
by Tui T. Sutherland
The graphic novel adaptations of the #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series continue to set the world on fire!
Daring mission... or deadly mistake?
Winter has been a disappointment to his royal IceWing family his whole life. When his sister, Icicle, runs away from Jade Mountain Academy, fleeing terrible crimes and possibly planning to commit more, Winter knows that they both need a second chance to make things right -- if only he can find her.
2. Heartstopper: Volume Five (Heartstopper #5) by Alice Oseman
Alice Oseman's Heartstopper series, celebrated for its LGBTQ+ representation, returns with its fifth volume. As Nick and Charlie navigate the complexities of love and impending separation, the graphic novel explores the nuances of relationships, touching on themes of mental health and eating disorders. Oseman, a YA Book Prize winner, weaves a heartwarming tale that resonates with readers of all ages.
Category: Graphic novels, Comics, Young Adult, Romance
Release date: December 7, 2023
Heartstopper #5
by Alice Oseman
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fifth volume of the Heartstopper series.
Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They’ve finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick’s house … But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?
By Alice Oseman, winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper encompasses all the small moments of Nick and Charlie’s lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.
Contains discussions around mental health and eating disorders, and sexual references.
3. Azarinth Healer: Book Three (Azarinth Healer #3) by Rhaegar
Rhaegar's Azarinth Healer series takes a thrilling turn in its third installment. Following the aftermath of a demon invasion, protagonist Ilea embarks on a journey filled with old friends, unexpected allies, and ancient mysteries. Set in a world of fantasy and LitRPG elements, the narrative promises epic battles, uncharted lands, and a sprinkle of humor, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Category: Fantasy, LitRPG
Release date: December 11, 2023
Azarinth Healer #3
by Rhaegar
In the aftermath of the demon invasion, Ilea makes her way to Riverwatch to find a home for a wayward mind weaver (ensuring he doesn’t eat anyone along the way). After traveling, reuniting with old friends, and some light punching, Ilea's life, it seems, is slowly returning to normal. But dire news awaits her upon her return to Ravenhall.
A friend is in danger, and there is work to be done.
The trail leads Ilea to the Empire and beyond, to dark alleys and ancient dungeons, to unknown desolate lands beyond the frontiers of humanity, and to the ruins of a long-forgotten Kingdom.
4. The Engineer (The Last Horizon #2) by Will Wight
Will Wight's space-faring saga continues with "The Engineer," the second installment in The Last Horizon series. Varic, in need of an exceptional Engineer to repair his battered ship, faces the challenge of rescuing Mell from the clutches of the Advocates. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, introducing super-powered vigilantes and a formidable antagonist, Starhammer. As the heroes navigate the galaxy, the stakes are raised, promising an engaging and action-packed adventure.
Category: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Release date: December 5, 2023
The Last Horizon #2
by Will Wight
“I can’t juggle starships. I make the ones who can.”
The battle with the Iron Legion has left The Last Horizon battered and broken, drifting in space. Varic needs an exceptional Engineer to fix his ship, and there’s only one person for the job: Mell, the master Aether Technician.
But first, they have to break her out of prison.
Mell has been captured by the Advocates, a group of super-powered vigilantes who dominate their corner of the galaxy. They are led by Starhammer, an invincible champion with a personal obsession with Mell.
5. Protected Species (Caine Riordan #7) by Charles E. Gannon
Charles E. Gannon returns with the seventh installment of the Caine Riordan series, "Protected Species." Set against the backdrop of the planet Bactradgaria, the narrative explores survival against ferocious adversaries, including the enigmatic x’qao. Gannon weaves a tale of resilience, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of thriving in the face of extinction. "Protected Species" promises a riveting continuation of the military science fiction series.
Category: Science Fiction, Military science fiction, Hard science fiction, Space opera
Release date: December 5, 2023
Caine Riordan #7
by Charles E. Gannon
Caine Riordan and his self-styled “Crewe” have survived their first months on the planet they call Bactradgaria. They’ve overcome floods, dust storms, tornadoes, searing heat, bitter cold, desperate battles, and attacks by various strange species. However, their most desperate struggles have been against the wildly ferocious x’qao, for whom the pursuit and genocide of other beings is as much a sport as it is a strategy.
Accordingly, Caine and his friends realize that if they are to endure, they must not merely survive but thrive. So far, they’ve done just that and made friends along the way. But a few scattered tribes and towns can't defeat the x’qao and their vassals. To do that, humans must claw higher up the food chain . . . before they tumble off into extinction.
6. The Beta Dungeon (The Rise of the Winter Wolf #5) by Shane Purdy
Shane Purdy's LitRPG series, "The Rise of the Winter Wolf," introduces readers to "The Beta Dungeon." Transported to a new and perilous dungeon, The Winter Wolf faces superior monsters and special events that challenge his survival. Purdy's narrative explores the dynamics of the Beta Dungeon, presenting a gripping tale of resilience and adaptability in a fantastical world.
Category: Fantasy, LitRPG
Release date: December 29, 2023
The Rise of the Winter Wolf #5
by Shane Purdy
Ripped out of the Administrator Dungeon and placed within a new, much more dangerous dungeon, how will The Winter Wolf survive?
Will he fall to the vastly superior monsters? To the special events within the Beta Dungeon?
Or will he thrive?
7. Chains of the Earth (The Ascension Cycle #3) by David Mealing
David Mealing concludes The Ascension Cycle with "Chains of the Earth." The novel promises a powerful finale, featuring memorable characters, vivid world-building, and unique magic systems. As the armies of the Jun swarm across the world, protagonist Sarine and her companions face overwhelming challenges. Mealing's narrative explores the themes of life, death, and the magic of the Soul of the World, delivering a compelling fantasy experience.
Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy
Release date: December 12, 2023
The Ascension Cycle #3
by David Mealing
With its memorable characters, vivid world-building and unique magic systems, Chains of the Earth is the powerful final novel in David Mealing's Ascension Cycle - perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Brent Weeks and Brian McClellan.
The Divide has fallen, and the armies of the Jun swarm across the world. The ancient compact of Life and Death has been breached and Sarine and her companions find themselves overwhelmed, assaulted on all sides by Death's champions.
8. Gold (The Plated Prisoner #5) by Raven Kennedy
Raven Kennedy continues the adult fantasy series with the fifth installment, "Gold." Inspired by the myth of King Midas, the narrative unfolds in the realm of the fae. The protagonist faces magic, beauty, and lurking threats as they navigate Annwyn. Kennedy's tale of fated romance and danger promises an epic continuation of The Plated Prisoner series, enticing readers with a blend of fantasy and romance.
Category: Fantasy, Romance
Release date: December 7, 2023
The Plated Prisoner #5
by Raven Kennedy
Book 5 of this adult fantasy series continues in this epic story inspired by the myth of King Midas, fae, and fated romance.
"Find me in another life. Find me in them all."
Every end is also a beginning.
I thought I was going to die, and would have if it weren’t for Slade. The only way he could save me was to open a rip between worlds. The only way for me to save myself was to go through it.
Sometimes, fleeing one dangerous place just brings you to another.
9. Master of the Fallen (The Silent Gods #3) by Justin Call
Justin Call's Silent Gods series continues with "Master of the Fallen," offering readers another installment of magical adventures. As Annev Dan Breth and his friends navigate a perilous and magical world, the narrative explores themes of good vs. evil, the power of good intentions, and the double-edged nature of magic. Call's series, reminiscent of epic fantasy classics, is a must-read for fans of the genre.
Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy
Release date: December 1, 2023
The Silent Gods #3
by Justin Call
The fabulous series continues the adventures of Annev Dan Breth and his friends as they have to survive on their own in a perilous, magical world, with only their wits and training to guide them.
As astonishing look at good vs evil, the power and danger of good intentions, and the double edged nature of magic, this is a must-read for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Brent Weeks and The Wheel of Time series.
10. The Path of Ascension 5 (The Path of Ascension #5) by C. Mantis
C. Mantis presents the fifth installment of The Path of Ascension series, offering readers another dive into the realm of LitRPG fantasy. As the characters embark on their journey of ascension, Mantis promises an enthralling tale filled with challenges, growth, and immersive gaming experiences. The Path of Ascension 5 is a must-read for LitRPG enthusiasts seeking a blend of fantasy and gaming elements.
Category: Fantasy, LitRPG
Release date: December 13, 2023
The Path of Ascension #5
by C. Mantis
Matt, Liz, and Aster are now Tier 10.
That means it's time for the Pather tournament. There they will face people who are as strong as them for the first time.
But things are never easy.
With years of Luna's guidance they will have to compete twice. Once as themselves and again under a mask with restrictions meant to ensure they really are the strongest.
These top 10 books for December 2023 offer a delightful mix of genres, ensuring there's something for every reader to enjoy during the festive season. Whether you're into dragons, romance, science fiction, or high fantasy, these releases promise to transport you to captivating worlds filled with adventure and intrigue.
Wishing you a joyful anticipation as you await the magic of Christmas!