Risingshadow: January 2026 Edition

As 2025 comes to a close, readers were drawn to imaginative worlds and thought-provoking stories that explore the possible and the unknown. Fantasy emerged as the most prominent genre within speculative fiction, captivating audiences with immersive worlds, rich characters, and emotional depth. Science fiction and horror complemented these trends, often blending with fantasy and sharing readerships across the year. Across bookstores, online communities, and discussions, these genres formed the ... [read more]

FantasyDark Fantasy

(Wings of Fire Graphix #9)

The graphic novel adaptations of the #1 New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series continue to set the world on fire! For every villain, there is a hero ... Turtle isn’t one of the heroes he reads about in stories. If he were, he’d use his animus powers to help Pyrrhia -- instead of keeping his abilities a secret, even from his own sister. Now that Darkstalker, the sinister and impossibly old dragon from Pyrrhia’s most notorious legends, has returned, Turtle knows his own role is ... [read more]

FantasyComicsDragonsMiddle GradeGraphic Novels

(Keeper of the Lost Cities The Graphic Novel #2)

The epic first book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series is being reimagined into stunning graphic novels, and the story continues now with Part Two! After learning she’s actually an elf, twelve-year-old Sophie Foster made the impossible decision to leave her human life—and family—behind and start over in the Lost Cities. And life with the elves has been unlike anything Sophie has ever known, filled with new friends, amazing creatures, and ... [read more]

FantasyYoung AdultComicsGraphic Novels

(The Aldoran Chronicles #5)

The award-winning epic fantasy series continues with this fifth volume of The Aldoran Chronicles saga. ADARRA Entangled in Tallosian feuds and fragile negotiations, Adarra’s path takes a deadly turn when an ancient power stirs from its slumber. Unnatural monsters sweep across the Isle of Tallos, leaving carnage in their wake. To protect both friend and foe, she must risk everything—finding an unexpected ally in the enigmatic Talarin, and becoming the shield for those she never meant to ... [read more]

FantasyEpic FantasyHigh Fantasy

(Lightlark #4)

The highly anticipated fourth novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Lightlark Saga, by acclaimed author and #BookTok sensation Alex Aster Some worlds deserve to be destroyed . . . Isla Crown has charted a new destiny and leapt into the unknown, determined to defeat her insidious ancestor, Lark, no matter the cost. But Skyshade is nothing like she anticipated, and she’ll have to use all of her skills just to survive, let alone end Lark for good. Meanwhile, Grim and Oro would sooner set ... [read more]

FantasyRomanceYoung Adult

(Beware of Chicken #5)

A laugh-out-loud, slice-of-life martial-arts fantasy about . . . farming???? Jin Rou wanted to be a cultivator. A man powerful enough to defy the heavens. A master of martial arts. A lord of spiritual power. Unfortunately for him, he died, and now I’m stuck in his body. But I think he’d like how things are turning out. So much happened last year! The battle at the Dueling Peaks, the revelation at the Azure Hills, and the calamity that damaged them. But most important? I became a father. ... [read more]

FantasyLitRPGHumor

(Path of the Berserker #5)

A world destroyed. An axe to grind. And a path to infinite power. Welcome to my reality. I’ve survived my tour of the Hell Worlds…no…scratch that.I did more than just survive—I damn well thrived. I’ve unlocked secret knowledge, advanced to the edge of the Sacred Soul Realm and even managed to perform feats of cultivation that no one in history has ever done before. And now it’s time to put my new-found strength to the test. My path hasn’t gotten any easier and a new set of ... [read more]

FantasyLitRPG

(Defiance of the Fall #16)

The board is set, and the game has started anew. After braving the dangers of the Imperial Graveyard and overcoming betrayal, Zac has succeeded in his goals. The Kan'Tanu leader is dead, and the Eternal Guardians were unleashed upon the cult. Betrayal left Zac wounded and exhausted, yet time waits for no man. The competition for the Ultom Courts is starting, and it soon becomes clear there is more to the trial than meets the eye. Ancient plans compete with new ambitions as past and present collide. The Limitless Empire is stirring. Book 16 of the hit Defiance of the Fall LitRPG Series is here. Grab your copy today! [read more]

FantasyLitRPG

(The Godkissed Bride #4)

Her power can heal the world—or burn it down. Sabine has survived death, but what rises in her place is something ancient and barely contained. Her fae nature demands blood, sacrifice, and dominance, making her previous life as a human feel like a fading dream. War-torn villagers beg her for miracles she can't yet perform. Her father, King of Fae, whispers of her great destiny. And through it all, Sabine clings to the only thing still tying her to the girl she used to be—Basten—and prays ... [read more]

FantasyRomance

(Lost Starship Series #24)

The effort almost killed him, but Maddox temporarily closed the breach to an alien dimension, one where genetic supermen rule humanity as gods. The trouble is the master race’s Ninth Assault Fleet is still inside Commonwealth space—and destroying worlds with hellburner missiles. Without the hyper-spatial tubes of the smashed Nexuses, the Grand Fleet can’t jump straight to battle. To win, Star Watch must relearn maneuver warfare across light-years against super soldiers bred for war. Lord ... [read more]

Science FictionSpace Opera

(Celestials of Arcadia #2)

Hope is but a wicked torment. A land steeped in tainted magic poisons the human world. Kinetics are hellbent on eliminating the Elementals. And the man who once swore to protect them is gone. Still reeling from the events that transpired at the King’s Palace and Chrome’s devolution, Gray takes her place as the Elemental queen, guiding her people through the dangerous, magical land of Arcadia as they seek safety from the onslaught of Kinetic attacks. Desperate to find and restore Chrome to ... [read more]

FantasyRomance

(Dresden Files #18)

Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, has always managed to save the day—but, in this powerful entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files, can he save himself? One year. 365 days. Twelve months. Harry Dresden has been through a lot, and so has his city. After Harry and his allies narrowly managed to save Chicago from being razed to the ground, everything is different—and it’s not just the current lack of electricity. In the battle, Harry lost people he cared ... [read more]

FantasyUrban Fantasy

(Expeditionary Force #19)

The mission to destroy the enemy Gateway was literally a smashing success. Except the Pirates were too late, and now not one but two of the enemy are loose in the galaxy. And they are equipped with starships more powerful than Valkyrie. A direct fight would be hopeless, so the Pirates must rely on wacky ideas from the mushy brain of a monkey—and some serious sketchiness. [read more]

Science Fiction

(Pendergast #23)

From the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Preston and Child comes the Agent Pendergast origin story—a golden opportunity for longtime fans and new readers to learn about Agent Pendergast’s strange and shocking first case. It only took six months for the life of Special Agent Dwight Chambers to crumble around him. First, he lost his partner, and then, tragically, his wife. Returning to work at the New Orleans Field Office, Chambers is dismayed to find himself saddled with mentoring a brand ... [read more]

HorrorThrillerMystery

(The Firebird Chronicles #6)

With the alien scourge responsible for the greatest war in humanity’s history in full retreat, Kira Forrest anticipates a few months of rest and relaxation while she and her found family recover from their ordeal. Her hard earned peace is cut short when an attack on the Great Houses reveals cracks in the very foundation of the empire. When blame is laid at the feet of Kira’s birth house, she will have to find the true perpetrators quick if she wants to protect her new home and everyone ... [read more]

FantasyScience FictionRomance

(Last Life #10)

Max has attempted to decipher the ancient script and get answers to his questions, but so far, all these attempts have ended in failure. It's time for a new plan of action. It's time to prepare for the attack his enemies will inevitably launch. And that attack is coming soon - Max has no doubt about that whatsoever. The dark assassin's visit to the Fox Den? That was just the beginning. Besides the renewed activity among the dark forces, the fragile balance of power in Mainland has finally been ... [read more]

FantasyLitRPG

(A Budding Scientist in a Fantasy World #3)

When Alice Verianna went to sleep one night, she was just another teen from the Denver suburbs. She definitely didn’t expect to be transported to an alternate dimension presided over by a mysterious System. Since then, this scientist has navigated her way through monsters, magic, and the shadowy Society of Starry Eyes. In the third volume of this imaginative and highly detailed LitRPG adventure, the System has crashed, and Alice and her companions are trying to pick up the shattered pieces. ... [read more]

FantasyLitRPG

(Shadowbound Fae #2)

If you can’t beat ’em… burn it all down. The fae royalty think I’m their toy. Their entertainment. But I’m the only thing standing between their glittering world and the darkness waiting to consume mine. To buy us time, Tarian enters me into the court games—a bloodsport for the bored and cruel. No allies. No protection. Just monsters wearing crowns and smiling as they watch me fall. My odds of survival? Slim. My resolve? Unbreakable. They’ve always underestimated me. I exist in the ... [read more]

FantasyUrban Fantasy

(The Fractured Crown Trilogy #2)

She survived the Forest Court. She survived the bargain. But will she survive the hunt? Cast out and marked for death, Briar believed the hunt would end if she managed to survive for three days. She was very wrong. Because with Malus free, old magic has awakened, hungry and wrong. Something that has slept for centuries has begun to stir, and it wants what Briar carries in her blood. When the Dawn Court offers sanctuary, Briar has to choose between the safety of light and the pull of shadows. ... [read more]

FantasyRomantasy

(Elydes #3)

Pirates have left Sylspring in charred ruins. The Merian governor is all too eager to sweep the accident under the rug to safeguard his reputation. A reassuring front, while undercover investigators sweep the streets to uproot the rebels. With a brand new profession and one too many secrets, Kai knows it’s time to make himself scarce. What better place to disappear to than right under the governor’s nose in the archipelago’s capital, Higharbor? Sailing to the largest city in the isles ... [read more]

Epic FantasyHigh FantasyLitRPGAdventureDark Fantasy

(To Win a Dark Heart #3)

A widowed queen trapped by her past. A giant who just wants to be left alone. A fowl curse that could cost them both everything. Lindy never wanted to get married or have children—especially not seven stepsons old enough to be her brothers and a doddering royal husband. Just when it seems like things couldn’t possibly get any worse, the king suddenly dies, and her sinister reputation for casting curses means that all eyes and fingers are pointed at her. Rather than support their new ... [read more]

FantasyRomanceYoung AdultRetellingsFairy Tale Retellings