| Sure, we all love those authors who have written more books than you have unread emails, but let’s not forget the newbies. First-time authors bring a certain je ne sais quoi—mainly because they haven’t been jaded by the publishing world yet. Their fresh perspectives and unfiltered takes make for some seriously mind-blowing reads. So, if you’re tired of reading the same old, here are some debut novels that might just make you believe in the magic of fiction again (or at least give you something to talk about at dinner parties). |
Debut Novels That Absolutely Blew Our Minds
The Scent of Fallen Stars by Aishwarya Jha Release Date: 2023
Think you’ve read every love story there is? Think again. The Scent of Fallen Stars gives us an academic who’s lost his way, a musician who’s more than a bit complicated, and enough emotional drama to make you question your own life choices. Set in a rapidly changing India, Jha’s prose is as poetic as it is thought-provoking, with twists that will have you smelling the proverbial roses (or sobbing into them). Get it while it’s hot.
Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey Release Date: 2023
Imagine getting divorced after just 608 days of marriage. Now, imagine turning that mess into a hilarious, relatable, and downright charming novel. Enter Really Good, Actually. Follow Maggie as she navigates the post-marriage apocalypse, making all the mistakes you secretly want to make. Heisey’s debut is packed with sharp wit, awkward encounters, and the kind of laugh-out-loud moments that make you glad your life isn’t that much of a train wreck. Seriously, read it.
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar Release Date: 2023
A powerful and deeply personal novel, Martyr! explores themes of grief, identity, and the search for meaning. The story follows Cyrus Shams, the newly sober, orphaned son of Iranian immigrants, as he grapples with the loss of his parents and a troubled past. Guided by the voices of artists, poets, and historical figures, Cyrus embarks on a quest to uncover a family secret that leads him to a terminally ill painter living out her final days at the Brooklyn Museum.
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Release Date: 2021
Dubbed as the new-age Hunger Games, Chain-Gang All-Stars is a dystopian novel that offers a scathing critique of the American prison system. In this grim future, convicted murderers are forced to participate in televised death matches for the entertainment of the masses. Beyond its thrilling plot, the novel serves as a powerful indictment of systemic racism, mass incarceration, and the exploitation of marginalized communities.
Western Lane by Chetna Maroo Release Date: 2022
Western Lane is a coming-of-age story centered around grief, family, and the transformative power of sport. The novel follows Gopi, a young girl who finds solace and escape in the world of squash. As Gopi matures, the squash court becomes a battleground not just for her athletic prowess, but also for her own emotional turmoil. The novel explores the intricacies of family dynamics, the weight of grief, and the search for identity.
The Alice Project by Satwik Gade
Release Date: 2023
The Alice Project is a sharp, witty exploration of millennial life, capturing the existential struggles and anxieties of a generation caught between ambition and uncertainty. The novel follows Alice as he navigates the challenges of urban life, tackles career aspirations, relationships, and the pervasive sense of being lost in a fast-paced world.
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard Release Date: 2024
The Other Valley is a speculative fiction novel set in a world where parallel valleys represent different 20-year periods. In this intriguing landscape, residents have the ability to petition for relocation between valleys, effectively allowing them to travel through time. The story follows Odile, a young woman standing at a pivotal crossroad in her life.
Ours by Phillip B Williams Release Date: 2022
Set in the 1830s, Ours is a spellbinding novel about a mysterious conjurer named Saint. With her formidable powers, Saint frees enslaved people from plantations in Arkansas and establishes a secret haven called Ours, just north of St. Louis. As the community of Ours grows, the novel delves into the lives of its residents, revealing their struggles and triumphs.
