Kristen’s Take: Deathbringer by Sonia Tagliareni
An incredibly fun and twisty murder-mystery-meets-dark-academia with some adult Harry Potter vibes.
Rich’s Take: Doe by Rebecca Barrow
A review of Rebecca Barrow’s Doe, a story of that finds West Eaton High School cheer captain Maris Larsen turning to an ancient creature for help in securing her victory against her rival Genevieve as they struggle for control of the team. Out now through Nancy Paulsen Books.
One Voice Could Be So Loud: Imani Thompson and Utilizing Genre Tropes to Deliver Thought-Provoking Messages
We’re excited to welcome Honey author Imani Thompson as our first guest in the “One Voice Could Be So Loud” series! She talks about using genre tropes and frameworks to explore traditionally marginalized ideas.
Rich’s Take: Backstabbers by Eliza Jabore
A review of Eliza Jabore’s Backstabbers, a pulse-pounding story of survival that finds three friends lost in the hunting grounds of the notorious Bones Hollow Hunter. Out now through Bantam.
Rich’s Take: Spoiled Milk by Avery Curran
A review of Avery Curran’s Spoiled Milk, a chilling Gothic Horror about an evil plaguing the Briarley School of Girls and killing off Emily Locke’s classmates as they struggle with impending adulthood and queer desire. Out now through Doubleday.
Kristen’s Take: A Court of Blood and Bindings by Lisette Marshall
A fun, breezy romantasy read following an unassuming but likable FMC with a unique and fun magic system. Formulaic but worth the read.
Kristen’s Take: The Weaver’s Loom by Jessi St. John
A fun and quick read that transports us to 1893 London, a time during which witches guardedly coexist with humans, having given up their immortality in exchange for acceptance into society. Our FMC finds herself embroiled in a dangerous plot to regain that immortality, at the risk of everything she holds dear.
Kristen’s Take: In Deep Water by Michael J. Tougias
Three men find themselves adrift in the Gulf of Mexico, using nothing but two coolers as a floatation device, after their boat sinks on a casual fishing day trip. For 28+ hours, these men find themselves faced with hunger, thirst, jellyfish stings, sharks, unfavorable wind conditions, unimaginable bad luck, and an almost endless need for mental fortitude.
Rich’s Take: Honey by Imani Thompson
A review of Imani Thompson’s Honey, a thrilling serial killer origin story about a PhD student who sets her sights on punishing bad men. Out now through Penguin Random House
Tony’s Take: Come Sing for the Harrowing (2026 Version) by Dan Coxon
Good friend of Genre Buzzword Tony Jones stops by with a review of Dan Coxon’s Come Sing for the Harrowing, a collection of new and previously published tales that get a re-release courtesy of CLASH Books.
Kristen’s Take: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
We dive into the absolutely unhinged, sci-fi, apocalypse-meets-game-show, Hunger Games style adventure centered on a man stuck trying to survive his ex-girlfriend’s talking show cat.
Rich’s Take: Phantom Constellations by Daniel Braum
A review of Daniel Braum’s Phantom Constellations, a collection of new and previously tales that explore liminality in terms of place, emotions and relationships.
Kristen’s Take: Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen
A fun romantasy with serious Fourth Wing vibes, a irritatingly lovable FMC, interesting twisty turns in the romance department, and badass wolves.
One Voice Could Be So Loud: Stories of Protest, Purpose, and Passion
Genre Buzzword’s introduction to the ongoing feature - One Voice Could Be So Loud: Stories of Protest, Purpose, and Passion - an interview series where creators discuss the ways in which they use their voice and creativity to speak out against injustice or address societal issues.
Kristen’s Take: Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
A fun romantasy with a unique Tarot-based magic system, a compelling and usually-intelligent heroine, and a smokin’ hot shadow daddy… but perhaps not enough relationship development.