With January in full swing and a slew of exciting new books hitting shelves —and with a reading resolution to read more books by first time writers, I just wanted to share a my recommendations of upcoming 2022 debuts you should definitely add to your TBR. From YA fantasy and historical fiction to Contemporary and Romance, there’s plenty to choose from and maybe you’ll even discover a new favourite.
Despite my best efforts there are bound to be a few books that I’ve missed and the list is in no way comprehensive.
So without further ado, here are some of the authorial 2022 debuts you simply must read.
January
Filled with magical world-building and unforgettable characters Akshaya Raman’s stunning, Indian-inspired fantasy debut follows four siblings who must reunite on a quest to find the Ivory Key, a mysterious object of legend.
If you love thrilling, fierce, utterly addictive and character driven books involving magic that could save a kingdom on the precipice of war, then you should definitely check this one out. Released 4 January
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An utterly captivating debut about survival, found family and the bond of friendship between a girl and a wolf. It’s a really refreshing, Sci-fi twist on the classic survival books. Released 11 January
This funny and uplifting, rom-com debut follows the first openly non-binary contestant on America’s favourite cooking show who falls for their clumsy competitor. Perfect for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue and A Sweet Mess.
Released 18 January
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An irresistible YA debut about two hockey players fighting to be the best—and the romance that surprises them along the way. A charming and thought provoking romance that includes incredible LGBTQ+ and mental health rep, that fans of enemies-to-lovers and the found family trope are going to absolutely love this!
Released 18 January
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A breathtaking debut, inspired by the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon Goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.
Filled with endearingly relatable characters and beautifully immersive world building—the Celestial Kingdom will sweep you into a world of magic, romance and betrayal that’s simply unputdownable. I read an arc of this last year and it was one of my favourite reads of 2021!
Released 20 January (UK) 11 January (US)
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February
This thrillingly addictive YA Horror about a group of teen ghost hunters who spend the night in LA’s most haunted hotel is definitely one to check out if your new to the YA Horror genre.
It‘s The Vanishing at Cecil Hotel meets Ghost Adventures premise was enjoyable and has been described as The Blair Witch Project for the TikTok generation.
Released 1 February
Lush imagery, loveable characters and action-packed shenanigans abound in this Indiana Jones meets Sleeping Beauty, gender switch retelling about bookish treasure Hunter Fi, who pricks her finger on a bone spindle whilst exploring and ends up stuck with the spirit of Briar Rose. Now Fi and her axe wielding business partner Shane must break the sleeping curse and save Briar’s kingdom.
I was lucky enough to read this one early and I highly recommend it! It’s perfect for fairytale lovers, adventure affectuonados and fans of Sorcery of Thorns or Cinderella Is Dead.
Released 3 February (UK)
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A dark and sumptuous tale of witches, shipwrecks, of family, superstition and sacrifice that’s perfect for fans of Stacy Halls, Sarah Perry or Bridget Collins.
Norfolk,1643. As England’s civil war rages on, Thomas Treadwater is summoned home by his sister, who accuses a servant of improper conduct with their father. By the time Thomas arrives, his father has suffered a stroke and the servant has been imprisoned for witchcraft.
Thomas is a rational man but as he unravels the mystery of what has happened, he uncovers a tale not of superstition but something dark, ancient and linked to a shipwreck that occurred years before.
Released 3 February
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A teen girl navigates friendship drama, the end of high school, and discovering her queerness in Ophelia After All, a hilarious and heartfelt, coming-of-age contemporary YA.
Released 8 February (US), 14 March (UK)
An utterly compelling and thought-provoking debut novel, after a terrorist attack rocks the country and anti-Islamic sentiment stirs, three Black Muslim girls create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths.
Released 8 February (US)
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A Spellbinding and immersive tale of magic, adventure and romance. Amelia Loken provides incredible (and authentic) deaf representation in protagonist, Marguerite who’s Magical, embroidery skills are put to the test as she defies her tyrannical uncle and embarks on a journey reclaim her power and identity. This is one YA Fantasy you don’t want to miss!
Released 15 February
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A cleverly written and adventurous enemies to lovers reimagining of Peter Pan that centres around Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and a very steamy romance.
Banished for doing the unthinkable, selling the hottest drug in Neverland—pixie dust, Tinker Bell wants absolution. Determined to find a way home, Tink doesn’t hesitate to follow the one lead she has, even if it means seducing a filthy pirate to steal precious gems out from under his … hook.
Released 15 February
“When Joan discovers her family’s monstrous secret she realises she needs to call upon her own inner demon to protect them”
Brilliantly enthralling and unputdownable, Vanessa Len masterfully blurs the lines of good and evil in this vividly immersive tale of time travel, forbidden romance and monsters that you’re definitely not gonna want to miss.
Released 17 February
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The Bookish Life of Nina Hill meets Younger in a heartfelt debut following a young woman who discovers she'll have to ditch the "dream job" and write her own story to find her happy ending.
Released 18 February
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A bold and emotionally gripping novel about a teenage Latinx girl finding freedom through dance and breaking expectations in 1980s Minnesota. Released 22 February
Set during the Russian Revolution, Carolyn Tara O’ Neil’s Daughters of a Dead Empire is a harrowing historical thriller about dangerous ideals, loyalty, and the price we pay for change. An imaginative alternate history retelling of the Anastasia story. Released 22 February
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The perfect next read for fans of Mexican Gothic, Tripping Arcadia is a page-turning and shocking tale with an unforgettable protagonist that explores family legacy and inheritance, the sacrifices we must make to get by in today's world, and the intoxicating, dangerous power of wealth.
To help out her parents (who are on the verge of bankruptcy), med school dropout Lena starts working for the illustrious and secretive Verdeau family. By day she’s assistant to the family doctor and by night, she works overtime at their lavish parties—helping to hide their self destructive tendencies. But when Lena finds out the Verdeau patricarich is responsible for her family’s ruin, she vows revenge…
Released 24 February
March
Immersive, beautifully written and full of lush detail and adventure—Lizzie Pook‘s debut is certainly a 2022 must read for all historical fiction lovers.
In 1886 The Brightwell family sail to Western Australia in the hopes that the pearls there can make their fortune.10 years later and Charles Brightwell the bays most prolific pearler goes missing from his ship whilst at sea. The locals suspect mutiny and murder but Eliza (Charles’ daughter) refuses to believe he’s dead, and starts asking questions noone else dare consider.
But, in a town teeming with corruption, prejudice and black mail, Eliza learns the truth can cost more than pearls and its it’s up to her to decide how much she is willing to pay—and how far she‘s willing to go—to find it… Released 3 March
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An enthralling and thoroughly uplifting, YA fantasy adventure following sixteen-year-old Khadija, who flees her home in a stolen hot air balloon to escape an arranged marriage. Featuring airborne adventure, wicked Djinn and a dangerous world of magic, what more could any fantasy lover ask for?
Released 3 March
An OwnVoices, gender-bent retelling of The Three Musketeers, in which a girl with a chronic illness trains as a Musketeer and uncovers secrets, sisterhood, and self-love. Sword-fighting, betrayal, revenge and court intrigue— this promises to be an action packed whirlwind of a book with an absolutely phenomenal protagonist!
Released 8 March
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Anna is a regular teenage girl. She runs track with her bestie, gets good grades. Until one day, at track practice she falls unconscious… but instead of falling down, she falls up, defying gravity in the first symptom of a mysterious new illness, Lepidopsy, which causes symptoms reminiscent of moths (floating, attraction to light, a craving for sugar and for an unlucky few-more dangerous manifestations.)
As Anna‘s world is turned upside down, she finds herself drifting further away from former life—her friends don’t truly understand and the kids at the clinic serve as a cruel reminder that nothing will ever be the same.
A Beautiful and evocative story about one girl’s journey of choosing who she wants to be—in a life she never planned for.
Released 8 March
In this addictive and undeniably chaotic debut, which unflinchingly explores how we narrate our lives, 24 year old bookseller (and aspiring novelist), Naomi finds herself stalking—and writing about—her boyfriend’s ex girlfriend. Released 15 March
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Determined to be less like Mary Bennett the forgettable middle sister—than the vivacious star Lizzie, seventeen year old Marnie enlists the help of her outgoing roommate to finally experience life—leading lady style. And between new friend, cute boys and a reacue pup named Sir Pat, Marnie soon learns that being the main character doesn‘t have to mean rewriting your life entirely.
Acerbic and delightful, this YA rom-com about a girl who resolves to become the main character of her own story is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Becky Albertalli.
Released 15 March
For fans of Wilder Girls comes a nightmarish debut guaranteed to keep you up through the night, about an idyllic small town poisoned by its past, and one girl who must fight the strange disease that's slowly claiming everyone she loves.
Released 22 March
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Infused with lyrical prose and gorgeously descriptive vistas, Judy I. Lin’s sweeping debut—about a girl who enters a magical tea brewing competition to save her dying sister, but who inadvertently ends up caught in the middle of the court’s deadly polititcal schemes— is sure to enchant fans of Elizabeth Lim or Adrienne Young. Released 29 March
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In the aftermath of the First World War, a young woman gets swept into a glittering world filled with illicit magic, romance, blood debts and murder in this lush and decadent debut novel.
Released 31 March
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A visceral and utterly compelling YA fantasy perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and The Gilded Ones, Blood Scion sees a fifteen-year-old girl with forbidden powers plot to overthrow the brutal regime that oppress her and her people.
Inspired by Yoruba-Nigerian mythology, this thrilling debut is definitely one of the most anticipated books of the year so don’t miss it! Released 8 March (US), 31 March (UK)
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April
We Who Hunt The Hollow by Kate Murray A firecracker urban fantasy about the youngest daughter of a family of women warriors, and the power she wishes she had …
Seventeen-year-old Priscilla feels unworthy of her status in the legendary Daalmans family of warriors. When she unlocks a rare, powerful ability, she has to choose between her heart and her heritage, or risk losing everything.
A breathtaking Wonder Woman meets Buffy, YA fantasy debut that’s perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare and Lynette Noni.
Released April 2022
A heartfelt rom-com about friendship, falling in love and crossing pretty much every line presented to you—and how to atone when you do.
The story follows Doe, a girl who loves pranking the boys at the rival boarding school next door. But when talks of merging the two schools arises in her senior year, Doe resorts to drastic measures to one up her rival, Three—with help from his own family.
But when the fake dating scheme leads to real feelings, Doe finds herself in over her head.
Released 12 April
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Ellis and Easton have been inseparable since childhood. But when a rash decision throws Ellis’s life—and her relationship with Easton— into chaos she’s forced to move halfway across the country, far from everything she’s ever known. Now Ellis hasn’t spoken to Easton in a year, and maybe it’s better that way; maybe eventually the Easton shaped hole in her heart will heal. But when Easton’s mother invites her home for a celebration, Ellis finds herself tangled up in the web of heartache, betrayal, and anger she left behind... and with the boy she never stopped loving.
Sarah Dessen Meets Adam Silvera in this phenomenal debut romance.
Released 26 April (US), June 9 (UK)
Set amid the bustle of Victorian London, an irresistible story of an ambitious young Black actress, an orphan from the slums who has finally achieved a dubious stardom as “The Great Amazonia, a savage African queen”—but everything she has fought for depends on hiding the secret of her own identity.
This deliciously detailed, richly atmospheric and empowering tale of identity and morality is utterly unforgettable, a must read for historical fiction lovers.
Released 28 April
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May
For fans of Caraval and The Night Circus, this decadent and darkly enchanting YA fantasy, set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-inspired hotel, follows seventeen-year-old Jani as she uncovers the deeply disturbing secrets of the legendary Hotel Magnifique. Released 5 May
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A stunning debut from a powerful new voice, Kaikeyi reimagines the life of the infamous queen from the Indian epic the Ramayana, weaving a tale of fate, family, courage, and heartbreak—of an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come.
Released 12 May
This fun, irreverent summer romp is Netflix’s Never Have I Ever meets What If It’s Us about a high school senior determined to get over his unrequited feelings for his best friend by getting under someone else.
Released 24 May
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June
Fans of the twists and turns of Karen McManus and the emotional coming-of-age of Kathleen Glasgow will love this thriller set around a mysterious plane crash. Released 7 June
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A reality star and a cupcake-baking football player pretend to be a couple in order to save his bakery in this sweet and sexy romance from debut author, Jamie Wesley
Released 21 June
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Your wish is granted! This YA debut is equal parts broken-hearted love story, epic myth retelling, and a world-journey romp to find home.
It follows an Indian-Muslim boy called who’s travelling the world to find a second chance at love when a magical heiress grants him three wishes.
An LGBTQ centric Aladdin meets Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda that I literally cannot wait to read! Released 21 June
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In the first book of a visionary African and Arabian-inspired fantasy trilogy, three women band together against a cruel Empire that divides people by blood.
I’ve seen the premise described as The Chosen One who missed their calling and that alone has me eager to read it.
Released 23 June
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Three weddings. Three funerals. Alessa’s gift from the gods is supposed to magnify a partner’s magic, not kill every suitor she touches.
Now, with only weeks until a horde of demons devours everything on her island and when a powerful priest convinces the faithful that killing Alessa is the island’s only hope, even her own guards turn against her.
Desperate to survive, Alessa hires Dante, a cynical outcast marked as a killer, to become her personal bodyguard. But as rebellion explodes outside the gates, Dante’s dark secrets may be the biggest betrayal. He holds the key to her survival and her heart, but is he the one person who can help her master her gift or destroy her once and for all?
An exciting (and page-turning) Fantasy debut.
Released 28 June
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July
The Darkening by Sunya Mara In this thrilling and epic YA fantasy debut the only hope for a city trapped in the eye of a cursed storm lies with the daughter of failed revolutionaries and a prince terrified of his throne.
Released 5 July
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This deliciously dark and atmospheric southern Gothic debut (and inspired by Appalachian folklore) is about the complicated feelings that arise when when the place you call home becomes hostile.
The sleepy little farm that Laurel Early grew up on has awakened. The woods are shifting, the soil is dead under her hands, and her bone pile just stood up and walked away.
After dropping out of college, all she wanted was to resume her life as a tobacco hand and taxidermist and try not to think about the boy she can’t help but love. Instead, a devil from her past has returned to court her, as he did her late mother years earlier. Now, Laurel must unravel her mother’s terrifying legacy and tap into her own innate magic before her future and the fate of everyone she loves is doomed.
Released 12 July
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A teen girl must bring together two broken worlds in order to save her nation in this lush, action-packed and utterly breathtaking Filipino-inspired young adult fantasy novel from debut author Elisa A. Bonnin. Released 19 July
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Rival Chicago photographers are forced to collaborate on a body-positive lingerie campaign, but they might have to readjust their focus when sparks start to fly.
Released 19 July
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I‘m obsessed with Greek myth retellings and so it should come as no surprise that Maya Deane’s utterly stunning and innovative Trans retelling Of The Iliad (and centred around Achilles), Wrath Goddess Sing is one of my most anticipated debuts of the year.
A compelling, pitilessly beautiful vision of Achilles’ vanished world, perfect for fans of Song of Achilles and the Inheritance trilogy.
Released 22 July
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Georgiana Darcy gets the Pride & Prejudice retelling she deserves in Accomplished, a sparkling contemporary YA featuring a healthy dose of marching band romance, endless banter, and Charles Bingley as a ripped frat boy.
Released 26 July
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The swoon of Nicola Yoon meets the emotional punch of Elizabeth Acevedo in this breakout debut about highschooler, Michie who’s struggling to define herself for the scholarship essay,her big shot at making it into Brown as a first generation college student. The prompts would be hard for anyone but especially for Michie who’s been estranged from her mother since she was seven.
With the prospect of love with Derek (the cute and talented new guy), mother unexpectedly reaching out to make amends and her college deadline looming Michie must make some choices; to decide to reopen old wounds or shut the door on the past for good. To open her heart, take a chance on Derek, on herself and on her future.
With big questions about identity, family and love YA Contemporary Romance fans are bound to love this. Released 26 July
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This bewitching debut follows a quartet of witches from the Mesmortes Coven Academy in Haelsford, Florida as they try to stop The Haunting—a curse that every year sees monstrous wolves descend upon the town, to feast upon it‘s inhabitants. But stopping the curse isn’t as easy as it sounds and the cost of breaking it may be greater than anyone could ever have imagined. Perfect for fans Maggie Stiefvater, Zoraida Córdova, and Leigh Bardugo
Released 26 July
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A darkly enchanting fantasy debut about a morally gray witch, a cursed prince, and a prophecy that ignites their fate-twisted destinies—perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and Serpent & Dove.
Released 26 July
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Everyone knows the tale of Rapunzel in her tower, but do you know the story of the witch who put her there? Told from her own perspective, The Book of Gothel is a lush, historical retelling filled with dark magic, crumbling towers, mysterious woods, and evil princes. This is the truth they never wanted you to know, as only a witch might tell it—perfect for fans of Circe and The Bear and the Nightingale. Released 28 July
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August
It's hard to move on from a broken heart--and harder to move on from a broken friendship.
Mikaela Marchand is living the polished life she always planned for: a successful New York lawyer, with a promotion in her sights and a devoted boyfriend by her side.
But an old photo from her adolescence is now splashed across a massive billboard in Times Square—and on the cover of a high profile magazine advertised all over the city. An old photograph of Mikaela and her former friend Julie. And when Julie Files a lawsuit, Mikaela is caught in the middle as defense lawyer for the magazine.
Not only will she have to face Julie for the first time in years, Mikaela’s forced to work closely with the photographer in question: the former love of her life--and Julie’s ex-husband--Cameron Murphy. With her promotion on the line she has no margin of error, but unresolved feelings still exist between Cam and Mikaela and jealousy always made Julie play dirty…
Released 2 August
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In this surrealist journey of grief, fear, and hope, Britney S. Lewis's debut novel— about a dancer who, teams up with an undead boy to unlock the answers behind her mother’s death—explores love, zombies, and everything in between in an enthralling mash up of the real and the fantastic.
Released 9 August
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September
Sunyi Dean's The Book Eaters is a contemporary fantasy debut and follows a secret line of people for whom books are food and who retain all of a book’s content after eating it.
It's a story of motherhood, sacrifice, and hope; of queer identity and learning to accept who you are; of gilded lies and the danger of believing the narratives others create for you.
Released 1 September
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October
