Every Tuesday brings a fresh wave of tempting new releases, and July 28th is absolutely stacked. While my bookshelves (and my wallet) may disagree, there are several books that have me hovering over the preorder button or excited to grab them tomorrow at my local bookstores and Schuler Books.
As always, I tend to gravitate toward gothic fiction, atmospheric fantasy, haunted houses, historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and anything that promises beautiful prose or unforgettable world-building.
Here are the books currently competing for space on my shelves.
Sea of Charms
Sarah Beth Durst
Sarah Beth Durst has become an automatic “pay attention” author for me, and returning to the enchanting world of The Spellshop feels like the perfect escape. Cozy fantasy mixed with magic, charming characters, and gorgeous settings sounds exactly like the kind of comfort read I reach for between darker novels.
Why it’s on my radar: Cozy fantasy + magical world + Sarah Beth Durst.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★★
Blood Slaves
Markus Redmond
Dark fantasy with vampires, political intrigue, and high stakes? This sounds like it could either become one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year or completely surprise me in unexpected ways.
I’m especially intrigued because it promises something darker than many current romantasy releases.
Why I’m interested: Vampires, epic fantasy, morally gray characters.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★☆
Fishbone Cinderella
Elizabeth Lim
Elizabeth Lim has become one of those authors who consistently blends folklore with imaginative fantasy. A Cinderella retelling with Lim’s signature style immediately caught my attention.
Retellings are difficult to make feel fresh, but if anyone can do it, it’s Elizabeth Lim.
Why I’m interested: Fairy tale retelling + fantasy + beautiful storytelling.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★★
Buyer Beware
Catherine Ryan Howard
Catherine Ryan Howard knows how to write psychological suspense that keeps readers guessing. Every synopsis she writes makes me suspicious of absolutely everyone involved.
This one already sounds like the kind of thriller I’d finish in one weekend.
Why I’m interested: Psychological thriller with plenty of twists.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★☆
These Godly Lies
R. Raeta
Epic fantasy, mythology, gods, and emotional storytelling? Yes, please.
This feels like it has the potential to be one of those sweeping fantasy novels that completely consumes your life for a few days.
Why I’m interested: Mythology-inspired fantasy and emotional stakes.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★☆
A Tangled Magic
Andrea Eames
The title alone immediately grabbed my attention.
I love magical stories that feel whimsical while still carrying deeper emotional themes, and this sounds like exactly that kind of novel.
Why I’m interested: Atmospheric fantasy with magical elements.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★☆
The Whisper
Chelsea Iversen
This one gives me mysterious, eerie vibes before I even read the synopsis.
If there’s psychological tension, unsettling atmosphere, and secrets waiting to be uncovered, I’m almost always interested.
Why I’m interested: Atmospheric mystery with creepy undertones.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★☆
One Shattered Crown
Rebecca Zanetti
Fantasy romance continues to dominate my reading lately, and Rebecca Zanetti’s newest release looks like another exciting addition.
I’m always intrigued by stories involving dangerous kingdoms, powerful magic, and impossible choices.
Why I’m interested: Romantasy with political intrigue.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★☆
A Penance for Crows
Shannon Morgan
If you know me, you know the word crows in a title practically guarantees I’ll stop scrolling.
This sounds delightfully gothic, atmospheric, and haunting—all the ingredients I look for when autumn starts approaching.
Why I’m interested: Gothic mystery with dark atmosphere.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★★
City of Widows
Nadia Hashimi
This feels like one of the more emotionally powerful books releasing this week.
I appreciate stories that explore resilience, family, and difficult realities through compelling historical and cultural perspectives.
Why I’m interested: Literary historical fiction with emotional depth.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★☆
The Séance Garden
Juliet Blackwell
You had me at séance.
Juliet Blackwell has a gift for blending mystery with supernatural elements, and this title sounds tailor-made for readers who enjoy haunted gardens, old houses, forgotten secrets, and ghostly whispers.
Honestly, this may be my most anticipated gothic release of the month.
Why I’m interested: Haunted settings + ghosts + gothic mystery.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★★
Ravenous
Kresley Cole
Kresley Cole returning is exciting all by itself.
I’ve always admired her ability to create addictive paranormal worlds, and Ravenous promises plenty of action, supernatural tension, and unforgettable characters.
Why I’m interested: Paranormal fantasy from a favorite author.
Purchase likelihood: ★★★★★
Which Books Will Actually End Up Coming Home?
If I were limiting myself to just five purchases, these would probably make the cut:
🥇 The Séance Garden
🥇 Sea of Charms
🥇 Fishbone Cinderella
🥇 A Penance for Crows
🥇 Ravenous
Of course… history has taught me that I rarely stop at five.
I’d Love to Hear From You
Are any of these July 28 releases on your radar? Which book are you planning to pick up first? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations to add to my ever-growing TBR pile.
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