Bri's Top Picks!

The Will of the Many by James Islington

The Will of the Many by James Islington is a masterclass in morally complex world-building and political intrigue. Set in a society where magical power is drawn from personal sacrifice, this book challenges its characters to question what they’re willing to give up for power, loyalty, and survival. The narrative pulses with high-stakes tension, while the intricate plotting keeps you guessing at every turn.

Islington’s characters are multi-dimensional, each grappling with personal ambition, philosophical dilemmas, and shifting allegiances in a world where every decision could be a fatal one. Fans of epic fantasy will appreciate the meticulous pacing and the way Islington blends personal drama with grand political machinations.

A perfect choice for readers who enjoy morally grey characters, thought-provoking themes, and the kind of twisty storytelling that demands full engagement. The Will of the Many is both a thrilling read and a meditation on sacrifice, power, and the costs of ambition, with the sequel set to be released in September ‘25.

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid is a haunting, lyrical exploration of art, power, and obsession. Set in a world where beauty and brutality intertwine, this novel follows a brilliant, fiercely independent young woman, Effie, as she is drawn into the shadow of a celebrated artist whose dangerous charm blurs the line between admiration and manipulation.

Reid’s prose is rich and evocative, pulling the reader into a world where every page drips with atmosphere. The blend of gothic mystery with contemporary issues creates a narrative that feels both timeless and urgent. The tension between Effie’s intellectual growth and the emotional turmoil of her surroundings builds slowly but relentlessly, making the novel a slow burn that’s impossible to put down.

With its complex characters, dark themes, and exploration of the toxic dynamics of power in both relationships and society, A Study in Drowning is a brilliant meditation on how far we’re willing to go for art, love, and recognition. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy deeply atmospheric, thought-provoking tales that leave a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig 

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig is a spellbinding blend of dark fantasy and intricate character work. Elspeth Spindle is haunted by a dangerous, unpredictable magic bound to her mind—a power that could either save or destroy her. When she partners with the mysterious Cyril, the two are drawn into a world of twisted politics, shadowy magic, and secrets that could unravel everything.

Gillig's prose is atmospheric, rich in detail, and effortlessly pulls you into a world both eerie and mesmerising. The tension between Elspeth and Cyril is electric, and their evolving relationship adds a beautifully complex layer to a plot already brimming with twists. The world-building is immersive, and the magic feels both fantastical and deeply unsettling.

For readers who are drawn to characters who are as enigmatic as they are compelling, a sense of foreboding on every page, and a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page, One Dark Window is an unmissable read.

Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante

Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels is a searing, unforgettable exploration of friendship, ambition, and identity. Spanning four books—My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, and The Story of the Lost Child—this series follows the lives of Elena and Lila, two childhood friends whose bond is as fierce as it is complicated. Set against the backdrop of post-war Naples, Ferrante’s writing pulses with raw emotion, capturing the intricate dynamics of love, rivalry, and the unspoken complexities of girlhood and friendship.

Ferrante’s genius lies in her ability to create characters who feel alive, with all their flaws and contradictions. Elena, the more reserved and academic of the two, and Lila, the brilliant but chaotic force of nature, pull you into their world. Their friendship is marked by moments of profound connection and painful disillusionment, leaving you questioning the ways we shape—and are shaped by—the people we hold closest.

The series is not just a portrait of two women, but also a powerful depiction of Naples itself, where social divides, politics, and family loyalties intertwine. With every page, Ferrante lays bare the inner turmoil of her characters, pulling readers into a deeply immersive, messy, and ultimately beautiful world. A must-read for those who crave a complex, emotionally resonant journey.

Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy—The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, and The Hero of Ages—is a gripping, high-stakes fantasy saga that blends intricate world-building with unforgettable characters. Set in a world where ash falls from the sky and mist rules the night, the series follows Vin, a young street urchin with hidden powers, as she joins a group of rebels fighting against the oppressive Lord Ruler. With a unique magic system based on the consumption of metals, Sanderson crafts a world where everything feels both fantastical and grounded in the struggle for survival.

At the heart of the trilogy is Vin’s journey from an insecure, hardened survivor to a powerful force capable of challenging the world’s most powerful ruler. Alongside her is Kelsier, a charismatic and enigmatic leader with his own mysterious past, and a cast of companions whose loyalty and motivations are tested at every turn. Sanderson’s ability to weave personal stakes with world-altering consequences keeps the reader hooked, while his mastery of plot twists will leave you reeling.

But it’s not just the magic or action that makes Mistborn shine—it's the philosophical questions it raises. What does it mean to be a hero? Is the fight for freedom worth the sacrifices it demands? As secrets are revealed and alliances shift, the trilogy becomes a deep exploration of power, trust, and the costs of revolution. And for those who dive deeper into Sanderson's Cosmere universe, Mistborn offers tantalizing glimpses of a much larger, interconnected world. Mistborn is a spellbinding rollercoaster of action, mystery, and emotional depth—an epic you won’t be able to put down.

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman is a haunting exploration of isolation, identity, and the human condition. The novel follows an unnamed woman, one of the last survivors of a catastrophic event, as she lives in an underground bunker with a group of women. Stripped of the outside world, her journey of self-discovery is both painful and revealing, as she grapples with her past and confronts the unknowns of love and gender.

Harpman’s introspective prose creates a sparse, claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the emotional intensity of the protagonist's experiences. The novel delves into themes of memory, desire, and the search for meaning in a disconnected world, making for a thought-provoking and philosophical read.

With its deep reflections on human relationships and freedom, I Who Have Never Known Men is an unsettling yet powerful meditation on what it means to be human. The story will stay with you long after the final page, challenging ideas of identity and the role of gender in shaping who we are.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Secret History by Donna Tartt is a captivating exploration of friendship, obsession, and intellectualism at an elite college in Vermont. Richard Papen, a newcomer, becomes entangled in a group of students fixated on ancient Greek culture, led by the mysterious professor Julian Morrow. As their intellectual pursuits darken, the group is drawn into a web of deception and murder. 

The novel weaves a tension between beauty, violence, and moral corruption, with a delicate undercurrent of longing and restraint. Relationships suggest deeper, unacknowledged connections, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the characters' journeys.

At its core, The Secret History examines the cost of obsession and the fine line between intellectual idealism and destruction. Tartt’s rich prose and exploration of desire, both intellectual and personal, invite readers to reflect on how these forces shape the characters’ fates.

The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity & Love by bell hooks

In The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity & Love, bell hooks explores how traditional notions of masculinity harm both men and society. She argues that patriarchal structures suppress emotional expression in men, leaving them disconnected and emotionally bereft. hooks calls for a redefinition of masculinity that embraces vulnerability, tenderness, and emotional intelligence, allowing men to form deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Drawing from feminist theory and cultural analysis, hooks challenges the rigid gender norms that define manhood, advocating for men to embrace their emotional capacity and break free from harmful expectations. She envisions a more liberated, compassionate version of masculinity that benefits all genders.

This book offers a hopeful, transformative path forward, urging men to heal from the constraints of patriarchy and engage in the work of redefining their emotional and relational selves. It’s a powerful critique of the effects of rigid masculinity and an essential read for anyone interested in gender, love, and societal change.

The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss

The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss is an epic fantasy series following the life of Kvothe, a legendary figure who recounts his extraordinary journey from orphaned child to revered figure. Beginning with The Name of the Wind, Rothfuss combines lyrical prose with intricate world-building to create a rich, immersive world full of magic, music, and unforgettable characters. The series masterfully explores themes of identity, knowledge, and the tension between legend and reality.

Kvothe is a complex character, whose brilliance is matched by his flaws, and his relationships with mentors, friends, and lovers add emotional depth to the narrative. Rothfuss expertly weaves together moments of triumph and tragedy, keeping readers invested in Kvothe’s quest for understanding and revenge.

What sets The Kingkiller Chronicle apart is its blend of adventure with intimate, character-driven moments. The series combines magic, music, and storytelling in a fresh and timeless way, creating a modern fantasy classic. While fans eagerly await the final book, The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man’s Fear already stand as remarkable achievements in fantasy literature.

Foster by Claire Keegan

Foster by Claire Keegan is a quietly powerful novella set in rural Ireland, following a young girl sent to live with distant relatives for the summer. Through subtle and evocative prose, Keegan explores themes of family, belonging, and the complexities of love and loss. As the girl bonds with her foster parents, their unspoken emotions and vulnerabilities create a fragile connection that quietly transforms her.

The novella's emotional depth lies in its portrayal of the tender, understated ways people show care and affection. Keegan captures the weight of the girl’s experience through small, intimate moments, highlighting the power of kindness and the contrast between her home life and the new family she forms.

What makes Foster so compelling is Keegan’s ability to evoke a profound emotional response with minimal words. In just over a hundred pages, she creates a poignant reflection on family, love, and human connection, making it a beautifully crafted and quietly devastating read.