As the end of the year draws near, we are wrapping up on the blog with just a few posts left before our hiatus so we are already sharing the releases for December.
Here’s what we’re anticipating for the final month of 2026.
When Shadows Burn (When Shadows Burn Duology, 1) by Vanessa Le
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) – Dec. 1
Vanessa Le’s new fantasy duology starter follows a demon-hunting duo in an exorcist university layered with magic, murder, and corruption ― perfect for fans of BABEL and DIVINE RIVALS.
In Yennington, exorcism is a job for two: a demon caller, and a demon slayer. Kiet Sren is a hotshot caller despite dropping out of the esteemed Phenbridge University; his blood attracts any demon. Song Sarna is the top slayer of her class; her blade and wit kills any demon. Together, they run Inkspill Agency.
When one day Kiet’s estranged family hires them to hunt an aberrant demon, they are propelled into the most dangerous job of their lives ― an investigation that reveals the workings of a deadly group seeking to destroy the university from the inside out.
But as their search dredges up long-buried history, they discover that the one behind this criminal group is closer to home than they realized, and that perhaps the upstanding Phenbridge University is hiding secrets of its own. To exorcize the aberrant demon and put an end to the deadly possessions, Kiet and Song must decide how much they’re willing to bleed: for their families, for their city ― and for each other.
Vanessa Le’s latest crossover fantasy combines dark academia with a propulsive detective tale at its finest ― with a slow-burn romance and medical magic system as intricate as lab work.
Maker of Gods (Mistress of Bones, 2) by Maria Z. Medina
Wednesday Books – Dec. 7
Necromancer Azul del Arroyo only wanted one thing: to steal her sister back from Death by reclaiming her sister’s bones. But after inadvertently uncovering a plot to reawaken the gods and suffering a great loss, she feels further from her goal than ever.
In exchange for a chance to save her sister, Azul’s only choice is to work together with Death to uncover an underground group set on finding the rest of the gods in the blood-red city of Bremón. And with his mysterious motivations, silver tongue, and magnetic interest in Azul, Death does not make it easy.
With Nereida, the Count, and Esparza determined to get revenge on the Faceless Witch, the trio also find their way to Bremón to join Azul, but soon discover that Death is not the only god who has already awakened…and the rest of the gods are not as merciful.
Lies, games, and gods collide in Maria Z. Medina’s masterful follow-up to Mistress of Bones, where the only thing stronger than the divine is human will.
Slow Burn by Trinity Nguyen
Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks
Lizzie Ly is determined to win when she’s invited to compete on Sweet Heat―a reality cooking show where young cooks compete for a mentorship under world famous chef, Harrison Moss. Victory would mean finally fulfilling her culinary dreams and honoring her mother’s memory.
But then Ethan Huang walks into the kitchen.
Lizzie never forgot when the arrogant foodstagrammer nearly destroyed her kitchen confidence with a harsh review, and now he’s her competition? Ethan, however, has plans of his own. He’s ready to prove to his parents and the world that cooking isn’t just a hobby, it’s his future. And he’s not about to let Lizzie Ly stand in his way.
From collaborating on team challenges, enduring the show’s meddling producers, and one upping each other in their private late-night cookoffs, Lizzie and Ethan clash at every turn. But as the competition comes to a boiling point, they begin to realize that their rivalry might be the very thing pushing them to become their best selves…
Lizzie and Ethan are falling in love…but can they turn up the heat without getting burned?