This is the demented buddy comedy you didn’t know you needed! It’s an action-packed adventure, full of blood, gore, and lots of laughs, and so, so queer. As soon as I heard Alix E. Harrow pitch this as “Venom in 18th-century France,” I knew I had to have it. And it did not disappoint. Sebastian Grave must return to a small town in France to kill the dreaded Beast of Gévaudan, who was not vanquished 20 years earlier as originally thought. Coming along (because he has no choice) is the demon Sarmodel, who lives inside Sebastian and feeds off the living essence of others. Trust me, historical fiction will never taste the same again. —Liberty Hardy

For those who loved Emily Wilde’s escapades in the series of the same name, this new book by Heather Fawcett makes for a charming standalone well worth the read. Plus, it’s catnip for Howl’s Moving Castle fans as it incorporates elements from the Ghibli classic like the early 1900s city setting, the eccentric wizard ensconced in his magically moving shop, and the no-nonsense woman bringing order to the chaos. Reading this is as sweet as the pastries mentioned in it. In 1920’s Montreal, Agnes runs a cat shelter and navigates grief over the loss of her husband. Things take a turn when she moves the shelter, and her new landlord happens to be the infamous, failed Dark Lord. —Megan Mabee

I’m a big fan of illustrator LeUyen Pham, so when I heard that she was teaming up with Frozen director Jennifer Lee for a YA graphic novel, I was intrigued. What I didn’t expect was a heart-wrenchingly beautiful love story that would leave me sobbing. Drawing on the mythology of Orpheus and Eurydice as well as Lee’s own teenage experiences with love and grief, As I Dream of You is a stunningly illustrated story with real emotional depth. Lee brings a cinematic approach to her storytelling that Pham brings to life with gorgeous art, brilliantly balancing light and dark elements. It’s a tale that will linger in your heart far beyond the last page. —Susie Dumond

Corporate samurai. In space. Do you need to know anything else?

Okay, fine. Isako has made herself into a legend over the years as a swordswoman. When her client finally retires, she envisions doing the same. But one last job comes along, one she cannot refuse, and it will change the course of her life and all humanity.

Finally, some historical fiction is on tap with more than a splash of gothic horror. Mercy Chan doesn’t remember her past. She washed up on the shores of Hong Kong with nothing, then built a life working for the local triad as a ghost talker. But Mercy’s past isn’t done with her. A particularly powerful spirit appears, drowning innocent people and claiming to know Mercy. She’ll have to confront her mysterious past to stop this terrible force.