Publisher: Bantam

Magical everyday objects scattered across the world, a secret society that meets in the basement of a bookstore, and dangerous individuals more than willing to kill for them, the Society of Unknowable Objects is an urban fantasy story full of great elements and ideas. Similar to Gareth Brown’s debut novel the Book of Doors, this novel has a premise that feels like a throwback to classic children’s fantasy books appropriately aged up for adult readers looking for a fun and straightforward magic adventure. Brown’s second book, from the get-go the Society of Unknowable Objects has a familiar feel that recaptures the fun of many popular YA fantasy books of the early 2000s. Revolving around a group of four adults who collectively make up the Society of Unknowable Objects, these individuals possess knowledge of special everyday items that grant their holder a variety of magical powers. But with strong magical powers comes the unwanted attention of those looking to use them for their own benefit, hence why the Society was formed to keep these objects out of less desirable hands. An interesting mix of cross-country hidden treasure hunting, mysterious intrigue, and fantasy action, the novel has strong mass appeal thanks to…

A reserved young woman whose future and purpose in life is already written and decided meets an inquisitive young man named whose life lacks direction and purpose. One lives in a world of mystical wonder while the other seeks to understand theirs through science and knowledge. Brought together by fate through a door masquerading as an entrance to a ramen shop, Hana and Kei set off into an ethereal world where choices, regrets, memories, and desires hold far greater purpose and influence. Dreamy, whimsical, and full of gorgeously crafted literary metaphors, Samantha Sotto Yambao’s Water Moon is a magical crossover fantasy and speculative fiction novel that is a unique and dreamy experience. Trained all her life to take over her father’s magical pawnshop, Hana Ishikawa’s world is one far different from the one we know of. Puddles are used as portals to other locations, visitors ride the wind on the melodies of songs, markets are perched high in the sky, and the Ishikawa pawnshop’s customers exchange not money, but past life choices. Each customer that finds themselves transported into the pawnshop finds themselves unconsciously drawn to the shop and is relieved of the burden, regret, and feelings associated with a…