By Rebecca Weigler, Steph Carroll, Caitíe Woolridge and Charlotte Horsfield
Have you written your Christmas booklist? Have you checked it twice? Because you’ll want to add some of these new titles to the mix!
The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami
19th November, Vintage
From esteemed, award-winning author Haruki Murakami comes another stunning novel that blends the line between fiction and reality, bringing all the magic of Murakami’s writing back for the first time in six years.
The City and Its Uncertain Walls features a town readers have seen in Murakami’s previous work. It follows a dream reader in the Fukushima province who replaces a ghost as a librarian. As it becomes unclear what is real and what is from another dimension, the narrator asks questions about his past and journey to that library.
The arrival of a mysterious boy, M, who seems to vanish whenever he enters the library, also questions the concept of time and space. Soon, the reality of the library and the narrator are left to be explored. Murakami has crafted another fascinating novel that will sweep readers off their feet this season.
Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
21st November, Harper Voyager
Do you have what it takes to become a God … or are you destined to be a Monster?
Immortality is Alexis’ birthright, and fate has landed her at the Spartan War Academy. But immortality is a privilege that must be earned. But with classrooms as battlegrounds and demanding gladiators as mentors, the academy will put her through her paces. Having professors who are also heirs to the underworld adds an extra strain of anxiety, with them creeping into her thoughts and every move she makes.
Surrounded by villains, and their smothering hatred and possessiveness, and potentially having someone following her around, lurking in the shadows, nothing will be easy for Alexis because where there are Gods, there are bound to be Monsters, and there are a good few hot on her heels. It is time for Alexis to prove that she has what it takes to be immortal, but will she crumble under the pressure of the ruling elite?
This fresh, new romantasy will become your latest obsession. If you like criminal love interests, adorable animal companions, Greek mythology and dark romance, don’t miss out on this mysterious, dangerous novel this winter.
The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin by Brian Baumgartner and Ben Silverman
21st November, Mariner Books
From Ben Silverman, the producer of The Office, and Brian Baumgartner, the start of the great chilli spill, aka Kevin Malone, comes a witty Christmas tale set at the heart of our favourite paper company. Narrated by Kevin Malone, The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin is a return to the chaotic workplace cheer in The Office and a take on a classic Christmas poem.
In a sleeping office on Christmas Eve, it’s down to one Santa and one assistant to the Head Santa to decide who's been naughty or nice. Pulling along a sledge of gifts, one elf creeps around the office in Moses’ shoes, stashing cheap decorations everywhere. Amongst the ‘Boom, roasted!’ chestnuts and the unusual gifts, Santa prepares to bring the ultimate Christmas extravaganza to Dunder Mifflin.
With familiar tales of key moments from the show and a large helping of Christmas spirit, The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin is the perfect Christmas wish list item for any comedy lover.
The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan
1st December, Amazon Original Stories
When Mirren’s cherished great-aunt Violet falls seriously ill, her only Christmas wish is to see a long-lost, hand-illustrated book from her childhood. Determined to bring her aunt some festive joy, Mirren sets out to make this wish come true.
Mirren is drawn into the enchanting world of rare books but cannot find the treasured book online. From London to the snowy streets of Hay-on-Wye and the cobbled alleys of Edinburgh, she follows clues from shop to shop, crossing paths with the enigmatic and charming Theo, who, unbeknownst to her, is also searching for the book for his reasons…
As the two race against time to find the book before Christmas, will Mirren discover her holiday miracle – and maybe even a kiss beneath the mistletoe?