Picking up where we left off last month, here are some more of our favorite books of 2026 (so far):
Fantasy
Recommended by Shannon, Information Specialist, Denmark Library
Read the physical book
What is it about: From the author of the Divergent series, this epic, romantic dystopian fantasy tells a story of a soldier and an enemy general who are bound by a prophecy. They face a fateful war, competing for victory while falling for a man tied to their doom
Why they recommend it: Featuring rich world-building and a unique, engaging storyline, the book stands out through its likeable yet tested characters and the compelling arc of the protagonist. While it occasionally dips into young adult angst, the tone remains grounded and appropriate given the hardships the main character endures.
Recommended by Leslie, Youth Specialist, Denmark Library
Read the physical book
What is it about: A woman who runs a cat rescue in 1920s Montréal turns to a grouchy but charming magician to help save her shelter in this heartwarming cozy fantasy.
Why they recommend it: “This book was a very fun read! Magic and cats, and cantankerous magicians! There was a bit of sass and snark, and some really fun things with the world building/magic system. The characters! I really enjoyed Agnes, and she had a lot that made her a well rounded character. Our main character, Agnes, deals with some grief over her husband who passed away, and that was one of the things that really resonated with me as I read it. I lost an uncle pretty recently, and the grief comes up at such random times, and it was so interesting to explore that with Agnes and her grief. There were a lot of similarities to the way we felt about our lost loved ones, even as there were some major differences. I also loved that all of the cats had their own personalities, too!”
Recommended by Lisa, Collection Support Aide, Cumming Library & Alison, Information Specialist, Post Road Library
Lisa listened to the audiobook while Alison read the physical book and eBook.
What is it about: Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world—or just get to the next level—in a video game-like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon. A dungeon that’s actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy. Exploding goblins. Magical potions. Deadly, drug-dealing llamas. This ain’t your ordinary game show.
Why they recommend it: Lisa praised the fantastic audiobook narration and vibrant characters, while Alison enjoyed the humor. Both awarded it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. If you like the first book of the series, get settled in because there are 8 published books with 2 more on the way to complete the series.
Literary Fiction
Recommended by Tracy, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library
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What is it about: A journey through Mississippi's past and present that is both an intimate portrait of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle.
Why they recommend it: The portrait of a poor, Southern family on a journey is both heartbreakingly realistic and painful as well as supernatural and evocative. The reader will feel like they know every member of this family intimately. The language is beautiful, poetic, and haunting. The issues of poverty, racism, and addiction in the book can be upsetting, but a very important read.
Recommended by Rachael, Youth Specialist, Cumming Library
Read the eBook
What is it about: A gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another. Centers around a Chinese-American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio.
Why they recommend it: “This novel was not one that I expected to like. It was different from my usual reading, but because of that, it surprised me. I recommend the book for those looking for a story focused heavily on the characters and how their circumstances shape them as people. The emotions in this book are so powerful. Whether you relate to the characters or not, Celeste Ng did an astounding job at making you empathize with them. The feelings they feel are palpable. You feel sad for them, you feel angry towards them, and ultimately you see that they're human, just like you. Be prepared for tears. The story is a heavy one, but I think it's worth the read.”
Recommended by Lorraine, Circulation Supervisor, Denmark Library
Read the physical book
What is it about: An endearing story of a curious old man who quietly moves into a southern city and, for reasons unknown to anyone but himself, undertakes a campaign of anonymous generosity.
Why they recommend it: An intriguing read that keeps you guessing, centered on the profound selflessness of the main character.
Horror
Recommended by Britt, Youth Specialist, Hampton Park
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What is it about: An 1899-set Gothic horror novel following Sonia Wilson, a scientific illustrator who takes a job at a remote North Carolina manor for Dr. Halder. She discovers Halder is conducting dangerous experiments involving parasitic larvae and unnatural "blood thieves", resulting in a slow-burn tale of body horror.
Why they recommend it: “The atmosphere and setting are fantastic! It's a blend of Southern Gothic horror and 19th-century history, giving it a Neo-Victorian vibe. The horror aspects were visceral and felt very real, but the mystery made me want to keep reading. Trigger warning for body horror if it's not your thing.”
Recommended by Nicoletta, Collection Support Aide, Cumming Library
Read the physical book
What is it about: A bold, original horror novel about grief, loneliness and the oppressive intimacy of technology as it tells the story of a widower seeking escape in a secluded cabin in Colorado only to realize there is no escape.
Why they recommend it: “Such a compelling and well done examination of the interplay of grief and horror. It's equal parts stomach churning and heart wrenching. Even in this somewhat cosmic horror narrative, there is such a well done look at the main character's Mexican identity that adds such an interesting flavor to the book that really makes it stand out. I literally flew through this book, it's such a must read if the initial pitch of a widowed man being haunted by an Alexa sounds even a bit interesting to you. It is so much more than just that sentence but any more information would kind of spoil it.”
Recommended by Alison, Information Specialist, Post Road
Listened to the audiobook
What is it about: A dark fantasy and horror novel about six college friends in Maine who use an occult journal to summon a malicious dragon, trapping themselves in a multi-decade bargain of yearly human sacrifice.
Why they recommend it: An enthralling and well-balanced fusion of otherworldly terror and fantastical elements.
Check back soon for Part Three featuring our Contemporary Fiction, Biography/Memoir, Classic picks and more!
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