Historical Fiction Based On History That is Not Super Well-Known
Welcome to The Best of Book Riot, our daily round-up of what’s on offer across our site, newsletters, podcasts, and social channels. Not everything is for everyone, but there is something for everyone.
Historical Fiction About Little Known History
These five books all feature elements of history that were either entirely new to me or strike me as things outside of common public knowledge. From forgotten historical disasters to pioneers of culture and technology, these historical fiction books about little-known history bring the more obscure sides of history to light.
In a Galaxy Far Away: 8 Teen Sci-Fi Comics
What I have always felt as a space nerd is that it’s much more fun to gaze upon the beauty of space than to just hear about it. When it comes to outer space, it’s all about those awe-inspiring optics. And who needs to wait around for the science to catch up when the sci-fi genre gives us the opportunity to travel out amongst the stars, no spaceship required? Best of all, sci-fi comics provide us with the armchair space exploration and the stunning visuals, too.
New YA Book Releases This Week, January 22, 2025
This week, we’ve got a little of every genre, but we are in a moment where the releases don’t reflect the broader diversity in YA. There are more white authors than usual, but that will shift and change as we hit that spring release season.
Thriller Books To Read After BLACK DOVES and MR. & MRS. SMITH
My favorite thing about both shows was the balance of focusing on (unraveling) character relationships while having action, thrills, twists, and suspense, which is what I kept in mind overall when selecting the books below.
There are a bunch of specific details each book has that are spoilers, so you’ll know them when you see them, but my lips are sealed for now.
A Reimagining of KING LEAR Set in a Near Future Where the World is Flooding
From the get-go, I found myself engrossed with the story. The relationship between the three sisters is so well-drawn and complex. Isla tries to be so perfect, but her marriage is in shambles. Irene is mouthy and tough, but inside, she’s a mess. And Agnes isn’t ready for commitment until she meets the right girl. Their worlds collide when they have to deal with their late father’s estate, in particular, their dad’s house, which now sits above the rising water line.
Jumpstart Your 2025 Reading Log with These Short Books
Searching for a way to jumpstart your 2025 reading challengelog? Look no further. I’ve got eight fantastic short books in a variety of genres and styles that are sure to give your reading log a boost.
Maybe you’re reading this in January, when you’re fresh off your New Year’s resolution and determined to read more than you did last year. Maybe you’ve stumbled upon it later in the year, when you’ve fallen off the reading wagon and need a little help to get back on track. Whatever the case, I’ve got you covered.
A Comic to Inspire You Through the Times Ahead
The graphic anthology Girl Rebels spotlights several names you already know (Malala and Greta) and several that may be less familiar, like Yusra Mardini, a Syrian swimmer who joined the inaugural Refugee Olympic Team in Rio in 2016. The one thing each comic’s subject has in common: she faced, and overcame, tremendous odds to make a real difference in her own life, her community, and the world.
Complete a Read Harder Challenge Task With These BIPOC Authors
It’s the new year, and that means a new Read Harder Challenge! This reading challenge encourages readers to push themselves and pick up books outside their comfort zone. For the past couple newsletters, I’ve been giving some of my recommendations for the prompts. Let’s do one more: 1) Read a 2025 release by a BIPOC author.