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“This fantasy novel immediately draws readers into a world that feels well-built and clearly seen. A young priestess and shepherd for the dead finds herself caught in the middle of many battles that she did not seek while simply trying to do a job that would allow her to provide better resources for her ailing father. Fortunately for both the heroine (and readers), she rises to the many challenges she faces, but not without doubt and difficulty,” said Katie Orphan of Orphan Books in Los Angeles, CA.

“A tragedy leads everyone to examine their place in the family, how they relate to one another, and how they see themselves. Anyone with complicated family dynamics will find this book triggering and cathartic,” said Claire Bone of Wild Sisters Book Company in Sacramento, CA.

Lily Kim Qian is the author of Until We Meet Again, a Winter/Spring 2026 Indies Introduce selection. Qian sat down with Britney Harker of Rediscovered Books in Boise, ID to discuss this debut title.

“Soraya Bouazzaoui brings a refreshing new voice to fantasy with a bold and timely retelling of the mythical figure Aicha. This electric debut is a page-turning glimpse into the people behind a resistance, and the depravity of colonization. Overflowing with love and feminine rage, this is an ode to the strength, resilience, and bravery of those who dare to resist occupation,” said Cassie Goodwin of Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“This book is literally the luxurious gothic fantasy of my dreams; words cannot describe how hauntingly beautiful it is! Balancing colonial commentaries, a crumbling entombed estate, and splashes of magic and romance, one girl will do whatever it takes to save her family. Heba Al-Wasity crafted a masterpiece that had me ready to spill my own secrets to uncover the mysteries woven within Weavingshaw and once this book has you, I think you will too!” said Haley Calvin of The Novel Neighbor in St. Louis, Missouri.

“In a time where influencers are more prominent now than ever, you will love this novel that goes behind the scenes of a tradwife named Natalie that finds herself thrust from her Instagramable life into an alternate timeline (pun intended) where she does not fully recognize her family or any aspect of her farmlife. Her carefully curated life is uprooted very suddenly and you will #lol at Natalie's plight. This debut novel has a lot of heart, humor, and social commentary and I expect it to be big,” said Annastasia Williams of The Bottom in Knoxville, Tennessee.

“With a profound respect for the intellect of children and their openness to the world, both real and imagined, Mac Barnett has written a love letter to not only children’s literature, but to childhood as well,” said Diane Capriola of Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia.