With April quickly approaching, it’s time for the Secret NYC Book Club to choose our next gripping group read! We’ve handpicked four incredible books for consideration, each offering a unique reading experience—whether you’re seeking magical realism, thrilling suspense, or a sci-fi love story that transcends time. Regardless of the book selected, there’s one thing that’s certain, all of these books are at the top of our To Be Read list.
Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy / Literary Fiction
From bestselling author Olivie Blake comes Gifted & Talented, a powerful exploration of the transition from gifted childhood. The novel, which will be released April 1, follows three siblings grappling with their father’s death, familial rivalries, and the magical talents they’ve been gifted. As Macmillan Publisher puts it: “On the pipeline of gifted kid to clinically depressed adult, nobody wins—but which Wren will come out on top?”
👉 Will the new release Gifted & Talented be our April read? Vote for it here.
Weyward by Emilia Hart
Genre: Historical Fiction / Magical Realism
If you’re drawn to rich, atmospheric tales of women’s resilience through history, Weyward by Emilia Hart may be your book. Spanning 500 years, this story follows three generations of women whose lives are intertwined by nature, magic, and the enduring power of female resilience. With gothic undertones and a touch of witchcraft, Weyward seems to paint a vivid portrait of women who defy societal norms and embrace their true power.
👉 Choose Weyward if you’re in the mood for a powerful, atmospheric read.
Mary by Nat Cassidy
Genre: Horror / Thriller / Mystery
Craving a thrilling page-turner? Mary by Nat Cassidy blends horror, thriller, and mystery in a story that follows Mary, a middle-aged woman who, after being fired from her job in New York, returns to her hometown. But what should have been a fresh start turns sinister as she begins having unsettling thoughts that eerily connect her to an infamous serial killer. As Mary descends deeper into a psychological nightmare, secrets from her past unravel in terrifying ways.
👉 Vote for Mary if you want a bit of horror and mystery with your cherry blossoms this spring.
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Genre: Science Fiction / Romance
If you’re in the mood for an award-winning, mind-bending love story, This is How You Lose the Time War is likely your pick. This captivating science fiction novella follows two rival agents—Red and Blue—whose correspondence across time and space ignites an unexpected romance. As their forbidden love blossoms, the fate of their worlds hangs in the balance. With accolades like the Hugo, Nebula, and BSFA Awards, this intricately crafted tale blends lyrical prose with high-stakes adventure.
👉 For a time-traveling sci-fi romance, This is How You Lose the Time War is your book choice.