In the world of new gay romance novels, 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is also very popular. It retells the story of Achilles and Patroclus in a very romantic and poignant way. It draws on Greek mythology to create a rich and emotional story.
Well, 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' is a must - mention. It's a beautifully written novel about two boys growing up and their relationship evolving. It's not just a romance but also a story of self - discovery.
Well, 'Midnight in the Scottish Mist' is a must - read. It has a strong female lead who gets caught up in a web of mystery and romance in the Scottish Highlands. The Gothic elements like the misty landscapes and the old, crumbling mansions really enhance the story.
One of the best new French novels is 'Small Country' by Gaël Faye. It tells a powerful story about a young boy growing up during the Rwandan genocide and his experiences in France. It has beautiful prose and a heart - wrenching plot.
A new Scandinavian crime novel that stands out is 'Before the Frost' by Henning Mankell. It has an interesting take on the detective story, with a focus on the detective's personal life as well as the crime. Another good one is 'The Savage Altar' by Åsa Larsson. The setting in the far north of Sweden adds a sense of isolation and danger to the story.
Julie Smith's Skip Langdon series is also excellent. In 'Huck Finn's Blood', Skip has to deal with a mystery that involves family secrets and the unique cultural aspects of New Orleans. Smith does a great job of making the city a character in itself. The reader gets a sense of the local traditions, the food, and the different types of people who call New Orleans home, all while following Skip's investigation.
In 2014, 'The Miniaturist' was also quite popular. It's set in 17th - century Amsterdam. The story is full of mystery as a young bride receives miniatures from an unknown miniaturist that seem to predict the future. It has elements of historical fiction, mystery, and female empowerment.
Some new Australian crime fiction that stands out is that which focuses on the seedy underbelly of big cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Authors are exploring the criminal networks that operate in these urban landscapes.
A great new historical fiction book is 'The Song of Achilles'. It's a beautiful retelling of the story of Achilles and Patroclus from Greek mythology. The writing is so vivid that it really makes the ancient world come alive.
You could start with 'Parthiban Kanavu'. It's a well - loved Tamil romance novel that tells a story full of dreams, love, and the pursuit of one's desires. The characters are very relatable and the love story is quite endearing.
'One Last Stop' by Casey McQuiston is also a wonderful addition. It combines time - travel elements with a sweet gay romance. The characters are endearing and the story is set in a really interesting urban landscape.
'Monstress' was a big deal in 2017. It has a strong female lead and a really dark and complex world. The story is full of political intrigue, magic, and mystery. The art is a blend of Asian - inspired aesthetics and a more Western - style of storytelling through the visuals.