5 must-read new books
Barbara VanDenburgh picks the hottest titles.
1. “The Rise of Magicks” by Nora Roberts (St. Martin’s Press, fiction, on sale Nov. 26).
What it’s about: The third and final book of the “Chronicles of The One” series finds Fallon Swift now a powerful witch helping the survivors of Doom, which destroyed civilization, thrive in a changed world. A magical, post-apocalyptic tome about the battle between good and evil.
The buzz: A starred review in Kirkus Reviews calls it “brilliant and inspiring.”
2. “America for Americans: A History of Xenophobia in the United States” by Erika Lee (Basic Books, nonfiction, on sale Nov. 26)
What it’s about: Awardwinning historian Erika Lee reframes our country’s immigration debate, arguing that xenophobia and hostility toward immigrants have always been a defining feature of our nation and must be confronted.
The buzz: “This clearly organized and lucidly written book should be read by a wide audience,” says Publishers Weekly.
3. “Ian McKellen: A Biograph,” by Garry O’Connor (St. Martin’s Press, nonfiction, on sale Nov. 26)
What it’s about: A biographer and longtime friend of McKellen’s tells the celebrated British thespian’s life story, touching on the devastating early loss of his mother, his West End acting debut, his staggering big-screen success and his LGBTQ advocacy.
The buzz: Kirkus Reviews calls it a “chatty biography of one of the era’s greatest actors.”
4. “Under Occupation” by Alan Furst (Random House, fiction, on sale Nov, 26)
What it’s about: Furst’s latest espionage thriller is set in Nazi-occupied Paris. Unsuspecting novelist Paul Ricard is pulled into a plot when a blueprint of a part for a military weapon lands in his lap and he has to get it into the hands of the resistance.
The buzz: “As always, Furst writes at breakneck speed, thrusting Ricard into adventure,” says Publishers Weekly.
5. “Sword of Kings” by Bernard Cornwell (Harper, fiction, on sale Nov, 26)
What it’s about: The 12th installment of Cornwell’s bestselling “The Last Kingdom” series chronicling the making of England. Pagan warlord Uhtred of Bebbanburg narrates his bloodthirsty adventures in the politically tumultuous 10th century.
The buzz: Kirkus Reviews says the book is “historical adventure on a grand scale.”