HOLLOW KINGDOM, by Kira Jane Buxton.
(Grand Central Publishing, 320 pp.)

The story is the zombie apocalypse as told through the point of view of a domesticated crow. Yes, it’s funny, but it’s also heartwarming, well written, and you won’t want to put it down.

ONCE AND FUTURE, by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy.
(Jimmy Patterson, 368 pp.)

This book has everything I like! Arthurian legend in SPACE, a terrific cast of queer characters, revolution, and one of the most interesting takes on Merlin/Morgana I’ve read. The follow up, Sword in the Stars, is just as good!

TRAIL OF LIGHTNING, by Rebecca Roanhorse.
(Gallery / Saga Press, 304 pp.)

An indigenous monster hunter goes on a quest with an unconventional medicine man to figure out a new monster she’s never seen before. An action-packed, nonstop romp through the apocalypse.

THE CITY OF BRASS, by S.A. Chakraborty.
(Harper Voyager, 544 pp.)

Equal parts action, adventure, and political intrigue, this book has bone-chilling monsters, amazing worldbuilding, and unforgettable characters. Couldn’t put it down!

THE FUTURE OF ANOTHER TIMELINE, by Annalee Newitz.
(Tor Books, 352 pp.)

A fun and timely story featuring women fighting men’s rights activists throughout time, real historical figures, and 1990s riot-girl charm. I actually learned some history from this book, and I had a heck of a fun time reading it!

THE CITY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, by Charlie Jane Anders.
(Tor Books, 368 pp.)

Space colonization, really cool aliens, and friendship. This book has a lot to say about revolution, colonialism, and love—plus Anders’s worldbuilding is some of the best. If you like Ursula Le Guin, check this one out.

THE CASQUETTE GIRLS, by Alys Arden.
(Skyscape, 563 pp.)

After a massive storm hits New Orleans, sixteen-year-old Adele Le Moyne accidentally unleashes chaos and must untangle a web of magic that connects the city’s climbing murder rate back to her own ancestors. This fun and adventurous story will have you turning pages all night long.

THE CITY OF LOST FORTUNES, by Bryan Camp.
(John Joseph Adams / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 384 pp.)

A group of gods play a poker game, where the fortune god of New Orleans is murdered. As Jude Dubuisson investigates the fortune god’s death, he gets pulled into a web of conspiracy, magic, and monsters. This is one of those stories that could only happen in New Orleans.

GIDEON THE NINTH, by Tasmyn Muir.
(Tor.com, 448 pp.) The Emperor calls the heirs of the nine houses to train as his personal necromancers, but things aren’t what they seem, and Gideon Nav and Harrowhark Nonigesimus must get to the truth before it’s too late. Think Agatha Christie meets Shirley Jackson…in SPACE.

THE ULTIMATE HITCHIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, by Douglas Adams.
(Various editions.)

A classic, but one of my favorites of all time. If you’re looking for an absolutely ridiculous, escapist, not at all close to the real world read, this series (you can get all 5 books in one volume) is a perfect way to pass the time.

To purchase any of the books listed here, visit Tubby and Coo’s website, call the shop directly at (504) 345-8491, or email [email protected]. For orders purchased directly from the store by phone or email, Tubby and Coo’s is offering free media mail shipping on orders of $25 or more and free local delivery to the New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner areas on orders of $10 or more.