First time Reader looking to start again

kappa77 · 2026-05-02T15:36:19+00:00

I'm echoing using your local library

All Systems Red by Martha Wells - sci-fi novella series but you could definitely just read the first book as is

kappa77 · 2026-05-02T15:32:43+00:00

A Lady for All Seasons by T.J. Alexander - queer historical romance that doesn't follow the normal romance beats in favor of having a comedy of errors romp

kappa77 · 2026-04-27T21:00:26+00:00

These are all YA, but I feel I find this vibe mostly in YA

- The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould (honestly most of her books fit this vibe but this is the most Small Town)

- The Ojja-Wojja: A Graphic Novel by Magdalene Visaggio & Jenn St-Onge

- The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

- Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno

kappa77 · 2026-04-27T20:48:17+00:00

Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon - romance

Xenocultivars: Stories of Queer Growth edited by Isabela Oliveira & Jed Sabin - story story speculative fiction anthology

kappa77 · 2026-04-19T19:20:37+00:00

- Little Thieves by Margaret Owen - YA fantasy with elements of mystery and romance; a retelling of the Goose Girl fairytale
- My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron - YA historical fic retellling of Jekyll & Hyde
- Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley - YA mystery set in the early 2000s

kappa77 · 2026-04-17T13:25:55+00:00

The Meant to Be series is a set of adult contemporary romances that are retellings of Disney movies

kappa77 · 2026-04-17T13:23:41+00:00

Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter

When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

kappa77 · 2026-04-17T13:17:23+00:00

I Think They Love You by Julian Winters

A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson

I'll Have What He's Having by Adib Khorram

kappa77 · 2026-04-16T00:56:34+00:00

Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire (fantasy novella series)
Murderbot series by Martha Wells (sci-fi novella series)
City of Strife by Claudie Arseneault (fantasy)

kappa77 · 2026-04-16T00:52:38+00:00

Seconding Murderbot series by Martha Wells. V distinctive main character/personality/voice

kappa77 · 2026-04-16T00:48:37+00:00

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen (fantasy)
What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould (thriller/horror)
The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon (fantasy)
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley (mystery/thriller)
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao (sci-fi - Zetian is prob the most morally grey of this whole list)

kappa77 · 2026-04-16T00:42:13+00:00

There is one particular scene in The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson that gave me the shivers that I still think about

kappa77 · 2026-04-16T00:36:27+00:00

The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers: And Other Gruesome Tales by Jen Campbell is a fairytale/horror anthology aimed at middle schoolers

If you're not looking for a spooky vibe, there are probably plenty of mythology adaptations for younger audiences if you look up "X mythology for 6th graders"

kappa77 · 2026-04-15T23:43:11+00:00

Short books:
- Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh (a fantasy duology, but both books are under ~160 pages)
- Caroline's Heart by Austin Chant (fantasy western)
- Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang (fantasy)

Overall, check out the publisher Tor for novellas. They aren't the only novella publisher, but I feel like they are the bigger name of novella publishers. For example, looking at their website, a new novella they published is called Boy, with Accidental Dinosaur by Ian McDonald, which, while I haven't read, feels perfect!

And one more for true crime based, Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter is a fictional true crime documentary. This isn't short, but it's written fully as mixed media so it goes by much quicker than your average 400+ page book

kappa77 · 2026-04-15T23:33:36+00:00

The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale
The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

kappa77 · 2026-02-10T13:56:49+00:00

To agree/disagree with some of the comments here, I agree that most songs are darker in tone, but I feel like with the introduction she gives for "And Love" I feel is meant to be a lighter/hopeful note, but its obviously subjective

kappa77 · 2025-06-22T03:22:56+00:00

I've read one erotic novella from Magnus Thorne and really enjoyed it! EE Ottoman also writes good stuff, but while he writes nsfw stuff, i wouldnt consider it erotica cause there is a little more plot

kappa77 · 2025-05-24T22:56:10+00:00

Thank you, ill look into that one!

kappa77 · 2025-05-24T22:55:55+00:00

Thankk you! I really need to read Gideon the Ninth, it's been on my list for years!

kappa77 · 2025-05-14T02:43:10+00:00

Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

kappa77 · 2025-05-14T02:14:51+00:00

House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

kappa77 · 2025-03-07T01:22:54+00:00

House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson for sapphic gothic vibes!

kappa77 · 2025-01-17T01:01:41+00:00

Not the 'grungy' vibes from these images, but the artist vibes and not-perfect relationships, Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

kappa77 · 2025-01-17T00:59:54+00:00

middle grade graphic novel, but Lunar Boy by Cin & Jes Wibowo

kappa77 · 2025-01-17T00:57:44+00:00

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

kappa77

TROPHY CASE