Starred Reviews for Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Megan Abbott, Stephen R. Platt, Maggie Stiefvater, and more!

By Kate McManus | March 19 2025 | Starred Reviews

With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about.

Fiction

A Novel

“This lighthearted romance has just enough D&D to delight role-players and also welcome unfamiliar readers. Romance fans will be drawn to the growing friendships and blossoming love interest that will keep them engaged from start to finish. A natural 20 on both story and sizzle.” —Library Journal, starred review

Jul 15, 2025
Paperback
Dell

A Novel

“De Cadenet’s (Not the Plan) well-written novel is riveting. Fans of romance with depth will clamor for this title.” —Library Journal, starred review

May 06, 2025
Paperback
Dell

City of Glass, Ghosts, The Locked Room

“An immersive and innovative adaptation, blending exhilaratingly experimental storytelling, tropes and an atmosphere drawn from the noir genre, metafiction, and philosophical musings about art and identity.” —Library Journal, starred review

Apr 08, 2025
Hardcover
Pantheon
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

“An immersive and innovative adaptation, blending exhilaratingly experimental storytelling, tropes and an atmosphere drawn from the noir genre, metafiction, and philosophical musings about art and identity.” —Library Journal, starred review

Jun 10, 2025
Paperback
Berkley

“Rosen skillfully balances romance with a nuanced exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery. Recommend to fans of Elizabeth Berg, Adriana Trigiani, or Nancy Thayer.” —Library Journal, starred review

May 20, 2025
Paperback
Berkley

A Novel

“YA author Stiefvater’s (“The Raven Cycle”) first foray into historical fiction retains her unique voice and signature magical realism. Well-drawn characters and excellent worldbuilding bring a little-known element of World War II to life in this must-read for all historical fiction fans.” —Library Journal, starred review

Jun 03, 2025
Hardcover
Viking
Grades 9-12

“Edgar Award winner Abbott (Beware the Woman) effortlessly excels at exploring the complexities of women’s relationships with suspenseful, atmospheric storytelling. Unsettling and darkly clever, her latest will delight her many fans and attract new ones.” —Library Journal, starred review

Jun 24, 2025
Hardcover
G.P. Putnam's Sons

“Tracking the elapsed time from initial collapse encourages speed reading as if to aid the Shaws in their efforts. Perfect for a one-sitting read.” —Library Journal, starred review

May 06, 2025
Hardcover
G.P. Putnam's Sons

“Kate (What’s in a Kiss?) writes a rom-com with witty dialogue, endearing characters, and the enemies-to-lovers trope, mixed with supernatural elements, and creates a vivid and life-affirming story of love across time and space.” —Library Journal, starred review

Jul 01, 2025
Paperback
G.P. Putnam's Sons

A Novel

“First published in Japan in 2012, Matsuie’s Yomiuri Prize for Literature–winning debut examines the influence of Western culture on postwar Japan and the clash of modernity and tradition.” —Library Journal, starred review

Jun 17, 2025
Paperback
Other Press

A Novel

“Tackling Oates’s lengthy novel feels something like running a marathon, breathless, through a foreboding landscape. She is at her best here: insightful, unrelenting, and devastating.” —Library Journal, starred review

Jun 17, 2025
Hardcover
Hogarth
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

A Novel

“From its opening sentence through the author’s final note, this gut-wrenching novel will leave readers missing each character when the story concludes but feeling grateful for the relationships they forged and for their beautifully told stories.” —Library Journal, starred review

Mar 04, 2025
Hardcover
Knopf
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

A Novel

“Fans of thought-provoking historical fiction and compelling characters will enjoy this book.” —Library Journal, starred review

Apr 29, 2025
Paperback
Penguin Books
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

Nonfiction

The Untold Story of a Renegade Marine and the Birth of U.S. Special Forces in World War II

“This biography highlights an important period in U.S. relations with China and will be enjoyed by readers interested in Chinese and World War II history.” —Library Journal, starred review

May 13, 2025
Hardcover
Knopf

Gene Krupa and the Music He Gave the World

“A substantial and engaging biography that contributes significantly to the history of jazz in the United States.” —Library Journal, starred review

Apr 29, 2025
Hardcover
Citadel

Audiobooks

”Although heartbreaking, this novel, told through anecdotes and vignettes, thrums with strength. A powerful audio that takes listeners on an unforgettable roller coaster of emotions.” —Library Journal Starred Review

Oct 08, 2024
Audiobook Download
Books on Tape

A Novel

”The novel’s focus on character development and exploration of human nature will resonate with readers who appreciate Strout’s meditative style. Recommend to readers of Ann Patchett, Fredrik Backman, and Fannie Flagg.” —Library Journal Starred Review

Sep 10, 2024
Audiobook Download
Books on Tape
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

A Novel

”Pean’s skillful delivery fully embodies the setting, and the rich listening experience envelopes listeners in the powerful story.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

Feb 04, 2025
Audiobook Download
Books on Tape
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

Stories

”Seven narrators in total create a cohesive listening experience that amplifies the subtleties of relationships in Sittenfeld’s resonant collection.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

Feb 25, 2025
Audiobook Download
Books on Tape
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

A Novel

”Lee’s striking Australian accent settles listeners into Tilda’s landscape, and her enunciation is crisp and pleasing to the ears.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

Feb 25, 2025
Audiobook Download
Books on Tape
Grades 9-12 + AP/IB

”Terrific narrations, twisty plotting, and laugh-out-loud moments make this second book in Raybourn’s delightful series a must-listen.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

Mar 04, 2025
Audiobook Download
Books on Tape

”Stone’s final entry in the Dear Martin trilogy is made more powerful with this compelling performance by James Fouhey.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

Mar 04, 2025
Audiobook Download
Listening Library
Age 14 and up
Grade 9 & Up

”This is a must-listen for fans of Novik’s novels and those who appreciate new takes on fantasy and folk tales. With wide-ranging genres, appealing characters, and beautifully described settings, this collection offers something for every listener.” —Library Journal Starred Review

Sep 17, 2024
Audiobook Download
Books on Tape
Grades 9-12