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Support First-Time Authors with 51 Debut Novels to Read Now

Posted by Cybil on June 16, 2020


Let's face it, this year's class of first-time authors is seeing its debut novels launch into a world much different from what anyone in the publishing industry could have anticipated. And even as lapsed readers eagerly return to the refuge of books, writers without a built-in fan base from years of bestsellers might not get the attention they deserve.

So, we rounded up 51 sparkling debut novels across fiction genres that have been published since the beginning of 2020. Bonus: They are all available to start reading today. Be sure to add the novels that pique your interest to your Want to Read shelf.Ìý




Have you discovered a debut author you want to tell your fellow readers about? Please share your recommendations in the comments!

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Comments Showing 1-31 of 31 (31 new)

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message 1: by Carmel (new)

Carmel Deb Mcewan. Really enjoyed the Unlikely Soldiers series and the afterlife series. She brings humour and leaving you wanting more in everything she writes


message 2: by Peter (new)

Peter Munday All in Her Head
amazing book . lots of twists and turns from this debut author


message 3: by Deborah (new)

Deborah Collins I recently read The Year of Guinness by Lourdes Carvalho. It's her debut. Although not on this list, she did an amazing job on her her debut publication. I can't wait to read more from her.


message 4: by Gregory (new)

Gregory B I recently read Acheron Falls by DE Lewis and loved it. His debut and was not on this list either. Apparently he is working on a sequel..


message 5: by Van (new)

Van Beck Please consider "A Quiet Cadence" by Mark Treanor in your list of first time novels. This novel on Vietnam and a Marine's return to the States is a compelling story with strong character development. I could not put the book down as the characters and story kept me in my chair for a 24-hour read. This book was polished and well-edited by the Naval Institute Press in my view. Five-star novel. Thanks, Van Beck


message 6: by Susan (new)

Susan Buxbaum Van wrote: "Please consider "A Quiet Cadence" by Mark Treanor in your list of first time novels. This novel on Vietnam and a Marine's return to the States is a compelling story with strong character developmen..."

rad the Matthews Men.. merchant marines ww2


message 7: by Nightstar (new)

Nightstar I just read the first book in a new series that was really interesting. It's called Mor'dresh, Call of Darkness by Viktor Strangewayes. He's a new author, but he published all 5 books at the same time, which I don't think I've seen before.

I'm actually going to start reading the second book soon, and I'm really interested to see which direction the series goes based on the ending of the first book. If you like dark fantasy with a sense of humor, I'd definitely recommend checking it out!

Mor'dresh, Call of Darkness


message 8: by Allison (last edited Jun 16, 2020 10:39AM) (new)

Allison Tennant Denver Scott Senescence
I have just finished reading this thought provoking book. I really have learned so much from it and I would highly recommend it to any space addict or anyone, like myself, with this fascinating new interest. It realy did take me on a journey I shall never forget and would like to say thank you to Denver Scott for giving me this glimpse into the future. I do believe the audiobook is due out soon.


message 9: by Saeeda (last edited Jun 16, 2020 11:07AM) (new)

Saeeda Quaisar Keepers of the Faith by Shaukat Ajmeri ( ) is a compelling story of a community under the spell of a spiritual leader and rips apart many lives including of Akbar/Rukhsana. It's a historical literary fiction. I learned a lot from this book and thoroughly enjoyed the love story of these two souls.


message 10: by Joe (new)

Joe Scott Thrip by J.D. Brayton is a story about the young, sole survivor of the worst mass murder in Georgia history. Now living as the foster child of a fundamentalist Christian couple in Ty-Ty' Ga. He sits at his computer in an isolated farmhouse, interacting with his only true friend, a Homebound Outreach instructor Deidra Brooks, unaware of the forces conspiring to shatter his fragile inner world. Though they never meet face to face, they cultivate a transformative relationship filled with synchronic humor and bizarre stream-of-consciousness fantasies between routine school lessons. Mavyn Justain, who prefers the nickname 'Thirp', is agoraphobic, a social outcast who dreams of discovering a world denied him because of his traumatic past-a past that will return to torment him at the hands of those who seek to profit from his pain. The hack Hollywood producer who wants to expose his trauma-has a secret agenda. The P.I. hired to find the identity of his true parents-drawn into mortal danger. The damaged veteran struggling with P.T.S.D. stock-piling weapons deep in the Georgia woods. The horror of another school-shooting in small town America. A thrilling tale of psychological suspense set in pine woods of the deep south. This book kept me on edge throughout this crazy tale, never knowing what was going to happen next. I loved it and I think you will too. jps


message 11: by Christine (new)

Christine Brushstrokes of Love by Alison Joy:
Easy to read, hard to put down romance novel. Alison uses beautiful imagery to capture the beauty of the Australian bush in the Cape Otway area ( Southern Victoria / Great Ocean Road).


message 12: by Sasindran (new)

Sasindran Rasaathi the other side of a Transgender, a debut book is one of the best debut novel.


message 13: by Amber (last edited Jun 18, 2020 01:15PM) (new)

Amber The Kingdom of Liars is pretty good and it's the authors debut novel. I think it comes out in August though. Great fantasy debut though


message 14: by ClaraBelle (new)

ClaraBelle The Jane Austen Society, If I Had Your Face, and The Return look good to me


message 15: by Hazel Bee (new)

Hazel Bee I already have 10 of these on my TBR, might as well put them all.


message 16: by Claire (new)

Claire I agree! Followers by Megan Angelo is one of the best books I’ve read this year so far. I would be amazed if it isn’t picked up for tv, huge Black Mirror vibes. I loved every second of it.
Followers


message 17: by Claire (new)

Claire Oh! If we can add first novels by new authors too, can I add The Loop by Ben Oliver. Another Black Mirror style tale (I know my other recommendation from your own list was described the same, but I have a genre I like, okay!)

The Loop


message 18: by Susan (last edited Jun 18, 2020 12:02PM) (new)

Susan Thank you for showcasing lesser known (but not lesser quality) novels!

I have read and highly recommend from the list: Valentine Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore and Real Life Real Life by Brandon Taylor .

Looking forward to reading: How Much of These Hills Is Gold How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang , Sharks in the Time of Saviors Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn and A Burning A Burning by Megha Majumdar !


message 19: by Katsuro (new)

Katsuro Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ really needs to remove all the spammy self-promotion here in the comments.


message 20: by ClaraBelle (new)

ClaraBelle Katsuro wrote: "Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ really needs to remove all the spammy self-promotion here in the comments."

Agree and disagree with you at the same time


message 21: by Kaela (last edited Jun 18, 2020 02:06PM) (new)

Kaela Once And Future Wife
I'd like to see this one on the list. But I don't remember if it's out now or next month (I read an ARC)


message 22: by Sophie (new)

Sophie Katsuro wrote: "Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ really needs to remove all the spammy self-promotion here in the comments."

Thanks. I was going to post that myself.


message 23: by Lissa (new)

Lissa I just finished a burning today. It blew me away! I couldn’t put it down.


message 24: by TMR (new)

TMR Love this collection.


message 25: by Cricket (new)

Cricket Muse Children’s debut books are not listed here, yet they have much to offer. Consider Someday We Will, which is a picture book about the anticipation of being together again. Very timely message of hope.


message 26: by Raymond (new)

Raymond Cushing I agree about the kid's books, Cricket.
Here's one about kids growing up in the Australian Outback.
Not Far to Go Now
Written by Jet Jones. Great illustrations by Katie Jones.


message 27: by Lynda Ashby Ludy (new)

Lynda Ashby Ludy Good list. Please also consider The Third Medallion by Perry J. Ludy. Learn more at


message 28: by Jodi (new)

Jodi Sophie wrote: "Katsuro wrote: "Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ really needs to remove all the spammy self-promotion here in the comments."

Thanks. I was going to post that myself."


Don't just POST your dismay, FLAG it, for goodness sakes!!! That's the only way to get these self-promo comments taken down.


message 29: by Bridget (new)

Bridget Portmann I'm being brazen and adding my debut book to this list because I think it is a book for the times. I say that because it is a book about self discovery - finding your own inner strength. In a time when large social gatherings are dangerous, this is a book about getting outdoors, pushing your limits and finding happiness. If you're looking for a book that's going to encourage you to get off your couch and head into nature, this is for you.
Northbound: Tales from the Continental Divide Trail


message 30: by CORNELIUS (new)

CORNELIUS  BLACKSTONE The tales of a phoenix odyssey to the underverse


message 31: by Greg (new)

Greg Karen Lopez
I thoroughly enjoyed Karen's debut novel:
Shaw Point

If you are interested in a period novel set post-WWII with a pair of resilient female characters (and a host of other characters as well) absolutely check this out.T errific writing for a first-time author!


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