Books of the Month August 2021

Fewer rainy days and more sunshine drive many people outdoors during August, but that doesn't mean there's no time for reading. In fact, the lazy days of August are an excellent opportunity to soak up some sun and catch up on a bit of outdoors reading. This is exactly what our readers did, so take a look at what they consider to be some of the best books of the Month for August 2021.

Best Romance

Wreck & Ruin

by Emma Slate

Wreck & Ruin by Emma Slate is the first novel in the Blue Angels Motorcycle Club series and follows the story of Mia and Colt. Mia lived a pretty dull and monotonous life until she met Colt at the bar where she works. As President of the Blue Angels MC, he introduces her to an exciting new world while the rest of the club embraces her as one of their own. However, Mia learns what loyalty truly means when a violent rival appears to threaten her new life.

Best Action & Adventure

Dead Even

by Patti Larsen

Dead Even is the first novel in the Whitewitch Island Paranormal Cozies series by Pattie Larsen. It follows retired Guild Artemis Inquisitor Georgia Drake as she leaves behind the paranormal world following the death of her partner in the line of duty. Having had enough with investigating crime and murder, Drake moves across the continent with her Hades Guardian mastiff, Benjamin, and raven pair in tow. Unfortunately, instead of an opportunity to start over and escape the loss, her new home is not free from crime and murder either. When the eager sheriff recruits her to uncover the truth of a murdered local, Georgia quickly realizes Whitewitch Island has a past that most residents would rather forget.

Best Mystery & Thriller

Helix: Episode 1

by Nathan M Farrugia

Helix: Episode one is the first title in the techno-thriller series of the same name by Nathan M Farrugia. The protagonist, Olesya, is a spy hunter who works as part of a team fighting against a covert organization with designs on controlling the world. It's not an easy task as her enemies have infiltrated many of the world's governments while her side has fewer resources and agents. The story also veers off to follow the actions of some of Olesya's former classmates who themselves are embroiled in some dangerous activities. Helix: Episode 1 is a great thriller and a great start to a series that is sure to keep fans of the genre hooked.

Best Biography

Globetrotter

by Ian Boudreault

Globetrotter by Ian Boudreault is the riveting account of the seventeen years spent by the author as a digital entrepreneur exploring every single country of the world. His incredible journey took him through a total of 230 countries with nothing more than the bare essentials to live comfortably. The author turned his back on a promising engineering career to discover the unknown and live every day as if it was the last. Of course, with such an epic journey, there are bound to be some challenges along the way, which makes for an exciting read. With this book, Boudreault invites readers along on an adventure that most can only dream about.

Best Children's Book

Sleepy Kingdom

by Lee Young

Sleepy Kingdom: A Children's Bedtime Story by Lee Young is a charming tale about the beautiful relationship between children and their toys. Children will be able to relate to Noah, who loves playing with his toys and refuses to say goodbye to them, even at night. In this story, Noah discovers what toys do when he goes to sleep. Nighttime can cause a lot of fear and uncertainty in children, but this book can help both young and their parents understand the importance of toys during this period.

Best Young Adult

The Strider and the Regulus

by Tricia D. Wagner

The Strider and the Regulus is the first novel in The Star of Atlantis series by author Tricia D. Wagner. The Star of Atlantis is a famed pirate relic, which lies forgotten someplace along the rugged Welsh coast. However, twelve-year-old Swift is determent to claim it for himself when he finds a map to the treasure. Unfortunately, his brothers are not only skeptical but also determined to thwart his every step. His mission will require Swift to take on the gallant Celtic Sea with its monsters, but his most formidable challenge will be his own father.

Best Fantasy

Born To Magic

by David Wind

Born To Magic is an epic post-apocalyptic science fiction fantasy novel by David Wind. This genre-bending adventure is the first book in the Tales of Nevaeh series set 3,000 years after America is destroyed in a nuclear war. The survivors have evolved and embraced both magic and metaphysical warfare. However, when enemies from across the seas begin to close in, only the sorceress, Areenna, and the son of the High King of Neveah, Mikaal, can stop the onset of darkness.

Best Historical Fiction

The Brittle Sea

by Tom Kane

The Brittle Sea by Tom Kane is the first book in The Brittle Saga Trilogy and is set in the early 20th century. Using the Titanic disaster as a backdrop, this novel features dark and sinister characters as well as a gripping storyline. While many books feature the sinking of the Titanic, this novel focuses on the characters, such as Magda, who survives the accident but loses her memory in the process. The Brittle Sea is a treat for both fans of historical fiction as well as readers who enjoy a captivating story with great characters.

Best Horror

Only The Dead Don't Die

by A. D. Popovich

Only The Dead Don't Die by A.D. Popovich is the first novel in the apocalyptic saga of the same name. It sees humanity brought to its knees by a Super Summer flu, leaving only a few survivors. These survivors include a heartbroken schoolteacher named Scarlett, a no-nonsense handyman named Dean, and a geeky college student named Justin. Unfortunately, all of them are preoccupied with their own lives when they begin to realize that reality is unraveling around them.

Best Literary Fiction

Immodest

by L. S. Einat

Immodest by L. S. Einat is the story of a young Jewish woman named Perla. She was raised in an extreme Ultra-orthodox society, but her parents have a hard time finding a match for her after she turns eighteen. Eventually, she ends up with a cold and violent man who makes her life unbearable. However, a forbidden chance encounter with another man causes her to question everything she has ever known. Perla is left with an impossible choice, accept the life that has been thrust upon her or obey her heart even if it means paying a considerable price.

Best Science Fiction

Beneath the Fallen City

by Jamie A. Waters

Beneath the Fallen City is the first novel in The Omni Towers Series by Jamie A. Waters. This book follows the adventures of Kayla, a scavenger, and Carl, a trader. Kayla searches the ruins of abandoned cities for artifacts that can be exchanged to gain life-saving supplies. Meanwhile, Carl is one of the OmniLab traders who control one of the most dangerous ruins with the rarest artifacts. When Kayla invades his district, Carl attempts to stop her by recruiting her despite her hatred for traders.

Best Non-Fiction

Beyond the Pale

by Matthew Turner

Beyond the Pale by Matthew Turner is a book aimed at inspiring readers to question their pursuit of success. Written in the form of a business fable, the author interviewed hundreds of successful entrepreneurs, authors, investors, and thought leaders, to help readers reflect on their beliefs, goals, and dreams. The story follows Ferdinand Foy, a Silicon Valley success story on the fast track to becoming a billionaire. However, his attempts at trying to understand why he wants to become a billionaire cause Ferdinand to take a sabbatical from his successful tech company to go and find himself.