We’re officially halfway through the month, and June 16 marks the arrival of several exciting 2026 books — including the latest collaboration from Brandon Sanderson. Compared to May, which welcomed three much-anticipated romantasy sequels and other high-profile titles, June feels like a quieter release month. There are still incredible stories to look forward to, though, and some of the biggest hail from widely recognizable authors and series.
In addition to the latest Sanderson team-up, today marks the arrival of a much-anticipated romantasy sequel from Red Tower Books, a magical romance from Ashley Poston, and a queer paranormal romance inspired by Greek mythology. There’s also a debut to keep on your radar, meaning lots of variety. Even during the summer, these provide an incentive to curl up and read.
Songs of the Dead by Brandon Sanderson and Peter Orullian
One of the most exciting 2026 books hitting shelves on June 16 comes from a well-known fantasy author. Brandon Sanderson is best known for his Cosmere universe, but not all of his books fall under that umbrella. And his June 2026 collaboration with Peter Orullian isn’t a Cosmere novel, but Songs of the Dead is the start of a new urban fantasy series: The Strata Wars. It sounds like a fun one, as Songs of the Dead follows London musician Jack Solomon as he’s thrust into a new reality. It’s one where light and music can create magic, but also “where living eras of the past sprawl beneath modern London, layer upon layer, all the way back to recorded history.” Those beings are angry, and it threatens to kickstart a war between the living and the dead. The stakes sound high, and there’s musical magic. What more could we ask for?
The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston romances are a great way to ring in the summer, and The Someday Garden sounds like a story to read on the patio or by the pool. The novel follows Sophie Drear to Maine for the summer, where she takes a job working on the grounds of Lilymoor House. The place ends up being more magical than she expected, both in terms of its charm and the mysterious door that keeps appearing in different places. It whisks her away to an unfinished garden and a mysterious man stuck there. Sophie will need his help to get Lilymoor to “bloom” again, as well as that of the manor owner’s attractive nephew. It sounds like a delightful story with a nice touch of magical realism. It also boasts the perfect backdrop for spring or summer reading.
The Raven at the Ash Door by K.A. Linde
The Oak & Holly Cycle continues in 2026, with The Raven at the Ash Door coming out on June 16 — the third of five planned books. After The Wren in the Holly Library‘s debut in 2024, The Robin on the Oak Throne took the series up a notch. And if it continues on that trajectory, The Raven at the Ash Door will be another must-read. It will find Kierse and Graves attempting to free Kierse’s magic from its unfortunate binding. This involves finding a stone relic, one missing for over 100 years. That’s a challenge on its own, but the two must contend with other threats as well. It sounds as thrilling as its predecessors, and after book two, we’re fully locked in.
Dearly Departed by Chip Pons
Those on the lookout for new queer books in June 2026 shouldn’t miss Chip Pons’ Dearly Departed. The paranormal romance is inspired by Greek mythology — Hades, specifically — and it sounds like an incredible time. (Plus, just look at that cover!) The novel follows Hades living as a human named Hayden Harlow after he’s stripped of godhood. He runs a funeral home but is determined to return to his former life. Then he meets Levi, a florist who’s initially on the receiving end of his ire. The two fall for one another, but that leaves Hades questioning which future he truly wants. Dearly Departed sounds angsty and charming all at once. Fans of grumpy-sunshine dynamics definitely need it on their radars.
Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi
We’re always excited for eye-grabbing debuts, and that includes Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi. Pitched as a mash-up between family drama and rom-com, the book follows its heroine home for a two-week Indian wedding. After seven years away, Simran’s already on edge. The arrival of her new boyfriend, Leo, only adds to the anxiety. Cue her cousins coming together to get the family matriarch to approve of him. Their plan involves inspiration from a Bollywood movie and lots of lying, which promises a chaotic affair. Leave and Come Back sounds like the traditional rom-com in that regard, but it also vows to dig into genuine grief and trauma. The combo is enticing enough that we’ve got our eye on this release.
Which of today’s new releases are you excited to pick up? Check back on Backtalk Books for more news about upcoming releases!
