It’s almost the end of the year and we’re celebrating the brave and talented writers who have published their books in Decembers. These authors have dabbled in a lot of genres ranging from fantasy and poetry to YA, contemporary fiction, historical fiction and cultural fiction. There are some retellings and some new stories. Regardless, all of them are wonderful pieces of art that proclaim the entry of great voices in the literary world. Here are 10 best debut authors of December 2021.
10 Best Debut Authors Of December 2021:
Alexander Delacroix (Heart of the Impaler)
In this debut, Delacroix crafts the story of a royal family against an impeding war. In this fantasy romance, Ilona harbours feelings for her betrothed’s cousin and younger Andrei and younger brother Val. This debut definitely announced a new voice in the fantasy genre with a bang.
Amanda Gorman (Call Us What We Carry)
Gorman, who read her poem ‘The Hills We Climb’ at the inaugural ceremony of Joe Biden, released her debut collection of poems. Full of themes of ‘identity, grief and memory’ as the back cover calls it, this inaugurates not just a tenure, but an era. Functioning as an ode to the present and a hopeful song for the future this one steals the heart.
Phoenix Vieira (Immortal Souls)
This introduction to a fantasy romance series follows a fallen Sun empire. Corvus is the crown princess’s best friend and a threat to the Emperor. When the emperor forbids his friendship with the princess, Corvus plots to overthrow him. Soon the entry of the deadly queen of Sirens throws the duo into hot waters, and what ensues is a forbidden romance fraught with danger
Juhea Kim (Beasts of a Little Land)
This debut historical fiction set against the backdrop of the Korean independence movement is a saga of love and war. Beginning with an unexpected meeting of a hunter and an officer he saves, a domino effect spanning half a century weaves an epic story. Jade is sold to courtesan house, where she befriends a young boy who will grow up to be a revolutionary. With more characters and conflict to this primal story, a poignant story emerges.
Rachel Kapelke-Dale (The Ballerinas)
This masterful debut alternates between two timelines – the adolescence of ballerina trio Delphine, Lindsey and Margaux, and present day. In the present day, Delphine comes back to the academy after years at St Petersburg after a devastating tragedy. But soon she discovers that nothing is like before. The book delves into female friendship, ambition, greed and perfectionism.
Shea Ernshaw (A History of Wild Places)
The quirky protagonist of this book can locate missing people with a single object they possess. He uses these powers to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Mrs Maggie, the children’s novelist of ‘dark and macabre’ books.
Lisa Harding (Bright, Burning Things)
This is the American debut of Harding, who tells the poignant story of a now forgotten superstar who wrestles for the custody of her child. In the midst of all this, she battles an alcoholic disorder and attempts to recover from an abusive childhood,
J R Thorp (Learwife)
In this retelling of the greatest Shakespearean tragedy, King Lear, Thorp gives a voice to a woman never mentioned in the original – Lear’s wife. He portrays her as a woman serving her banishment in her nunnery, who decodes the mystery of her marriage, as her country falls to crumbles.
Maiana Rose (Oh The Pics That You’ll Post)
This book gives a millennial twist to the old favourite, Dr Seuss. She takes us through the world of social media, using Seuss’ writing style to draft a story that gives home to her wildest imagination.
Faith Jones (Sex Cult Nun)
This moving memoir about a woman raised in the cult, the ‘Children of God’ is hard hitting and impactful. From religion to sexual abuse, she chronicles her difficult childhood. Ultimately, she talks about her decision to break free at the age of 23.
Also Read: 15 Best Horror Novels of 2021
