10 Most Anticipated Debut Authors of June 2023

Today we’ll embark on a journey to explore the 10 Most Anticipated Debut Authors of June 2023. Their narratives, brimming with promise, offer an escape into imaginative worlds, intimate character portrayals, and captivating explorations of human experiences. Whether it’s the evocative prose, the inventive plotlines, or the freshness of their perspectives, these authors have sparked excitement and captured the attention of literary enthusiasts worldwide.

Thao Thai

Thao Thai, an Ohio-based writer, is set to make her mark as a debut author in June 2023 with her highly anticipated novel, “Banyan Moon.” Thai’s work has been featured in prestigious publications such as the Los Angeles Review of Books, WIRED, Elle, and Lit Hub, showcasing her exceptional writing skills.

“Banyan Moon” is a sweeping and evocative tale that traverses three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the loss of their matriarch, Minh. This poignant novel explores the family’s inherited burdens, buried secrets, and unexpected love stories. Ann Tran, Minh’s granddaughter, finds her life at a crossroads when she receives news of her grandmother’s passing. Returning to Florida, she must confront her estranged mother, Huơng, and together they discover that Minh has left them the Banyan House, a decaying ancestral home full of enigmatic charm.

With its backdrop spanning decades and continents, from 1960s Vietnam to the untamed swamps of the Florida coast, “Banyan Moon” is a breathtaking exploration of mother-daughter relationships, the legacies we inherit, and the paths we forge from those legacies. Praised as “heart-shatteringly beautiful” by internationally bestselling author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, this novel is a testament to the resilience of family, motherhood, and the power of survival.

Ria Chang-Eppig

Rita Chang-Eppig, a California-based author, showcases her talent with her debut novel, “Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea.” Chang-Eppig holds an MFA in fiction from NYU and has established herself as a formidable writer, with her stories featured in prestigious publications such as McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Conjunctions, Clarkesworld, and The Rumpus.

“Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea” is a captivating adventure novel that will enthrall fans of “Outlawed,” “Piranesi,” and “The Night Tiger.” Set in a vivid historical backdrop, the story follows Shek Yeung, a legendary Chinese pirate queen, as she fights to protect her fleet from powerful adversaries. After witnessing the murder of her husband by a Portuguese sailor, Shek Yeung devises a bold plan to secure her position of power. She marries her husband’s second-in-command, agreeing to bear him a son and heir.

It is a visceral tale, teeming with salt, grit, blood, and sweat. It paints a mesmerizing portrait of a woman who embodies the courage and ruthlessness of both our darkest and most beloved heroes.

Greg Marshall

Greg Marshall, an upcoming author, is set to release his memoir, “Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It,” in June 2023. Marshall, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellow in Prose, is a graduate of the Michener Center for Writers, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.

“Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It” is a memoir that combines humor and poignancy as it delves into themes of family, disability, and self-discovery. Marshall’s early years were marked by peculiarities, captured on VHS tapes that showcase his experiences as a lopsided teenager, limping across high school stages or confined to a wheelchair due to leg surgeries. Amidst this backdrop, Marshall reflects on his crushes on members of the Utah Jazz basketball team. Alongside these personal anecdotes, his family dynamic unfolds, including a mother battling cancer, a father with ALS, and a colorful cast of foulmouthed siblings.

“Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It” is a heartfelt and thought-provoking memoir that captures the essence of youth, the longing for belonging, and the pursuit of self-acceptance amidst life’s trials.

Kerilynn Wilson

Kerilynn Wilson, an author and illustrator based in Portland, Oregon, enchants readers with her love for the strange and extraordinary. With a mind that drifts to fantastical places filled with flying jellyfish and star-devouring birds, Wilson is known for her whimsical and imaginative creations. Currently, she is diligently working on her debut graphic novel, “The Faint of Heart,” set to be released on June 13th, 2023.

“The Faint of Heart,” a teen graphic novel, explores a captivating premise: What if you were the last person with a heart? The sole individual who still experienced emotions? In a world where the removal of hearts eradicates sadness, anxiety, and anger, June, a high school student, resists succumbing to societal pressure. While everyone else undergoes the heart-removal procedure, June clings to her capacity to feel.

It blends elements of speculative fiction and cautionary storytelling, delivering a poignant and otherworldly debut. It raises profound questions about morality and the immense nature of emotions that often feel impossible to contain. Fans of works like “Nimona” and “This One Summer” will be drawn to Wilson’s vivid and haunting narrative, reminiscent of a blend between “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Severance.”

Lena Jeong

Lena Jeong, an author with a penchant for creativity, penned her first novel in the fifth grade, featuring an unconventional cast of characters. From a dude in distress to a dragon with allergies to men, Lena’s early writing showcased her imaginative spirit. When she’s not crafting Korean-inspired novels, Lena dedicates herself to becoming the “Favorite Auntie” among her nieces and nephews. Additionally, she indulges in the art of creating the perfect matcha latte, constantly experimenting with new methods. With an M.F.A. in Creative Writing under her belt, Lena embarks on her debut novel, “Break the Pretty Kings.”

Jeong’s debut novel is a spellbinding blend of fantasy, history, and myth, resonating with fans of Gallant and Six Crimson Cranes. It weaves a tale of courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of peace in a world teetering on the brink of destruction. Mirae’s quest to fulfill her destiny and safeguard her queendom against impending doom promises an enthralling and gripping reading experience.

Lauren Kay

Lauren Kay, a resident of Brooklyn, shares her life with her cat Sneezy, her husband, and their daughter. She is eagerly anticipating the release of her debut novel, “WE SHIP IT,” which is scheduled to be published by HarperCollins in June 2023. Additionally, Lauren has a second novel set to be released by HarperCollins in 2024. When she is not immersed in the world of young adult fiction, Lauren enjoys watching Gilmore Girls reruns, running marathons, and indulging in an unhealthy amount of Coke Zero. She holds a degree in American Civilization from Brown University, specializing in Love and Relationships.

“We Ship It,” Lauren’s debut novel, is a rom-com that embodies the vibrant energy of the movie “Booksmart” while embracing the awkwardness found in Kelly Quindlen’s “Late to the Party.” It features a thrilling international meet-cute reminiscent of “Love and Gelato.” The story follows Olivia Schwartz, a driven individual with a meticulously planned life. Olivia’s plan revolves around achieving a perfect SAT score, attending a prestigious college, and pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. The last thing she desires is to embark on a summer cruise with her parents and younger brothers, where unspoken tensions linger since the death of her older brother.

It combines elements of romance, comedy, and adventure, delivering a delightful blend of vibrant energy and heartfelt introspection. Drawing inspiration from beloved films and novels, the story captures the essence of youthful exploration, self-discovery, and the unexpected twists that can reshape our lives. With Lauren Kay’s engaging storytelling and relatable characters, readers are in for a captivating journey of love, growth, and the courage to embrace new possibilities.

Sian Gilbert

Sian Gilbert is an acclaimed thriller author based in the United Kingdom. She is represented by Helen Heller at the Helen Heller Agency, a testament to her talent and potential. Gilbert’s debut thriller, “She Started It,” is now available for pre-order.

“She Started It” is a gripping and suspenseful summer thriller that will captivate fans of Lucy Foley and Liane Moriarty. The story revolves around a group of young women who reunite for a bachelorette party in the Caribbean. Annabel, Esther, Tanya, and Chloe, childhood friends who have drifted apart, receive an unexpected invitation from another old friend, Poppy Greer. Poppy, whom they haven’t spoken to in years, has arranged an extravagant bachelorette party on a private island in the Bahamas.

The book weaves a tale of suspense, deception, and the dark undercurrents that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic friendships. With twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, Gilbert’s storytelling is sharp, observant, and filled with deliciously catty dynamics among the characters. From the breathtaking Caribbean backdrop to the shocking revelations, this thrilling debut promises to keep readers hooked until the very end.

Julia Seales

Julia Seales, a writer and screenwriter based in Los Angeles, has crafted her passion for both murder mysteries and Jane Austen into her debut novel, “A Most Agreeable Murder.” With an MFA in screenwriting from UCLA and a BA in English from Vanderbilt University, Seales brings her literary expertise and storytelling prowess to the world of comedy, manners, and murder. Originally from Kentucky, she developed an appreciation for manners (and bourbon) in her upbringing.

“A Most Agreeable Murder” is a delightful and action-packed comedy of manners and murder. Set in Swampshire, a small English township, the story revolves around feisty and passionate Beatrice Steele. While she doesn’t conform to the rigid definition of a true lady, Beatrice lives an agreeable life with her marriage-minded mother, mischievous father, and her two sisters, the beautiful Louisa and the forgettable Mary. However, Beatrice hides a dark secret—her obsession with true crime cases she reads about in the newspaper. To avoid being labeled a morbid creep and facing social banishment, she vows to put her fascination aside.

The book is an entertaining and witty tale that combines elements of Jane Austen’s world with the intrigue of an Agatha Christie mystery. With Kate Stayman-London, bestselling author of “One to Watch,” endorsing the novel, readers can expect a delightful blend of comedy, suspense, and the pursuit of justice. As Beatrice challenges societal norms and embraces her true nature, she leads readers on a thrilling adventure filled with twists and turns that will keep them guessing until the very end.

Emily Jane

Emily Jane, a writer with diverse experiences in Boise, Boulder, and San Francisco, presents her debut novel, “On Earth as It Is on Television.” Jane holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of San Francisco and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Currently residing on an urban farm in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband, children, cat, and husky, Jane brings a unique perspective to her storytelling.

“On Earth as It Is on Television” offers an exhilarating and entertaining take on First Contact stories. When spaceships suddenly appear above Earth and just as quickly depart, it raises profound questions about humanity’s place in the universe. The novel explores the implications of discovering that we are not alone and delves into the motivations behind the aliens’ visit and their sudden departure. Readers are taken on a wild ride as they grapple with uncertainty and the search for meaning in the twenty-first century.

Emily Jane’s debut novel is a rollicking exploration of life, relationships, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a sudden encounter with extraterrestrial life. With its unique blend of humor, intrigue, and introspection, the book invites readers to contemplate their place in a universe filled with endless possibilities.

Elizabeth Castellano 

Elizabeth Castellano, a writer who grew up in a beach town, presents her debut novel, “Save What’s Left.” Currently residing in New York, Castellano draws upon her experiences to craft a story that combines humor, conflict, and the quest for personal fulfillment.

The novel follows Kathleen Deane, who is taken aback when her husband, Tom, confesses his unhappiness with their life and marriage after thirty years together in Kansas. With Tom embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Kathleen begins contemplating her own desires. Intrigued by the idyllic descriptions of a small beach community called Whitbey in her childhood friend Josie’s Christmas letters, Kathleen decides to start anew in this charming town on the east coast.

“Save What’s Left” offers a refreshing take on the beach read genre, pulling back the curtain to reveal the complexities and challenges that lie behind the picturesque facade of a beach town. Narrated from the candid and irreverent perspective of a newcomer turned local, the novel explores themes of forgiveness, resilience, and embracing second chances. Castellano’s debut invites readers to reflect on the true cost of an idyllic view and the rewards that come from navigating the intricacies of life in a close-knit community.

Also Read: 10 Books for Teenagers to Embark on an Epic Journey of Self-Discovery