8 Debut Novels Releasing In May 2021 You Should Read

May has been a great month for books. Many renowned authors like Rachel Cusk and Chimamanda Adichie are coming out with their highly awaited novels. However, many budding authors are also set to make promising debuts in May. In today’s list, we’ve compiled a list of 8 debut novels releasing in May 2021 you should read.

Made in Korea by Sarah Suk

This is a relaxing and feel good book to read while relaxing on a sunny Sunday afternoon in May. It follows our two entrepreneural student protagonists who are competing to win maximum sales for their competing beauty businesses in school. But what happens when romance ensues between the leads? The stakes are high, and so is the enthusiasm. This book is definitely on to keep on your May TBR.

May the Best Man Win by Z R Ellor

Again a book based on high school competition, this is an LGBTQA+ fiction wherein a trans boy competes for the title of Homecoming King with his ex-boyfriend. If you’re a fan of the enemy to lovers trope, this book will definitely supersede your expectations (at least we think it will!) While this book may seem all light and fluffy, there are elements of darkness – abuse, death and bullying to name a few. But this only makes the book more holistic and well-rounded.

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee

This is another LGBTQA+ fiction novel for you, because there’s something so warm and cosy about them! This is the story of Noah, who has an internet blog called the “Meet Cute Diary” where he posts fictional stories of happily together trans couples. There’s just one problem – no one knows they’re fictional. So when a troll on the internet threatens to sabotage the blog, Noah must fake date Drew to assuage his followers. But what happens when Noah falls for Drew? He realized that love goes beyond theories and stories, it’s very real and very complex.

Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield

This is the diasporic story of Tilla – an originally Jamiacan young girl who has spent her life trying to win her father’s love. Her father’s half yearly visits to Jamaica feel like abandonment to her. But when her mother tells her that this time, she is to accompany her father to Jamaica, she has mixed feelings. The story unfolds in Jamaica, where old secrets are brought to light and a new love comes to life. There’s a wild hurricane wreaking havoc, both within and without. It is one of the most promising debuts, not just of May, but this year as well.

Indivisible by Daniel Aleman

This YA novel deals with identity, and the complex process of constructing it in binaries. It deals with Mateo Garcia and his family’s struggles with deportation. Mateo’s parents are undocumented citizens in America, but they’re good citizens – law abiding, kind and hard working. Unfortunately, this is not all that can keep theme in America. When they’re taken in by ICE and faced with deportation to Mexico, Mateo must stretch is abilities to the maximum and rediscover his own identity to help his family.

Words Composed of Sea and Sky by Erica George

This historical fiction cum romance book is the story of Michaela Dunn who lives in present day Cape Cod. Michaela wants to pursue art school but her family is staunchly opposed to it. When her family refuses to fund a poetry workshop, she signs up for a competition to write a dedication plaque honoring Benjamin Churchill. Churchill is a whaler who is presumed to be dead a century ago, and Michaela begins to research meticulously about him, discovering his diary. When he returns, she falls in love with him, aided by her imagination fired by his diary, and a stunning drama follows.

Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey

The perfect book for bibliophiles, this one combines romance and bookshops – both adorable. Madeline Moore’s family has owned the bookshop “Books and Moore” for generations now, and Madeline is all set to take it over after college. But when a new bookshop, “Prologue” open across the street, the competition is deadly. And what complicates things even more – the owner of Prologue, Jasper is cute and swoon-worthy.  

The Hollow Inside  by Brooke Lauren Davis

This is a YA thriller – a combination of genres we don’t get to see very often. Moreover the plot of this novel seems insanely alluring and unique. This is the story of mother-daughter duo Phoenix and Nina, who earn their money by using their brazen wit to swindle and steal money. They’re always on the go, and their final destination is Nina’s hometown, where they must bring down the man who ruined Nina’s life – Ellis Bowman. But what Phoenix discovers about the Bowman family doesn’t align exactly with what Nina has told her. As Phoenix shuttles between who to trust and what to believe, the thriller builds up. This book is one to keep on your radar, if you love a good edge-of-the-seat experience.

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