Looking ahead to the new year, with resolutions like cutting sugar seeming challenging, 2026 promises to be a delightful year for bookworms eager to dive into new reads. As we still have many fantastic releases from last year waiting on our nightstands, titles like “Broken Country” and “The Correspondent” are calling out, while this year’s hot new releases are already creating buzz. The New York Times Books is paving the way by spotlighting the titles that are expected to dominate the literary conversation this year.
Having fully embraced the romantasy trend that dominated the bestseller lists in 2025, with “A Forbidden Alchemy” by Stacey McEwan being one of the hidden gems of last year, the latest romantasy recommendation caught our eye: “Crown of War and Shadow” by bestselling author J.R. Ward.
The first book in Ward’s new Kingdoms of the Compass romantasy series, “Crown of War and Shadow” perfectly blends high-stakes fantasy with simmering romance. The story follows Sorrel, a clairvoyant orphan forced to flee her town by an angry mob, on her dangerous quest to find a legendary warrior queen. Along the way, she discovers unexpected companionship and desire in a brooding, secretive mercenary. Adding this book to our cart feels almost inevitable.
Known by her pen name, J.R. Ward, American author Jessica Rowley Pell Bird Blackmore is a legendary figure in the romantasy genre, renowned for her paranormal romance novels. With a portfolio of over 60 books, Ward is most celebrated for her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which took flight with “Dark Lover” in 2005 and has since become a cornerstone of paranormal romance.
A recipient of the Goodreads Choice Award in the Romance category, Ward has amassed a devoted following, including some of the genre’s most successful writers. Rebecca Yarros, a New York Times bestselling author, hails Ward as “a powerhouse in the genre that never disappoints,” while Jennifer Armentrout, author of “From Blood and Ash,” describes Ward’s latest work as “absolutely unputdownable.” New York Times bestselling author Lynn Viehl praises Ward, stating, “Dark fantasy lovers, you just got served.”
Scheduled for release on February 17, 2026, “Crown of War and Shadow” by J.R. Ward is available for preorder, promising an exciting adventure into the world of romantasy.
As we anticipate this upcoming literary treasure, let’s keep in mind those challenging “no sugar” resolutions…and maybe indulge in some guilt-free reading instead.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.