September New Releases
Fall is coming!
The geese are flying south. Darn. Snow will be falling thick this winter, if all the local warning signs are correct. This will mean shoveling - lots of shoveling.
Poot.
On the bright side, we still have autumn to go through first! Which means we need new books to read to while away the hours (or minutes) as the days shorten and the leaves turn. Better to save the horror for October, though, and enjoy the lingering glow of summer.
That is not a problem here at Upstream, where we have collected the New Releases for September and those that came out in August. Take a look and see what you think. Maybe there is a book or a collection which calls to you and none other!
The Knives: A Criminal Book by Ed Brubaker
Releasing: September 9
A sprawling Criminal epic, The Knives is the most ambitious tale Brubaker and Phillips have ever tackled. Three dark journeys wind around each other over a decade, like sharks hunting for a kill.
Cartoonist Jacob Kurtz goes to Hollywood in the era of peak TV to work on an adaptation of his comic strip, only to find himself caught up in the life of his aging aunt and the vultures circling her estate. Angie was raised at the Undertow, but now everything she loves has been taken from her. She's on the streets with vengeance on her mind, her eyes set on the city's kingpin. And finally, Tracy Lawless is home from the Special Forces, finally a civilian again, but he's in bad shape and this city has always brought out the worst in him.
These three tales collide in The Knives a breathtaking noir story about greed, ambition, heartbreak, and blood ties. A must-have for all Brubaker and Phillips fans!
The Trouble with Giraffes (The Pet Club) by Lisa Mantchev
Releasing: September 16
A girl and her pet giraffe are friends despite their difference in size in this tender picture book companion to the bestselling and acclaimed Strictly No Elephants.
A girl knows having a pet giraffe poses some difficulties, like finding a way to take walks together with legs very different in length. And her giraffe doesn’t fit into the clubhouse door for Pet Club. But the Pet Club members come together to find a way for him—and everyone—to be included. Because that’s what friends do.
Strictly No Elephants has been sold around the world and is heralded as a pitch-perfect book about inclusion. Now, readers can celebrate the importance of both inclusivity and accessibility in this new companion that is full of new friends to love.
Disrupted Magic (Shamrock Disposal Book 1) by D.K. Holmburg
Released: August 26
I break magic for a living. Unfortunately, rent’s still due—and the Agency just offered me a job I can’t refuse.
Cal Drexler is not your average magical freelancer—mainly because he’s technically illegal. Officially, he’s a “breaker,” someone who shuts down rogue enchantments for a fee and maybe a cinnamon roll. Unofficially? He’s a morph, capable of absorbing and redirecting magic… a skill the Shamrock Disposal Agency classifies somewhere between “extremely rare” and “kill on sight.”
So when rent’s overdue and a gig chasing bakery sprites nearly gets him turned into a glowing muffin, Cal’s luck seems about standard—until the Agency shows up on his doorstep. Not to arrest him. To hire him.
Now partnered with a suspicious field agent who has zero patience for Cal’s improv style, he’s getting dragged into magical gallery heists, fae-forged crystals that sing like springtime, and a conspiracy that could shatter the balance between worlds. All while pretending he’s just another charming burnout with a bag of herbs and a winning smile.
But magic has a way of revealing the truth. And the Agency’s idea of “consulting” may be more lethal than unemployment.
Alien Family Traditions (Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 58)
Released: August 7
In a galaxy torn by war, where battles shatter civilizations, the heart of family endures. From adoptions that bridge species to foster homes offering refuge to aliens and humans alike, love becomes the ultimate rebellion against conflict. Discover uplifting tales of unlikely kin—blood, chosen, or found—building havens of hope amidst chaos. In this heartwarming collection, explore the lives of those who choose compassion over strife, the consequences that reshape worlds, and the reasons why family, in all its forms, is the brightest light in the darkest times. A feel-good celebration of unity and resilience that will leave you inspired.
A Plague of Magic (Arcane Hoard Book 1) by Marisa Wolf
Releasing: September 2
BIG SCORE, LITTLE DRAGON, LOTS OF TROUBLE
MAGIC HAS BEEN OUTLAWED FOR CENTURIES . . .
. . . but when Cima’s life choices limit her gang’s avenues for making a profit, they’re forced to scavenge in a haunted corner of the city, where they unearth what they believe to be life-changing loot. Then it all comes apart: the hoard they’ve recovered is something more than material treasure, it’s potent magic from before the cataclysm that brought the old world to ruin. Will the plague of magic they’ve unleashed destroy her chosen family, her city, and the world? Or will the recovery of the items fenced by her gang lead Cima to become the guardian of a new age?
Fly to Fury (War of the Alliance Book 3) by Tara Grace
Released: August 22
Reunited with his legendary father, this half-elf defends his homeland.
After their victory in the skies over Dar Goranth, Fieran and his newly-unified squadron travel to Fort Defense to reinforce the squadrons defending the Escarlish-Mongavarian border.
Once there, they discover a harsher war than they have yet experienced. The constant dogfights are exhausting, the bombings are frequent, and the death toll is high. Even two warriors with the magic of the ancient kings might not be enough.
With the war raging around them, Fieran and Pip fight to keep their feelings hidden—from each other and from the rest of the squadron. When Fieran’s impulsive nature gets the best of him at last, who will be hurt?
Christian Patriot: 12 Ways to Create One Nation Under God by Taylor Marshall
Releasing: September 2
Christian Patriot offers a compelling roadmap for Christians to reclaim their cultural influence and establish an explicitly Christian society rooted in faith, family, and biblical values.
As Christians watch with dismay as Christian civilization is replaced by a New Secular Religion, Christian Patriot emerges as both a guide and a manifesto for those seeking to restore Christianity as the original blueprint for Western civilization. Taylor R. Marshall reveals that the foundation of Western civilization is rooted in Christian theology and addresses difficult topics such as Christian Nationalism, the Separation of Church and State, and the vocation of every Christian Patriot to bear witness in the public square. Christian Patriot outlines twelve essential strategies for building a nation under God. Each chapter not only tackles pressing societal concerns—from abortion and human trafficking to parental rights and family values—but also equips readers with practical action items to initiate real change.
If you lament the erosion of Christian identity in our society and seek ways to establish all things in Christ, this book will help you discover the historical truth about our Christian foundations, inspire you with twelve actionable steps, and guide you to embrace your vocation as a Christian Patriot in a new era of hope and renewal.
All Hallows' Eve by Anthony DeStefano
Released: August 19
There is something more enthralling than the usual tales of vampires, monsters, and ghouls. In All Hallows’ Eve, bestselling author Anthony DeStefano takes young readers on a lighthearted but spine-tingling journey that unveils the true spiritual meaning of Halloween.
Join a group of friends as they encounter Hulga May, a mysterious woman who sweeps and prays in a dark cemetery every Halloween night. As Hulga shares her haunting tale, children and adults alike will learn about the profound significance of prayer, penance, and the souls in Purgatory. This finely crafted story blends eerie suspense with heartfelt lessons, making it ideal for young readers in search of both thrills and wisdom.
For too long, Christians have allowed the secular culture to dominate what is essentially a deeply religious holiday. With this story, DeStefano reclaims Halloween by placing its emphasis not on evil spirits, monsters, and pagan and occult practices but where it belongs—on the countless souls who have died in God’s grace and long for deliverance into the Heavenly realms.
Of All The Gin Joints In The Universe by Richard Paolinelli
Released: August 26
One detective. Two suspects. A conspiracy big enough to kill them all.
In the 25th Century, Galactic Justice upholds the law across the Milky Way.
They use the HALO to extract confessions from the guilty. For the most heinous of crimes, the guilty are erased and a new personality is uploaded in their place.
Samuel Archer Spade is a private detective on Space Station 1964 on the far edge of the galaxy. He’s a former GalJus Inspector whose conscious couldn’t square with using the HALO.
Spade is at his usual spot, his unofficial office on Norma, when a knockout blonde in a red dress, walks into The Galaxy’s Edge, the station’s bar. She’s on the run from an unwanted admirer.
But when the man arrives on the station, he’s looking to hire Spade himself. He’s claiming she has stolen something from him, As Spade tries to sort out who is telling the truth, GalJus arrives looking for both of his clients for a murder committed on another planet.
Trying to find the truth will lead Spade to discover a dark secret. Some elements within GalJus are using the HALO to frame innocent people. Even worse, they're programming people to commit murder.
That’s a secret GalJus is willing to kill for and both Sam, and his clients, are right at the top of their list.
I've Got This! by Frederick Key
Released: August 27
Quentin Margolis seems like your average eighth-grader, but he’s got a knack for knowing exactly what to bring—whether it’s homework, gym clothes, or something as odd as a metal pipe or a flowery umbrella. This quirky ability always saves the day for someone, though it sometimes lands Quentin in a pickle. When his family moves to the small town of Guild River, Quentin’s secret talent helps him win over new friends: brainy Jeffrey, wisecracking Kenny, and athletic Thom, son of the police chief. Together, they dive into a thrilling school project about a decades-old bank heist that left three robbers dead, one jailed, and a fortune missing.
As the boys uncover cryptic clues and dodge shadowy figures, Quentin’s peculiar gift keeps them one step ahead, but also raises questions he can’t avoid. Packed with humor and just the right amount of mystery, this adventure celebrates friendship and ingenuity. Perfect for boys who love a fast-paced tale where ordinary kids tackle extraordinary challenges, it’s a story that’ll keep young readers hooked and parents cheering for more!
The Sparrow Who Fell to the Ground by Anthony DeStefano
Releasing: September 16
In a world of storms and struggles, where does a small and broken sparrow find his strength?
Born with a broken wing in the stormy Valley of Tears, the little sparrow longs to escape to a place of light and joy. Time and again, he tries to fly—only to crash, struggle, and face dangers along the way. But with every fall, he learns to persevere, to pray, and to trust in God’s plan. And when he finally crosses the mountain, he discovers a garden unlike any other—a place of peace, healing, and a Carpenter who restores what was broken.
Shatterpath (The Celestial Path Book 6) by D. K. Holmburg
Releasing: September 9
Patterns hold power. And Roran can see them all.
As the Astralin gather in the skies above the plains, their servants move with purpose below. Something ancient stirs—a force that once cleansed these lands of all life.
Roran's voidheart abilities have evolved beyond merely draining power. Now he perceives the intricate patterns binding celestial energy across the plains—patterns being manipulated by someone he once trusted.
When collectors begin placing unstable relics in strategic locations, Roran realizes a dangerous design is forming. One that could either summon destruction or trigger the Astralin to cleanse the plains themselves.
Separated from allies and pursued by powerful collectors, Roran must trace the pattern to its source. But following these celestial threads reveals a shocking betrayal and forces him to question everything he thought he knew about the powers that guide their world.
The plains tremble beneath the growing storm. And only Roran can shatter the pattern before it's complete.
Deep Magic: Volume III
Released: August 19
The Best of Deep Magic: Volume Three— fantastical worlds, gripping magic, immortal prisoners, and missing husbands are here for you to devour — stories with depth, strong protagonists, high tension, all told while pulling at your heart strings, or making you smile with understanding. In this anthology, you’ll find fifteen stories, including many novelettes. Go on adventures with heroes old and young, a couple of war pigs, and visit many new fantasy worlds. Watch out for the dragons!
Blades and Black Magic (Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 59)
Released: August 20
Sword & Sorcery means several things to many people. To me it means Attitude and Freedom.
The Attitude to live life to the fullest—no matter what may come.
The Freedom to take that option—no matter what it may cost.
Sword & Sorcery tales are undeniably songs of deeds. So tell me tales of heroes who stand in the gap at the moment of need, who take the battle to the diabolical foes, who turn their back upon the easy life and seek a greater challenge. Any greater challenge. Every greater challenge.
This is what I asked of all those answering Raconteur Press’ first open call for Sword & Sorcery tales. As you’ll discover over the ensuing pages—they answered with roars of joy and eager smiles. With drawn blades and sly grins, with keen eyes and quick hearts, they stormed the abandoned ruined castles and dungeons filled with the stench of evil, the lairs of chaos, the horrors of the grave, and shared their tales. I smile even as I type this, recalling the stories of sheer passionate thirst for living lives that dare Death to come for them and just try to take them that lie ahead of you.
No Man's Land: Volume 1 (Chronicles of Lost Elly) by Sarah Hoyt [Pre-order Part 2 here and Part 3 here]
Releasing: September 9
Sufficiently advanced science is indistinguishable from magic.
On a lost colony world, mad geneticists thought they could eliminate inequality by making everyone hermaphrodite. They were wrong. Catastrophically wrong.
Now technology indistinguishable from magic courses through the veins of the inhabitants, making their barbaric civilization survivable—and Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus Kayel Hayden, Viscount Webson, Envoy of the Star Empire—Skip to his friends— has just crash-landed through a time-space rift into the middle of it all.
Dodging assassins and plummeting from high windows was just the beginning. With a desperate king and an archmagician as his only allies, Scipio must outrun death itself while battling beasts, traitors, and infiltrators bent on finishing what the founders started: total destruction.
Two worlds. One chance. No time to lose.
Volume 1
The Ambassador Corps has rules: you cannot know everything, don't get horizontal with the natives, don't make promises you can't keep.
They're a lot harder to follow when assassins are hunting you, your barbarian allies could kill you for the wrong word, and death lurks around every corner.
The unwritten rule? Never identify with the natives.
Skip's already broken that one.
Now he's racing against time to save his new friends from slavery—or worse—while dodging energy blasts and political intrigue. One crash-landed diplomat. A world of deadly secrets. And absolutely no backup.
Some rules are meant to be broken. Others will get you killed.
Following Trouble : A Tale of Underhill (Pixie for Hire) by Cedar Sanderson
Released: August 10
Lom has a new mission, to track down illicit magical use. Something is going on in the gritty underworld of Cincinnati, where the nightclubs are still hosting gambling and the organized crime runs more smoothly than the bureaucracy. He's about to find out if he's going to get lucky... or get dead.
A Duchess Worth Stealing: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Saved by Scandal Book 2) by Arabella Wells
Released: August 26
“My castle, my rules. Without them the deal is off, my lady.”
Cordelia has just killed her guardian. At least, that’s what she believes after fending off his lecherous advances. Still, scandal was inevitable, especially after she kissed a Duke...
But nothing happens in Duke Mason’s castle without him knowing. So, terrified that her diversion failed, she runs off. And he was certain he would never see her again…until his mother hired her as her new companion.
She only needs shelter until her inheritance is hers and her guardian can no longer touch her. But the longer Mason keeps her under his roof, the more he finds himself tempted. Protecting her was never the problem… resisting her is.
There you have it, readers! Here are some books for you to read and enjoy this September. You have a good deal to choose from, so kick back, relax, and HAVE FUN!
Prepare, too, for next month. There will be more new material, and plenty of it will be horror. Halloween is around the corner!