December Influencer Book Recommendations

Not sure which story to start 2026 with? Take a rec from one of our influencers! Read on for our December influencer book recommendations.

Ayushi (she/her) @bookwormbullet recommends The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao

Ayushi’s Review:

“I FLEW through The Scorpion and the Night Blossom! The romance in this story had me in a chokehold. Let me set this specific scene for you: our main character and her enemy love interest are making out while her knife is pressed to his throat! I can’t wait to read the sequel!”

Follow Ayushi:

TikTok: @bookwormbullet

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Read The Scorpion and the Night Blossom:

The Scorpion and the Night Blossom

By Amélie Wen Zhao

Coming 02.03.26

In a world at war with demons, one girl will face the ultimate test when she is forced to enter into an ancient, deadly competition for the chance to save her mother’s soul . . . before she loses her forever. From the author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night comes the beginning of a dark and opulent fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Throne of Glass.

Dahlia’s Review:

“An addictive, magical fantasy with a captivating cast of characters and a twisty plot. The banter was hilarious, and the chemistry among the characters was irresistible. I highly recommend this delightful debut!”

Follow Dahlia:

Instagram: @ofpagesandprint

Threads: @ofpagesandprint

Read Immortal Consequences:

Immortal Consequences: A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick

By I. V. Marie

Six students compete to change their fate at a darkly enchanted boarding school in purgatory where graduation is the only escape—and love can cross the boundaries between life and death.

Elena’s Review:

“Lim crafts an enticing world brimming with Chinese folklore that makes the whole reading experience utterly immersive. Amidst the imaginative storytelling, there are captivating and complex characters—I appreciated the sisterhood and family relationship, the friendships, and the romance that won my heart.”

Follow Elena:

Instagram: @elena.luo

Read A Forgery of Fate:

A Forgery of Fate

By Elizabeth Lim

A breathtaking romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast about a girl who paints the future and a cursed dragon lord, bound by love and deception in a plot to bring down the gods.

Shani’s Review:

“The Nightblood Prince was the Mulan retelling I didn’t know I needed. If you want a high-stakes romantasy with a strong-willed heroine fighting against her destiny, warring kingdoms, dangerous magic, vampires, and two love interests, pick this up!”

Follow Shani:

Instagram: @shanisshelves

Threads: @shanisshelves

Read The Nightblood Prince:

The Nightblood Prince: A Good Morning America YA Book Club Pick

By Molly X. Chang

Two kingdoms on the brink of battle. One prophesied empress to unite them, who finds herself caught between two princes, and the fact that love alone may not stop the coming war. A thrilling young adult romantasy from the bestselling author of To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods.

Steph’s Review:

“Magical. Immersive. Hard-hitting. A sharp gaze both inward at our current reality and a beam of hope toward the future. Every sentence is precise, the world is expansive, and you flow from scene to scene with clarity and ease. Another brilliant Akwaeke Emezi piece!!”

Follow Steph:

TikTok: @starry.steph

Instagram: @starry.steph

Threads: @starry.steph

YouTube: @starry.steph

Read Somadina:

Somadina

By Akwaeke Emezi

From the National Book Award finalist and author of Pet comes a novel set in a magical West African world, about a teen girl who must save her missing twin while learning to navigate her own terrifying new powers.