Four New Books: Thriller, Fantasy, Literary, and Hip-Hop Oz

This week's literary roundup from BookTrib features four diverse and compelling new titles that span genres from thriller to fantasy to literary fiction. In Otho Eskin's 'Day of Wrath,' Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn investigates the murder of a cardinal archbishop, only to uncover an ancient cult devoted to Holy Death and a conspiracy reaching the Vatican. With the pope dying and a conclave approaching, Zorn races against time alongside his sharp-tongued new partner Saoirse Richmond. The novel is fast, sly, and steeped in history, exploring how faith can be weaponized. Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/day-of-wrath.

Corey E. King's 'Marek of the Mists: The Sword of the Moon Maiden' launches a fantasy saga set in the kingdom of Storm's End. Marek, a gifted swordsman raised by the Wolfe Gypsies, faces an ancient evil when a monstrous attack reveals darker forces. Joined by loyal friends, a wolf-husky, and the woman he loves, Marek must decide if he is merely an orphan or the champion his kingdom needs. This fast-paced, illustrated novel features banter, battles, and found-family bonds. Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/marek-of-the-mists.

Jack Martin Haley's 'Allegory' is set along the Yukon River and follows Fred, a Korean War veteran and Gwich'in elder struggling with illness, alcohol, and shame. Once a master fish wheel builder known as Sarge, Fred faces a cancer diagnosis and turns back to the river for a final act of restoration. With the help of Jere, a young man preparing for the ministry, Fred's journey becomes both practical and mythic, rooted in Gwich'in tradition and Christian faith. Purchase at https://tinyurl.com/allegory-epiphany.

Innton Tagger's 'My Hip-Hop Wiz: A Journey Through Rhythm, Resilience, and Self-Discovery' reinvents 'The Wizard of Oz' with a hip-hop twist. Dorothy Jones, a self-made real estate mogul, is swept by a supernatural storm into a strange world with her Rottweiler, Governor. She teams up with a sharp-tongued Scarecrow, a bionically rebuilt Tinman, and a powerful Lion, discovering inner strength and courage. The book is accompanied by a soundtrack on Apple and Spotify. Purchase at https://a.co/d/08r160GZ.