Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we are always on the lookout for new authors. There’s always something incredibly exciting about discovering fresh literary voices. August just seems like the perfect month to discover something new. Well, in all honesty, we never need an excuse to make our TBR lists a whole lot longer. If your list seems to be never-ending, then you may want to start creating themed lists. 

This August debut book list is packed with unforgettable first-time authors offering everything from fantasy adventures to twisty mysteries and emotionally charged coming-of-age tales. 

There’s something magical about finding a new author! At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe that stories are best experienced together, and debut novels have a way of making you feel like you're in on a secret before the rest of the world catches on. So settle in, grab a cup of something iced, and get ready to meet 10 debut authors we think you'll be obsessed with.

 

Why Debuts Are Worth Reading

Debut authors bring bold perspectives, untold stories, and the kind of creative risk that makes reading feel fresh again. It’s all about those new characters we are about to fall in love with–yes, a whole bunch of new friends to cheer on! 

Debut novels are perfect for anyone looking to find their latest read beyond the bestseller list. Additionally, supporting new authors helps build the future of literature, which is something we love to do with our Adult Book Subscription Boxes, often featuring rising stars before they become household names.

10 Debut Authors to Watch This August

 

Maria Z. Medina – Mistress of Bones

Epic fantasy meets necromantic romance in this swashbuckling debut about Azul, a grieving sister with a mission to bring her sibling back from the dead … again. But the gods have other plans.

Why it’s worth checking out: A dark, romantic fantasy with world-ending stakes, perfect for fans of rich world-building and moral complexity. 

Aisha Muharrar – Loved One

Twelve years after meeting her first love, Julia finds herself in a mysterious dance of secrets with his ex—following his funeral. Spanning years and continents, this debut examines memory, grief, and all the messy in-between.

Why it’s worth checking out: A gorgeously layered emotional mystery that feels like a late-summer ache. If you love character-driven stories with heart and humor, this one’s for you.

Megan Cummins – Atomic Hearts

Gertie’s life is a ticking time bomb of secrets, friendship fractures, and a summer that changes everything. When a tragic accident forces her to move in with her recovering father, she escapes into a fantasy novel of her own making.

Why it’s worth checking out: Sharp, emotional, and imaginative, this coming-of-age debut is about the power of stories—a perfect fit for our OUABC community. 

Amanda Chapman – Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library

A book conservator, a found-family band of sleuths, and a ghostly Agatha Christie solve a murder that hasn’t happened yet. Quirky, clever, and totally charming.

Why it’s worth checking out: Mystery lovers, rejoice! This one blends classic whodunit vibes with modern humour and a touch of the supernatural.

I.V. Marie – Immortal Consequences

Six rivals. One magical boarding school. And a deadly competition in the afterlife where only one can escape.

Why it’s worth checking out: Think The Atlas Six meets Dead Poets Society for the perfect blend of dark academia. This high-stakes fantasy is impossible to put down.

 

Brittany Arena – A Dance of Lies

A dancer-turned-spy must navigate a court full of betrayal to win her freedom. And, of course, there’s a brooding prince or two.

Why it’s worth checking out: Filled with secrets, action, and swoon-worthy tension, this fantasy romance is for anyone who likes their reads dramatic and daring.

Benedict Nguyễn – Hot Girls with Balls

Six and Green are volleyball stars, social media darlings, and in love. But when their worlds collide in a high-stakes game and online scandal, things get complicated.

Why it’s worth checking out: A satirical yet sincere look at identity, fame, and queer love, this debut serves both laughs and heat.

Tochi Eze – This Kind of Trouble

Three timelines. One curse. And a love story tangled in African spirituality, family legacy, and mental health.

Why it’s worth checking out: This debut is a genre-defying marvel that explores culture and connection with lyrical precision. A must-read for fans of multigenerational sagas.

Kristin Offiler – The Housewarming

Five friends, one missing girl, and a reunion that stirs up more questions than answers. A podcaster joins the fray to expose secrets buried for five years.

Why it’s worth checking out: Equal parts psychological suspense and true crime drama, this debut is juicy in all the right ways.

Sally Blakely – Friends to Lovers

Joni and Ren were always plus-ones, never more—until one wedding changes everything. Back at their summer house, they must fake a friendship that once came naturally.

Why it’s worth checking out: This warm, wistful debut captures the slow burn of friends-to-lovers romance with all the nostalgia of summer love.

How to Support and Celebrate Debut Authors

Want to help a debut author make their mark? Preorder their book (seriously, it matters!), leave a review, or tag them on social media with your thoughts. Even better? Start a book club around a debut novel and watch the conversation unfold. 

Our Adult Book Subscription Boxes are great ways to support and discover new voices early!

New Books, New Voices, New Favourites

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a debut novel that takes your breath away. These first-time authors are offering bold stories, emotional resonance, and genre adventures worth every page. So go ahead—add them to your list, grab a box, or surprise a fellow book lover with a preorder. Because with OUABC, there’s always a fresh voice waiting to be unwrapped.

Looking for something new? Something packed with a newly-released novel, fantastic surprise gifts, and so much more? Something that brings the story to life? Make sure you check out our pre-orders and get ready for something completely different!