An eldest daughter is always prepared. Here are Malka’s recommendations for what to do when encountering a Golem in the forest.
Feeling brave? Venture into the cursed forest of The Maiden and Her Monster by Maddie Martinez, a gorgeously dark enchanting debut fantasy on September 9, 2025.
Kai isn’t just a demon, he’s the demon.
Join Witch King Kai and his companions in their quest to stop the rise of a new Hierarch. This advertisement is for Queen Demon by Martha Wells, the sequel to her bestselling novel Witch King.
This ad is for the must-read cozy horror mystery of the season! The Executioners Three by New York Times bestselling author Susan Dennard has it all—a mystery filled with gruesome murders, tension-filled romance, and shocking revelations.
*The hardcover edition of The Executioners Three will include beautiful designed printed edges.*
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Rivalries, murders, and curses, oh my!
Return to 1999—aspiring teen sleuth Freddie Gellar must avoid pranks at the hands of her rival high school and distractions by the squad’s gorgeous leader in order to discover who’s behind the mysterious deaths in her small town, and how they’re linked to a gruesome centuries-old curse.
Author Cynthia St. Aubin offers helpful advice if you find yourself with a boss who might just be a werewolf, as Hanna Harvey does in Love Bites, book one in the Tails from the Alpha Art Gallery series.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Boss Is a Werewolf
Download a lunar cycle tracking app ASAP. Does your boss insist you block out an “offsite retreat” every full moon, but somehow always comes back looking ragged instead of rested? If the answer is yes, chances are, the shifts you’re dealing with have nothing to do with standard work/life balance.
Always bring backup snacks. Nothing defuses workplace tension like a little nibble, and let’s face it, you’d rather your boss were nibbling a beef stick instead of your face, am I right?
Play dry cleaning detective. Is your boss constantly handing off custom-tailored shirts with mysterious tears? Are you having to buy lint rollers in bulk to combat the constant appearance of mysterious fur? If yes to both, definitely see: tip #4.
Invest in strategic office supplies. A sterling silver letter opener not only pops in a cat-themed pen cup, it doubles as an excellent last-resort anti-werewolf device. You’re welcome.
Above all else, do NOT panic. Because your maybe-werewolf boss can smell that sort of thing, you know. Kind of like arousal…or whether you had an entire wedge of brie for breakfast. No judgment.
This post is an advertisement is for Love Bites, first book in a snarky supernatural mystery series with a heroine who has her priorities in order: Solve the murder, save the day, but most importantly—feed her cats.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT
Get ready for your new favorite heroine: Recent divorcee and cat lady Hanna Harvey fibs her way into a new job at an unusual art gallery and finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation. Caught between her mysterious millionaire boss and a dreamy homicide detective, Hanna hunts for the truth, all while keeping her fridge full of cheese.
This advertisement is for Kill the Beast, a faerie tale of monsters and revenge by Serra Swift, on sale now.
Oh, and in case you were worried—the dog makes it out of the book just fine!
The art featured in this image is by Annalise Jensen (@annalisejensen).
WHAT’S IT ABOUT
She’s a bounty hunter trying to find the faerie-made monster called the Beast that killed her brother. He’s a wealthy nobleman with a flair for cravats who is determined to see the Beast dead for…well that’s his own personal business don’t you think? Their unlikely friendship could be enough to hunt down the Beast…if they don’t kill each other first.
Cinder House by Freya Marske is a haunting Cinderella retelling.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT
In the vein of T. Kingfisher and Naomi Novik, Cinder House is a gothic exploration of what it means to be trapped and invisible—what deal would you make for a taste of freedom?
Once upon a time, Ella was murdered at sixteen. Her ghost is forced to serve her stepfamily. The years pass, and she explores the limits of her powers. This house harbors more monsters and ghosts than just Ella…
they're saying spending 2 hours in the word doc changing words slightly to be more specific and evocative and moving endless commas around is one of the most noble and respected things that you can do
This ad is for the blockbuster romantasy, A Fate So Cold by the New York Times bestselling authors of All of Us Villains, Amanda Foody and C. L. Herman—perfect for readers of tension-filled romance, and high-stakes fantasy.
The hardcover edition of A Fate So Cold features illustrated endpapers, a foil case stamp, and purple sprayed edges.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Summer vs Winter. As an icy cataclysm looms, two opposing magicians, Domenic and Ellery, are bound to powerful wands and hold the fate of Alderland in their hands. In trying to fulfill their destinies, they wonder if the true reason they are brought together is for a second fate: to fall in love. But the harrowing truth is soon revealed: the Chosen Two aren’t fated allies, but rather, eternal rivals. The only way to save the world is for one of them to slay the other.
“This is a story—about building community despite adversity, fighting for your rights and individuality, and creating art that you want to see in the world—that I didn’t know I needed right now. And it was so much fun to read!” —Martha Wells, author of The Murderbot Diaries and Witch King
This advertisement is for Automatic Noodle, a heartwarming near future novella by Annalee Newitz.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT
When a crew of deactivated robots comes back online in an abandoned kitchen, they decide to make their own way doing what they know: making food—the tastiest hand-pulled noodles around—for the humans of San Francisco, who are recovering from a devastating war.
But when their business starts causing a stir, a targeted wave of one-star reviews threatens to boil over into a crisis. To keep their doors open, they’ll have to call on their customers, their community, and each other—and find a way to survive and thrive in a world that wasn’t built for them.
Today, we're sharing and bringing spotlight on some manga which portray different relationships outside of romantic or explored the realm of romance in their own way.
1. Nani Sore Ai Ka yo - Roji
Completed, 1 volume, not licensed in English, 2024, Canna Comics.
Slice of life
Iida and Yoshida, two straight guys, meet through a mutual friend who nicknames them the “most fearsome duo” as they’re both quick witted and snarky. Without being able to stop thinking about the other, they start a project together for Yoshida’s flower shop.
Their confusion about their feelings as they get to know each other better gets center stage in the story, because they truly understand each other and feel that, finally, they found the fun they were looking to end their dull, boring days.
2. Kemutai Hanashi - Hayashi Fumiya
Ongoing, 43 chapters released, not licensed in English, 2021, Comic Nettai
Slice of life, drama
Takeda and Arita are ex classmates who met again as adults, eventually growing their relationship. Both understand that they’re not lovers, but they’re also not friends nor family. And yet, they love each other and want to stay and live together.
The story shows how hard it can be to confront others who don’t understand that kind of relationship, others who get uncomfortable by not being able to determine the type of relationship they have nor add labels to it.
3. Ikoku Nikki - Yamashita Tomoko
Completed, 11 volumes, not licensed in English, 2017-2023, Feel Young
Josei - slice of life, drama, family life
Makio, a reclusive 35-year-old novelist, took her friendlier 15-year-old niece Asa in after her parents, including Makio's own sister, suddenly passed away. She suggests Asa to write on a journal about the things she feels and doesn't, and what people say to her and don't.
Their story explores grief, the challenges and warmth that come with connecting with others, clashing personalities, becoming comfortable in your personhood and the meaning of family.
4. Pandora Hearts - Mochizuki Jun
Completed, 24 volumes, licensed in English, 2006-2015, GFantasy
Shounen - action, supernatural, psychological
This is a story of many mysteries that slowly get discovered as the plot thickens, and yet the bonds the characters have take a very important role, specially when it comes to the main trio; Oz, Alice and Gilbert.
Love and devotion aren’t romantic, and these characters prove it time and time again as they fight while trying to protect each other.
The trope of found family that didn’t get a forced romance between the boy and girl in the end.
5. Makai Ouji, Devils and Realists - Takadono Madoka, Yukihiro Utako
Completed, 15 volumes, licensed in English, 2009-2018, Comic Zero-Sum
Jousei - fantasy, comedy, drama
Bonds and love that transcends time is possible in a fantasy filled with angels and demons, but what’s truly special about this manga is the way we see those bonds that start from loyalty born from a pact slowly become natural, unbound, real.
Complex relationships that go from friendship to family to something that can’t be explained through those words as well as devotion are a constant in this manga, and that is the focus of this story. Going from what is supposed to be to what everyone actually wants.
6. Seshuusei Triangle (Hereditary Triangle) - Hayashi Fumiya
Completed, 2 volumes, licensed in English, 2021, Comic Beam
Seinen - drama, slice of life
What happens when two friends fall in love with the same girl after she picks one of them? The author knew that usually one ends up heartbroken and resentful, but what if nobody in this triangle hates each other no matter what and, in fact, they all love and treasure each other deeply?
Complex emotions that nobody teaches how to deal with appear, and while there is romance, the focus on the love the main characters had for their friend is the true focus of this story.
7. Hitori de Ikiru wa Mamanaranu (You can't live on your own!) - Tsuno Mizoko
Completed, 3 volumes, licensed in English, 2021-2023, Comic Qurie
Josei - slice of life, drama, romance
The series focuses on four 28 year old friends that met in middle school that are living together. Since they’re near their 30s, they start to feel the pressure society puts on people when it comes to marriage and settling down.
All of them want different things in life, and some of them aren’t completely sure of what is it they want, just what they don’t want.
By the end of the series, each of them find their own paths, the ones that feel true to who they are.
8. Metamorphose no Engawa (BL Metamorphosis) - Tsurutani Kaori
Completed, 5 volumes, licensed in English, 2017-2020, Comic Newtype
Slice of life, coming of age
Sometimes, no matter the age difference we may have with someone, something we both love can be the thing that brings us together. That’s what happens with Ichinoi, a 75 year old woman, and Urara, a 17 year old high school girl.
The story focuses on their relationship together and their relationship with BL manga. While they’re constantly conscious of the problems the other phase, and how different their personalities are, they still manage to push the other to learn and grow.
9. Kimi to Uchuu o Aruku Tame ni (Spacewalking With You) - Doronoda Inuhiko
Ongoing, 24 chapters released, licensed in English, 2023, & Sofa
Josei - slice of life
A manga that focuses on the relationship of two unlikely friends for the people around them. Kobayashi, a yankee struggling with his life who finds everything annoying, meets the transfer student Uno and his life starts to change.
Uno is seen as a weird kid, but Kobayashi doesn’t feel like that’s something bad, and actually truly respects him and learns from him. Without really trying, they impulse the other to try new stuff, meet new people, and grow together.
The following manga series are part of our honorable mention as they're quite popular but have compelling stories with interesting characters that explore different types of relationships. Some also explore romance and romantic feelings, or not having those feelings, in a different way that feels particular to each of them, developing at the same time the relationship the main character has with themselves.
1. Kimi no Sekai ni Koi wa Nai (Is love the answer?) - Isaki Uta
Completed, 1 volume
Josei - Coming of age, drama
2. Watashi wa kabe ni naritai (I want to be a wall)
Completed, 3 volumes
Slice of life
3. Barakamon (licenced as Barakamon)
Completed, 18 volumes
Shounen - Comedy, slice of life
4. Yagatte Kimi ni Naru (Bloom into You)
Completed, 8 volumes
Shounen - GL, romance
5. Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu (The Summer Hikaru Died)
Ongoing, 8 volumes released
Seinen - Horror, slice of life
6. Housekisho Richard-shi no Nazo Kantei (The case files of Jeweler Richard)
Ongoing, 5 volumes released
Josei - Mystery, drama, slice of life
7. Tongari Boushi no Atelier (Witch Hat Atelier)
Ongoing, 15 volumes released
Seinen - Fantasy, adventure, drama
8. Natsume Yuujincho (Natsume's Book of Friends)
Ongoing, 32 volumes released
Shoujo - Supernatural, drama
We hope you enjoy and to see your recommendations too!
75. Percabeth -64
Percy Jackson & Annabeth Chase, the Percy Jackson universe
76. Hucklerobby
Dennis 'Huckleberry' Whitaker & Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch, The Pitt
77. Bunnydoll
Jax & Ragatha, The Amazing Digital Circus
78. Wangxian -25
Lan Wangji & Wei Wuxian, Mo Dao Zu Shi
79. Shadowpeach -19
Sun Wukong & the Six-Eared Macaque, Lego Monkie Kid
80. Eternalberry
Hollyberry Cookie & Eternal Sugar Cookie, the Cookie Run franchise
81. Odypen
Odysseus & Penelope, EPIC: The Musical
82. Mizisua
Mizi & Sua, Alien Stage
83. Sterek
Stiles Stilinski & Derek Hale, Teen Wolf
84. Shadowvanilla
Pure Vanilla & Shadow Milk, the Cookie Run franchise
85. Moshang
Mobei-Jun & Shang Qinghua, The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System
86. Spideypool
Spider-Man & Deadpool, the Marvel universe
87. Davekat 0
Dave Strider & Karkat Vantas, Homestuck
88. Heavymedic
Heavy Weapons Guy & Medic, Team Fortress 2
89. Lumax
Lucas Sinclair & Max Mayfield, Stranger Things
90. Sonamy
Sonic the Hedgehog & Amy Rose, Sonic the Hedgehog
91. Rookanis
Rook & Lucanis Dellamorte, Dragon Age: The Veilguard
92. Zoeystery
Zoey & Mystery, KPop Demon Hunters
93. Poolverine -90
Wade Wilson & Logan Howlett, the Marvel universe
94. Everlark -12
Katniss Everdeen & Peeta Mellark, The Hunger Games
95. Clois
Clark Kent & Lois Lane, Superman
96. Johnlock
John Watson & Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock
97. Agathario -21
Agatha Harkness & Rio Vidal, the Marvel universe
98. Stolitz -64
Stolas & Blitzo, Helluva Boss
99. Devil's Minion
Armand & Daniel Molloy, Interview with the Vampire & The Vampire Chronicles
100. Skystar
Skyfire & Starscream, Transformers
The number in italics indicates how many spots a ship moved up or down from 2024. Bolded ships weren’t on the list last year.
*And, it turnes out we love pure vanilla x shadow milk so much, our data actually pulled it twice. Woops! We hope you enjoy nonetheless, and thank you for understanding❣️
How did your ships fare this week? Did your faves make the cut? Any surprises? Tag your posts and commentary with #ships week 2026 to keep this party going. Thanks for joining us. Now, go forth and keep doin what you're doin tumblr <3