Today's Read Contributor On January 21, 2026, Tor Publishing Group made an exciting announcement that has sent ripples through the literary world: the launch of a new imprint, Wildthorn Books. This new imprint is poised to bring fresh and innovative storytelling to the forefront of the publishing industry, offering an eclectic range of genre-spanning fiction that is sure to captivate a diverse audience. Wildthorn Books aims to combine literary depth with commercial appeal, bringing readers imaginative narratives that bridge various genres including suspense, magical realism, historical fantasy, and speculative fiction.
The imprint, led by seasoned publishing professionals Devi Pillai and Monique Patterson, will make its official debut in January 2027 with a diverse and compelling lineup. One of the most anticipated releases from Wildthorn Books is The Stars Look Like Home, a novel by bestselling fantasy author TJ Klune. The novel takes a unique narrative approach by telling the story from the perspective of Burke, a dog in search of purpose and belonging. This whimsical yet poignant premise not only highlights the creativity behind Wildthorn’s vision but also underscores the imprint’s commitment to stories that marry emotional resonance with compelling plots. Klune’s imaginative approach and ability to evoke deep emotional responses from readers will anchor the imprint’s vision, making The Stars Look Like Home a highly anticipated title for readers of all ages.
What sets Wildthorn Books apart is its ability to bring together both established voices and debut authors in a way that feels fresh and relevant. The imprint’s roster of authors, which spans a wide variety of genres and writing styles, signals Wildthorn’s dedication to both innovation and reader engagement. By nurturing new talent alongside accomplished storytellers, Wildthorn Books is making a statement about the future of publishing—one that embraces both tradition and transformation. The imprint’s commitment to diversity in narrative form and genre allows for the exploration of new themes and perspectives, creating a space where unconventional and boundary-pushing stories can thrive.
Wildthorn Books will offer readers a broad range of narratives, all while keeping a focus on emotional depth and universal themes. The imprint’s books will not simply be about pushing the boundaries of genre fiction, but about offering stories that speak to human experiences in new and unexpected ways. From magical realism to historical fantasy, each title under the Wildthorn banner promises to challenge the norms of contemporary storytelling while maintaining the commercial appeal that readers demand in today’s fast-paced publishing world. Whether a story explores fantastical worlds or takes a more grounded approach, the common thread will be the imprint’s dedication to authenticity and imaginative storytelling.
As the literary world continues to evolve, there is a growing desire for stories that offer more than just traditional narrative structures. Readers today seek books that engage with emotions and ideas in profound ways, while also offering escapism, wonder, and excitement. Wildthorn Books, with its focus on immersive, genre-spanning fiction, is answering this call by creating a space where books are more than just entertainment—they are windows into different realities that challenge readers to think, feel, and imagine in new ways.
The launch of Wildthorn Books comes at a time when readers are hungry for fresh voices and perspectives in literature. As the publishing industry faces increasing demands for inclusivity and innovation, Wildthorn is positioned to be a major player in shaping the future of genre fiction. The imprint is not just about publishing books; it is about making space for new forms of storytelling that reflect the changing landscape of the literary world. With an emphasis on diverse voices and imaginative narratives, Wildthorn Books is ready to leave its mark on the publishing world, offering a platform for stories that might otherwise have been overlooked.
In the years to come, Wildthorn Books has the potential to redefine what it means to be a commercially successful imprint. By embracing a wide range of genres, voices, and storytelling techniques, it is poised to inspire both readers and writers alike. With the debut of The Stars Look Like Home and other forthcoming titles, Wildthorn is bound to capture the imagination of readers across the globe, and its impact on the literary world will only continue to grow. This exciting new chapter in publishing marks the beginning of what could be a transformative era for storytelling, where imaginative voices are given the freedom to shape the future of genre fiction.
