Another holiday season is almost upon, which means another great reason to buy and gift all things books! And there are some truly beautiful offerings from the publishing world this year, such some new illustrated editions of J.R.R. Tolkien works and Game Of Thrones/House Of The Dragon tomes, as well as Star Wars box sets; tie-ins for Star Trek, Stranger Things, and the Marvel and DC universes; graphic novel collections; hard rock and heavy metal memoirs; book-related gifts; fun, pop-culture-themed cookbooks, and much more!

Check out our Holiday Gift Guide 2022 for Books, eBooks, and Audiobooks for our favorite holiday gift picks for the readers in your life.

Game of Thrones: The Rise of the Dragon
An Illustrated History of the Targaryen Dynasty, Volume One (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By George R.R. Martin, Elio M. García Jr., Linda Antonsson
Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Fans of Game of Thrones had a new prequel television series to enjoy this year with The House of the Dragon, which centers on the Targaryens, the dragonlord dynasty that ruled Westeros for hundreds of years. Now, a new deluxe edition illustrated history of Targaryens has been released that includes over 180 all-new illustrations. This reference guide covers the history first told in author George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, from Aegon Targaryen’s conquest of Westeros through to the Dance of the Dragons, the civil war shown in the new HBO series.

352 pages; Book Dimensions: 9.37 x 1.34 x 12.25 inches

Here’s some more Game of Thrones gift options:

– Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond
Hardcover
– Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones
Hardcover

The Silmarillion
Illustrated Edition: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien
Hardcover | Kindle Edition
By J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: William Morrow

With The Silmarillion, author J.R.R. Tolkien began to tell an ancient tale of Middle-earth which the author never got to publish before his death. He left it to his son Christopher Tolkien, who to edited and released it. Now, a new special edition is available that contains an introduction with a letter written by the author in 1951, as well as colorful illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien himself presented for the first time with the story. This is a gorgeous illustrated edition that’s perfect for Tolkien fans.

432 pages; Book Dimensions: 6 x 1.5 x 9 inches

Here’s some more J.R.R. Tolkien gift options:

– The Lord of the Rings: Special Edition Illustrated
Hardcover
– The Fall of Númenor: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth
Hardcover

Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy Boxed Set
Star Wars Legends: Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command
Paperback | Kindle Edition
By Timothy Zahn
Publisher: Random House Worlds

This 3-book box set includes the original Star Wars: Thrawn trilogy from author Timothy Zahn that launched the Expanded Universe in 1991 with events taking places after the Return of the Jedi film. Includes Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command in trade paperback.

1,504 pages; Book Dimensions: 5.87 x 3.43 x 8.5 inches

Here’s some more Star Wars gift options:

– Funko Pop! Advent Calendar: Star Wars
Calendar
– Star Wars Insider Presents: Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 2: Collectors Edition Vol. 1
Hardcover
– Star Wars: Convergence (The High Republic)
Hardcover
– The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic (Volume One)
Hardcover
– Star Wars: Galactic Baking
Hardcover
– Star Wars: Brotherhood
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook

Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Beth Revis
Publisher: Random House Worlds

One of pop cultures most popular couples is getting married! Princess Leia and Han Solo are tying the knot — well, technically, they’re already hitched in the Star Wars universe, but now we finally get the story of the wedding. Then there’s their luxury honeymoon, where they of course run into more dangerous adventures, since the Empire isn’t exactly accepting defeat. I own this one and loved finally getting to read this storyline, so I wanted to give this novel its own spotlight. Long-time Star Wars will love this ones, while those who are just getting into the franchise will be lucky to get this backstory so quickly in their journey.

368 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.45 x 1.3 x 9.55 inches

Possums Are Not Cute!
And Other Myths about Nature’s Most Misunderstood Critter
Hardcover | Kindle Edition
By Ally Burguieres
Publisher: Quirk Books

Animal lovers will thoroughly enjoy this fun and informative book all about possums and how they actually are extremely cute. Full with cuteness overload color photos. Great for adults and youngsters.

128 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.24 x 0.54 x 7.29 inches

Star Trek: Discovery: The Book of Grudge
The Cat from Star Trek Discovery
Hardcover
By Robb Pearlman
Publisher: Hero Collector

Here’s an appropriate gift for Star Trek fans who love animals, especially cats. The Book of Grudge is written from the perspective of Grudge, the cat on the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Discovery. Grudge talks about her life in space and meeting alien species, as well as some of her favorite pastimes, such as napping. This 96-page hardcover also includes photos of the beautiful space cat, along with some of her famous quotes, like “Meow it so.”

96 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.8 x 0.5 x 6.8 inches

Here’s some more Star Trek gift options:

– Star Trek 2023 Wall Calendar: The Original Series
Calendar
– Star Trek: Picard: Second Self
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook

Dragons of Deceit
Dragonlance Destinies: Volume 1
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Publisher: Del Rey | Random House Worlds

Fans of the Dragonlance book series, which began in 1984 with Dragons of Autumn Twilight will want this new installment in the fantasy series from authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman that features a new heroine.

400 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.38 x 9.55 inches

The Andy Warhol Diaries
Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle Edition
By Andy Warhol; Edited by Pat Hackett
Publisher: Twelve

Netflix recently shined a spotlight on the Andy Warhol with a Ryan Murphy-produced documentary series based on the late artist’s 1989 nonfiction book The Andy Warhol Diaries. Now, Warhol’s book, which is from his journal from the mid-1970s til his death in 1987, has been rereleased in paperback.

864 pages; Book Dimensions: 8.05 x 2.3 x 9.15 inches

Fairy Tale
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Stephen King
Publisher: Scribner

Horror legend and bestselling author Stephen King is back with a new novel about a 17-year-old boy who inherits the keys to a parallel world where good and evil are at war, and both worlds are in danger.

608 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.13 x 1.9 x 9.25 inches

Here’s some more Stephen King gift options:

– Castle Rock Kitchen: Wicked Good Recipes from the World of Stephen King (Foreword by Stephen King)
Hardcover | Kindle Edition
– The Eyes of the Dragon: 35th Anniversary Edition
Mass Market Paperback | Kindle Edition | Audiobook

Dracula
Paperback | Deluxe Edition Illustrated Hardcover (Edward Gorey) | Kindle Edition | Audiobook (cast production)
By Bram Stoker
Publisher: Union Square & Co

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Bram’s Stoker’s Dracula, the greatest vampire story ever written. Union Square & Co. recently released a Deluxe Collector’s Edition Hardcover that contains illustrations by famed artist Edward Gorey (The Gashlycrumb Tinies), which were created for a Broadway adaptation. This edition includes an introduction and appendices by fantasy editor Marvin Kaye.

Deluxe Edition: 464 pages; Book Dimensions: 7.25 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches

The United States of Cryptids
A Tour of American Myths and Monsters
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By J. W. Ocker
Publisher: Quirk Books

Travel writer and weird-tales chronicler J. W. Ocker puts together this hardcover compendium of tales involving Cryptids, animals believed to possibly exist in the wild, such as Bigfoot, Mothman, the Lizard Man of South Carolina, and many more.

Deluxe Edition: 288 pages; Book Dimensions: 5.44 x 0.92 x 8.19 inches

Classic Monsters Unleashed
Book 1: Unleashed Series (Anthology)
Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
Edited by James Aquilone
Publisher: Black Spot Books

This anthology takes reimagines the tales of famous classic monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Headless Horseman, the Invisible Man, the Phantom of the Opera, and many more, written by some of today’s best horror writers, such as Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Jonathan Maberry, Ramsey Campbell, Dacre Stoker, and many others. Includes illustrations by Colton Worley and Mister Sam Shearon, and an introduction by Kim Newman.

Hardcover: 443 pages; Book Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches

Batman Returns: One Dark Christmas Eve
The Illustrated Holiday Classic
Hardcover | Kindle Edition
By Ivan Cohen (Author), JJ Harrison (Illustrator)
Publisher: Insight Editions

Batman fans, rejoice! Here’s a holiday classic adult storybook adaptation of Tim Burton’s 1992 superhero film Batman Returns. This illustrated hardcover celebrates the film’s 30th anniversary with a tongue-in-cheek retelling, featuring famous villains The Penguin and Catwoman. Written in verse and meant to be read aloud, you can start a new Christmas tradition with this book.

Hardcover: 32 pages; Book Dimensions: 8 x 0.4 x 8 inches

Sands of Dune
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Publisher: Tor Books

As we wait for Part 2 of the 2021 epic scifi remake Dune, there’s still plenty for fans to do to stay immersed in Frank Herbert’s world. For one, there’s Sands of Dune, a new collection of Dune novellas by Herbert’s son Brian Herbert and his longtime collaborator Kevin J. Anderson.

176 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.75 x 0.85 x 18.25 inches

Here’s some more Dune gift options:

– The Art and Soul of Dune
Hardcover
– Dune: The Graphic Novel Volume 1
Book 1: Deluxe Edition | Hardcover | Kindle Edition
Book 2: Hardcover | Kindle Edition

AUDIOBOOK SPOTLIGHT

The Sandman: Act III
Audiobook | Audio CD
Written by Neil Gaiman; Adapted by Dirk Maggs
Narrated by (cast): Neil Gaiman, James McAvoy, K.J. Apa, Kat Dennings, Shruti Haasan, David Harewood, Regé-Jean Page, Kristen Schaal, Wil Wheaton
Publisher: Audible Originals

The Sandman: Act III audiobook, which features a full cast of voice actors like James McAvoy, Kat Dennings, Regé-Jean Page, and Wil Wheaton, adapts the DC/Vertigo Comics graphic novels collected Volumes 7 (Brief Lives) and 8 (Worlds’ End). Also, comic book writer and creator Neil Gaiman narrates the audiobook.

Listening Length: 11 hours and 32 minutes

Eye Of The World
The Wheel of Time: Book 1
Paperback | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Robert Jordan; Audiobook new narration by Rosamund Pike
Publisher: Tor Book | Macmillan Audio

Amazon Prime has plans for a second season of Wheel of Time, which adapts the long-running novel series of the same name by Robert Jordan. Macmillan Audio released a new audiobook version of Book 1 — Eye Of The World — with narration by the television show’s lead actress Rosamund Pike, who does a fantastic job.

Listening Length: 32 hours and 55 minutes

Elric of Melniboné: Volume 1
Elric of Melnibone, The Fortress of the Pearl, The Sailor on the Seas of Fate, and The Weird of the White Wolf
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
Written by Michael Moorcock; Introduction by Neil Gaiman
Narrated by Samuel Roukin
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Recorded Books

The Elric Saga is such a great high fantasy series, and now there’s a new audiobook released this year that collects four of the books! And, it includes an Introduction (“One Life, Furnished in Early Moorcock”) by Neil Gaiman. The re-release is also available in Hardcover and Kindle.

Listening Length: 32 hours and 55 minutes

MUSIC-RELATED

Jimi
Hardcover
By Janie Hendrix, John McDermott
Publisher: Chronicle Chroma

One of the greatest guitarists of all time, Jimi Hendrix, would have turned 80 years old this year. For this milestone, Chronicle collaborated with the late guitarist’s sister Janie Hendrix on this comprehensive visual guide. This hardcover features a new introduction by Janie, extensive biographical texts, and lots of lesser-known and never-before-published photographs, personal memorabilia, lyrics, and more relating to the musician famous for “Purple Haze,” “Foxy Lady,” and “Voodoo Chile.” Also, Jimi includes quotations from other legendary musicians, such as Paul McCartney, Ron Wood, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Grohl, and others, who talk about Hendrix’s lasting influence.

Book Dimensions: 9.25 x 1.25 x 12.25 inches

A Book of Days
Hardcover | Kindle Edition
By Patti Smith
Publisher: Random House

Singer-songwriter Patti Smith collects her Instagram photos taken with her Land Camera 250 that given insight to her daily life, including portraits of her kids, cat, clothes, books, and food, as well as vintage photographs original to this book of her family and her life on the road as a musician. The book contains over 365 photographs and introduction by Smith that explores her documentary process.

400 pages; Book Dimensions 5.48 x 1.49 x 7.34 inches

Transformer: A Story of Glitter, Glam Rock, and Loving Lou Reed
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Simon Doonan
Publisher: HarperOne

This memoir from Doonan, a TV personality, columnist, and author of Drag, revolves around Lou Reed’s album Transformer, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The album, which was produced by produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, yielded the hit song “Walk On the Wild Side” (which was at first banned on radio!) and not only made its mark on modern music, but on the LGBTQ+ community. This new hardcover book includes 16 pages of black-and-white and color photos.

160 pages; Book Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.25 inches

Punk Paradox: A Memoir
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Greg Graffin
Publisher: Hachette Books

This new memoir is from Greg Graffin, is the lead vocalist and songwriter of the band Bad Religion, where he talks about his life and his band’s steady rise, as well as the Los Angeles punk scene’s early years and much more.

368 pages; Book Dimensions: 6.35 x 1.5 x 9.45 inches

COOKBOOKS

Ghostbusters: The Official Cookbook
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Spiral-Bound
By Jenn Fujikawa, Erik Burnham
Publisher: Insight Editions

Looking for a unique gift for someone who loves to cook? Then Ghostbusters: The Official Cookbook is it! This book contains 50 recipes inspired by the Ghostbusters franchise, from the beloved 1984 film through the most recent Ghostbusters: Afterlife. There’s recipes for everyone to try, from the beginner to experienced chef, all celebrating the personalities of the characters. There’s Dana’s Demon Eggs, Venkman’s Burn in Hell-openo Poppers, and Louis’s Party Brie, along with plenty of marshmallow-centric dishes, of course! Includes full-color recipe photos.

128 pages; Book Dimensions: 8 x 0.7 x 10 inches

The Garbage Pail Kids Cookbook
Hardcover | Kindle Edition
By Elisabeth Weinberg, Matt Stine, Joe Simko (Illustrator), R.L. Stine (Introduction)
Publisher: Abrams Books

You don’t really want to hear “gross” and “cookbook” said together, but when it comes to The Garbage Pail Kids, it makes perfect sense — and it’s fun, too! If you want to make some memories in the kitchen with the kids, then give them The Garbage Pail Kids Cookbook. There’s more than 35 crazy recipes inspired by the 1980’s TOPPS trading cards, that are surprisingly not even super unhealthy. Try out the Cheesy Charlie’s Pizza Snotcorn, Saucey Sarah’s Sloppy Spaghetti Sliders, and Potty Scotty’s Poop Cookies.
Includes safety tips, a list of kitchen tools and supplies, glossary of cooking terms and measurement explanations.

Reading age: 8 – 12 years; Grade level: 3 – 7
96 pages; Book Dimensions: 7.35 x 0.6 x 9.35 inches

BOOK GIFTS

Stranger Things: The Official Hellfire Club Notebook
A Grid-Paper Notebook for Journaling, Drawing, Coloring, and More
Hardcover
By Netflix
Publisher: Clarkson Potter

Fans of the Netflix series Stranger Things will be ready to join Eddie Munson and his friends in the Hellfire Club with this Official Hellfire Club Notebook! This hardbound book contains 176 smooth blank pages with a grid pattern — perfect for D&D sessions, as well as any other journaling, note-taking, sketching, or doodling. The front cover features the show’s Hellfire Club logo with designed inside covers; there’s also a removable half-jacket. (FYI – I love that it’s larger than a journal. I have been enjoying mine so much that I already bought five more copies for myself and to give as gifts!)

176 pages; Book Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.7 x 9.3 inches

Here’s some more Stranger Things gift options:

– Stranger Things: The Official Coloring Book
Paperback
– Stranger Things: Hawkins Horrors
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
– Stranger Things: The Tomb of Ybwen
Paperback | Kindle Edition
– Stranger Things: Mad Libs: World’s Greatest Word Game
Paperback
– Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook

Black Panther Journal
Do One Empowering Thing Every Day
Paperback
By Marvel
Publisher: Clarkson Potter

This officially licensed journal centers on Marvel’s Black Panther film and features inspirational prompts, questions, and instructions at the top of each page to fuel your creativity and help empower you to do one empowering thing per day. There’s 368 pages containing lined spaces offering up plenty of room to write, as well as illustrations and other features, all bound by a sturdy paperback cover.

368 pages; Book Dimensions: 5.85 x 1.06 x 7.21 inches

Here’s some more Black Panther gift options:

– Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Dreams of Wakanda
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook

The Nightmare Before Christmas Tarot Deck and Guidebook Gift Set
Hardcover
By Minerva Siegel (Author), Abigail Larson (Illustrator)
Publisher: Insight Editions

Inspired by Tim Burton’s classic animated feature The Nightmare Before Christmas, this beautifully illustrated tarot deck contains original art featuring favorite characters like Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and even Sandy Claws. This gift set includes a 78-card Tarot Deck in a sturdy decorative gift box; a 128-page illustrated Guidebook; a Tarot altar cloth; a Guided notebook with inspirational prompts for reflection, and a deluxe drawstring cloth pouch to hold the cards and booklet.

128 pages; Dimensions: 5.88 x 2.1 x 10.75 inches

QUICK PICKS

Still Just a Geek
An Annotated Memoir
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Wil Wheaton
Publisher: William Morrow

Venomous Lumpsucker
Hardcover | Kindle Edition
By Ned Beauman
Publisher: Soho Press

Ghost Eaters
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Clay McLeod Chapman
Publisher: Quirk Books

This Is Not the Real World
This is Not the Jess Show: Book 2
Hardcover | Kindle Edition (Book 1)
By Anna Carey
Publisher: Quirk Books

The Kaiju Preservation Society
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By John Scalzi
Publisher: Tor Books

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses: A Novel
Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Kristen O’Neal
Publisher: Quirk Books

Trouble With The Cursed
The Hollows: Book 16
Hardcover | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Kim Harrison
Publisher: Ace Books

Bullet Train
Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle Edition | Audiobook
By Kotaro Isaka; Translated by Sam Malissa
Publisher: Abrams Books

Bones and All: A Novel
Paperback | Kindle Edition | Audiobook (media tie-in edition)
By Camille DeAngelis
Publisher: Wednesday Books

A NOTE ON GIFTING A KINDLE EBOOK:
To gift someone a Kindle Edition ebook, go to the product page on Amazon. On the right side under the main purchase box, is a box called Buy for others. In that box, click the button that says Buy for others. It will bring you to a page where you can choose a delivery method: 1) Have a redemption link sent directly to your recipient, or 2) have the link sent directly to you. If you choose Option 1, you enter the recipient’s email address, a gift message, and the date you want it sent to them (now, or any day up to 45 days from the date of purchase). If you choose Option 2, the redemption link will be sent to you and you can choose how you’d like to give it to the recipient — email it to them any time you want, or maybe print it out and put it in a card (although definitely still email it to them at some point to make it easier for them).

Check out all of our Holiday Gift Guides for more ideas, and remember, if all else fails, there’s also the Amazon.com Gift Card, you can have emailed to the recipient (arrives immediately if you choose) or you can print out the gift card at home and give it to the intended that way. If you order in enough time, you can get the physical gift card sent directly to you or to the recipient.

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