Books: New and noteworthy

USA TODAY’s Jocelyn McClurg scopes out the hottest books on sale each week.

1. Talon of God by Wesley Snipes and Ray Norman (Harper Voyager, fiction, on sale July 25)

What it’s about: In this supernatural thriller, a young doctor named Lauryn Jefferson is pulled into an apocalyptic battle between heaven and hell, and aided by “spirit warrior” Talon Hunter.

The buzz: This is the debut novel by the actor (Blade), and Snipes told Deadline that he wants to follow with a screen adaptation.

2. Amanda Wakes Up by Alisyn Camerota (Viking, fiction, on sale July 25)

What it’s about: The co-host of CNN’s New Day writes a novel about an idealistic young reporter who lands a morning anchor gig at FAIR News amid cable-news ratings madness.

The buzz: “Entertaining,” says Publishers Weekly.

3. Sons and Soldiers by Bruce Henderson (William Morrow, non-fiction, on sale July 25)

What it’s about: The true story of young German Jews who fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s and later returned to Europe to fight for the U.S. Army during World War II.

The buzz: It’s an Indie Next pick of independent booksellers. “Thrilling … a masterpiece,” says Christopher Rose of The Spirit of ’76 Bookstore in Marblehead, Mass.

4. What She Ate by Laura Shapiro (Viking, non-fiction, on sale July 25)

What it’s about: A group bio of six women and “the food that tells their stories,” including Eleanor Roosevelt; Helen Gurley Brown of Cosmo fame; Eva Braun, Hitler’s mistress; and British novelist Barbara Pym.

The buzz: “A unique and delectable work,” says Kirkus Reviews.

5. Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips (Viking, fiction, on sale July 25)

What it’s about: Horror story about a mother and her 4-year-old son who must run for their lives in a zoo when a gunman appears as the gates are closing.

The buzz: It’s another Indie Next pick. “Absolutely gripping,” says Deon Stonehouse of Sunriver Books & Music in Sunriver, Ore.