Written by Jess Magee
January 2019 sees the release of some highly anticipated and exciting new young adult fantasy books! While there are many to get excited about, we’ve picked nine incredible books that you should definitely get your hands on! From Leigh Bardugo’s King of Scars, to books by Holly Black, Roshani Chokshi, and Kiersten White—you’ll be sure to find something to whisk you away to another world or place!
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
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Leigh Bardugo is back and better than ever with the first in the new Nikolai duology! We follow the young king Nikolai Lantsov trying to rebuild his kingdom after the bloody civil war weakens them all. To do this, he must forge new alliances and hone in on his skills to create a land of prosper and freedom. However, the dark magic inside him is growing stronger and stronger every day. Nikolai must go on a journey to relinquish the darkness, but at what cost?
The Wicked King by Holly Black
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The highly anticipated second novel in The Folk in the Air series follows on from the discovery of Oak’s heritage to the Faerie. Jude knows she must keep him safe from others and the only way is to bind herself to the evil king, Carden, leading to a mapped-out life of humiliation and undermining. But that all changes after someone close to Jude is out to betray her. She has little time to find the traitor and untangle her feelings towards the Faerie. Will she run out of time?
Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye
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Sora is a brilliant killer. With her gemina, Daemian, they are the perfect apprentice warriors at the Society of Taigas, a special school for those marked by the Gods to protect the people of Kichana. With graduation fast approaching, they encounter a camp of mysterious soldiers on a routine check. Whilst they help the kingdom infiltrate the group, they’ll realise they got a lot more than they bargained for.
The Girl King by Mimi Yu
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Lu is destined to become the 1st female ruler of her kingdom whilst her sister, Min, has resigned herself to a life in the shadows of her sibling. When their father declares their male cousin, Set, the new heir to the throne, it sends both sisters into a spiral that changes the course of their lives forever. After Lu goes on the run, she meets Nokhai. A wolf shapeshifter whose loved ones were killed by her family. Whilst, their meeting occurs, Min’s hidden power begin to awaken and give her a chance at power herself. Only one can be Emperor and it’s a role many will die for.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
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In 1889 Paris, the world is full of industry and power with a group called Exposition Universelle is giving new life whilst also bringing up ancient secrets. Séverin Montagnet is one of the best treasure hunter on the planet and his reputation has caught the Order of Babel. They are seeking treasure and will pay him in riches beyond his wildest dreams, his identity. With his best friend, an engineer, a dancer, and a historian in tow, they set out on an adventure that could be their last.
Slayer by Kiersten White
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Growing up at the Watcher’s Academy, Nina and her twin sister Artemis come from a long line of Slayers who hold superhuman strength. Whilst Nina’s mum is part of the Watcher Council, she chooses a life of healing and becomes a medic. After Nina becomes the last Slayer in the bloodline, it is all on her to chase her destiny, but as bodies start turning up she realises the one she loves might be next. Will she solve it before anyone else loses their life?
White Stag by Kara Barbieri
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Whilst girls are usually raised to be wives and mothers, 17-year-old Janneke was trained to hunt and fight as the next male heir. After her village is burnt to the ground, Janneke is captured by Lydien as the only survivor and is sent to work for his nephew, Soren. After the Goblin King dies, the hunt of the next king begins, and Soren believes this is Janneke’s true destiny. But as she delves further into his world, Janneke must choose between holding on or letting go of her old world.
