Her Name is Knight by Yasmin Angoe
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A smash debut novel from rising star Yasmin Angoe, Her Name Is Knight features an elite assassin heroine on a mission to topple a human trafficking ring and avenge her family.

Briar Girls by Rebecca Kim Wells
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cursed to kill all those she touches, Lena endures an isolated life on the run from her fellow humans. But when an enigmatic stranger offers to help her break the curse in exchange for her aid in waking a princess hidden in an enchanted forest, Lena embarks on a quest to win her freedom, no matter the cost.

Noor by Nnedi Okorafor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From africanfuturist luminary Okorafor comes a new science fiction novel of intense action and thoughtful rumination on biotechnology, destiny, and humanity in a near-future Nigeria.

A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sparkling contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the tantalizing world of New York City burlesque, perfect for fans of The Kiss Quotient and The Roommate.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Red White & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in debut author Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light, featuring an Edwardian England full of magic, contracts, and conspiracies.

Tidesong by Wendy Xu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli and The Tea Dragon Society, this is a magically heartwarming graphic novel about self-acceptance and friendship.

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The blockbuster co-writing debut of Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman, All of Us Villains begins a dark tale of ambition and magick…

Blue-Skinned Gods by S.J. Sindu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the award-winning author of Marriage of a Thousand Lies comes a brilliantly written, globe-spanning novel about identity, faith, family, and sexuality.

How To Murder A Marriage by Gabrielle St. George
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Gina Malone, a bestselling relationships advice author and expert on exes, meddles in other people’s affairs for a living. It makes for enemies. One of them is scaring her to death.

Star Mother by Charlie N. Holmberg
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A woman’s heart proves as infinite as the night sky in a breathtaking fantasy by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg.

The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A woman who wants nothing to do with love or friendship finds both in the unlikeliest ways in this hilarious and heartwarming debut by Kerry Rea.

King of Battle & Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From fan-favorite Scarlett St. Clair, the bestselling author of the Hades & Persephone series, comes a new epic fantasy filled with danger, darkness, and insatiable romance.

What November 2021 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post November 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With half of 2021 almost behind us, it’s now time to start looking towards the next six months, and more importantly, the new books releasing between July and December 2021! Your to-buy lists are about to become even longer as it’s packed with books you’ll want to have your hands on ASAP from debut authors, as well as releases from some favourites, including Elizabeth Lim, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Samantha Downing, Anthony Ryan, TJ Klune, and so many more!

Read on to discover a few of our picks and be sure to tell us in the comments if you are looking forward to any of them too, plus stay tuned for our genre specific round-ups!

JULY 2021

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A fast-paced, thrilling horror novel that follows a group of heroines to die for, from the brilliant New York Times bestselling author of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com about a Hollywood “It Girl” who is cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town… where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn’t belong. 

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in Shelley Parker-Chan’s She Who Became the Sun, a bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty from an amazing new voice in literary fantasy.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse… Drawing from fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Shadow and Bone.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling author of the The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times best-selling author Lexi Ryan, Cruel Prince meets A Court of Thorns and Roses in this sexy, action-packed fantasy about a girl who is caught between two treacherous faerie courts and their dangerously seductive princes.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Hugo Award-winner Becky Chambers’s delightful new Monk & Robot series gives us hope for the future.

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

USA Today bestselling author Samantha Downing is back with her latest sneaky thriller set at a prestigious private school—complete with interfering parents, overeager students, and one teacher who just wants to teach them all a lesson…

AUGUST 2021

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Courtney Gould’s thrilling debut The Dead and the Dark is about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding home in places―and people―you didn’t expect.

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sweet, queer teen romance perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Check, Please!

The Pariah by Anthony Ryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Pariah begins a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the beloved national bestseller Migrations, a #1 IndieNext pick, a gorgeous and pulse-pounding new novel set in the wild Scottish Highlands.

Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits.

Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic comes a “delicious, twisted treat for lovers of noir” about a daydreaming secretary, a lonesome enforcer, and the mystery of a missing woman they’re both desperate to find.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Hating Game meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter in this irresistible romance starring a Mexican American teen who discovers love and profound truths about the universe when she spends her summer on a road trip across the country.

The Desert Prince by Peter V. Brett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A brand-new epic fantasy adventure set in the beloved world of the Demon Cycle, following a new generation of heroes, from New York Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett

SEPTEMBER 2021

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns and An Enchantment of Ravens comes a thrilling new YA fantasy about a teen girl with mythic abilities who must defend her world against restless spirits of the dead.

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Beautiful World, Where Are You is a new novel by Sally Rooney, the bestselling author of Normal People and Conversations With Friends.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch—an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in Under the Whispering Door, a delightful queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.

Nice Girls by Catherine Dang
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A pulse-pounding and deviously dark debut, written with the psychological acuity and emotional punch of Luckiest Girl Alive and All the Missing Girls, that explores the hungry, angry, dark side of girlhood and dares to ask what is most dangerous to a woman: showing the world what it wants to see, or who she really is?

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, a gloriously entertaining novel of heists, shakedowns, and rip-offs set in Harlem in the 1960s.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, comes Empire of the Vampire, the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga.

OCTOBER 2021

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an achingly romantic, tender tale sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi.

All the Feels by Olivia Dade
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Following Spoiler Alert, Olivia Dade returns with another utterly charming romantic comedy about a devil-may-care actor—who actually cares more than anyone knows—and the no-nonsense woman hired to keep him in line.

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

USA Today bestselling author Alix E. Harrow’s A Spindle Splintered brings her patented charm to a new version of a classic story.

The Mother Next Door by Tara Laskowski
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author Tara Laskowski, The Mother Next Door is an atmospheric novel of domestic suspense in which the strive for perfection ends in murder…

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cassandra Khaw’s Nothing But Blackened Teeth is a gorgeously creepy haunted house tale, steeped in Japanese folklore and full of devastating twists.

City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

As darkness closes in on the city of shattered light, an heiress and an outlaw must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other.

Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A psychic travel agent and a Seattle PD detective solve a murder in this quirky mystery in the vein of Lisa Lutz’s The Spellman Files and Charlaine Harris’s Aurora Teagarden series.

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word in this fresh, sizzling rom-com by Lana Harper.

NOVEMBER 2021

Her Name is Knight by Yasmin Angoe
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A smash debut novel from rising star Yasmin Angoe, Her Name Is Knight features an elite assassin heroine on a mission to topple a human trafficking ring and avenge her family.

Noor by Nnedi Okorafor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From africanfuturist luminary Okorafor comes a new science fiction novel of intense action and thoughtful rumination on biotechnology, destiny, and humanity in a near-future Nigeria.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Red White & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in debut author Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light, featuring an Edwardian England full of magic, contracts, and conspiracies.

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The blockbuster co-writing debut of Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman, All of Us Villains begins a dark tale of ambition and magick…

You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a huge snowstorm hits, Adam and Whitney suddenly find themselves trapped inside the arcade. Cut off from their families, their worlds, and their responsibilities, the tension between them seems to melt away, leaving something else in its place. But what happens when the storm stops?

Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fiancée to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

Blue-Skinned Gods by S.J. Sindu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the award-winning author of Marriage of a Thousand Lies comes a brilliantly written, globe-spanning novel about identity, faith, family, and sexuality.

Everything We Didn’t Say by Nicole Baart
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of Little Broken Things, a “race-to-the-finish family drama” (People) following a mother who must confront the dark summer that changed her life forever in order to reclaim the daughter she left behind.

DECEMBER 2021

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich’s “If This Gets Out is an absolute showstopper! Equal parts edgy and adorable, this bright, joyful book has everything I look for in a queer YA romance.” ―Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us

A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Deep weaves a richly atmospheric adult debut following three residents of a secluded, seemingly peaceful commune as they investigate the disappearances of two outsiders.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Wicked Deep meets House of Salt and Sorrows in this new standalone YA fantasy set in a snow-cloaked kingdom where witches are burned, and two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover that they might be falling for each other.

Absynthe by Brendan Bellecourt
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In his sci-fi debut, Bellecourt explores an alternate roaring 20s where a shell-shocked soldier must uncover latent telepathic abilities to save himself and the people around him.

Safecracker by Ryan Wick
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this wicked debut, safecracker Michael Maven must pull off the most dangerous theft of his long career–or his friends and family will be killed.

Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera reunite to continue the story of Arthur and Ben, the boys readers first fell for in the New York Times bestselling rom-com What If It’s Us.

Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A whip-smart, piercing debut novel, Smile and Look Pretty follows four assistants who band together to take on their toxic office environments in the ultimate comeuppance.

I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

One of Us is Lying meets Pretty Little Liars for middle-grade readers.

What 2021 releases are you looking forward to releasing between July and December? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Get Your Hands On These Anticipated July To December 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi Amanda! Thank you so much for doing this interview! Would you tell us a little about yourself?

Absolutely! I write fantasy books for kids and teens—I adore any story that has a hint of magic! I’ve also wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember, so, naturally, I started off my career in public tax accounting. I now write full-time, and I live in Boston with my fiancé and our cat named Jelly Bean.

The Accidental Apprentice hits shelves on March 30! What can readers expect when they pick up the book?

The Accidental Apprentice is a fantastical adventure, set in a world that is full of magical creatures known as Beasts. Some people, called Lore Keepers, bond with Beasts and share their magic. But Barclay Thorne is no Lore Keeper. He’s an apprentice mushroom farmer, and all he’s ever wanted is a boring, not-so-magical life. But after he accidentally bonds with a Beast, Barclay must set out on a quest through the dangerous Woods to figure out how to break his bond and return home.

The story combines all my favorite elements of MG fantasy, including a sprawling cast, epic action scenes, and a quirky, endearing heart. It also sets the stage for a longer series to come… with even more places to explore!

The Accidental Apprentice is your first foray into middle grade fantasy! How is writing MG different from writing a YA novel? Did you need to change your writing process?

The biggest difference between MG and YA is the style. Initially, I was very intimidated by writing MG, as my YA actually straddles the dividing line between the teen and adult market. But I fell in love with MG so quickly that I can hardly believe I started my career elsewhere. I’m the sort of dork who never grew out of their 12yo “cool” factor. A mysterious and powerful mentor? A magic tournament? An epic battle sequence? I’m there!

My writing process itself didn’t undergo any dramatic shift. The key difference was planning—Wilderlore is the longest and most ambitious series I’ve ever attempted, and I couldn’t put the finishing touches on The Accidental Apprentice until I had a cohesive of idea of everything that was to come. My Wilderlore outlines and encyclopedias could rival the actual story in length!

If you had to describe your main character Barclay Thorne in five words, what would they be?

Stubborn. Clever. Dedicated. Proud. Restless.

What did your process of constructing the extensive Wilderlands look like? And what inspired you to conjure up the many Beasts we meet in The Accidental Apprentice, including Barclay’s Lufthund and Viola’s baby dragon?

The Wilderlands, which are the regions of the world where the Beasts live, are each inspired by different environmental biomes, including the Woods, the Tundra, the Mountains, etc. So a lot of inspiration came from the natural world and good ol’ science class.

Viola’s baby dragon was inspired by my cat! They are both mischievious and always getting into trouble. Barclay’s Lufthund wasn’t inspired by any particular animal I know. I’ve just always thought that dogs or wolves made such quintessential fantasy companions. Plus, I wanted to choose a Beast that was a tad bit frightening!

Without spoiling anything, can you tell us about a particular scene you enjoyed writing the most?

No fantasy series would be complete without a mysterious and powerful mentor character! In Wilderlore, that is Runa Rasgar, otherwise known as the “Fang of Dusk.” She’s famous arch-enemies with another Lore Keeper named Cyril Harlow, or the “Horn of Dawn.” There’s a brief encounter between them in The Accidental Apprentice that I was dying to write, as they haven’t spoken to one another since they attempted to duel to the death. I’m all about an epic rivalry!

Did you put parts of your own younger self in any of the characters in The Accidental Apprentice – whether as a conscious decision or just something you became aware of afterwards?

I wrote a lot of the story with my younger self in mind, but there are no specific characters that I based off of myself. I did give Viola a backstory with some similarities to my own. Her parents are divorced, and she splits her time between their two houses. That very much reflects my own childhood, and growing up, divorce was never something I saw discussed in fantasty books, as though the topic was too mundane in a world with magic. Reading about that would’ve meant a lot to me while I was young.

If you were a Lore Keeper, what sort of Beast do you think you’d want to bond with?

How can I say no to a Beast like Mitzi when she’s inspired by my own cat? A baby dragon sounds amazing! Plus, dragons are from the Mountains, and I grew up in the Appalachian region of Pennsylvania, with a sprawling, high up view from my bedroom window. It sounds like a perfect fit!

Can you give us a little teaser as to what’s in store for Barclay and his friends in Wilderlore book 2?

Each book of the series is set in a different Wilderland, so Barclay has a whole new biome to explore! And the whole Runa and Cyril thing? It would seem their apprentices have inherited their mentors’ rivalry…

Aside from the sequel to The Accidental Apprentice, what’s next for you?

My next YA novel, All of Us Villains, releases from Tor Teen on November 9^th! It’s sort of like The Hunger Games but with magic, and if every character was a bad guy. I had the most amazing time co-writing it with fellow YA author Christine Lynn Herman. It doesn’t get better than writing a death tournament book with your best friend!

And finally, what are some of your favourite middle grade fantasy novels?

I have a mixture of modern and nostalgic favorites, including the Septimus Heap series, Amari and the Night Brothers, Inkheart, Princess Academy, Ghost Squad, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Will you be picking up The Accidental Apprentice? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Amanda Foody, Author of ‘The Accidental Apprentice’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

11-year-old Barclay Thorne has never fit in in the town of Dullshire, try as he might. His parents passed away seven years ago, when the Legendary Beast of the Woods, Gravaldor, had attacked Dullshire. Ever since then, Barclay has been branded a troublemaker as he is prone to accidentally breaking the many, many rules the people of Dullshire so dutifully follow. As the town’s mushroom farmer’s apprentice, Barclay had vowed to work hard, and never ever go looking for adventure. But when he encounters a Beast in the forbidden Woods and ends up bonding with it involuntarily, his life changes completely.

Banished from his town, Barclay goes looking for the nearest town of Lore Keepers, determined to break his bond with his Beast. But as he befriends the fierce Lore Keeper Viola and comes to know his Beast well, Barclay must decide whether to heed the call of adventure, or return home to live the quiet, uneventful life he believes he is destined to lead.

The Accidental Apprentice reads like a classic fantasy novel, and sure, the plot is predictable at times, but instead of seeming boring or unoriginal, the story feels comfortably familiar, much like your favourite books or movies that never get old, no matter how many times you revisit them. Foody’s writing is bright and quirky and whimsical; she effortlessly pulls you into the lush, wondrous Wilderlands she has painted so vividly. We get to see only one of the six major regions of the Wilderlands in this book, and I can’t wait to see where the upcoming instalments in the Wilderlore series take us! The brisk pace of the story keeps you captivated right up to the end, and despite the predictability of the plot, it packs a few twists you’d never see coming, especially the one near the ending.

Foody excels at the characterisation as well. Barclay is remarkable and relatable as a protagonist. At the beginning of the book, we find him lost and vulnerable, away from the home he has always known and thrust into a magical world completely new and terrifying to him. But as the story proceeds, we see a Barclay who is also fierce, stubborn, and utterly loyal to his friends, and it’s impossible not to love him. The side characters are all equally well-rounded, with Viola and Tadg being my favourites. As for the Beasts, we get to see a wide variety of them in this book, including Barclay’s Lufthund and Viola’s dragon Mitzi, and it was a delight to meet every single one of them. Barclay’s relationship with his Lufthund slowly develops throughout the book, and the two of them will definitely melt your heart.

To sum it all up, The Accidental Apprentice is an absolutely beautiful, mesmerising story about wild, thrilling adventures and accepting yourself for who you are, and it will transport you right back to your childhood. If you love high fantasy and/or Pokémon, and are a fan of Toothless and Hiccup’s dynamic in How to Train Your Dragon (honestly, who isn’t), trust me, you want to pre-order The Accidental Apprentice right now.

The Accidental Apprentice is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of March 30th 2021.

Will you be picking up The Accidental Apprentice? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

A boy who accidentally bonds with a magical Beast must set off on an adventure in the mysterious Woods.

The last thing Barclay Thorne ever wanted was an adventure.

Thankfully, as an apprentice to the town’s mushroom farmer, Barclay need only work hard and follow the rules to one day become the head mushroom farmer himself. No danger required. But then Barclay accidentally breaks his town’s most sacred rule: never ever EVER stray into the Woods, for within the Woods lurk vicious magical Beasts.

To Barclay’s horror, he faces a fate far worse than being eaten: he unwittingly bonds with a Beast and is run out of town by an angry mob. Determined to break this bond and return home, Barclay journeys to find the mysterious town of Lore Keepers, people who have also bonded with Beasts and share their powers.

But after making new friends, entering a dangerous apprenticeship exam, and even facing the legendary Beast of the Woods, Barclay must make a difficult choice: return to the home and rules he’s always known, or embrace the adventure awaiting him.

The post Review: The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With a new (and hopefully better) year now in full swing, we are antsy to get our hands on so many books! Middle grade novels are upping their already strong game in 2021 with a plethora of diverse and inclusive plots. From thrilling sequels by household names such as Victoria Schwab and Hena Khan, to promising debut authors like Nicole Lesperance and Alyssa Colman, 2021 looks like a promising year for middle-grade novel lovers.

Want more 2021 releases? Check out our lists for Most Anticipated 2021 Books, 2021 Queer Book Releases, 2021 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases, 2021 Romance Book Releases, 2021 YA Book Releases, and 2021 Queer SFF Book Releases.

Read on to discover the out-of-this-world novels that are heading your (or your kids’) way in 2021!

JANUARY

The Nightmare Thief by Nicole Lesperance
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the tradition of Natalie Lloyd and Ingrid Law comes a whimsical debut about a girl, her family’s dream shop, and a nightmare thief determined to change the course of her life as she knows it.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this exhilarating debut middle grade fantasy, the first in a trilogy filled with #blackgirlmagic, about a young girl who must earn a spot at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs in order to find her missing brother—only to discover that her unprecedented levels of potential and power have marked her as a suspect in the ongoing fight against an evil magical threat.

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this evocative and heartwarming novel for readers who loved The Thing About Jellyfish, the author of I Can Make This Promise tells the story of a Native American girl struggling to find her joy again.

Clues to the Universe by Christina Li
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This #ownvoices debut about losing and finding family, forging unlikely friendships, and searching for answers to big questions will resonate with fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Rebecca Stead.

Unplugged by Gordon Korman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman comes a hilarious middle grade novel about a group of kids forced to “unplug” at a wellness camp—where they instead find intrigue, adventure, and a whole lot of chaos. Perfect for fans of Korman’s The Unteachables, the Masterminds series, and Carl Hiaasen’s eco mysteries.

Magic’s Most Wanted by Tyler Whitesides
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Magic is closer than you ever thought possible in this madcap middle grade adventure perfect for fans of James Riley and Chris Grabenstein.

FEBRUARY 

Red, White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A heartbreakingly hopeful #ownvoices novel in verse about an Indian American girl whose life is turned upside down when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia.

The Greatest Superpower by Alex Sanchez
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fans of Alex Sanchez, the award-winning author of Rainbow Boys and the Lambda Award-winning novel So Hard to Say, will delight in his new middle-grade novel, which addresses the complexities of gender identity with honesty, humor, and heart. Readers will be encouraged to find their own superpowers thanks to Sanchez’s story, which gives face to a traditionally invisible minority and focuses on what it means to be yourself.

Ancestor Approved ed. By Cynthia Leitich Smith 
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An enchanting fantasy adventure about the importance of bravery, resourcefulness, and following your heart from a debut author.

The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An accessible and beautifully written middle grade novel-in-verse by award-winning Irish author Meg Grehan about Stevie, a young girl reckoning with anxiety about the many things she has yet to understand—including her feelings about her friend Chloe. Perfect for fans of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, Star Crossed, and George.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as Told by His Brother) by David Levithan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author David Levithan takes young readers on twisting journey through truth, reality, and fantasy and belief.

MARCH

Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cassidy Blake takes on her most dangerous challenge yet in the latest book in this New York Times bestselling series.

The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A boy who accidentally bonds with a magical Beast must set off on an adventure in the mysterious Woods in this whimsical and cheeky middle grade fantasy debut that is perfect for fans of Nevermoor and How to Train Your Dragon.

Amina’s Song by Hena Khan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the companion novel to the beloved and award-winning Amina’s Voice, Amina once again uses her voice to bridge the places, people, and communities she loves – this time across continents.

Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Breathing Underwater is a sparkly, moving middle grade novel from the author of What Stars Are Made of, and a big-hearted exploration of sisterhood, dreams, and what it means to be there for someone you love.

The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

National Book Award finalist and Printz Honoree Elana K. Arnold returns with a powerful, heartwarming, unforgettable story of the mysterious ways in which we’re all connected, and what those connections mean. 

The Girl Who Stole the Elephant by Nizrana Farook
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook spins an exciting, page-turning tale in a lush, vibrant, fictional Sri Lankan setting and featuring themes of friendship and loyalty, risk and reward, and heroism. A great middle-grade escapist novel and readaloud! 

APRIL

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a powerful desert spirit kidnaps her sister, Cece Rios must learn forbidden magic to get her back in this #ownvoices middle grade fantasy debut perfect for fans of Storm Runner and Aru Shah and the End of Time.

The Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This delightfully classic middle grade fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and The Book of Boy, follows an unlikely young witch as she discovers that she is the key to saving her kingdom.

Sea of Kings by Melissa Hope
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When their island kingdom falls under siege, royal brothers Noa and Dagan must follow a magical map and confront the legendary one-eyed pirate before evil takes over their world.

The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Any child can spark magic, but only the elite are allowed to kindle it. Those denied access to the secrets of the kindling ritual will see their magic snuffed out before their thirteenth birthday. Heartfelt, fast-paced, and utterly absorbing, The Gilded Girl is Alyssa Colman’s sparkling debut novel about determination, spirit, and the magic of friendship.

The Last Shadow Warrior by Sam Subity
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Percy Jackson meets Thor in a laugh-out-loud, action-packed adventure inspired by Norse mythology.

Thornlight by Claire LeGrand
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Resourceful twin sisters and a desperate queen must find a new source of magic to stop their kingdom from being consumed by darkness. This classic fantasy-adventure from bestselling author Claire Legrand is full of twists, turns, and unforgettable moments. Thornlight is a must-have for fans of Tahereh Mafi and Diana Wynne Jones.

MAY

Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea by Ashley Herring Blake
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Ali Benjamin comes a poignant yet hopeful novel about a girl navigating grief, trauma, and friendship, from the award-winning author of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World.

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An extraordinary new novel from the Newbery Honor–winning author of Other Words for Home about grief, loss—and how friendship can be magical.

Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A moving middle-grade #ownvoices debut for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong.

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi
Goodreads | Mango and Marigold Press

Rea Chettri is on a secret quest to find her missing twin brother Rohan and she only has a few days. The clock is ticking in this fast-paced, thrilling and exciting adventure rife with evil creatures, a ruthless villain, and unforgettable friendships.

The Mending Summer by Ali Standish
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Orphan Island and Wishtree, The Mending Summer is the next stunning middle grade novel from Ali Standish—author of the Carnegie Medal nominee The Ethan I Was Before and August Isle, Bad Bella, and How to Disappear Completely—about a girl who is struggling to deal with her father’s alcoholism when she discovers an enchanted lake.

Lily’s Promise by Kathryn Erskine
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From National Book Award–winning author Kathryn Erskine comes a heartfelt, poignant novel that tackles grief, change, and the struggle to let your voice be heard. Perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Ali Benjamin.

JUNE

Almost Flying by Jake Maia Arlow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this unabashedly queer middle grade debut, a week-long amusement park road trip becomes a true roller coaster of emotion when Dalia realizes she has more-than-friend feelings for her new bestie.

Generation Misfits by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A heartwarming Own Voices middle grade novel about an eleven-year-old Japanese-American girl who finds her true friends when she joins her school’s J-Pop club, from award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hamza
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Best at It meets John David Anderson in this Indian Muslim #ownvoices debut about a champion underachiever who must start over in a new state with the help of three classic books.

The Double Life of Danny Day by Mike Thayer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A boy who lives every day twice uses his ability to bring down bullies at his new school in Mike Thayer’s humor-filled middle grade novel.

The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this new novel from the author of Where the Watermelons Grow and Beginners Welcome, an almost-thirteen-year-old with an almost-complete sentence for a name embraces her destiny to search for a forever home.

Long Distance by Whitney Gardner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the creator of Fake Blood comes another exceptionally charming middle grade graphic novel about friendships both near and far, far away.

What middle grade releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Incredible Middle Grade Book Releases To Look Out For In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The world of YA literature has been getting progressively more and more diverse (*takes out a celebratory horn and blows on it excitedly*) – starting off with more gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters. But new releases over the last couple of years are also filled with better representation of other sexual identities and orientations, including trans , ace, and demi characters, to enby love stories! We still have a long way to go, but even these slight changes in representation in YA lit gives me hope!

And that’s why I decided to put together a short list of YA characters of different sexual orientations and identities and the books they come from, plus it’s a fantastic time to discover them with Pride Month!

Gay Characters

Jack from Jack of Hearts by L.C. Rosen

Jack is an out and proud gay guy who is through worrying about stereotypes! So what if he fits into one! He likes makeup, fancy clothes, and sex and is proud of that! Jack is a very iconic gay character because he is so unapologetic about being himself and he writes a very educational column about sex for his school. Jack of Hearts is not a coming out story – this is the story of everything that comes after that. If you are looking for a fresh and unique read with chilling twists, this one might be just perfect for you!

Ronan from Call Down the Hawk ­by Maggie Stiefvater

Now Ronan is a character you probably already heard about if you love YA as he is one of the most beloved characters in the subgenre of magical realism and his love story with a certain someone is one for the ages! There are many sides to Ronan, but one of the things I find most inspiring about his story is how he reconciles his faith with his sexuality. Pick this book up if you love lyrical writing, mind-blowing plot twists, and beautiful relationships. And a quick tip – read The Raven Cycle before jumping into Call Down the Hawk!

Griffin from History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Silvera is well known for his heart-wrenching stories and this one is no exception! But while Griffin has to battle grief at losing his first love, we also get a front-row seat at him confronting both his past and present in order to move on with his life. Despite it being a sorrowful story of loss and pain that comes with it, History Is All You Left Me is also filled with hope and all the best things of being young and in love for the first time.

Lesbian Characters

Aline Penhallow from Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare is well known for diversity in her books, but one of her latest series, The Eldest Curses, follows a M/M and a F/F couple making it her first with LGBTQ+ main protagonists! And one of the girls in the book, Aline Penhallow, is a true firecracker and an epic heroine! We met her for the first time back in The Mortal Instruments, but this book really makes her shine!

Cameron Post from The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

Cameron’s story is basically a classic lesbian coming-of-age story at this point. When Cameron is shipped to a conversion therapy after being found with a girl, her life is turned upside down and she starts to dig deeper and question the expectations of life. This is not only a story of the damaging reality that is conversion therapy, but also an exploration of female sexuality and a hot-take on sex and sexuality in general.

Lei from Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

This series was one of the most hyped ones back in 2018 and rightfully so! Lei is a strong female protagonist that has to fight against injustice and tyranny of her world, but there is also a sweet component of forbidden love woven into this rather hard-hitting story. As you follow Lei on her journey and see as she slowly realises she has feelings for her fellow king’s consort, you won’t be able to not fall in love with their powerful love story!

Bisexual Characters

Levi from Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

Ace of Shades is a perfect read for any fans of epic plot twists and swoon-worthy characters! Levi is a leader of a notorious gang and the type of character you can’t help but adore! I sometimes jokingly say that he is basically Kaz Brekker and Jesper Fahey (both characters from Six of Crows) combined – witty, hella charming, but also cunning and ambitious. He is a joy to read about and he is a main, bisexual Black character.

Jesper Fahey and Nina Zenik from Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This duology is super diverse in different ways and basically anyone is able to find themselves in one of the characters! Two of the most beloved ones are naturally the bisexual legends Nina and Jesper, who slay not only with their weapons of choice but also with their charm and flirtatious ways! One of the other characters pointed this out even in the book: “…he sometimes suspected they could forgo all of Kaz’s planning and simply let Jesper and Nina flirt the entirety of Ketterdam into submission.” – Crooked Kingdom, Leigh Bardugo

Noam from The Fever King by Victoria Lee

This epic dystopian duology follows a story of a techopath Noam as he tries to navigate the treacherous ways of his corrupt government and save his people. But of course there is also a beautiful queer love story in the heart of The Fever King – a love between two boys who learn to trust and love each other despite the horrid world they grew up in.

Leah from Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Did someone say an epic and fluffy book about two epic bisexual queens?! If that’s what you are looking for, search no more! This beautiful Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda spin-off concentrates on Leah, Simon’s best friend, that is trying to come out to her friends and go after the girl she loves. Leah on the Offbeat is filled with cuteness interwoven with more serious topics, a mix we’ve come to expect and love from Albertalli! A perfect summer read if there ever was one!

Asexual and Demisexual Characters

Rick from Rick by Alex Gino

While not technically YA (it’s a middle grade story), Rick is the kind of story that will leave you full of hope for the better tomorrow! This middle grade book about a young boy who already knows that he is just not interested in people in that way is a wonderful and poignant story about sexuality and how there is no ‘right’ age to figure out who you are (or are not) attracted to. And how you and your feelings are valid no matter what others say.

Alice from Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Alice is prepping for a perfect summer when her girlfriend dumps her after finding out Alice is asexual. No more romantic star-gazing or bingeing favourite TV shows together, but then Takumi comes along and Alice realises she might not be as done with dating as she anticipated. There is beautiful intersectionality in this book as Alice is asexual, biromantic, and Black! Prepare to swoon with this cute YA rom-com that explains it is perfectly okay to want love but not sex. 

Felicity Montague from The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee

Felicity fights for and then owns her sexuality (and her desire to become a doctor) in times when women were expected to marry young and stay quiet about it. As we follow Felicity on an adventure of her lifetime (Pirates! Dragons! Dogs!), we learn about the lives of women in the 1700s in a realistic yet hopeful manner. This is a feminist book your heart longs for with great representation as Felicity is on the asexual/aromantic spectrum!

Aled from Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

Hands down one of the sweetest characters in modern YA lit is Aled Last, the secondary main characters of Radio Silence and the creator of the famous podcast Universe City. He explains in the book that he is demisexual and that that also makes sense in terms of his relationship. The author also said before that she believes that sometime in the future Aled will come to identify as non-binary.

Non-Binary, Trans, and Gender Fluid Characters

Ben from I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

Ben is a 17-year-old that gets thrown out of their house on Christmas day after they come out to their parents as non-binary. Ben is forced to move in with their estranged sister and finish their senior year at a new school, but everything is not as bleak as it seems. The main protagonists of I Wish You All the Best defy all the norms society forces on us, discovering a lot about themselves on the way, and coming out victorious! It is a realistic story of finding your voice and accepting it – sometimes sorrowful but with infinite possibilities for happiness and love.

Melissa from George by Alex Gino

Okay so I am cheating yet again by adding another gorgeous middle-grade book by Gino, but these stories of Rick and Melissa are too beautiful to pass up and perfect reads for anyone craving good asexual and trans rep! Melissa is a girl and she knows that despite what everyone else keeps telling her. And she will make other see her for who she really is… Melissa and not George! George is a truly stunning story that teaches about the power of friendship and acceptance that make even the hardest of situations bearable – especially when there are zoo and theatre and skirts involved!

Zee from The Disasters by M.K. England

The Disasters is a perfect read for all the fans of The Illumiane Files, a fast-paced space adventure with an amazing and diverse cast of characters (Bi rep! Trans rep! PoC characters! Muslim characters! Mental health rep!). I could go on and on about what a fun and adventurous book this is, but I’ll dedicate this time to screaming about the amazing trans girl medic called Zee. Her eyeliner is on point and she will kick you if you cross her. Hard.

Riley Cavanaugh from Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

This beautiful story of coming to terms with yourself will introduce you to a snarky and rebellious teen you will inevitably fall for – without worrying about their gender! Riley is a gender fluid teen in a conservative town, finding their solace in an anonymous blog. But when the blog goes viral and Riley’s anonymity is compromised, Riley will have to decide between standing their ground or running away from everything they built with it.

Do you have any other recommendations with queer characters? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 18 YA Books With Queer Characters appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you’re the typical Stranger Things fan and already binged season 3, but needing to fill the demogorgon-sized hole until the next season, OverDrive has your solution! They have an excellent collection of books for fans who can’t get enough of the supernatural, ’80s-themed series. Readers can access all books for free through their local library via the Libby App!

What’s the Libby App you ask? You can borrow thousands of ebooks and audiobooks from local libraries, instantly, for free, using just the device in your hand!

Read on to discover some books that you Stranger Things nerds will love!

Notes from the Upside Down by Guy Adams
OverDrive | Goodreads

Entertaining, informative, and perfect for fans of eighties pop culture, Notes from the Upside Down is the Big Mac of unofficial guides to Stranger Things—super-sized and special sauce included.

Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond
OverDrive | Goodreads

If you think you know the truth behind Eleven’s mother, prepare to have your mind turned Upside Down in the first official Stranger Things novel.

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
OverDrive | Goodreads

A mad scientist’s concoction of H. P. Lovecraft, teen detectives, and a love of Americana, Edgar Cantero’s Meddling Kids is a story filled with rich horror, thrilling twists, outright hilarity, and surprising poignancy.

The Boys of Summer by Richard Cox
OverDrive | Goodreads

Both a haunting coming-of-age story set in North Texas against the backdrop of a deadly tornado, and a character-driven, deeply-affecting supernatural thriller.

My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
OverDrive | Goodreads

An unholy hybrid of Beaches and The Exorcist that blends teen angst, adolescent drama, unspeakable horrors, and a mix of ’80s pop songs into a pulse-pounding supernatural thriller.

Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody
OverDrive | Goodreads

A darkly irresistible new fantasy set in the infamous Gomorrah Festival, a travelling carnival of debauchery that caters to the strangest of dreams and desires.

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
OverDrive | Goodreads

The Bram Stoker Award-winning author of A Head Full of Ghosts adds an inventive twist to the home invasion horror story in a heart-palpitating novel of psychological suspense that recalls Stephen King’s Misery, Ruth Ware’s In a Dark, Dark Wood, and Jack Ketchum’s cult hit The Girl Next Door.

Chills by Mary SanGiovanni
OverDrive | Goodreads

True Detective meets H.P. Lovecraft in this chilling novel of murder, mystery, and slow-mounting dread from acclaimed author Mary SanGiovanni….

The Door to December by Dean Koontz
OverDrive | Goodreads

The #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a truly suspenseful novel of a mother who must save her daughter from a threat she can hardly understand. What happened to nine-year-old Melanie during the six years she was subjected to terrifying experiments? And what is the unstoppable power that she can unleash from behind the “Door to December”?

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
OverDrive | Goodreads

Few novels have endured in the heart and memory as has Ray Bradbury’s unparalleled literary masterpiece Something Wicked This Way Comes. Scary and suspenseful, it is a timeless classic in the American canon.

The Good House by Tananarive Due
OverDrive | Goodreads

A thrilling exploration of secrets, lies, and divine inspiration, The Good House will haunt readers long after its chilling conclusion.

House of Furies by Madeleine Roux
OverDrive | Goodreads

Featuring stunning interior illustrations from artist Iris Compiet, plus photo-collages that bring the story to chilling life, House of Furies invites readers to a world where the line between monsters and men is ghostly thin.

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
OverDrive | Goodreads

A spine-tingling tale rooted in Caribbean folklore that will have readers holding their breath as they fly through its pages.

The End of the World Running Club by Adrian J. Walker
OverDrive | Goodreads

This powerful post-apocalyptic thriller pits reluctant father Edgar Hill in a race against time to get back to his wife and children. When the sky begins to fall and he finds himself alone, his best hope is to run – or risk losing what he loves forever.

The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
OverDrive | Goodreads

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 15 Books To Read If You Love ‘Stranger Things’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

“Because the hero of one story is the villain of someone else’s. It’s all just a matter of who wins.”

King of Fools by Amanda Foody is the second book in her The Shadow Game trilogy. A sequel often tends to suffer from second-book-syndrome, but this one felt like a totally different book in comparison to the first book, Ace of Shades. The first book felt more like its own original story while the second successfully expands on the story and the consequences of the events of the first book.

At the end of Ace of Shades, Enne and Levi both survive the shadow game and as a result, they are both wanted for murder. Now, they must avoid getting caught and they need to build up successful gangs on the north side of New Reynes. They’re gambling with everything they have, which could either cause their downfall or gain them the freedom they desire from the one who practically owns them.

The world of New Reynes is reintroduced to us through this story and the folklore surrounding the city of New Reynes is brought in. We get to see more of the darker parts of the city and the people who live in it. We also get to see a lot more of the south side and learn more about the political goings on.

The story moves from a hunt for someone and more to surviving and becoming who you are. We get to see more about the power dynamic and how the power shifts between characters as they move in a game without any real rules. It keeps you on the edge of your seat to see who is going to pull through to the very end. The book is so full of events and complicated plot points and even if you aren’t completely hooked onto the plot, the characters are so interesting that you have to keep reading.

Speaking of the characters, we get three perspectives in this book (Enne, Levi, and Jac). In Ace of Shades, we get to see Enne grow a lot over the ten days that she is in the City of Sin, and we see the results of that. Enne gets to form her own girl gang filled with a variety of girls who all show amazing girl power.

Whilst Enne changed a lot in the first book, Levi’s character development is a lot slower and becomes clearer in this book. His development is often the result of something that happens and he learns after he regrets doing something that had consequences he didn’t like. It’s realistic even if it is frustrating at times.

Jac’s perspective was an interesting addition to the story as we get to see an outsider perspective to show us Levi’s flaws and developments as well as Enne’s. Jac also got his own storyline and his own agenda which were very enjoyable as well as sometimes terrifying to read about.

All the relationships between the characters in the first book and the new ones, fully evolve tp become more front and center in this book. Getting three perspectives really helped with the character development and we get to see how all their individual plots and plans come together.  Amanda Foody really expanded the story and the world of New Reynes in this book and she shows how you can create characters that almost seem real.

King of Fools is a book about ambition, loss, and vengeance. It’s about luck, games, gambling, murder, manipulation and death while being painful, ruthless, complicated, and extravagant. It’s a great sequel with an intense plot filled with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more.

King of Fools is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Are you planning to read King of Fools? Tell us in the comments!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Indulge your vices in the City of Sin, where a sinister street war is brewing and fame is the deadliest killer of them all…

On the quest to find her missing mother, prim and proper Enne Salta became reluctant allies with Levi Glaisyer, the city’s most famous con man. Saving his life in the Shadow Game forced Enne to assume the identity of Seance, a mysterious underworld figure. Now, with the Chancellor of the Republic dead and bounties on both their heads, she and Levi must play a dangerous game of crime and politics…with the very fate of New Reynes at stake.

Thirsting for his freedom and the chance to build an empire, Levi enters an unlikely partnership with Vianca Augustine’s estranged son. Meanwhile, Enne remains trapped by the mafia donna’s binding oath, playing the roles of both darling lady and cunning street lord, unsure which side of herself reflects the truth.

As Enne and Levi walk a path of unimaginable wealth and opportunity, new relationships and deadly secrets could quickly lead them into ruin. And when unforeseen players enter the game, they must each make an impossible choice: To sacrifice everything they’ve earned in order to survive…

Or die as legends.

The post Review: King of Fools by Amanda Foody appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

You may know Amanda Foody as the author of Daughter of the Burning City, which was her debut novel in 2017. In her new novel, this book focuses a lot on crime and its crime lords and mafia families in comparison to debut which centered on the circus.

Ace of Shades takes place in  New Reynes, where we see a combination of modern elements, such as cars, showers, and electricity, alongside traditional clothing and history. The story primarily is set in the North Side of New Reynes where crime is very common and the mafia and crime families reign supreme. The town is unstable as there has been a revolution recently where the monarchy was overturned, the royal family killed and a Republic took its place. After the fall of the monarchy, there were still many supporters that had to conceal their true identity and live in secrecy. The North Side is divided into three gangs—the Irons, the Scarhands and the Doves and then there are also the two casino and mafia families—the Augustines and the Torrens.

There is also a magic system where everyone is born with talents that can either be split or ‘pure’. Your last name(s) are an indication of which one you have, for example, if your last name is Salta, one of your talents is dancing. Some families talents are stronger than others or could be magical.

Enne Abacus Salta is our main character who is introduced to us when she comes to New Reynes in order to find her adoptive mother, Lourdes, who has been missing for several months. She only has a handful of volts (currency) and a name to look for: Levi Glaisyer. Lourdes informed her to find him as he will help her, but instead of the kind man she pictured, she finds he’s the Iron Lord and a criminal. Enne’s character was very likeable and goes through great character development. When she initially arrives in New Reynes as a snobbish, naive and proper lady, she completely changes to who she needs to be in order to survive.

Our other main character is Levi, who is the Iron Lord and he has an alternating perspective with Enne. He is compared often to Kaz Brekker from Six of Crows by others in the book community and he really is quite similar. He cares for the kids in his gang and wants to pay them and treat them the best he can. He is a very ambitious character and knows he can always do better, but he isn’t sure how. He is also a diverse character seeing as he’s both black and bisexual, although it’s not cannonly stated, he clearly has an attraction to boys and girls.

There is romance in this book, but it is not the instantaneous love and attraction we come to expect from young adult novels, so it comes across as very believable and well written. The chemistry is quite a slow burn and we get time to see the deep connection that the two develop for each other.

Although there are books that have some of these aspects in them already, I felt like Ace of Shades had an originality to it. It has an intriguing plot line, the world-building is fantastic and the characters are developed and believable. The story did not completely wrap up and left there plenty to tell in the form of a sequel, especially since the series will be a trilogy! If you like any of this, then pick Ace of Shades up!

Are you planning to read Ace of Shades or have you already read it? Tell us in the comments!

SYNOPSIS | GOODREADS

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn’t have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne’s offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi’s enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city… And she’ll need to play.

The post Review: Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you’re looking to be transported into a different era, Suitors and Sabotage will take you to 19th century London or Melissa De La Cruz’s new instalment focusing Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler is set in 1780 New York.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be checking any of them out!

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland | Goodreads

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. Almost finished with her education, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home, but when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier | Goodreads

Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar’s oldest friend. Embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, nothing stands in his way…until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light. Two boy princes were kidnapped eighteen years ago and presumed dead, but when two maps surface, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias’s father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king’s beautiful cousin by his side-whether he wants her there or not-Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. 

Suitors and Sabotage by Cindy Anstey | Goodreads

Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father’s approval. Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother. Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother’s intended. But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of “accidents,” it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm.

Black Chuck by Regan McDonell | Goodreads

Psycho. Sick. Dangerous. Real Dufresne’s reputation precedes him. When the mangled body of his best friend, Shaun, turns up in a field just east of town, tough-as-hell Real blames himself. But except for the nightmares, all Re remembers is beating the living crap out of Shaun the night of his death. Shaun’s girlfriend, sixteen-year-old Evie Hawley, keeps her feelings locked up tight. But now she’s pregnant, and the father of her baby is dead. And when Real looks to her to atone for his sins, everything goes sideways. Fast. The tighter Evie and Real get, the faster things seem to fall apart. And falling in love might just be the card that knocks the whole house down.

Leah On The Offbeat by Becky Albertalli | Goodreads

Leah Burke—girl-band drummer, master of deadpan, and Simon Spier’s best friend from the award-winning Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—takes center stage. Only her mom knows Leah is bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon. So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended.

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody | Goodreads

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne follows her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted. Her only lead is Levi Glaisyer—a street lord and a con man. Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi’s enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city… And she’ll need to play.

Neverland by Margot McGovern | Goodreads

When she was twelve, Kit Learmonth watched her parents drown in a storm. Now seventeen, Kit doesn’t remember the incident, and her only clear memories from before her parents’ death are of the fantastical stories of pirates and mermaids that she and her dad invented about the small island where she grew up, a place she calls Neverland. Following Kit’s parents’ deaths, her uncle and guardian, Doc, transformed the island into a boarding school for mentally ill teenagers and sent Kit away to school on the mainland. But when Kit tries and fails to end her life, Doc brings her home to the island and places her in the care of his colleague, Dr Hannah Ward. Resisting her treatment, Kit instead pulls her friends deeper into her world of make-believe. It’s only when Kit and her new boyfriend, Rohan, take the fantasy too far and land themselves in very real danger that her faith in Neverland is shaken, and Kit must find a way back to reality.

Love & War by Melissa De La Cruz | Goodreads

1780. Albany, New York. As the war for American Independence carries on, two newlyweds are settling into their new adventure: marriage. But the honeymoon’s over, and Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler are learning firsthand just how tricky wedded life can be. Alex is still General George Washington’s right-hand man and his attention these days is nothing if not divided–much like the colonies’ interests as the end of the Revolution draws near. Alex & Eliza’s relationship is tested further by lingering jealousies and family drama.

Inferno by Julie Kagawa | Goodreads

What if dragons walked among us in human form? Enter a modern fantasy of heroes, sacrifice, forbidden love and enemies turned allies who have no choice but to fight side by side… Don’t miss the epic conclusion as Ember, Riley and Garrett face off against Dante and the Talon dragon clones. Join them…or burn.

The Summer of Broken Things by Margaret Peterson Haddix | Goodreads

Fourteen-year-old Avery Armisted is athletic, rich, and pretty. Sixteen-year-old Kayla Butts is known as “butt-girl” at school. The two girls were friends as little kids, but that’s ancient history now. So it’s a huge surprise when Avery’s father offers to bring Kayla along on a summer trip to Spain. Avery is horrified that her father thinks he can choose her friends—and make her miss soccer camp. Kayla struggles just to imagine leaving the confines of her small town. But in Spain, the two uncover a secret their families had hidden from both of them their entire lives. Maybe the girls can put aside their differences and work through it together. Or maybe the lies and betrayal will only push them—and their families—farther apart.

White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig | Goodreads

Rufus Holt is having the worst night of his life. It begins with the reappearance of his ex-boyfriend, Sebastian—the guy who stomped his heart out like a spent cigarette. Just as Rufus is getting ready to move on, Sebastian turns up out of the blue, saying they need to “talk.” But then Rufus gets a call from his sister April, begging for help. And then he and Sebastian find her, drenched in blood and holding a knife, beside the dead body of her boyfriend, Fox Whitney. April swears she didn’t kill Fox—but Rufus knows her too well to believe she’s telling him the whole truth. April has something he needs, though, and her price is his help. Now, with no one to trust but the boy he wants to hate yet can’t stop loving, Rufus has one night to prove his sister’s innocence…or die trying.

Lifeline by Abbey Lee Nash | Goodreads

Popular high school senior Eli Ross has the perfect life. He’s captain of the lacrosse team at LionsHeart Academy, and he’s dating Savannah, the hottest, most popular girl at school. But that life comes crashing down when he overdoses at a party and is sent to LakeShore Recovery Center, an inpatient substance abuse treatment program where he’ll spend the next twenty-eight days. It’s there that Eli meets Libby, the sharp-edged artist, whose freshly tattooed scars mirror the emotional scars Eli tries his best to ignore. Eli soon learns that if he’s to have any chance at a future, he’ll first have to confront his past.

Discover more April releases on our Goodreads list!

Any other April YA books you’re excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post April Book Releases: Young Adult appeared first on The Nerd Daily.