Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and take a peek at Our Joy, Our Power by Julian Winters. Cool. Awkward. Black. is out January 10th 2023.

A girl who believes in UFOs; a boy who might have finally found his Prince Charming; a hopeful performer who dreams of being cast in her school’s production of The Sound of Music; a misunderstood magician of sorts with a power she doesn’t quite understand.

These plotlines and many more compose the eclectic stories found within the pages of this dynamic, exciting, and expansive collection featuring exclusively Black characters. From contemporary to historical, fantasy to sci-fi, magical to realistic, and with contributions from a powerhouse list of self-proclaimed geeks and bestselling, award-winning authors, this life-affirming anthology celebrates and redefines the many facets of Blackness and geekiness–both in the real world and those imagined.

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The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Cool. Awkward. Black.’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Magic, monsters, meddling mothers, mysteries, and more all await you amongst 2023’s upcoming young adult books! From authors such as Marie Lu, Alexandra Bracken, Ibi Zoboi, Steven Salvatore, and Adiba Jaigirdar, along with those making their dazzling debut this year, there are so many books to look forward to.

We’ve rounded up 72 YA books releasing between the months of January and June, so you will definitely find quite a few exciting new reads within this list. Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Romance, Middle Grade, and Queer Books lists!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below what you are looking forward to!

JANUARY

Cool. Awkward. Black.
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A multi-genre YA anthology of bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors challenging the concept of the geek, featuring contributions from Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton-Walker, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Lamar Giles, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Shari B. Pennant, K. Arsenault Rivera, Julian Winters, and Ibi Zoboi.

A Ruinous Fate by Kaylie Smith
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A Ruinous Fate series will take readers’ imaginations to new heights on an adventure of dark secrets, witches, and forbidden magic.  

Retro by Jarrod Shusterman & Sofía Lapuente
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What starts off as a light-hearted competition to live without modern technology for a year turns into a fight for survival in this unputdownable young adult thriller by New York Times bestselling author Jarrod Shusterman and debut author Sofía Lapuente.

The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
A contemporary fantasy YA debut from Rochelle Hassan about monsters, magic, and wicked fae, perfect for fans of The Darkest Part of the Forest and The Hazel Wood.

Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository
It’s too late for a Sweet Sixteen, but what if Mahalia had a coming-out party? A love letter to romantic comedies, sweet sixteen blowouts, Black joy, and queer pride.

Brighter Than the Moon by David Valdes
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Lauded writer David Valdes offers a heartfelt, clever, and thought-provoking story about how we figure out who we want to be–online and IRL–for fans of David Levithan and Adam Silvera.

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman
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Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night. One, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her. 

City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer
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Gotham meets Strange the Dreamer in this thrilling young adult fantasy about a cowardly girl who finds herself at the center of a criminal syndicate conspiracy, in a city where crooked politicians and sinister cults reign and dreaming means waking up as your worst nightmare.

The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets Pride and Prejudice in this delightful and heartfelt rom-com about a Bangladeshi American teen whose meddling mother arranges a match to secure their family’s financial security—just as she’s falling in love with someone else.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
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The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.

Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare
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James and Cordelia must save London—and their marriage—in this thrilling and highly anticipated conclusion to the Last Hours series from the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Thorns is a Shadowhunters novel.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
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In a fallen kingdom, one girl carries the key to discovering the secrets of her nation’s past—and unleashing the demons that sleep at its heart. An epic fantasy series inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

FEBRUARY

The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
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Set against the glitz and glamour of an elite LA private school, Melissa de la Cruz’s first YA thriller is an addictive mystery perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
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El Diablo is in the details in this Latinx pirate fantasy starring a transmasculine nonbinary teen with a mission of revenge, redemption, and revolution.

This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
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Get ready to fall in love in this hilarious romcom about a girl who begins a fake relationship with the famous actor in her class, perfect for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

My Flawless Life by Yvonne Woon
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Yvonne Woon, author of If You, Then Me, has crafted a slow-burn thriller about fixing—our friends, ourselves, and our complicated pasts. For fans of Allegedly and We Were Liars, My Flawless Life features a compelling narrator who grapples with the secrets of her private school classmates as well as her own life.

Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith
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Inspired by Moulin Rouge! and set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York, Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith.

Out of Character by Jenna Miller
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Dumplin’ meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller’s queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

Lola at Last by J. C. Peterson
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This Pride and Prejudice–inspired tale, a companion to J. C. Peterson’s Being Mary Bennet, spins a modern Lydia Bennet’s life into a tumultuous and hilarious coming-of-age journey, complete with misadventures, misunderstandings, mayhem, and a romance worthy of Darcy and Elizabeth themselves. 

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
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A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.

When You Wish Upon a Lantern by Gloria Chao
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Acclaimed author Gloria Chao creates real-world magic in this luminous romance about teens who devote themselves to granting other people’s wishes but are too afraid to let themselves have their own hearts’ desires—each other.

Chaos Theory by Nic Stone
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The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin delivers a gripping romance about two teens: a certified genius living with a diagnosed mental illness and a politician’s son who is running from his own addiction and grief. Don’t miss this gut punch of a novel about mental illness, loss, and discovering you are worthy of love.

Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim by Patricia Park
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The award-winning author of Re Jane makes her young adult debut in a funny, poignant, and powerful novel about a multicultural teen struggling to fit into her whitewashed school, her diverse Queens neighborhood, and even her own home as her family reels from the loss of her father.

Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong
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In a dazzling new fantasy world full of whispered secrets and political intrigue, the magic of women is outlawed but four girls with unusual powers have the chance to change it all.

MARCH

Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute by Sayantani DasGupta
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New York Times bestselling Sayantani DasGupta brings her trademark wit and insight to this bright and funny Sense and Sensibility retelling!

Made of Stars by Jenna Voris
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Inspired by the lawless love story of Bonnie and Clyde, Jenna Voris’s heart-stopping tale of passion and crime will have you seeing stars.

Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole
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This searing and intimate novel in verse follows a sixteen-year-old girl coping with sexual abuse as she grapples with how to reclaim her story, her anger, and her body in a world that seems determined to punish her for the sin of surviving.

Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation
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Study Break, a collection of interconnected contemporary Young Adult short stories written by Gen Z authors, explores different parts of “the college experience,” from questioning your major to questioning your identity.

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa
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A young adult graphic novel about high school wallflower Belle Hawkins, who ends up in a love triangle after tutoring the girlfriend of her crush.

Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
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Perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Tamora Pierce, this standalone YA debut is a stunning cottagecore fantasy romance about a girl with powerful and violent magic, which she must learn to control—or lose everything she loves.

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu
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The Hating Game meets Mission: Impossible in this smoldering new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu about a superstar tapped to become a secret agent and the reluctant young spy assigned to be his partner.

Midnight Strikes by Zeba Shahnaz
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In this explosive fantasy debut, a provincial girl must work with an infuriatingly handsome prince to escape a nightmarish curse that forces them to relive the same night over and over.

The Memory Eater by Rebecca Mahoney
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A teenage girl must save her town from a memory-devouring monster in this piercing exploration of grief, trauma, and memory, from the author of The Valley and the Flood.

Royal Blood by Aimée Carter
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An American girl becomes the British Monarchy’s greatest nightmare in this thrilling new series where royal scandals just got deadlier.

There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia
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A raised fist against the destructive forces of gentrification and a love letter to communities of color everywhere, Jade Adia’s unforgettable debut tells the darkly hilarious story of three best friends willing to do whatever it takes to stay together.

Into The Light by Mark Oshiro
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For fans of Courtney Summers and Tiffany D. Jackson, Into the Light is a ripped-from-the-headlines story with Oshiro’s signature mix of raw emotions and visceral prose―but with a startling twist you’ll have to read to believe.

APRIL

An Improbable Season by Rosalyn Eves
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For fans of Bridgerton, a Regency romance by Rosalyn Eves about three young women, their big dreams, and a London Season gone awry.

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson
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Be swept away by a lush, witchy tale about forbidden magic and missing girls who don’t need handsome princes to rescue them. Perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood.

Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick
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Perfect for fans of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Five Feet Apart, this tender solo debut by the coauthor of New York Times bestseller She Gets the Girl is a romantic ode to the strength of love and the power of choosing each other, against odds and obstacles, again and again.

This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham
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From the author of the New York Times bestselling My Dearest Darkest comes another incredible sapphic horror. When four best friends with a hunger for human flesh attend a music festival in the desert they discover a murderous plot to expose and vilify the girls and everyone like them. This summer is going to get gory.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
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When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch
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From the author of The Sky Blues and Blaine for the Win comes a speculative young adult romance about a teen stuck in a time loop that’s endlessly monotonous until he meets the boy of his dreams.

Never Vacation with Your Ex by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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The Summer I Turned Pretty meets People We Meet on Vacation in a YA second chance romance from fan-favorite author couple #Wibbroka!

Pieces of Me by Kate McLaughlin
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The next gut-punching, compulsively readable Kate McLaughlin novel, about a girl finding strength in not being alone.

The Other Side of Infinity by Joan F. Smith
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They Both Die at the End meets The Butterfly Effect in this YA novel by Joan F. Smith, where a teen uses her gift of foreknowledge to help a lifeguard save a drowning man—only to discover that her actions have suddenly put his life at risk.

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard
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A teen girl seeking retribution against her backstabbing former best friend finds her plans slightly derailed once she catches the eye of a familiar, handsome marquess. Bestselling author Amalie Howard delivers a delightful, anti-historical Regency-era romp that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo!

That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams
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A stunning YA fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Holly Black and Justina Ireland, about a Black girl (and sword expert) fighting a Fae uprising in Shakespearean London.

Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken cements her status as one of the top fantasy authors writing today in this stunning series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!

MAY

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude
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We Are Okay meets They Both Die at the End in this YA debut about queer first love and mental health at the end of the world-and the importance of saving yourself, no matter what tomorrow may hold.

The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro
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The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro is a seductive YA paranormal romance following a runaway queer teen’s deepening and dangerous ties to a mysterious family of werewolves.

Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
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From Ibi Zoboi, bestselling, award-winning author of American Street and co-author of Punching the Air, comes a bold new YA coming-of-age story, which explores race, feminism, and complicated family dynamics, about a girl whose father is the leader of a Black liberation group. The ideal next read for fans of Roxane Gay, Jacqueline Woodson, and Elizabeth Acevedo.

They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
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Jonah and Dylan get along like oil and water. Until a fake dating ploy gives them new perspective, and they realize that “falling for your enemy” isn’t as impossible as it seems.

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland
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In this compelling YA contemporary from author Miel Moreland, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber
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I Like Me Better is joyful  queer summer romance from the author of If You Change Your Mind.

Court of the Undying Seasons by A.M. Strickland
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Sarah J. Maas meets A Deadly Education in A.M. Strickland’s lush, queer YA dark fantasy novel. Court of the Undying Seasons is a deliciously dark romantic novel and a pitch perfect modern take on classic vampire tropes.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
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From lauded author Steven Salvatore comes a moving YA novel about twins whose incarcerated father dies and leaves behind a life-changing secret, perfect for fans of I’ll Give You the Sun and Euphoria.

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
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From the Stonewall Honor–winning author of Like a Love Story comes a sweeping story of three generations of boys in the same Iranian family. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall
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Award-winning authors David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall join forces to craft a sweeping fantasy romance about falling in love despite all odds.

When the Vibe Is Right by Sarah Dass
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From the author of Where the Rhythm Takes You comes a delightful enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance set during Trinidad’s Carnival celebration.

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young
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In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn’t the dark you should be afraid of—it’s the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.

JUNE

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
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In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city.

Wolfpack by Amelia Brunskill
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Perfect for fans of We Were Liars, Wolfpack is an unforgettable and unputdownable novel that will hold you breathless all the way to its shocking finale.

Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan
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In this charming YA debut, a girl who’s determined to prove her star chart wrong ropes her longtime best friend into an experimental relationship—not knowing that he has been in love with her for years.

Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
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In this dark and seductive YA fantasy debut, a siren must choose between protecting her family and following her heart in a prejudiced kingdom where her existence is illegal.

Some Shall Break by Ellie Marney
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This sequel to the New York Times bestselling None Shall Sleep is an equally electrifying, chilling thriller that brings us back into the lives of junior FBI consultants Travis Bell and Emma Lewis with a new case that may unravel everything they’ve been working for.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
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At Camp Mirror Lake, terror is the name of the game . . . but can you survive the night? This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Fear Street.

Ride or Die by Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu
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Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu’s adrenaline-packed joyride of a debut is an ode to Gen Z and chaotic teens—perfect for fans of Grace D. Li, Ebony Ladelle, and Baby Driver.

Invisible Son by Kim Johnson
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From the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of This Is My America comes another thriller about a wrongly accused teen desperate to recclaim both his innocence and his first love.

Always Isn’t Forever by J.C. Cervantes
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From New York Times bestselling author J.C. Cervantes comes a sparkling, unforgettable YA romance, perfect for fans of You’ve Reached Sam.

Plus One by Kelsey Rodkey
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Fans of Emma Lord and Rachel Lynn Solomon will revel in Kelsey Rodkey’s latest swoon-worthy YA rom-com as self-proclaimed matchmaker Lahey finally puts her own heart on the line—to find a date in just one week.

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
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A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush – perfect for fans of The Great British Bake Off and She Drives Me Crazy!

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
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When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day—and pretends to be his online crush. A young adult romance from the critically acclaimed author of Places We’ve Never Been.

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

The post YA Book Releases To Add To Your TBR In 2023 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Game On is filled with fifteen stories by star-studded contributors: Gloria Chao, Sona Charaipotra, Kika Hatzopoulou, Katie Cotugno, Isaac Fitzsimons, Kathleen Glasgow, Shaun David Hutchinson, Kim Jones & Gilly Segal, Amanda Joy, Yamile Saied Méndez, Anna Meriano, Nina Moreno, Laura Silverman, Kayla Whaley and Francesca Zappia. And it’s of course the magic of anthologies that they bring you stories from your favourite authors while also introducing you to new voices you might not have heard about before. Need an example? I’d been itching to get my hands on this book because of well-known names like Francesca Zappia (and that story did not disappoint), yet after finishing all fifteen stories, I had an entire cart full of books to order at my local indie bookshop because I discovered authors like Sona Charaipotra and Anna Meriano I hadn’t heard much from before but now couldn’t wait to read more from.

What I absolutely adored about this collection is how diverse and inclusive it was. It might not seem like much to others, but for me to pick up an anthology (and believe me, I’ve read quite a lot this year) that’s not marketed directly as a queer anthology and yet for more than half of the stories to star LGBTQIAP+ characters? Chef’s kiss right there. On top of that, the characters came from a variety of different backgrounds, races and religions and I loved how, even if that wasn’t always the focus, it coloured the stories with so much authenticity and diversity.

Now, my reading experience turned out to be quite a nostalgic journey. Obviously, this book is about games and competition, about winning and losing and everything that comes with being on the right team—or the wrong one. I loved how, beyond the actual games in these stories—whether it’s Spin the Bottle, Settlers of Catan, or a fun scavenger hunt—there was always the sense of community that comes with playing games. Whether you’ve ever been part of a sports team or ever lost epically during an online gaming session, there’s usually that sense of camaraderie, which is the beauty of playing games. Games and competitions can bring people together in so many ways. And in the end, it’s not so much about winning or losing, it’s about who you’re winning or losing with. There’s also this theme of competition bringing out the best and worst in people and some stories in here discussed this so beautifully. While I obviously won’t talk about any of the stories in detail, I do want to mention one in particular.

One of the short stories follows a group playing a game called Werewolf. That story was such a throwback for me because it made me miss those summer days where my friends and I would get together after school and sit in the garden, eyes closed, waiting to be assigned “our roles” as a werewolf hunted us down, one by one. Truth be told, I hadn’t thought of that game in nearly a decade and that story just threw me back in time completely. That’s short stories at their best, in my opinion. When authors manage to momentarily transport you to this other place and remind you of the things you love(d). I hope that if you pick this up, there will be such a moment for you as well. Whether it’s in the short story that has two people falling for each other during a puzzle-filled scavenger hunt on campus, the one that finds a group of friends playing card games up on the roof during those lovely summer nights or even the one where two teams battle it out for Team Retro or Team Modern at an amusement park.

Game On is a love letter to games and competition. Whether you’re a fan of sports, board or video games, chances are there is at least one story in Game On will bring out your inner champion. With inclusive narratives and diverse characters, this anthology is a fun addition to any bookshelf!

Game On is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of January 18th 2022.

Will you be picking up Game On? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From the slightly fantastical to the utterly real, light and sweet romance to tales tinged with horror and thrills, Game On is an anthology that spans genre and style. But beneath each story is a loving ode to competition and games perfect for anyone who has ever played a sport or a board game, picked up a video game controller, or rolled a twenty-sided die.

A manhunt game is interrupted by a town disappearing beneath the players’ eyes. A puzzle-filled scavenger hunt emboldens one college freshman to be brave with the boy she’s crushing on. A series of summer nights full of card games leads a boy to fall for a boy who he knows is taken. And a spin the bottle game that could end a life-long friendship.

Fifteen stories, and fifteen unforgettable experiences that may inspire readers to start up that Settlers of Catan game again.

The post Review: Game On, edited by Laura Silverman appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With a sibling rivalry that leads only to death, a dark and intricate magic system, rich North African-inspired world-building and history, a page-turning plot, and a palpable romance, A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy certainly has all the elements for a great story. Reading this book was enjoyable and definitely enthralling! At the end of the book, I was left wanting more.

“Even if I had to become the wicked girl of my nightmares, a maelstrom of marrow and blood, I would do whatever it took to stay alive.”

A River of Royal Blood follows Princess Eva who is born with the magick of marrow and blood. Though she hates this magick, she must learn how to use it if she wants to live and ascend to the throne, because Queens of Myre are chosen only through the Rival Heir tradition, a tradition where sisters fight to death. The thing is, before the tradition can even start, someone tries to kill Eva. Believing that it was her sister behind the attack, she decides to try and learn her magick if she truly wants to survive. Looking for a decent mentor is hard though, since her magick is rare and hasn’t been seen since the first ever Queen of Myre who had the same magick as hers. Fortunately, she finds Baccha, a powerful fey who also uses the magick of marrow and blood. And so, Eva’s journey to learning about her power and their history, and preparing for the Rival Heir tradition starts. The journey is not an easy one, though. Along the way, she encounters more assassination attempts, deaths, secrets, revelations, and a grand scheme that seems much bigger than Eva first thought of.

The characters were interesting, and it was enjoyable reading the story through Eva’s perspective. However, I do find myself wanting more of some of the characters, particularly, Eva’s sister, Isa. They didn’t talk much in the book, and although Eva’s flashbacks mostly consisted of memories with Isa, it would have been nice to see them interact in the present. I really wanted to feel and witness that sibling rivalry and how twisted and complicated their current relationship is because of the tradition. The same goes for other minor characters: Falun, Mirabel, Captain Anali, Aketo, and more.

The romance had just the right amount of tension and intrigue, and although I like Aketo and his chemistry with Eva, I can’t help but feel wary of his character. There might be more to his background and his intentions and let’s hope we learn more of that in the sequel.

My absolute favourite thing about this book is the world-building. The Queendom of Myre, and the entire world of Akhimar, has such a rich culture and history that had me so invested. As readers go along the story, they find bits and pieces of the world through the places, the paintings in the palace, the different races and tribes (human, bloodkin, fey, and khimaer). I also love how the readers learn the history of their world along with Eva. As she goes through her lessons with Baccha, Baccha shares with her stories of how their world came to be, how their country was established, how the queens and the deadly tradition started, and even the start of their magic system.

Embracing oneself is a big part of the overall theme of this book, especially in Eva’s character arc. Eva detests here magick because she had witnessed just how dangerous it can be, even with her loved ones. All throughout the book, it’s been mentioned and discussed how she needs to embrace her magick of marrow and blood because it’s a part of her, not just a tool to wield or control.

The plot was definitely a page-turner. I wanted to know more about Eva and her magick, and just how she’ll survive the tradition. There were a few plot twists that I had already seen coming, and perhaps it’s because I quickly spotted several foreshadowings, so those definitely took away the shock value for me. The ending also left many questions and new mysteries, and I’m both frustrated and excited because of it. I can’t help but feel like the story could have been longer, but at the same time I’m now excited to get my hands on the sequel and continue Eva’s journey.

Content warnings for this book: Violence, death, blood, animal death, and racism.

A River of Royal Blood is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be picking up A River of Royal Blood? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Sixteen-year-old Eva is a princess, born with the magick of marrow and blood–a dark and terrible magick that hasn’t been seen for generations in the vibrant but fractured country of Myre. Its last known practitioner was Queen Raina, who toppled the native khimaer royalty and massacred thousands, including her own sister, eight generations ago, thus beginning the Rival Heir tradition. Living in Raina’s long and dark shadow, Eva must now face her older sister, Isa, in a battle to the death if she hopes to ascend to the Ivory Throne–because in the Queendom of Myre only the strongest, most ruthless rulers survive.

When Eva is attacked by an assassin just weeks before the battle with her sister, she discovers there is more to the attempt on her life than meets the eye–and it isn’t just her sister who wants to see her dead. As tensions escalate, Eva is forced to turn to a fey instructor of mythic proportions and a mysterious and handsome khimaer prince for help in growing her magick into something to fear. Because despite the love she still has for her sister, Eva will have to choose: Isa’s death or her own.

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.

The post Review: A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We’re excited to bring you the list of our most anticipated debut releases for this month! First thing first, there are a lot of debut releases this month, so you can imagine how hard it is to narrow it down into these 16 titles! Regardless, we hope you find something to be added from this list to your overflowing TBR.

I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When the news about Earth that might end in seven days spread, the paths of three high-schoolers crossed each other. Struggling with each of their own problems, getting to know one another while trying to survive the end of the world might not what they were expected to do during their last week on Earth.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
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Three strangers must overcome their differences in the game of lies and twists and work together to put an end to a deadly epidemic in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel from debut author, Rosiee Thor.

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

At the end of the twenty-first century, life continues one thousand feet below the ocean’s surface after an asteroid hit the Earth. When her father captured by the authority with vague reasoning, Leyla McQueen realized that she will risk everything to bring her father back, including joining a deadly sub-race or getting out of London illegally and explore the wild ocean for the very first time.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Going on a demon hunt to protect her kingdom, Asterin never imagined that she will unearth a plot to assassinate herself, The Princess, instead. Asterin and her companions begin to wonder how much of their lives have been lies, especially when they realize that the center of the web of deceit might very well be themselves.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A River of Royal Blood is an enthralling debut set in a lush North African inspired fantasy world that subtly but powerfully challenges our notions of power, history, and identity.

Crier’s War by Nina Varela
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An impossible love between two girls—one human, one Made—whose romance could be the beginning of a revolution in this epic fantasy duology from debut author, Nina Varela.

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
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Following the escape trip of five enslaved girls in their journey of finding freedom in the vicious land of Arketta, where people divided into ones with shadow and ones without one and demonic creatures and spirits wandered around.

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy
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In the city of Craewick, memories are the currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please. Trying to save her threatened mother, Etta will do whatever it takes, even if it means rejoining the rebel group she swore off in the wake of the accident years earlier and steal a map of prison created by the bloodthirsty ruler of a neighboring Realm.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When two childhood friends grow up together and the war is just over the edge, they must choose between the families they were born into or the one that they founded in each other.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Gravemaidens is the start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

The Last True Poets of the Sea by Julia Drake
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Epic, funny, and sweepingly romantic, The Last True Poets of the Sea is an astonishing debut about a missing piece of family history,  weathering the storms of life, and the strength it takes to swim up from a wreck.

The Library Of The Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series, books that aren’t finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time.

Michigan vs. the Boys by Carrie S. Allen
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Michigan Manning lives and breathes hockey and her future depends on it, but when the girl’s team dismissed due to the budget cut, she was determined to find a way to keep playing, even if it means joining the boy’s team. Facing a culture of toxic masculinity, Michigan must weigh the consequences of speaking up – even if it means putting her future on the line.

Scars Like Wings by Erin Stewart
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Relatable, heartbreaking, and real, this is a story of Ava Lee who has lost everything there is to lose: Her parents. Her best friend. Her home. Even her face. But when Ava meets a fellow survivor named Piper, she begins to feel like maybe she doesn’t have to face the nightmare alone.

The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey
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Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds of her books. But when her only home suddenly hangs in the balance and her mother’s compulsive shopping habit pressure her even more, Asher Fleet, a former teen pilot with an unexpectedly shattered future, walks into the bookstore where she works… and straight into her heart.

Will you be checking out any of these debut authors? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 16 Debut Authors To Check Out In October 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

October also sees many authors releasing their debut novel including Rosaria Munda’s dragon-filled Fireborne, Farah Naz Rishi’s YA contemporary I Hope You Get This Message, and Amanda Joy’s A River of Royal Blood, which is set in a North African-inspired fantasy world. But that’s not all! Kelly Coon, Camryn Garrett, Coco Ma, London Shah, and Rosiee Thor will also be releasing their debut novels!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up one (or several) of these YA releases!

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Seraphina meets Red Rising in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance… and dragons.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Frozen meets Mad Max in this epic teen fantasy duology bursting with star-crossed romance, immortal heroines, and elemental magic, perfect for fans of Furyborn.

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time. Powerful and uplifting, Full Disclosure will speak to fans of Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron.

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A light-hearted and romantic contemporary novel set during the holiday season and full of humor, heart and heartbreak.

The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

#1 New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout returns to the world of the Lux with The Burning Shadow, the steamy, shocking second installment of the Origin series that will leave readers reeling.

The Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the last days of the twenty-first century, sea creatures swim through the ruins of London. Trapped in the abyss, humankind wavers between fear and hope–fear of what lurks in the depths around them, and hope that they might one day find a way back to the surface.

I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this high concept YA novel debut that’s We All Looked Up meets The Sun Is Also a Star, three teens must face down the mistakes of their past after they learn that life on Earth might end in less than a week.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray comes a gripping, unforgettable portrait of love, silence, and secrets amidst a Spanish dictatorship.

Will you be picking up any of these young adult releases? Tell us in the comments below!

The post October 2019 Book Releases: YA appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover the authors who will be releasing their debut novels and tell us in the comments below what you’re looking forward to!

JULY

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A feminist Lord of the Flies about three best friends living in quarantine at their island boarding school, and the lengths they go to uncover the truth of their confinement when one disappears. This fresh, new debut is a mind-bending novel unlike anything you’ve read before.

The Other Mrs. Miller by Allison Dickson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this unputdownable domestic suspense debut, a lonely suburban housewife finds her life entangled with the family that moves in across the street at the same time that she becomes convinced someone is watching her–perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door and The Last Mrs. Parrish.

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Tell Me Everything by Cambria Brockman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A murder at an elite New England college tears apart a group of friends – and one of them is playing a dangerous game – in this electrifying debut in the tradition of In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Couple Next Door.

The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A page-turning, coming-of-age story, written with a lyrical sense of place and a profound appreciation for the sustaining power of books, The Last Book Party shows what happens when youth and experience collide and what it takes to find your own voice.

The Expectations by Alexander Tilney
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the tradition of Prep and Old School, a sharp and evocative portrait of insiders–and outsiders–at an elite boarding school who must face a reality very different from the one they imagined.

AUGUST

Beasts of the Frozen Sun by Jill Criswell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Every child of Glasnith learns the last words of Aillira, the god-gifted mortal whose doomed love affair sparked a war of gods and men, and Lira of clan Stone knows the story better than most. As a descendant of Aillira and god-gifted in her own right, she has the power to read people’s souls, to see someone’s true essence with only a touch of her hand.

Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk
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Both a gripping historical epic and fascinating deconstruction of the Robin Hood legend, Nathan Makaryk’s Nottingham mixes history and myth into a complex study of power–one that twists and turns far beyond the traditional tale of Sherwood Forest’s iconic thief.

A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The high-stakes fashion scene of a reimagined nineteenth century Europe takes center stage in this YA debut perfect for fans of The Belles and The Luxe.

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
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One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

Campusland by Scott Johnston
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A tumultuous and often hilarious first novel about one year of insanity at the Ivy-like Devon University, a blissful bubble of elite students and the adults at their mercy.

Color Me In by Natasha Diaz
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Debut YA author Natasha Díaz pulls from her personal experience to inform this powerful coming-of-age novel about the meaning of friendship, the joyful beginnings of romance, and the racism and religious intolerance that can both strain a family to the breaking point and strengthen its bonds.

SEPTEMBER

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
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In this moving novel, debut author David Yoon takes on the question of who am I? with a result that is humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable.

Cold Storage by David Koepp
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For readers of Andy Weir and Noah Hawley comes an astonishing debut by the screenwriter of Jurassic Park: a wild and terrifying adventure about three strangers who must work together to contain a highly contagious, deadly organism

Tinfoil Butterfly by Rachel Eve Moulton
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The Shining meets About a Boy in this electrifying debut about a troubled young woman and a lonely boy facing their demons in the frozen Black Hills.

The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring
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Simmering in Patagonian myth, The Tenth Girl is a gothic psychological thriller with a haunting twist.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
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Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy duology will leave readers burning for more.

A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A tender and terrifying literary horror novel–the author’s debut–that tells the story of a family (creators of a haunted house attraction called the Wandering Dark) and the hereditary monsters–both metaphorical and all-too-real–that haunt them.

OCTOBER

A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An enthralling debut perfect for fans of Children of Blood and Bone set in a North African-inspired fantasy world where two sisters must fight to the death to win the crown.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Seraphina meets Red Rising in a debut young adult fantasy that’s full of rivalry, romance… and dragons.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honor…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave. 

How Fires End by Marco Rafala
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A dark secret born out of World War II lies at the heart of a Sicilian American family in this emotional and sweeping saga of guilt, revenge, and, ultimately, redemption.

Shadow Frost by Coco Ma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From young author Coco Ma comes a dazzling new tale of adventure, power, and betrayal, weaving together a stunning world of magic with a killer cast in an explosive, unforgettable debut.

Tarnished Are the Stars by Rosiee Thor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Lunar Chronicles meets Rook in this queer #OwnVoices science-fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Sharon Cameron.

NOVEMBER

Her Crown of Fire by Renee April
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In the dull, everyday world, seventeen-year-old Rose Evermore struggles to plan beyond her final year of high school. But when fire suddenly obeys her every command and her dreams predict the future, she becomes hungry for more of this strange power.

A Thousand Fires by Shannon Price
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Shannon Price’s A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that’s perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth.

On Swift Horses by Shannon Pufahl
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A lonely newlywed and her wayward brother-in-law follow divergent and dangerous paths through the postwar American West.

Songs from the Deep by Kelly Powell
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A girl searches for a killer on an island where deadly sirens lurk just beneath the waves in this gripping, atmospheric debut novel.

When The Stars Lead To You by Ronni Davis
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Nicola Yoon meets Jenny Han in a heated first-love romance about two teens who are torn apart one summer by prejudice and mental illness, and find each other once again.

My Sister Is Missing by Julia Barrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Stephanie Henderson gazes at her newborn daughter and wonders if husband Adam will notice the lack of resemblance. But when her lover demands a paternity test, Stephanie tells Adam a string of lies—lies that lead the two men to a dramatic confrontation.

DECEMBER

Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Jane Austen in this witty, winking historical romance with a dash of mystery!

Would Like To Meet by Rachel Winters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A cynical assistant at a screenwriting agency must reenact the meet-cute scenes from classic romantic comedy movies in order to help her #1 client get his scriptwriting mojo back–but can a real-life meet-cute be in store for someone who doesn’t believe in happily ever after?

All That’s Bright and Gone by Eliza Nellums
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fans of Jodi Picoult and Fredrik Backman will fall for this tenderhearted debut mystery following a young girl on a quest to save her family.

The Network by L.C. Shaw
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A pulse-pounding, page-turning thriller involving corruption, secrets, and lies at the very deepest levels of government and media.

The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson
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Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

Holly Banks Full of Angst by Julie Valerie
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A laugh-out-loud debut novel for anyone who’s tried to live the perfect life—and learned the hard way there’s no such thing.

Will you be reading any of these debuts? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 36 Authors Making Their Debut Between July & December 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.