Hunter Yee is a young man with perfect aim using a bow and arrow, but everything else in his life goes wrong. The only thing keeping him tethered is his younger brother, a mysterious wind, and the alluring girl at his school. Luna Chang is dreading what awaits her future. As graduation draws near, her family’s expectations are suffocating. When she begins breaking some rules, she finds her life turned upside down by the new boy in her class, some unearthly fireflies, and a crack spreading across the town of Fairbridge. Amidst the chaos, Luna and Hunter will do their best to navigate it all, relying on their love, even as fate demands its way.

From the beginning, there’s a mythological quality to the story, while also setting up our introduction to Hunter and Luna. Those aren’t the only character’s perspectives we get though. Throughout the book we get little snippets of other characters, providing insight that I think adds some depth to the story that it would lack otherwise. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to demonstrate how Hunter and Luna’s actions aren’t just affecting them, but the people around them as well. I loved Luna and Hunter both for the qualities that they display. They’re both burdened by the weight of familial expectations. For the ever perfect Luna, it’s the expectations that her parents have placed upon her about her future. For Hunter, it’s the inevitable disappointment he “causes” for his parents. They’re incredibly relatable, and I loved them so much.

Of course, there’s an undeniable connection between the two, despite the fact that their families don’t get along. As the magical things around them begin to build, it also seems to exacerbate the issues between the Yees and the Changs. Family is an undeniable theme to this story, as Luna is expected to do as her parents demand. Hunter’s issues stem from his parents not really understanding the relationship that he has with his brother. However, choices are being made by both families that are made in good faith. As an adult, I can see the logic the parents have, but I can absolutely identify with the turmoil this causes Luna and Hunter. The tension this creates between our main characters and their families is intense, but drives the plot further along.

The magical part of this story isn’t as defined as I would have loved, but it works in this case, because there’s an element of mystery that I enjoyed as I read. Some readers might not find all of their questions answered, but I don’t necessarily think we’re meant to have them answered.

I was incredibly fascinated by the Chinese mythology that was incorporated into the story. Before this I was unfamiliar with the story of Houyi and Chang’e, but after reading this book, I had to go track down the story. It excited me to see YA expanding the mythological retellings outside of Greek and Roman mythology. I feel like it’s expertly done, and in a very beautiful way.

Overall, this book is a 10/10! Please add it to your TBR. It’s light and beautiful, and entirely unforgettable. I also had the distinct honour to interview Emily X.R. Pan, so make sure to check it out if you’re interested!

An Arrow to the Moon is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up An Arrow to the Moon? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Hunter Yee has perfect aim with a bow and arrow, but all else in his life veers wrong. He’s sick of being haunted by his family’s past mistakes. The only things keeping him from running away are his little brother, a supernatural wind, and the bewitching girl at his new high school.

Luna Chang dreads the future. Graduation looms ahead, and her parents’ expectations are stifling. When she begins to break the rules, she finds her life upended by the strange new boy in her class, the arrival of unearthly fireflies, and an ominous crack spreading across the town of Fairbridge.

As Hunter and Luna navigate their families’ enmity and secrets, everything around them begins to fall apart. All they can depend on is their love… but time is running out, and fate will have its way.

Romeo and Juliet meets Chinese mythology in this magical novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Astonishing Color of After.

The post Review: An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Emily, can you tell us a bit about yourself and about An Arrow to the Moon?

Thanks so much for having me! I’m based in Brooklyn, New York, and I tend to write things that are a bit sad and a bit weird. I suppose I generally aim to make readers sad and hungry.

An Arrow to the Moon is my second novel, and it’s a mashup of Romeo & Juliet and Chinese mythology. Houyi (the divine archer) and Chang’e (the goddess of the moon) are reimagined as Hunter and Luna, two Asian American teenagers in 1991.

What were some of your favorite tales to read/listen to when you were growing up?

I drank in pretty much any fiction that was available to me. And now that I think of it…my parents kept compilations of myths and fables and fairytales around the house, so I suppose it’s no surprise that I’m very drawn to those! As a kid I did also especially love hearing my dad tell me about Houyi and Chang’e.

How did an An Arrow to the Moon come to be?

I’d always wanted to write my own version of Houyi and Chang’e, and I’d always wanted to do a retelling of Romeo & Juliet. It was like two puzzle pieces clicking into place. As soon as I had the idea, I knew I had to write it.

There are several perspectives you’re writing from in this story, each with their own unique piece of the story to add. Who was your favorite to include?

This is a hard one! I think the most interesting perspective for me to write was Rodney Wong. He was not a part of my original plan, and when he appeared I found myself doing a ton of research in order to create his character. My favorite experience is always when the book takes on a life of its own and surprises me, and it just becomes my job to follow where it wants to go. Rodney Wong actually brought me the most surprises.

When you sit down to draft a book, what are some elements that you tend to focus on?

I’m a chronic rewriter so my answer to this depends largely on where in the drafting process I am. On the first few drafts I’m trying to figure out what the story is meant to be, and who my characters really are. I start off with an idea in my head, but in the process of writing it I usually discover that many of my initial instincts were wrong. So during those early drafts I’m just trying to find the momentum, and get swept up in experiencing the story for myself.

In later drafts I’ll have a better sense of what I’m really trying to do. That’s when I’ll comb through for specific things. I might do one edit all the way through that’s just focused on changing a couple characters a certain way, and then do another edit all the way through that’s just focused on fleshing out an emotional arc. It goes on and on like that. The process feels very similar to painting watercolors—I start out with a pencil sketch and then slowly create the layers, and the story begins to come to life.

The beginning of the book takes place during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which features mooncakes. Do you have a favorite type?

This is probably my favorite question to answer: lotus-seed paste with double salted-egg yolks!

What kind of research went into the creation of your story?

There was so much. If I made a full list of all the topics I spent hours and hours diving into, you would probably ask me if this book has any real cohesion to it! I will often find myself devoting five hours to researching one very specific niche thing for the sake of writing a single sentence…that then gets deleted three drafts later. It’s a bit annoying and yet I can’t stop. I also tend to get the ideas for the next couple books I want to write during this process, so even if a detail doesn’t make it into the final manuscript, the time spent still feels worth it.

Some examples of research items that took up quite a lot of my time for this book include Chinese mafia groups, the Qin dynasty, the Terracotta Warriors, common rabbit behavior, how townships deal with natural disasters, East Asian shipping vessels in the 70s and 80s, museum practices, career logistics for those in academia… It goes on and on.

How will you celebrate the release of your book?

I’ll have an in-person event (at Books of Wonder) and two virtual events (through Politics & Prose and Tattered Cover) to launch the book the week it comes out! And I will probably consume a lot of celebratory chocolate.

Any reading recommendations that you have for our readers?

I could go on and on, but I will limit myself to just three: I adore Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo and can’t stop screaming about it. I’m currently reading and loving Lakelore, Anna-Marie McLemore’s latest release. And Melissa Albert has a book coming out soon called Our Crooked Hearts that I had the privilege of devouring early—it’s absolutely incredible.

Finally, please let us know how we can support your book!

There are so many ways: Buy it from a local bookstore, request it at the library, add it on Goodreads, share pictures of the cover and tell people about it! And you can follow me on social media: my handle everywhere is @exrpan. Pandemic book promotion has been strange and difficult—authors and independent bookstores need support more than ever.

Will you be picking up An Arrow To The Moon? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Emily X.R. Pan, Author of ‘An Arrow To The Moon’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Welcome to 2022, but more importantly, welcome to a whole lot of new book releases to look forward to over the next year!

In this round up, we take a look at an array of highly anticipated books releasing between the months of January and June. From new releases from favourite authors such as Rachel Lynn Solomon, Sarah J. Maas, Tahereh Mafi, Marlon James, Emily St. John Mandel, Holly Black, Christina Lauren, Ryan Sager, and many more, to absolutely dazzling debuts, you’re sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list!

Stay tuned as we’ll be releasing more 2022 lists for several genres!

Read on to discover just a few of our favourite January to June 2022 releases and tell us in the comments if you’re looking forward to any of them! 

JANUARY

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter scheme to reunite their divorced bosses with unforecasted results in this charming romantic comedy from the author of The Ex Talk.

Good Rich People by Eliza Jane Brazier
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A destitute woman deceives her way into the guesthouse of a Hollywood Hills mansion and inadvertently becomes a target in the twisted game of the wealthy family upstairs in the next intoxicating novel from Eliza Jane Brazier.

Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Anything But Fine is a hilarious coming of age story about a gay ballerina who loses his dancing dreams, but finds his true self and his first love. 

The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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Three years ago, Katrina Freeling and Nathan Van Huysen were the brightest literary stars on the horizon, their cowritten books topping bestseller lists. But on the heels of their greatest success, they ended their partnership on bad terms, for reasons neither would divulge to the public. They haven’t spoken since, and never planned to, except they have one final book due on contract.

Goliath by Tochi Onyebuchi
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In his adult novel debut, Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and NAACP Image Award finalist and ALA Alex and New England Book Award winner Tochi Onyebuchi delivers a sweeping science fiction epic in the vein of Samuel R. Delany and Station Eleven.

Echoes and Empires by Morgan Rhodes
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Falling Kingdoms series comes the first book in a brand-new duology about forbidden magic and dangerous secrets, for readers of Victoria Aveyard and Margaret Rogerson.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
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A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
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From Rachel Hawkins, the New York Times bestselling author of The Wife Upstairs, comes Reckless Girls, a deliciously wicked gothic suspense, set on an isolated Pacific island with a dark history, for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.

A Thousand Steps by T. Jefferson Parker
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A Thousand Steps is a beguiling thriller, an incisive coming-of-age story, and a vivid portrait of a turbulent time and place by three-time Edgar Award winner and New York Times bestselling author T. Jefferson Parker.

A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
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Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
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The first openly nonbinary contestant on America’s favorite cooking show falls for their clumsy competitor in this delicious romantic comedy debut “that is both fantastically fun and crack your heart wide open vulnerable.” (Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate).

The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman
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In this epic YA fantasy debut, magic, a prized resource, is the only thing between peace and war. When magic runs out, four estranged royal siblings must find a new source before their country is swallowed by invading forces. The first in an Indian-inspired duology that’s perfect for fans of There Will Come a Darkness, The Gilded Wolves, and We Hunt the Flame.

FEBRUARY

Ramón and Julieta by Alana Quintana Albertson
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When fate and tacos bring Ramón and Julieta together on the Day of the Dead, the star-crossed pair must make a choice: accept the bitter food rivalry that drives them apart or surrender to a love that consumes them—perfect for fans of Jane the Virgin!

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List comes a new locked room mystery, set in a Paris apartment building in which every resident has something to hide… 

This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
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Clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people—bestselling author Tahereh Mafi’s first in an epic, romantic trilogy inspired by Persian mythology.

Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist
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From debut author Kit Mayquist, a propulsive and atmospheric modern Gothic with all the splendor of The Great Gatsby . . . and all the secrets, lies, and darkness that opulence can hide.

The Violence by Delilah S. Dawson
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Three generations of abused women must navigate their chilling new reality as a mysterious epidemic of violence sweeps the nation in this compelling novel of self-discovery, legacy, and hope.

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
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A gut-wrenching, startling historical thriller about communist Romania and the citizen spy network that devastated a nation, from the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray.

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James
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Both a brilliant narrative device—seeing the story told in Black Leopard, Red Wolf from the perspective of an adversary and a woman—as well as a fascinating battle between different versions of empire, Moon Witch, Spider King delves into Sogolon’s world as she fights to tell her own story. Part adventure tale, part chronicle of an indomitable woman who bows to no man, it is a fascinating novel that explores power, personality, and the places where they overlap.

Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour
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The debut adult novel by the bestselling and award-winning YA author Nina LaCour, following two women on a star-crossed journey toward each other. (Edit: Yerba Buena will now publish on May 31st 2022)

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
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In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
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Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is an enthralling feminist retelling of the classic Korean folktale “The Tale of Shim Cheong,” perfect for fans of Wintersong, Uprooted, and Miyazaki’s SpiritedAway.

Lease On Love by Falon Ballard
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Beach Read meets The Flatshare in this warmly funny and delightfully sharp debut rom-com about a down-on-her-luck young woman who turns an innocent mix-up between a dating app and a roommate app into a new chance at love.

The Verifiers by Jane Pek
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Introducing a sharp-witted heroine for the 21st century: a new amateur sleuth exploring the landscape—both physical and virtual—of New York in a debut novel about love, technology, and murder.

MARCH

Sundial by Catriona Ward
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Sundial is a new, twisty psychological horror novel from Catriona Ward, internationally bestselling author of The Last House on Needless Street.

Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye
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The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
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The much-acclaimed viral sensation from Olivie Blake, The Atlas Six—now newly revised and edited with additional content, is a dark academic debut fantasy with an established cult following that reads like The Secret History meets The Umbrella Academy.

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
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From the author of the breakout thriller Every Last Fear, comes Alex Finlay’s electrifying next novel The Night Shift, about a pair of small-town murders fifteen years apart―and the ties that bind them.

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir comes a brilliant, unforgettable, and heart-wrenching contemporary YA novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.

Lakelore by Anna Marie McLemore
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In this young adult novel by award-winning author Anna-Marie McLemore, two non-binary teens are pulled into a magical world under a lake – but can they keep their worlds above water intact?

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
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The Golden Couple is the next electrifying novel from Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, the #1 New York Times bestselling author duo behind You Are Not Alone, An Anonymous Girl, and The Wife Between Us.

Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma
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Nisha Sharma’s hilarious new romantic comedy inspired by The Taming of the Shrew features a love-phobic TV doctor who must convince a love-obsessed homebody they are destined to be together.

When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
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A mythic love story set in Trinidad and Tobago, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s radiant debut introduces two unforgettable outsiders brought together by their connection with the dead.

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James
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A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.

A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch
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A wry and bold debut novel, which is at once an irresistible catastrophe waiting to happen and an unflinching exploration of how we narrate the stories of our lives, as an aspiring novelist finds herself stalking—and writing about—her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend.

The Lost Dreamer by Lizz Huerta
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A stunning YA fantasy inspired by ancient Mesoamerica, this gripping debut introduces us to a lineage of seers defiantly resisting the shifting patriarchal state that would see them destroyed―perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir.

APRIL

An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan
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Romeo and Juliet meets Chinese mythology in this magical novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Astonishing Color of After.

Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough
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In this twisty, mind-bending thriller from the bestselling author of Behind Her Eyes, Emma Averell worries that her crippling insomnia is a sign that she’s slowly going insane—like the mother she’s worked so hard to leave in her past.

Reputation by Lex Croucher
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Bridgerton meets Gossip Girl with a dash of Jane Austen, in Reputation, a Regency-era historical romantic comedy with a deliciously feminist twist, from a hilarious new British voice, Lex Croucher.

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor
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For fans of Caraval and The Night Circus, this decadent and darkly enchanting YA fantasy, set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-inspired hotel, follows seventeen-year-old Jani as she uncovers the deeply disturbing secrets of the legendary Hotel Magnifique.

I Am the Ghost in Your House by Maria Romasco Moore
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From the author of Some Kind of Animal comes a wildly unique story about an invisible girl struggling to see herself in a world obsessed with appearances.

One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose
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Meet the women of Buckhead — a place of expensive cars, huge houses, and competitive friendships. Who amongst these women will be clever enough to survive Buckhead — and who will wind up dead? They say that friendships can be complex, but no one said it could ever be this deadly.

An Honest Lie by Tarryn Fisher
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This seething, gut-punch of a thriller can only have sprung from the fiendish brain of Tarryn Fisher, one of the most cunning writers of our time.

Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
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A spellbinding debut novel tracing three generations of a Southern Black family and one daughter’s discovery that she has the power to change her family’s legacy.

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
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A searing and compassionate new novel about a young Black nurse’s shocking discovery and burning quest for justice in post-segregation Alabama, from the New York Times bestselling author of Wench.

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
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The award-winning, best-selling author of Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel returns with a novel of art, time, love, and plague that takes the reader from Vancouver Island in 1912 to a dark colony on the moon five hundred years later, unfurling a story of humanity across centuries and space.

The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
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The USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man is back with a hilarious rom-com about two strangers who get trapped in a lie and have to fake date their way out of it…

The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann
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Thirty, flirty, and asexual Joy is secretly in love with her best friend Malcolm, but she’s never been brave enough to say so. When he unexpectedly announces that he’s met the love of his life—and no, it’s not Joy—she’s heartbroken. Malcolm invites her on a weekend getaway, and Joy decides it’s her last chance to show him exactly what he’s overlooking. But maybe Joy is the one missing something…or someone…and his name is Fox.

MAY

Book of Night by Holly Black
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black makes her stunning adult debut with Book of Night, a modern dark fantasy of shadowy thieves and secret societies in the vein of Ninth House and The Night Circus.

Hide by Kiersten White
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A high-stakes hide-and-seek competition turns deadly in this dark thriller from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White.

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
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The “reigning romance queens” (PopSugar) and New York Times bestselling authors of The Soulmate Equation and The Unhoneymooners present a charming and laugh-out-loud funny novel filled with adventure, treasure, and, of course, love.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
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From the New York Times bestselling author of One Last Stop and Red, White & Royal Blue comes a debut YA romantic comedy about chasing down what you want, only to find what you need…

Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer
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New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer expands the Cursebreaker world in an electrifying new series.

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
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From Ryan La Sala, the wildly popular author of Reverie, comes a twisted and tantalizing horror novel set amidst the bucolic splendor of a secluded summer retreat.

City of Orange by David Yoon
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This imaginative and affecting new novel is beloved, bestselling, and award-winning author David Yoon at his finest: thought-provoking and heart-piercing, by turns funny and challenging, and at all times deeply human. 

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
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Mexican Gothic meets Rebecca in this debut supernatural suspense novel, set in the aftermath of the Mexican War of Independence, about a remote house, a sinister haunting, and the woman pulled into their clutches…

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
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An insightful, delightful new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

My Summer Darlings by May Cobb
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Three lifelong friends plus a dangerous, sexy new stranger in town add up to a scorching summer of manipulation, obsession, and murder, from the acclaimed author of The Hunting Wives.

Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater
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Merida goes on an all-new, life-changing adventure in this original YA novel set several years after the close of Brave!

Boys, Beasts & Men by Sam J. Miller
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In Nebula Award-winning author Sam J. Miller’s devastating debut short-fiction collection, featuring an introduction by Amal El-Mohtar, queer infatuation, inevitable heartbreak, and brutal revenge seamlessly intertwine. Whether innocent, guilty, or not even human, the boys, beasts, and men roaming through Miller’s gorgeously crafted worlds can destroy readers, yet leave them wanting more.

JUNE

Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald
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From the author of the critically-acclaimed Blackwing trilogy comes Ed McDonald’s Daughter of Redwinter, the first of a brilliant fantasy series about how one choice can change a universe.

American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
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In this dangerously sexy rom-com that evokes the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, a prince who wants to live out of the spotlight falls for a daring American rapper who turns his life, and the palace, upside down.

Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
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A dazzling epic of betrayal, love, and fate that spans five generations of an Indigenous Chicano family in the American West, from the author of the National Book Award Finalist Sabrina & Corina.

This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
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How much would you risk to save the ones you love? Would you tempt even the most dangerous fate?Bestselling author Kalynn Bayron continues the story of Briseis and her family’s deadly magic in the sequel to This Poison Heart.

Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond
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A people-pleasing bridesmaid-for-hire falls for the crushable new lesbian in town. Will she finally find her happily ever after—and her own voice? 

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
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With his trademark blend of sharp characters, psychological suspense and gasp-worthy twists, Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake will shock readers until the very last page.

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
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A Discovery of Witches meets The Craft in this the first installment of this epic fantasy trilogy about a group of childhood friends who are also witches.

Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White
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A furious, queer debut novel about embracing the monster within and unleashing its power against your oppressors. Perfect for fans of Gideon the Ninth and Annihilation.

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
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In the first book of a visionary African and Arabian-inspired fantasy trilogy, three women band together against a cruel Empire that divides people by blood.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
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Evvie Drake Starts Over meets Beach Read in this heartwarming and hilarious novel about a divorced romance channel screenwriter whose script about her marriage’s collapse just might help her reclaim her life and find love.

We All Fall Down by Rose Szabo
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The first book in a dark fantasy YA duology by the author of What Big Teeth, about the power and danger of stories and the untold costs of keeping magic alive, perfect for fans of Aiden Thomas and Marie Rutkoski.

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

She was the face that launched a thousand ships, The fierce beauty at the heart of Olympus, And she was never ours to claim. A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus that’s as sinful as it is sweet.

What 2022 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Most Anticipated 2022 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Foreshadow is comprised of 13 short stories, edited and compiled by NYT best-selling authors Emily X. R. Pan (The Astonishing Color of After) and Nova Ren Suma (The Walls Around Us), but it is also so much more. The stories, which differ in genre (from contemporary romance to fantasy and even horror) are written by up and coming YA voices and introduced by a powerhouse YA writer. Not only that, but each story is accompanied by a short essay by either Emily or Nova about the writing craft: character connection, creepy atmosphere, emotional resonance, imagery, mood, voice, worldbuilding, and more. There are even story prompts to challenge aspiring writers to dig a little deeper on their own ideas, practise what they learnt from these authors, and ultimately grow their own story into something real. It’s essential for those who love the genre and those who are aspiring writers!

When Emily and Nova decided to create this project, they were sure that they wanted to bring out new voices, especially marginalised ones. They wanted to discover new and unknown authors and give them the proper space and medium to be heard. The project started as an online platform where thirty-nine authors had the chance to see their stories published. So, the website, besides the stories found on the physical collection, also features some YA authors that you may already know.

The short stories have the perfect length and are very diverse in terms of genre and character backgrounds. Even if each story has something unique and magical, they all flow together so beautifully that there isn’t a story that I wouldn’t have included; it really is a very cohesive collection. All these stories have something that’s worth reading, even the ones that take a bit of a weird turn (things do get weird sometimes!). However, giving a review of each short story would give away too much, and on this occasion, it’s best to go into it blindly. You must know though, that each new voice is powerful and the storytelling is so wonderful. You will definitely want to read more from these 13 authors: Adriana Marachlian, Desiree S. Evans, Flor Salcedo, Gina Chen, Joanna Truman, Linda Cheng, Maya Prasad, Mayra Cuevas, Nora Elghazzawi, Rachel Hylton, Sophie Meridien, Tanvi Berwah, and Tanya S. Aydelott.

However, what really makes the book are the clear and concise essays written by either Emily or Nova. Through their eyes, the reader gets to see what made each story poignant, as well as why they chose each story for the collection and the reason why we feel certain things whilst reading these stories, feelings that maybe we hadn’t even acknowledged! You get to see the little details, the ins and outs of the writing craft.

What’s also interesting about this collection is that it even offers an extensive Q&A about the editing process as well as a section at the end which introduces the editors and the authors of the short stories. Thus giving us more background about who they are, how each of them approached the writing of their story, and how they came to each of these stories, i.e. the “original seed” of their ideas.

Foreshadow is an ode to YA and the magical art that is storytelling. This short story collection will be a valuable read not only for aspiring writers, but for other readers (YA lovers or not) who want to dig a little deeper into the craft or some stories to connect with. Ultimately, in the words of its creators, Foreshadow “is a testament to all the diverse, inclusive stories that young adult fiction has to offer.”

FORESHADOW: Stories to Celebrate The Magic of Reading & Writing YA is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of October 20th 2020.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

Thirteen Short Stories from Bold New YA Voices & Writing Advice from YA Icons

Created by New York Times bestselling authors Emily X. R. Pan and Nova Ren Suma, Foreshadow is so much more than a short story collection. A trove of unforgettable fiction makes up the beating heart of this book, and the accompanying essays offer an ode to young adult literature, as well as practical advice to writers.

Featured in print for the first time, the thirteen stories anthologized here were originally released via the buzzed-about online platform Foreshadow. Ranging from contemporary romance to mind-bending fantasy, the Foreshadow stories showcase underrepresented voices and highlight the beauty and power of YA fiction. Each piece is selected and introduced by a YA luminary, among them Gayle Forman, Laurie Halse Anderson, Jason Reynolds, and Sabaa Tahir.

What makes these memorable stories tick? What sparked them? How do authors build a world or refine a voice or weave in that deliciously creepy atmosphere to bring their writing to the next level? Addressing these questions and many more are essays and discussions on craft and process by Nova Ren Suma and Emily X. R. Pan.

This unique compilation reveals and celebrates the magic of reading and writing for young adults.

The post Review: Foreshadow by Emily X.R. Pan and Nova Ren Suma appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
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In the vein of The Time Traveler’s Wife and Life After Life, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is New YorkTimes bestselling author V. E. Schwab’s genre-defying tour de force. 

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Resistance Reborn comes the first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas and woven into a tale of celestial prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic.

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
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Olivia Dade bursts onto the scene in this delightfully fun romantic comedy set in the world of fanfiction, in which a devoted fan goes on an unexpected date with her celebrity crush, who’s secretly posting fanfiction of his own. 

The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher
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With her distinctive “delightfully fresh and subversive” (SF Bluestocking) prose and the strange, sinister wonder found in Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, The Hollow Places is another compelling and white-knuckled horror novel that you won’t be able to put down.

Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
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Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark returns with Ring Shout, a dark fantasy historical novella that gives a supernatural twist to the Ku Klux Klan’s reign of terror.

Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
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A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance.

Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
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The award-winning author of The Miseducation of Cameron Post makes her adult debut with this highly imaginative and original horror-comedy centered around a cursed New England boarding school for girls—a wickedly whimsical celebration of the art of storytelling, sapphic love, and the rebellious female spirit.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
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In an unforgettable novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton
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For fans of Steven King, The Devil and the Dark Water brings a chilling new spin to the Sherlock Holmes detective duo in a thriller of supernatural horror, occult suspicion, and paranormal mystery on the high seas.

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
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Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself. A new blockbuster series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Stalking Jack the Ripper.

Foreshadow: Stories to Celebrate the Magic of Reading and Writing YA by Emily X.R. Pan and Nova Ren Suma
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Created by New York Times bestselling authors Emily X. R. Pan and Nova Ren Suma, Foreshadow is so much more than a short story collection. A trove of unforgettable fiction makes up the beating heart of this book, and the accompanying essays offer an ode to young adult literature, as well as practical advice to writers.

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
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In the late 1800s, three sisters use witchcraft to change the course of history in a Hugo award-winning author’s powerful novel of magic amid the suffragette movement.

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

The post October 2020 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

There is absolutely no denying that 2018 has been a fantastic book year thus far. Whether you read Romance, YA, or Adult Fantasy, there are a ton of great new releases to satiate even the most insatiable bookworm. What has really made 2018 a great book year though is the number of debut authors coming out of the woodwork. The best thing about these debut authors? Their novels aren’t reading like the works of first time authors.

Read on to discover some of our favourites and tell us in the comments if you agree!

Alexandra Christo – To Kill A Kingdom
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Who doesn’t love a dark retelling of The Little Mermaid? To Kill A Kingdom was dark, fast-paced, and exceeded all expectations. With a heart stealing siren as one main character, and a siren killing prince as the other, it was bound to be an interesting adventure. Christo’s writing flowed smoothly and made the book a quick and enjoyable read.

Tomi Adeyemi – Children of Blood and Bone
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A tale of revenge, lost magic, and forbidden love, Children of Blood and Bone is an enchanting YA Fantasy that has left readers begging for more. At over five-hundred pages, it’s definitely an investment of time, but a worthwhile one. It also happens to have one of the most gorgeous covers of the year with a stunning book spine.

Helen Hoang – The Kiss Quotient
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The cover of this book may be a little bit deceiving, I certainly didn’t expect for The Kiss Quotient to be such a steamy read. When Stella decides that she needs relationship practice, she hires a male escort, Michael to teach her the ins and outs of dating. Stella and Michael’s chemistry jumped off the page and their romantic development felt so genuine. Hoang is releasing another book with an autistic main character next year and we can’t wait to read it.

Laura Sebastian – Ash Princess
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Years after her parents  were murdered, her kingdom is stolen from under her, and her people are enslaved. Now, Theo decides it’s time to fight back. There is nothing quite like a strong female lead, and Ash Princess certainly has one. Theo is tough as nails and sharp as a tack. The sequel comes out next year, and after the way this one ended, readers are clamouring for it.

KD Elizabeth – Miss InstaPrincess
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Those of you familiar with the Bookstagram community and the variety of Etsy shops featured on it, may know KD Elizabeth as the owner of the shop Bookified. She’s been enchanting bookworms with letters from their favourite book boyfriends, and decided to put her talent into writing a novel. Miss InstaPrincess is a laugh out loud hilarious romance with a clever premise and fantastic chemistry. This debut indie is the perfect light summer romance.

Jasmine Guillory – The Wedding Date
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Fake date: one of the most entertaining tropes in the romance industry. When done right, it can be a ton of fun to read about. Fortunately for readers, Guillory did a fantastic job with this beloved trope. When Drew needs a last-minute date to his ex-girlfriend’s wedding, he does the unthinkable and invites a total stranger. Alexa and Drew’s relationship seems doomed from the start, but their journey is full of laughs and yes, quite a few steamy moments as well.

Adrienne Young – Sky in the Deep
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Sky in the Deep has an incredible message, one that readers can really connect with, particularly in this day and age. It is a wonderfully deep novel about hate and the negative impacts it can have on a culture. With Vikings, betrayal and a strong family presence, it is a powerful read and a stunning debut for Young.

Emily X. R. Pan – The Astonishing Color of After
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When Leigh travels to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time, she learns more about herself than she expected to. With a gorgeous cover and an exceptional message, The Astonishing Color of After is a debut novel that readers can really connect with. It’s a story about love, family ties, and overcoming grief that is genuinely touching.

Annie Sullivan – A Touch of Gold
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A Touch of Gold is a gender-swapped King Midas retelling. Yes, that’s right a King Midas retelling. Need I really say more? Annie Sullivan really chose a fantastic story for her breakout debut, one that is well written and creative. The world she builds in this novel is immersive and rich, easily sucking readers in to the narrative.

Somaiya Daud – Mirage
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With its stunning cover and captivating synopsis, Mirage has quickly become one of the most anticipated releases of 2018. The main character, Amani is kidnapped and taken to the palace to be her body double. The novel is filled with intrigue, court politics and the constant threat of death. Definitely one to add to your TBR!

Any other 2018 debut authors you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 10 Debut Female Authors Blowing Our Minds In 2018 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.