Hi, Evelyn! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I’m so happy to be back here on The Nerd Daily! For readers new to me, I’m a New York Times bestselling author of 11 novels. I’ve written everything from contemporary magical realism to a fantasy for Netflix to a sweet princess book for Disney. I live in California with my husband and daughter, and my current hobby is learning how not to kill my houseplants.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I have loved reading for as long as I can remember. Growing up, Pizza Hut had a reading challenge where you could get a free personal pizza after reading a certain number of books, and I was very motivated to eat as much free pizza as possible. The staff at our local Pizza Hut were probably like, Oh look, it’s that nerdy reader kid again!

As for writing, I wrote a lot of poetry and short stories as a kid, and I majored in Russian literature in college. But it actually didn’t occur to me that I could become a writer (as a real job!) until I was in my 30s.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Strawberry Shortcake’s Cooking Fun (it was a children’s cookbook, and I still have a copy on my bookshelf).
• The one that made you want to become an author: Twilight, because it surprised me how addictive it was and I wanted to figure out why I couldn’t put it down, and then see if I could write something as compelling, myself.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. The characters are so deep and nuanced. It’s a master class in writing.

Your latest novel, Ideal Life, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Rewind and redo 24 hours.

What can readers expect?

A scientist gets a watch that lets her rewind the last 24 hours, as many times as she wants. She uses it to redo things to perfection so she can live her ideal life. But her focus on optimizing herself causes other things to fray, like her relationship with her best friend and also her sister. The lingering question is, does obsessing over self-improvement and optimizing everything make us forget to actually live?

This book also explores AI and technology and what responsibility the inventors have when wielding the ability to change people’s lives, for better or for worse. I did a lot of research about Silicon Valley, and the characters represent different perspectives on technology.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

It was challenging to write about AI while the technology itself was changing so rapidly. With big publishers like mine, authors have to finish writing the book about a year before the publication date. So I had to predict what kind of technology would (or would not yet) exist by the time the book came out in order for the characters’ viewpoints and the plot to be relevant.

For example, when I started writing Ideal Life a couple years ago, smart glasses were not mainstream. But through my research, I saw that not only Meta, but also Google, Apple, and others were talking about them in their investor earnings calls and other industry news reports. So I wrote smart glasses into my book, in hopes that by the time Ideal Life published, readers would actually know what smart glasses were but also that they would still feel like relatively new technology. I was lucky I got that timing right!

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a secret project that is quite different from any book I’ve written before, but that’s part of the fun! I think that if you’re a writer, you shouldn’t be pigeon-holed into writing only one genre but should, instead, write what you enjoy at the moment. Anyway, I’m excited about this new book I’m working on and can’t wait to tell you all about it when it’s ready!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?

I’m late to Stories of Your Life and others by Ted Chiang but enjoyed it immensely. I recently read Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee; her prose is always so beautiful. As for what I’m looking forward to, John Green’s new one, Hollywood, Ending.

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

The post Q&A: Evelyn Skye, Author of ‘Ideal Life’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

FOLKLORE

Folklore retellings are undeniably spellbinding, often blending whimsy with magical beings and a twisty bargain or two… 

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

With a captivating cast of characters, addictive romance, and an action-packed plot, A Curse So Dark and Lonely delivers a delightful YA retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.”

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

A Sorceress Comes to Call enchants as it reimagines the Brothers Grimm’s “Goose Girl,” blending forbidden magic, secrets, and murder in an irresistible Gothic atmosphere.

Call Forth a Fox by Markelle Grabo

Cozy with a tinge of darkness and filled with fae, curses, and sapphic love, Call Forth a Fox reimagines the story of “Snow-White and Rose-Red.”

Cinder House by Freya Marske

Cinder House is a “Cinderella” retelling brimming with haunting, magical world-building; an addictive queer romance; and a creative, propulsive plot that presents a fresh interpretation of Cinderella’s story while delivering delightful familiarity.

Gilded by Marissa Meyer

Gilded is a YA “Rumpelstiltskin” retelling filled with a tender romance, a haunted castle, wonderfully creepy beasts, and a dark yet welcoming atmosphere that captures the feeling of curling up in a blanket, a fire crackling beside you as a storm thunders outside. 

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher

In Hemlock & Silver, Kingfisher’s darkly enchanting prosepresents Snow White’s story through the gaze of a healer named Anja, adding even more adventure, poison, magic, love, and wit to the tale.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Ghosts, mystery, sisterhood, secrets, and horror fill the captivating Gothic atmosphere of House of Salt and Sorrows, presenting a new take on “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.”

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Lady Tremaine explores Cinderella’s story from the “evil” stepmother’s point of view, revealing a whole new side of the story—one of motherhood, survival, glamor, decay, and love.

No Better Than Beasts by Z.R. Ellor

No Better Than Beasts reimagines the Nutcracker story with whimsical world-building and a twisty, addictive plot.

The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

The Bone Spindle reimagines “Sleeping Beauty”with an Indiana Jones twist, delivering a cinematic YA fantasy of love, adventure, and found family.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a whimsical YA retelling of “The Tale of Shim Cheong” filled with mythical creatures and vivid world-building perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli.

The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

Murder, mystery, magic, mythology, and monsters unite to retell the tale of Bluebeard in The House Saphir.

Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods

Combining “Cinderella” and “The Little Mermaid,” Woods creates a thoroughly spellbinding story of love, magic, seduction, secrets, and history in Upon a Starlit Tide, set in Saint-Malo, Brittany, in 1758.

CLASSICS

Retellings of classics delight as they explore old, beloved stories through modern lenses. Whether you’re new to classics or an avid reader of them, these retellings are the perfect way to introduce yourself to these timeless tales or revisit an old favorite.

For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga

For She Is Wrath is a fierce and addictive Pakistani YA retelling of The Count of Monte Cristowith action, romance, and female friendship.

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn

With a haunting, Gothic atmosphere; sapphic love story; and captivating horror and history, Hungerstone delivers a thrilling retelling of Carmilla.

Local Heavens by K.M. Fajardo

The Great Gatsby emerges with a cyberpunk twist in Local Heavens, featuring queer dystopian romances, tech-modified bodies, and a Filipino American Nick Carraway.

One for All by Lillie Lainoff

Sword fighting, sisterhood, secrets, and self-love abound in One for All, a gender-bent YA retelling of The Three Musketeers following a fierce heroine with a chronic illness. 

Sing the Night by Megan Jauregui Eccles

Sing the Night is a sweeping retelling of The Phantom of the Operathat brims with vivid imagery, magic, and music. 

Strike the Zither by Joan He

Strike the Zither is a cinematic YA reimagining of the Chinese novel The Three Kingdoms,filled with political intrigue, found family, and a gripping love story.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood

Haunting and romantic, Within These Wicked Walls is an unputdownable Ethiopian-inspired YA retelling of Jane Eyre. 

Greek Mythology

Greek mythology retellings often feel nostalgic as I’m transported back to the plotlines, drama, magic, and chaos of the Greek mythology tales I adored as a child. If you haven’t yet dove into the treasure trove that is Greek mythology, never fear—these retellings are perfect for new and old fans alike:

Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews

Daughter of Sparta is an action-packed, fierce, and empowering YA reimagining of the story of Apollo and Daphne. 

Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald

Girl, Goddess, Queen is a fierce and addictive YA retelling of Hades and Persephone’s story, brimming with banter, fake dating, and a compelling cast of characters. 

I, Medusa by Ayana Gray

Exploring sisterhood, love, power, and feminine rage, I, Medusa is a lush retelling of the story of Medusa featuring a Black protagonist.

The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett

The Witch of Colchis retells the story of Medea with feminine rage, magic, and action.

Arthurian Legend

While I adore Arthurian legend, its portrayal of women is frequently less than favorable. Morgan le Fay often appears as a villainous crone, and Queen Guinevere’s character is usually passive and underdeveloped. Thus, I was beyond delighted when I discovered these retellings of Arthurian legend that shine a light on the power of women:

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Legendborn powerfully reimagines King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, presenting a YA dark academia novel with magic that powerfully explores racism and grief.

Morgan is My Name by Sophie Keetch

Morgan is My Name reimagines the early life of Morgan le Fay, highlighting her strength and presenting her tale with atmospheric world-building, lyrical prose, and political intrigue.

The Once and Future Queen by Paula Lafferty

The Once and Future Queen reimagines Queen Guinevere’s story with a cozy, adventurous, darkly magical atmosphere and a captivating cast of characters, including the spunky and fierce new Guinevere, Vera.

Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s works brim with wit, drama, and even magic. His tragedies and his comedies are equally sweeping, and these retellings beautifully capture the exhilaration of reading (or watching) a Shakespearean play:

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

Lady Macbeth retells the story of Lady Macbeth, presenting a Gothic atmosphere; Scottish folklore; themes of power, patriarchy, and revenge; and a compelling main character who redefines what it means to be a witch.

Salt & Sugar by Rebecca Carvalho

Heart-warming, mouth-watering, and swoon-worthy, Salt & Sugar reimagines Romeo & Juliet in present-day Brazil. 

The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye

Romantic, bingeable, and emotional, The Hundred Loves of Juliet retells Romeo & Juliet with a modern, magical twist. 

The post 30 Must-Read Retellings To Add To Your TBR appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Releasing on July 30^th, One Year Ago in Spain takes you on a tour of the best parts of Madrid, while also following a beautiful love story about second chances, found family, and being appreciated for exactly who you are.

It’s summer and vacation envy is at its peak! I’m not actually going anywhere, but I’m happy to let books take me away.

I was inspired to set One Year Ago in Spain in Madrid after my trip there a couple years ago. Writing the book immersed me once again in the gorgeous plazas and outdoor cafes, the delight of discovering new tapas and indulging in churros dipped in warm, melted chocolate. And most of all, the people and the beautiful language and culture of Spain.

So here are some of my favorite reads that can take you there, and then continue your bookish tour through more of Europe. Happy reading!

SPAIN

The Vacationers by Emma Straub

While One Year Ago in Spain will whisk you off to Madrid, The Vacationers by Emma Straub takes you to Mallorca on the Spanish islands. This one is not a love story, but a book about family—the tensions that quiver among them and the bonds that keep them together, despite growing apart over the years.

I enjoyed going “on vacation” with this family, especially when Straub highlights people’s very different vacation philosophies—matriarch Franny is anxious to control every aspect of the trip to make sure it’s perfect for everyone, 18-year-old Sylvia just wants to lounge by the pool and not spend the summer taking Spanish lessons, and then there’s everyone else who arrives with their own literal and emotional baggage, which lead to… complications. We’ve all been on a trip with personalities that don’t quite mesh. But don’t worry, this isn’t your family, and you can read about their Spanish vacation mishaps from the comfy distance of your pool lounge chair.

FRANCE

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl

I was in Paris earlier this year, speaking and autographing books at le Festival du Livre de Paris, and I wish I could have spent more than a week there. Never fear, though, because The Paris Novel came out just in time to take me back (but without the Olympics crowds).

I’ve been a huge fan of food writer Ruth Reichl’s work for a long time, dating back to Garlic and Sapphires, her memoir about being a food critic in disguise. So I was thrilled when Reichl recently published The Paris Novel, a mouthwatering novel set in 1980s Paris that’s full of the sort of delicious food details I adore.

If you’re a foodie and book lover like me, The Paris Novel is tailor made for you. Main character Stella rediscovers herself as she first stumbles—then strides—through the City of Lights, from decadent meals to vintage fashion shops to the revered steps of the beloved bookstore, Shakespeare & Co.

ITALY

Still Life by Sarah Winman

This is the kind of book I love to savor and take my time with. Still Life is historical fiction, and while I don’t normally read historical fiction when I’m at the pool, this one is different. Winman paints such a loving image of Italy that it doesn’t matter whether it’s Tuscany in 1944 or now—it reminds me of how much I love that country and its rich history.

The characters in this book are what really make it. There is so much attention and care paid to each of them—the façades they first present, the depths they sometimes try to hide, and the genuine, poignant friendships they build among themselves. Still Life is a book that has a permanent place on my “favorites” shelf; I will be reading this one again and again.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

When asked whose books mine most resemble, Rebecca Serle is the name that always pops up first. Just like in One Year Ago in Spain, her novel One Italian Summer is grounded solidly in the real, modern world—except for one little surreal detail, where the main character sees a loved one from the past, but here in the present.

This novel set on the Amalfi Coast reunites Katy with her mother, who has recently passed away but who reappears to her in Italy—a younger version of herself, who does not yet know who Katy is, and instead, becomes a friend to vacation with. One Italian Summer is a beautiful story about learning about your parents as more than just your parents. When you’re finished with this one, maybe you’ll also want to raise a glass of limoncello to the younger adult version of your own mother.

GREECE

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

In her Hades x Persephone series, romantasy queen Scarlett St. Clair has created a lush alternative version of Greece called “New Greece.” The story begins in New Athens where Persephone—who sadly has little talent as a goddess of spring—tries to reinvent herself as an ordinary mortal and journalist. But of course, this is not the fate that Hades has in store for her.

If you’re craving a mythological retelling with a spicy romance twist, this one belongs in your beach bag for sure.

ENGLAND

Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

What if you picked up the wrong suitcase at the airport, and it turned out to belong to the man of your dreams? And what if that suitcase also takes you to a part of England you’ve never visited, far from the hustle and bustle of London and the tourist crowds?

I love Sophie Cousens books because her protagonists are always women I feel I can identify with. They are independent yet still finding their way in the world.

Just Haven’t Met You Yet has the added bonus of taking you to the Channel Islands, which I had never actually heard of before (being from California, I thought at first that the book was set on our Channel Islands in the Pacific Ocean.) I fell in love with the characters and the countryside charm of the British Channel Islands. It’s a perfect read for when you want a book that feels like a warm hug.

Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

Being a huge fan of Crazy Rich Asians, I’m always thrilled whenever Kevin Kwan has a new book out. We’ve all come to expect over-the-top backdrops, juicy gossip, and characters with more money than Bernard Arnault, and Kwan doesn’t disappoint with Lies and Weddings.

While this story is set in part in England, its jetsetting crowd also takes you around the globe from Hawaii to Marrakech. Sure, I started this reading list with the idea of going to Europe, but if a Kevin Kwan character is paying for my first class ticket, I’m game to travel anywhere they want to go!

The post Evelyn Skye’s Favourite Books To Whisk You Away To A European Vacation appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Like many fantasy YA novels, Kichona is ruled by the imperial family with the direct blessing from the Gods. But you know what stood out? The idea that their emperors and empresses didn’t wear crowns.

“Empress Aki didn’t need a crown; members of the Ora family were born with the gleaming colour of royalty already upon their heads.”

Almost all novels with royalty have descriptions that are borderline excessive about their rich and aristocratic lifestyles, and yet Skye chose to take a different direction and it was this simplicity that really started to get me into the story because this set it apart from so many others before it.

Another element, albeit small was the idea of white being the colour of mourning. I liked this spin because it was original and it shed light on the world as being one based on optimism. The people of Kichona preferred to mourn in light rather than grieve in the dark. Original and creative.

And if this world wasn’t already hell-bent on contrast, the black shrouded taigas are surrounded by a bright and vivid world with a crystal rose palace to protect. The imagery in here is insanely well written!

“Aki had the distinct sensation that she was swimming in deceptively calm waters but about to be carried out to sea by a riptide.”

This points out how perceptive the Empress is and this stood out. She’s not a ruler who takes a back seat on decisions and she is unafraid to call out tradition if it’s not working and that was insanely refreshing. She is definitely a ruler free of corruption and immune to the charms of power.

“Suddenly, a shock wave rattled his gemina bond and colored it black, like ink injected into water.”

There are tons of great examples of how well-written this book is and the best part is how it doesn’t complicate the read. The imagery and description are light and helps drive the story without bogging it down which is especially hard when crafting a new world for readers to dive into. This again speaks to Skye’s ability to write.

Along with building Kichona, she also created a new magic system that had a distinct line between good and bad. The taigas magic draws from the natural abilities of animals, like using the speed of a cheetah or the ability to climb walls like a spider and this was so unique to me and it shows that they value what nature has to offer them. Whereas the Ryuu use the magic they see around them to coerce a more elemental type of magic like manipulating the sea or wind. The Ryuu magic is one built on destruction and the Taigas magic is used to help keep the peace and having them different makes this a more interesting read because it doesn’t get boring. They use tons of different skills throughout that really showcases how they perceive their magic and you can see the clear line between good and evil.

Taigas are also given names that specifically hint towards their personality and I found that both adorable and another element that made it easier to follow the story. For example, Fairy. She’s given the nickname because she is petite and pretty like a pixie but has the clever and trickster personality associated with fairies.

“That’s right because if anyone kisses and tells, I’ll rip out his manhood and serve it to him on a platter. Right?”

She’s an underestimated flirt who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. She is also very brave and like I said hilarious to read! I am definitely looking forward to reading more about her in the sequel because she is a delight. And her gemina, Broomstick (it’s a long story) is a sweetie!

Almost every single character develops as the plot plays out but the most notable one would have to be main character, Sora. In the very beginning she is basically throwing away her talents and focusing on silly pranks. And by the end she’s taken on so much, it seems like she’s a different person altogether. I won’t spoil because these are twists and turns that need to be a surprise because the shock value is insane.

But one thing that many seem to be wondering about is if this book has romance. And I’ll tell you right now that it does. An unconventional one where it’s more about friends and sticking together through thick and thin but there is a love triangle that forms near the end and it will make you grip the book even harder and wish you had the sequel on stand-by, because you will want to know how it plays out. I’ll give you hint though, there’s a forbidden love at the center that seems to be one-sided and an inner struggle that they face because geminas are forbidden from being together. What romance there is, I promise you, is both adorable and heart-wrenching.

“But your majesty, this is the purpose of the taigas. We serve you and the kingdom, whatever and however you need. You must stay alive and with your wits about you if Kichona is to survive Prince Gin’s attacks. As one of your soldiers, it would be my honour to do this for you and our kingdom.”

If I could sum up this book with one word it would be loyalty. There are four taigas who seem to be fighting for all of Kichona and they are fearless. They rely on one another and know that there is a huge possibility that they could die and yet they follow through because they love their people and their home.

“And they’d always said that if they were going to die, they wanted to die fighting together. All four of them.”

These taigas are full of honour and loyalty! This is definitely a story that involves death and bloodshed and these characters know it and yet, they don’t run, they stay and fight and this will definitely make a few cry. It’s powerful stuff, I warn you now. Any fans of the Musketeers BBC show will love this book! They share a lot in common and loyalty is found at its core. So if you’re fan of the show or end up liking this book check out the other because it’s very similar! The humour will not disappoint either.

“Broomstick stepped up beside him, glanced over, and put his fists over his heart. No words were necessary. Daemon nodded and mirrored the gesture. They were sacrifices. But they would go down fighting.”

There are scenes that definitely rip your heart out like this once above but it is worth it! This book deserves a 10 out of 10. It was brilliant and different with witty banter, strong characters and a plot filled with twists and turns to keep you on your toes. There are so many elements that make this novel unique and an absolute treasure. I recommend reading her other series that takes place in Russia called, The Crown’s Game because it too has a battle of two very different magics that is definitely anything but boring. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves seeing unique magic because if there’s one thing that I know, it’s that Skye can write about magic without it being dull or dry.

Circle of Shadows is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Have you read Circle of Shadows? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Sora can move as silently as a ghost and hurl throwing stars with lethal accuracy. Her gemina, Daemon, can win any physical fight blindfolded and with an arm tied around his back. They are apprentice warriors of the Society of Taigas—marked by the gods to be trained in magic and the fighting arts to protect the kingdom of Kichona.

As their graduation approaches, Sora and Daemon look forward to proving themselves worthy of belonging in the elite group—but in a kingdom free of violence since the Blood Rift Rebellion many years ago, it’s been difficult to make their mark.

So when Sora and Daemon encounter a strange camp of mysterious soldiers while on a standard scouting mission, they decide the only thing to do to help their kingdom is to infiltrate the group. Taking this risk will change Sora’s life forever—and lead her on a mission of deception that may fool everyone she’s ever loved.

Love, spies, and adventure abound as Sora and Daemon unravel a complex web of magic and secrets that might tear them—and the entire kingdom—apart forever. 

The post Review: Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Need some sci-fi? Mike Chen’s Here and Now and Then sees a time-traveling secret agent from 2142 stuck in the 1990’s, while Eyal Kless’ The Lost Puzzler is a page-turning post-dystopian debut novel.

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

The Binding by Bridget Collins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the tradition of Sarah Waters, Helene Wecker, and Jessie Burton, an atmospheric and mystery-laden historical novel set within a magical world where books are not stories but the repository of individual lives.

The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Following their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen.

Slayer by Kiersten White
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White comes a brand-new series set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that introduces a new Slayer as she grapples with the responsibility of managing her incredible powers that she’s just beginning to understand.

The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

S. A. Chakraborty continues the sweeping adventure begun in The City of Brass—”the best adult fantasy I’ve read since The Name of the Wind” (#1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir)—conjuring a world where djinn summon flames with the snap of a finger and waters run deep with old magic; where blood can be dangerous as any spell, and a clever con artist from Cairo will alter the fate of a kingdom.

Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A thrilling new fantasy series full of magic and betrayal—from Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of the Crown’s Game series. Love, spies, and adventure abound as Sora and Daemon unravel a complex web of magic and secrets that might tear them—and the entire kingdom—apart forever.

Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Echo Alkaev’s safe and carefully structured world falls apart after he mysteriously disappears. Believing he is lost forever, Echo is shocked to find him half-frozen in the winter forest six months later, guarded by a strange talking wolf—the same creature who attacked her as a child. The wolf presents Echo with an offer: for her to come and live with him for a year. In his enchanted house beneath a mountain, Echo discovers centuries-old secrets, a magical library full of books-turned-mirrors, and a young man named Hal who is trapped inside of them.

Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A uniquely emotional genre-bending debut, Here and Now and Then captures the perfect balance of heart, playfulness, and imagination, offering an intimate glimpse into the crevices of a father’s heart, and its capacity to stretch across both space and time to protect the people that mean the most.

The Lost Puzzler by Eyal Kless
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A brilliantly written, page-turning, post-dystopian debut from Eyal Kless, about a society hoping to salvage the technology of a lost generation, a mysterious missing boy who can open doors no one else can, and a scribe who must piece together the past to determine humanity’s future.

Analiese Rising by Brenda Drake
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list of names before he dies, the last thing she expects to see is her own on it. Her search for answers leads to the man’s grandson, Marek, who has dangerous secrets of his own. Both are determined to unlock the mystery of the list. But the truth is deadly. Analiese is a descendant of the God of Death, known as a Riser, with the power to raise the dead and control them.

The Wolf In The Whale by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A young Inuit shaman’s epic quest for survival in the frozen lands of North America in 1000 AD. The Wolf in the Whale is a powerful tale of magic, discovery and adventure, featuring an unforgettable narrator ready to confront the gods themselves.

Vigilance by Robert Jackson Bennett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Robert Jackson Bennett’s Vigilance is a dark science fiction action parable from an America that has permanently surrendered to gun violence.

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rick Riordan Presents Yoon Ha Lee’s space opera about thirteen-year-old Min, who comes from a long line of fox spirits. But you’d never know it by looking at her. his sci-fi adventure with the underpinnings of Korean mythology will transport you to a world far beyond your imagination.

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

The post January Book Releases: Fantasy + Sci-Fi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

January 2019 sees the release of some highly anticipated and exciting new young adult fantasy books! While there are many to get excited about, we’ve picked nine incredible books that you should definitely get your hands on! From Leigh Bardugo’s King of Scars, to books by Holly Black, Roshani Chokshi, and Kiersten White—you’ll be sure to find something to whisk you away to another world or place!

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Leigh Bardugo is back and better than ever with the first in the new Nikolai duology! We follow the young king Nikolai Lantsov trying to rebuild his kingdom after the bloody civil war weakens them all. To do this, he must forge new alliances and hone in on his skills to create a land of prosper and freedom. However, the dark magic inside him is growing stronger and stronger every day. Nikolai must go on a journey to relinquish the darkness, but at what cost?

The Wicked King by Holly Black
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The highly anticipated second novel in The Folk in the Air series follows on from the discovery of Oak’s heritage to the Faerie. Jude knows she must keep him safe from others and the only way is to bind herself to the evil king, Carden, leading to a mapped-out life of humiliation and undermining. But that all changes after someone close to Jude is out to betray her. She has little time to find the traitor and untangle her feelings towards the Faerie. Will she run out of time?

Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sora is a brilliant killer. With her gemina, Daemian, they are the perfect apprentice warriors at the Society of Taigas, a special school for those marked by the Gods to protect the people of Kichana. With graduation fast approaching, they encounter a camp of mysterious soldiers on a routine check. Whilst they help the kingdom infiltrate the group, they’ll realise they got a lot more than they bargained for.

The Girl King by Mimi Yu
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Lu is destined to become the 1^st female ruler of her kingdom whilst her sister, Min, has resigned herself to a life in the shadows of her sibling. When their father declares their male cousin, Set, the new heir to the throne, it sends both sisters into a spiral that changes the course of their lives forever. After Lu goes on the run, she meets Nokhai. A wolf shapeshifter whose loved ones were killed by her family. Whilst, their meeting occurs, Min’s hidden power begin to awaken and give her a chance at power herself. Only one can be Emperor and it’s a role many will die for.

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
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In 1889 Paris, the world is full of industry and power with a group called Exposition Universelle is giving new life whilst also bringing up ancient secrets. Séverin Montagnet is one of the best treasure hunter on the planet and his reputation has caught the Order of Babel. They are seeking treasure and will pay him in riches beyond his wildest dreams, his identity. With his best friend, an engineer, a dancer, and a historian in tow, they set out on an adventure that could be their last.

Slayer by Kiersten White
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Growing up at the Watcher’s Academy, Nina and her twin sister Artemis come from a long line of Slayers who hold superhuman strength. Whilst Nina’s mum is part of the Watcher Council, she chooses a life of healing and becomes a medic. After Nina becomes the last Slayer in the bloodline, it is all on her to chase her destiny, but as bodies start turning up she realises the one she loves might be next. Will she solve it before anyone else loses their life?

White Stag by Kara Barbieri
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Whilst girls are usually raised to be wives and mothers, 17-year-old Janneke was trained to hunt and fight as the next male heir. After her village is burnt to the ground, Janneke is captured by Lydien as the only survivor and is sent to work for his nephew, Soren. After the Goblin King dies, the hunt of the next king begins, and Soren believes this is Janneke’s true destiny. But as she delves further into his world, Janneke must choose between holding on or letting go of her old world.

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

The post 7 YA Fantasy Books To Buy This January appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our Fantasy & Sci-Fi picks and tell us if you’ll be reading one of them in the comments below!

The Crown’s Fate by Evelyn Skye | Goodreads
The second instalment of The Crown’s Game series sees Russia on the brink of great change, Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected. With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves.

The Boy on The Bridge by M. R. Carey | Goodreads
Once upon a time, in a land blighted by terror, there was a very clever boy. The people thought the boy could save them, so they opened their gates and sent him out into the world. To where the monsters lived.

Sealskin by Su Bristow | Goodreads
Donald, a young fisherman living in Scotland, witnesses something miraculous, and makes a terrible mistake. His action changes lives—not only his own, but those of his family and the entire tightly knit community in which they live. Can he ever atone for the wrong he has done, and can love grow when its foundation is violence? Based on the legend of the selkies—seals who can transform into people—evokes the harsh beauty of the landscape, the resilience of its people, both human and animal, and the triumph of hope over fear and prejudice.

The Clothesline Swing by Ahmad Danny Ramadan | Goodreads
Inspired by Arabian Tales of One Thousand and One Nights, here is an epic story of two lovers anchored to the memory of a dying Syria. One is a Hakawati, a storyteller, keeping life in forward motion by relaying remembered fables to his dying partner. Each night he weaves stories of his childhood in Damascus, of the cruelty he has endured for his sexuality, of leaving home, of war, of his fated meeting with his lover. Meanwhile Death himself shares the house with the two men, eavesdropping on their secrets as he awaits their final undoing.

Shift of Shadow and Soul by Hilary Thompson | Goodreads
There are three kinds of magic in the world, and Corentine has the wrong one. Long ago, the Restless King forced Corentine’s people into hiding as he scoured their blood for the SoulShifter so she must hide her power or risk the same death her twin suffered. Raised to trust no-one, she rejects the General’s son Sy, until she realizes his family secrets might be the key to unlocking hers. When his brother turns against them, they are forced to fight family to save what’s left of their home, or accept banishment to find a new future.

The Argus Deceit by Chuck Grossart | Goodreads
Brody exists in four different lives, in four simultaneous identities: a happy young boy, lovelorn teenager, damaged young man, and a pitiable middle-aged loner. He lives blissfully unaware of his undivided nature until time begins to stop and start for him alone. As the barriers between his realities begin to flicker and blur, Brody’s confusion and fear find a sympathetic understanding in Constance Drake. Threatened by madness and oblivion, the two embark on a desperate search for answers. The truth may set them free—or utterly destroy them.

Assassin’s Fate by Robin Hobb | Goodreads
The third instalment in The Fitz and The Fool series follows Fitz’s young daughter, Bee, who has been kidnapped by the Servants, a secret society whose members not only dream of possible futures but use their prophecies to add to their wealth and influence. Bee plays a crucial part in these dreams—but just what part remains uncertain. The Fitz and the Fool believing her dead, embark on a mission of revenge that will take them to the distant island where the Servants reside—a place the Fool once called home and later called prison.

Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton | Goodreads
In 1876, warring Indian tribes still populate America’s western territories even as lawless gold-rush towns begin to mark the landscape. In much of the country it is still illegal to espouse evolution. Against this backdrop two monomaniacal paleontologists pillage the Wild West, hunting for dinosaur fossils, while surveilling, deceiving and sabotaging each other in a rivalry that will come to be known as the Bone Wars.

Dark Breaks The Dawn by Sara B. Larson | Goodreads
Now 18, Princess Evelayn of Eadrolan can finally access the full range of her magical powers. But while her mother remains busy at the war front, the corrupt king is plotting in the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon. King Bain wants to control both kingdoms, and his plan will see Evelayn on the throne sooner than she expected. In order to defeat Bain and his sons, Evelayn will quickly have to learn to shapeshift and rely on the alluring Lord Tanvir, but not everyone is what they seem, and the balance between Light and Dark comes at a steep price.

Radiate by C.A. Higgins | Goodreads
In the follow-up to Lightless and Supernova, Ananke, a sentient artificial intelligence, is on a quest to find companionship, understanding, and even love. She is accompanied by Althea, the engineer who created her, and whom she sees as her mother. And she is in search of her father, Matthew, the programmer whose code gave her the spark of life. Ananke and her parents are racing toward an inevitable collision, with consequences as violent as the birth of the solar system itself and as devastating as the discovery of love.

The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn | Goodreads
In England 1815, two travellers from the future arrive in a field, dishevelled and weighed down with hidden money. Rachel and Liam aren’t the first team of time travellers, but their mission is the most audacious yet: meet, befriend, and steal from Jane Austen and obtain an unpublished novel. On their mission, the two face struggles as Rachel fights to reconcile her true self with the constrictions of 19th century society and with their portal home closing, they struggle to leave history as they found it…however heartbreaking that proves.

Deadmen Walking by Sherrilyn Kenyon | Goodreads
Devyl Bane, an ancient dark warlord returned to the human realm as one of the most notorious pirates in the New World. A man of many secrets, Bane makes a pact with Thorn an immortal charged with securing the worst creations the ancient gods ever released into our world. Those powers have been imprisoned for eons behind enchanted gates . . . gates that are beginning to buckle. At Thorn’s behest, Bane takes command of a crew of Deadmen and, together, they are humanity s last hope to restore the gates and return the damned to their hell realms.

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