Before we jump into this review, steer away now if you haven’t read Where Dreams Descend because there might be spoilers.

Now, if you HAVE read Where Dreams Descend, you know that the magical competition that Kallia entered has had DISASTROUS consequences. Daron Demarco has fallen from grace and become front page news, but all that matters to him is what happened to the young woman he fell for. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her back, even embarking on a journey that could end with his own life on the line. Kallia, on the other hand, has never been more lost. With an untrustworthy Jack by her side, she’s got to navigate a world that shows both illusions and memories, but distinguishing which is the truth is the real puzzle. She’ll have to go head to head with this world’s game master who has the power to destroy the world she left behind, and the boy her heart won’t let her forget.

Every aspect of this story is engaging and I cannot even begin to express how much I loved this story. It’s set up really well, and it genuinely feels like I’m sitting in the front row, and the curtain is rising on the intermission of a show. Tensions are already high and steadily climbing. Kallia is lost and stuck with the one person she can’t trust. She’s a young woman made of anger and rage, with a mulish desire to teach those who have wronged her a lesson. At the same time, she’s suffered a loss that she’s having to deal with at the same time. Jack, of course, continues to be a frustrating enigma…but now we get to see a slightly different and more desperate version of someone that wants to protect as well as keep secrets. Meanwhile, Daron is suffering from anxiety, but also fear. Each and every one of these characters seems to be ripped apart just enough to make them desperate. That bleeds into the reader.

Angeles seems to captivate not only the emotions of these characters, but the magic of this world into something that could be tangible if we closed our eyes long enough. I want to say that it’s fast paced, but I was honestly driven by my own desire to see what was going to happen next. Not only that, but there’s a very gorgeous romantic tension that I think readers will be writing fan-fiction about for years to come. I loved reading every minute of it. Every stare, kiss, and touch will send every fan of this story into a mess of delighted squeals.

There are very few books that I’ve ever hesitated to finish because I didn’t want them to end. When Night Breaks was definitely one of them. Everything about this book called to me, and I genuinely cannot wait to see more come from Angeles. She writes very engaging characters that stick with you, with strong heroines that know what they want. What I love even more is that these characters are flawed, hurt, or growing in some positive way. It’s not about wallowing for an entire book, but about learning to manage and cope with hard emotions and situations and becoming someone even greater.

The characters are all well developed, and we get to explore the world beyond the mirror. So many questions that I had in the first book were answered, and the ending was both satisfying and like dark chocolate, a little bittersweet at the end. I think readers will enjoy it as much as I did. This is a duology that should be on everyone’s radar.

When Night Breaks is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up When Night Breaks? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

The competition has come to a disastrous end, and Daron Demarco’s fall from grace is now front page news. But little matters to him beyond Kallia, the contestant he fell for who is now lost to this world and in the hands of a dangerous magician. Daron is willing to do whatever it takes to find her. Even if it means embarking on a dark and treacherous journey, risking more than just his life, with no promise of return.

After awaking in darkness, Kallia has never felt more lost. Especially with Jack by her side, the magician with who has the answers but cannot be trusted. Together, they must navigate a dazzling world where mirrors show memories and illusions shadow every corner, one ruled by a powerful game master who could all too easily destroy the world she left behind — and the boy she can’t seem to forget. With time running out, Kallia must embrace her role in a darker destiny, or lose everyone she loves, forever.

The post Review: When Night Breaks by Janella Angeles appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Now, let’s get into the interview:

Janella, can you tell us about yourself and about Where Dreams Descend?

First of all, thank you for having me on here—my heart feels so full right now and I’m so glad you loved the book! To answer your question, Where Dreams Descend is far more interesting than me so I will start there, haha. This story is the first in a YA fantasy duology pitched as “Phantom of the Opera meets Moulin Rouge with a dash of The Night Circus” in which a powerful showgirl named Kallia goes for her dreams of lighting up the stage by joining a magician’s competition which quickly turns into a dangerous game as contestants go missing and strange occurrences start to happen behind the scenes. As a lover of romance, musical theater, magic, and glamorous aesthetics, this book is a deep dive into me as a person. Though if I’m being honest, I’m probably the least glamorous person you’ll ever meet. Admittedly my characters dress far better than me, as you’ll most likely find me on the floor writing in pajamas rather than strutting about in sparkly gowns. Sigh.

How did you develop the premise of this story? Did you have to do a lot of plotting before writing, or did you have a fully formed idea and then fine tuned?

I’m someone who likes to gather ideas, so initially I’d always wanted to write a Phantom-esque story (Phantom of the Opera has always been a big part of my life), a story with a circus, and a story with magicians. I didn’t think to combine all of those elements into one story until years later when I watched a reality competition show about stage magicians and listened to the orchestral opening of a song from Love Never Dies (a most beloved or hated sequel to Phantom of the Opera, depending on where you stand). That’s when I had my vision of a scene that occurs later in the book (my favorite scene to date), and everything from there sort of fit into place. I’m a pantser, so I had a good grasp on the story as I was writing even if I didn’t know where it was all ultimately going which of course has its ups and downs. I just remember wanting so badly to write that particular scene, so when I finally got there, I kept going. And before I knew it, I had a whole book!

Of all of your magicians, who was your favorite to write dialogue for?

Ooh in terms of dialogue, I absolutely loved writing Kallia because she just says whatever is on her mind and enjoys scandalizing those around her. Weirdly, of my nonmagicians, I loved writing Erasmus Rayne’s dialogue as well. He’s so theatrical and over-the-top, and unnervingly opportunistic which altogether made everything he said compelling but also slightly alarming.

Do you listen to music while you write?

Yes! Most times when I’m drafting, it’s instrumental covers because lyrics are a little too distracting for me if I’m trying to churn out my own words. I’m more likely listen to all types of music when I brainstorm or am in the polishing stage.

Can you talk about the magic system you use in Where Dreams Descend?

Where Dreams Descend takes place in a world where magicians and nonmagicians coexist, but there are two types of magicians: one who is born with magic, and one who acquires magic if they have the skills and training to wield it from the air. According to legend, magic poured into the world long ago which explains how there’s magic in the air that certain people can develop skills to use. However, those born with magic are rarer and rumored to be more powerful, for their power is said to be more raw and innate. I developed this system with the concept of creativity in mind—where we have those artists with raw, natural talent vs. those who must train or study their craft really hard. And then there are just those who don’t really reach for the arts at all. Creativity to me feels like one of our closest connections to magic, so it was interesting to have that as a jumping off point for a magic system.

If it’s not too spoilery, which was your favorite scene to write?

I love this question because my favorite scene was essentially the “vision” I mentioned before which had sparked me to write the book in the first place. I call it my Angel of Music scene, which Phantom fans will know is the scene in the musical where Christine and Phantom are having a dark, angsty moment in her dressing room, while Raoul hears from outside her door and senses that something is not right. There’s a scene that mirrors this in Where Dreams Descend, and it remains my favorite part because it was when the Phantom inspiration really clicked for me, and also because it was the scene I was most excited to write when I began drafting.

Did you have any unique challenges while writing your book?

Although I turned to this book as my fun project, I was writing it while going through some big life changes and also receiving rejection after rejection for another book of mine (one I’d spent many years working on) that was on submission to editors. That experience really shook me and my sense of worth as a writer, which in turn, stole the joy out of writing for me for some time. I’ve always found escape and strength through writing, so not being able to do so was honestly like losing a huge piece of me. However, writing and completing Where Dreams Descend lifted me out of that darkness because it became the book that I wrote to the end just for me, not thinking it would ever sell. I’m so happy I was wrong, and am grateful for how this story helped me get back on my writing feet again.

Are there any unique talents your characters have that might not be on the page?

This is such a fun question. Kallia is not shy at all about her talents so they’re all on the page—though I feel like she would be into doodling flowers or potential show costumes if she wasn’t too busy practicing her autograph for adoring fans in countless notebooks. Whether they’re actually decent drawings is a toss up. This isn’t super on the page, but Daron is a reader so I feel like he might be a good writer or have some command with language as a result. And I remember in this story I had originally wanted Jack to play some sort of instrument as his angsty escape, but that got scrapped (though let’s be real, if he wanted to learn an instrument he would probably pick one up and master it in a week’s time).

These are times of great stress, and I wanted to use this question for you to check in, or tell us something that you feel is important to share with readers.

Something I always tell people, at this time, is please be gentle with yourselves. These are extremely unprecedented and stressful times, which means it’s more than okay if you’re not feeling like your normal self. This is not a normal time! A lot of things that came to me so naturally feel somewhat challenging now—such as finishing a single book (reading has become ridiculously hard for me!), being able to write with abandon and lose myself in my characters, even just functioning as a human with a regular day job. I’m usually a very optimistic person who loves finding the silver linings to things, but for a while, I felt absolutely broken. There are moments when I still do, to be honest. I had an idea of what this year was going to look like, and it suddenly got turned on its head—which is something so many of us (if not all of us) are going through, and are still going through. Though there’s so much beyond our control (aside from the important individual tasks of wearing a face mask! Calling our reps! Educating ourselves! Donating! Voting! Etc!), what we can control is not being too hard on ourselves when things are already hard enough. I’m still trying to get better at doing this myself, and I hope those who are also trying their best know that they’re not alone.

How can we support your book launch in August? Will there be online events for Where Dreams Descend? Favorite pre-order method?

Thank you so much for asking, yes to all! In terms of preordering, if you want a personalized copy of Where Dreams Descend, I’m signing copies through my local indie bookstore, Brookline Booksmith. There’s also a preorder campaign running where you can get a stunning show poster art print by Alexis Castellanos if you purchase from an independent bookstore or major retailer listed on the campaign site. In terms of online events, I have a bunch of things in the works (like my virtual launch party on my pub day, August 25!) which will all be updated across my social media and the events section of my website.

Will you be picking up Where Dreams Descend? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Janella Angeles, Author of ‘Where Dreams Descend’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Mother Code by Carole Stivers
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What it means to be human-and a mother-is put to the test in Carole Stivers’ debut novel set in a world that is more chilling and precarious than ever.

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
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Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.

The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky
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From the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning Adrian Tchaikovsky, The Doors of Eden is an extraordinary feat of the imagination and a page-turning adventure about parallel universes and the monsters that they hide.

Architects of Memory by Karen Osborne
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Millions died after the first contact. An alien weapon holds the key to redemption—or annihilation. Experience Karen Osborne’s unforgettable science fiction debut, Architects of Memory.

The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska
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The Wicked Deep meets A Curse So Dark and Lonely in this gripping, dark fairy-tale fantasy about two girls who must choose between saving themselves, each other, or their sinking island city.

The Hierarchies by Ros Anderson
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Set in a recognizable near future and laced with dark, sly humor, Ros Anderson’s deeply observant debut novel is less about the fear of new technology than about humans’ age-old talent for exploitation. In a world where there are now two classes of women—“born” and “created”—the growing friction between them may have far-reaching consequences no one could have predicted.

The Heirs of Locksley (The Robin Hood Stories, #2) by Carrie Vaughn
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Carrie Vaughn follows up The Ghosts of Sherwood with the charming, fast-paced The Heirs of Locksley, continuing the story of Robin Hood’s children.

Ignite the Sun by Hanna Howard
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Once upon a time, there was something called the sun… In a kingdom ruled by an evil witch, the sun is just part of a legend about light-filled days of old. Luckily for everybody in the kingdom, Siria Nightingale is headed to the heart of the darkness to try and restore the light–or she will lose everything trying.

Set Fire to the Gods by Sara Raasch
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Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Gladiator in the first book in this epic fantasy duology in which two warriors must decide where their loyalties lie as an ancient war between immortals threatens humanity.

Twin Daggers by MarcyKate Connolly
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This action and adventure spy thriller—a fantasy spin on “Romeo and Juliet” from New York Times bestselling author MarcyKate Connolly—is perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer and Elly Blake and is about to become your new obsession!

Ink & Sigil by Kevin Hearne
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New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne returns to the world of his beloved Iron Druid Chronicles in a spin-off series about an eccentric master of rare magic solving an uncanny mystery in Scotland.

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
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An outsider who can travel between worlds discovers a secret that threatens her new home and her fragile place in it, in a stunning sci-fi debut that’s both a cross-dimensional adventure and a powerful examination of identity, privilege, and belonging.

What other fantasy and sci-fi releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post August 2020 Book Releases: Fantasy + Sci-Fi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Conquering Circus is looking for its newest headliner and a group of intrepid young magicians have gathered to battle it out for the coveted spot. They find themselves not only battling each other, but some unforeseen and dangerous force behind the scenes. Each act takes on new risk, and as the body count begins to rise three magicians must face their dark secrets or succumb to the darkness that will inevitably come for them. There’s Kallia, a showgirl with enormous power who wants to prove herself no matter the cost. Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, whose lies blend in as well as the truth. Finally, there’s Demarco, a judge with a dark past knocking on his door. There’s no telling who’s going to survive this game of illusion and flame.

Described in one word, this book is SHOWSTOPPING. I was wrapped up in it from the first page, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. This is the kind of story that you stroke the spine of when you’re looking for something new to read. Nothing else will compare to it. There is a dark and smoky quality to it that feels as though you’re watching (even though you’re reading) something play out on a screen. The descriptions and world building in this book are magnificent, and there is a beautiful illusion of opulence. I couldn’t stop thinking about the imagery or symbolism at play, and often simultaneously.

Some of my favourite books uncover more questions than they give answers, and for those of you who love it as well, this book has so much more going on that we even know. There’s so much more yet to uncover, and the mystery only deepens at the end of this book. A stage is definitely being set. By whom, or what…we’re yet to find out.

When I first started looking into this book, it was pitched to me as Moulin Rouge meets Phantom of the Opera, and I can definitely see why. This story is fraught with romantic tension, and some of the best I’ve seen in stories. It’s the almost kisses, the kisses, the holding, all of it! *sigh* It’s so wonderful. Be still my little heart. Although everything is still very early, I know that there’s going to be a clear division between readers as to who they want to end up together.

This story truly shines in character development. Kallia is headstrong, but very naive. This certainly gets her in trouble quite a bit, and despite her cleverness, she’s playing a game with someone who knows what cards she’s holding. On the other hand, she blasts through that sexist glass ceiling with power. She’s confident in herself, and refuses to kowtow to insecure men. I took DELIGHT in this so much. Then we get to Jack. Oh my goodness, there’s so many questions I have. He becomes so much more enigmatic as this story progresses, with small bits of tenderness. Demarco is so tortured and reserved, and that’s all I will say.

The magic system is interesting, and I must say that I’m dying to know more about it. It’s definitely more complex than I was expecting because this is a world where you are either born with magic (which has become a rarity), or you acquire magic through practice. This will certainly alter how much power you have, but what fascinated me more had to do with the practice of the magic itself. Particularly as it pertains to mirrors. I have many questions there, Janella!

I could honestly keep this review going all day and talk about much more, but for now, suffice to say that you should get this to the top of your TBR pile. I don’t have enough adjectives in my vocabulary to describe how enticing and appealing this book is. The ending left me with a *gasp emoji face*. This story is no doubt a 10/10 for me. Truly a spectacular read.

Where Dreams Descend is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 25th 2020.

Will you be picking up Where Dreams Descend? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.

As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.

The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost

The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told

The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide

Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.

The post Review: Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow (February 26, 2020)
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Can a girl who risks her life for books and an alien who loves forbidden pop music work together to save humanity? Ellie and M0Rr1S embark on a wild and dangerous road trip with a bag of books and their favorite albums, all the while making a story and a song of their own that just might save them both.

A Golden Fury by Samantha Cohoe (Release Date: October 13, 2020)
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In her debut novel, Samantha Cohoe weaves a story of magic and danger, where the streets of Oxford and London come to life, and the curse of the Philosopher’s Stone will haunt you long after the final page.

Jade Fire Gold by June C.L. Tan (Release Date: 2020)
Goodreads 

Told in a dual POV narrative reminiscent of Ember in the Ashes, Jade Fire Gold is a YA fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology and folk tales. Epic in scope but intimate in characterization, fans of classic fantasies by Tamora Pierce and the magical Asiatic setting of Avatar: The Last Airbender will enjoy this cinematic tale of family, revenge, and forgiveness.

Beyond the Ruby Veil by Mara Fitzgerald (Release Date: October 13, 2020)
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After endangering their city’s waning water supply, Emanuela and Ale must travel through the mysterious, blood red veil that surrounds the city in order to uncover the secrets of the watercrea’s magic and find a way to save Occhia–by any means necessary.

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar (Release Date: August 11, 2020)
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Neil Gaiman’s Stardust meets a rich landscape of Hindu mythology and celestial intrigue in this sparkling YA fantasy debut.

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles (Release Date: June 2, 2020)
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Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.

Goddess in the Machine by Lora Beth Johnson (Release Date: June 30, 2020)
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When a girl wakes from a cryogenic sleep on a planet she doesn’t recognize, she must team up with the mysterious soldier who woke her to navigate a future world where technology is considered magic and its practitioners revered as Deities.

Shielded by KayLynn Flanders (Release Date: July 21, 2020)
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For fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn comes a thrilling new fantasy about a kingdom ravaged by war, and the princess who might be the key to saving not only those closest to her, but the kingdom itself, if she reveals the very secret that could destroy her.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna (Release Date: May 26, 2020)
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The start of a bold and immersive West African-inspired, feminist fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther. In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice.

Crownchasers by Rebecca Coffindaffer (Release Date: September 29, 2020)
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Lara Croft meets Star Wars in this young adult space opera, in which a wisecracking intergalactic adventurer becomes the odds-on favorite to win a deadly, cross-galaxy contest to become the quadrant’s next emperor; too bad she has no intention of winning.

Don’t Call the Wolf by Aleksandra Ross (Release Date: April 28, 2020)
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A forest, besieged. A queen, unyielding. Fans of Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black will devour this deliciously dark Eastern European–inspired YA fantasy debut.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (Release Date: September 15, 2020)
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Filled with mystery and an intriguingly rich magic system, Tracy Deonn’s YA contemporary fantasy Legendborn offers the dark allure of City of Bones with a modern-day twist on a classic legend and a lot of Southern Black Girl Magic.

Elysium Girls by Kate Pentecost (Release Date: April 14, 2020)
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In this sweeping Dust Bowl-inspired fantasy, a ten-year game between Life and Death pits the walled Oklahoma city of Elysium-including a girl gang of witches and a demon who longs for humanity-against the supernatural in order to judge mankind.

Queen of Coin and Whispers by Helen Corcoran (Release Date: April 23, 2020)
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When teenage queen Lia inherits her corrupt uncle’s bankrupt kingdom, she brings a new spymaster into the fold … Xania, who takes the job to avenge her murdered father. Faced with dangerous plots and hidden enemies, can Lia and Xania learn to rely on each other, as they discover that all is not fair in love and treason?

In the Shadow of the Sun by EM Castellan (Release Date: February 11, 2020)
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France, 1661 – Henriette of England must navigate her arranged marriage to Louis XIV’s brother while keeping her magical abilities a careful secret from all at the Sun King’s court, but when a mysterious sorcerer uses a forbidden spell to murder royal magicians, she must decide if she will reveal her powers to help Louis defeat him and build a new, enchanted seat of power — the Palace of Versailles.

The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska (Release Date: June 2, 2020)
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The Wicked Deep meets A Curse So Dark and Lonely in this gripping, dark fairy-tale fantasy about two girls who must choose between saving themselves, each other, or their sinking island city.

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne Brown (Release Date: June 2, 2020)
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The first in an immersive fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (Release Date: June 9, 2020)
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A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his conservative Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave in this paranormal YA debut.

The Ninth Life by Taylor B. Barton (Release Date: September 15, 2020)
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Filled with heart, hope and beautiful prose, The Ninth Life is a wonderful, weird and unforgettable novel for readers looking for something unique, honest and real.

A Miracle of Roses by Diana Pinguicha  (Release Date: December 1, 2020)
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A Miracle of Roses is an f/f #OwnVoices retelling of the Portuguese miracle of the same name, where the Princess of Aragon enters a bargain with an Enchanted Moura so she can reverse her gift that turns all the food she touches into flowers.

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

The post 20 SFF YA Debuts To Watch Out For In 2020 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

A new year brings new books and we cannot wait to get our hands on some of these 2020 book releases! This year holds many exciting books from both loved authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Eoin Colfer, Christina Lauren, Cassandra Clare, Veronica Roth, Suzanne Collins, and Michele Campbell, along with debut authors releasing their first novel! There’s definitely something for everyone, including plenty of fantasy, thrillers, retellings, and romance!

Read on to discover just a few of our favourite January to June 2020 releases and tell us in the comments if you’re looking forward to any of them!

JANUARY

Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi
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Rooted in the hope that can live in anger, Riot Baby is as much an intimate family story as a global dystopian narrative. It burns fearlessly toward revolution and has quietly devastating things to say about love, fury, and the black American experience.

A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen
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Six years after a global pandemic wiped out most of the planet’s population, the survivors are rebuilding the country, split between self-governing cities, hippie communes and wasteland gangs.

The Look-Alike by Erica Spindler
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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Other Girl and Justice for Sara comes a thrilling psychological drama about a woman who believes she escaped a brutal murder years ago—but does anyone else believe her?

Lady Hotspur by Tessa Gratton
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Inspired by Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Lady Hotspur continues the saga of Innis Lear, centuries later, as revolution, love, and a betrayal corrupt the descendants of two warring kingdoms.

Highfire by Eoin Colfer
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series comes a hilarious and high-octane adult novel about a vodka-drinking, Flashdance-loving dragon who lives an isolated life in the bayous of Louisiana—and the raucous adventures that ensue when he crosses paths with a fifteen-year-old troublemaker on the run from a crooked sheriff.

You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley
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Acclaimed author Colleen Oakley delivers a heart-wrenching and unforgettable love story about a woman who must choose between the man she loves and the man fate has chosen for her, in a novel that reminds us that the best life is one led by the heart.

Infinity Son by Adam Silvera
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Balancing epic and intensely personal stakes, bestselling author Adam Silvera’s Infinity Son is a gritty, fast-paced adventure about two brothers caught up in a magical war generations in the making.

The God Game by Danny Tobey
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Charlie and his friends enter the G.O.D. Game, a video game run by underground hackers and controlled by a mysterious AI that believes it’s God. Through their phone-screens and high-tech glasses, the teens’ realities blur with a virtual world of runes, gods, mythical creatures, and more. But then the threatening messages start. Worship me. Obey me. Who else is playing this game, and how far will they go to win?

FEBRUARY

The Antidote for Everything by Kimmery Martin
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In this whip-smart and timely novel from acclaimed author Kimmery Martin, two doctors travel a surprising path when they must choose between treating their patients and keeping their jobs.

Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold
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Elana K. Arnold, author of the Printz Honor book Damsel, returns with a dark, engrossing, blood-drenched tale of the familiar threats to female power—and one girl’s journey to regain it.

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
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Propulsive and addictive, and perfect for fans of “You,” The Other Mrs. is the twisty new psychological thriller from Mary Kubica, the New York Times bestselling author of The Good Girl.

Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey
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In Upright Women Wanted, award-winning author Sarah Gailey reinvents the pulp Western with an explicitly antifascist, near-future story of queer identity.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
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The secrets lurking in a rundown roadside motel ensnare a young woman, just as they did her aunt thirty-five years before, in this new atmospheric suspense novel from the national bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.

All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
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Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice, Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth is a thrilling fantasy for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.

Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin
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Hailed as a “marvel of a book” and “brilliant and unflinching,” Alexis Schaitkin’s stunning debut Saint X is a haunting portrait of grief, obsession, and the bond between two sisters never truly given the chance to know one another.

The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes
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Rich in imagination and romance, and based on the legends and history of the Aztec and Maya people, The Seventh Sun brings to vivid life a world on the edge of apocalyptic disaster.

MARCH

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas launches her brand-new CRESCENT CITY series with House of Earth and Blood: the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
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Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
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Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

Docile by K.M. Szpara
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Docile is a science fiction parable about love and sex, wealth and debt, abuse and power, a challenging tour de force that at turns seduces and startles.

The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren
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From the New York Times bestselling author behind The Unhoneymooners comes a delightfully charming love story about what happens when two assistants tasked with keeping a rocky relationship from explosion start to feel sparks of their own.

The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski
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Set in the world of the New York Times–bestselling Winner’s Trilogy, Marie Rutkoski’s The Midnight Lie is an epic LGBTQ romantic fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us―and the lies we tell ourselves.

Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
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Sharp Objects meets My Lovely Wife in this tightly drawn debut that peels back the layers of the most complicated of mother-daughter relationships…

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes a historical YA fantasy about a musical prodigy and the dangerous lengths she’ll go to make history remember her—perfect for fans of Susanna Clarke and The Hazel Wood.

APRIL

Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth
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The first novel written for an adult audience by the mega-selling author of the Divergent franchise: five twenty-something heroes famous for saving the world when they were teenagers must face even greater demons—and reconsider what it means to be a hero…by destiny or by choice.

Ruthless Gods by Emily A. Duncan
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In her dramatic follow-up to Wicked Saints, the first book in her Something Dark and Holy trilogy, Emily A. Duncan paints a Gothic, icy world where shadows whisper, and no one is who they seem, with a shocking ending that will leave you breathless.

Pretty Things by Janelle Brown
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Two wildly different women—one a grifter, the other an heiress—are brought together by the scam of a lifetime in a page-turner from the New York Times bestselling author of Watch Me Disappear.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
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From the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone comes an adorable and fresh romantic comedy about one trouble-making dog who brings together two perfect strangers.

Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova
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The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes 
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With The Year of the Locust, Hayes has penned a breathtaking story about cutting-edge science, a government conspiracy, and one man’s desperate attempt to unravel it all. (Note: According to some retailers, this title has been pushed back yet again to June 2020. The UK version is currently set to September 2020, but after years of previous release dates and delays, this could still change).

Empire City by Matt Gallagher
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The author of Youngblood returns with this bold and provocative novel following a group of super-powered soldiers and civilians as they navigate an imperial America on the precipice of a major upheaval—for fans of The Fortress of Solitude and The Plot Against America.

Not That Kind of Guy by Andie J. Christopher
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An office attraction becomes something more when they’re off the clock in this delightful romantic comedy by the USA Today bestselling author of Not the Girl You Marry.

MAY

Lobizona by Romina Garber
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In Lobizona, the first in the Wolves of No World series, bestselling author Romina Garber weaves together Argentine folklore and what it means to be illegal in a timely, intimate, and emotionally powerful narrative.

Swimming Lessons: Poems by Lili Reinhart
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The debut collection of poetry from Lili Reinhart, the actress and outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity.

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
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A powerful and moving novel that explores the tragedies and triumphs of life, both large and small, and the universal humanity in us all, Natalie Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society is destined to resonate with readers for years to come.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
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The start of a bold and immersive West African-inspired, feminist fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther. In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
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The Betrothed by Kiera Cass
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Selection series comes The Betrothed, a glittering royal romance sure to captivate her legion of loyal readers and lovers of courtly intrigue alike.

Malorie by Josh Malerman
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In the thrilling sequel to Bird Box, the inspiration for the record-breaking Netflix film that starred Sandra Bullock and “absolutely riveted” Stephen King, New York Times bestselling author Josh Malerman brings unseen horrors to life.

The Book of V. by Anna Solomon
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For readers of The Hours and Fates and Furies, a bold, kaleidoscopic novel intertwining the lives of three women across three centuries as their stories of sex, power, and desire finally converge in the present day.

JUNE

The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho
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Zen Cho returns with a found family wuxia fantasy that combines the vibrancy of old school martial arts movies with characters drawn from the margins of history.

Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
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Harrow the Ninth, the sequel to the sensational Gideon the Ninth, turns a galaxy inside out as one necromancer struggles to survive the wreckage of herself aboard the Emperor’s haunted space station.

Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee
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Danger lurks within the roots of Forest of Souls, an epic, unrelenting tale of destiny and sisterhood, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Susan Dennard.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell
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From Michele Campbell, the bestselling author of It’s Always the Husband comes a new blockbuster thriller in The Wife Who Knew Too Much.

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
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Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.

Wonderland by Zoje Stage
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If Shirley Jackson wrote The Shining, it might look like this novel from the acclaimed author of Baby Teeth: A mother must become a protector when unnatural forces threaten her family’s new and improved life in a rural farmhouse.

The Second Home by Christina Clancy
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A debut novel set on Cape Cod that centers on a beloved family home and the summer that changed the lives of three siblings forever, perfect for readers of J. Courtney Sullivan and Elin Hilderbrand.

The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
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Making it up the aisle was the easy part: After marrying the heir to the throne, Rebecca “Bex” Porter must survive her own scandals as she adjusts to life in the glamorous British royal family, in this “highly anticipated” follow-up to The Royal We.

What 2020 book release are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Most Anticipated 2020 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.