Children’s Books

Starting with the littlest readers, here are some children’s books sure to captivate your kiddo with enchanting illustrations and thought-provoking themes:

Gwei the Hungry Ghost written by Emeline Lee; illustrated by Basia Tran

With Chinese folklore, mouthwateringly vivid food, and a thoughtful exploration of loneliness and the power of community, Gwei the Hungry Ghost is the perfect read for foodies longing to explore the Hungry Ghost Festival alongside the sweetest ghost friends.

Mr. Chow’s Night Market written by Emily Sun Li; illustrated by Yu Ting Cheng 

Powerful, welcoming, and heartwarming, Mr. Chow’s Night Market celebrates the joy and power of community, creativity, being yourself, and trying new things, highlighting the importance of collaboration and asking for help when you need it amidst the backdrop of Taiwan’s first night market.

Music of the Bells written by Anitha Rao-Robinson; illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Vibrant and empowering, Music of the Bells beautifully highlights the power of movement and dance, introducing readers to Kathak (a classical Indian dance form) and exploring dance as a storytelling medium.

Where Do Stories Live? by Meenal Patel

Where Do Stories Live? enchants as it brilliantly emphasizes the power of stories and the myriad ways in which they are born through beautifully peaceful, calming illustrations. 

Middle-Grade Books

For middle-grade readers, here are some sweeping stories with magic and adventure galore:

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Brimming with Hindu mythology, found family, and a hilarious cast, Aru Shah and the End of Time is the cinematic first book in the Pandava series. 

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

With Korean mythology, fox-magic, and gripping action, Dragon Pearl is an unputdownable space opera.

Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword by Henry Lien 

Joyful, playful, and fierce, Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword is a delightful fantasy that blends martial arts and figure skating. 

Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa: A Graphic Novel by Kara Bodegón-Hikino 

Filipino folklore, an action-packed journey perfect for fans of Pokémon games, and heartwarming friendship await readers in Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa: A Graphic Novel.

Young Adult (YA) Books

For YA readers, here are some irresistible reads with everything from horror to fantasy to romance to game-show shenanigans:

A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen 

Heartfelt, sweet, and scrumptious, A Bánh Mì for Two is a sapphic romance set in Vietnam featuring street food, family, and friendship.

Celestial Banquet by Roselle Lim 

Celestial Banquet is a riveting, delicious fantasy with Chinese and Southeast Asian folklore and a propulsive, vicious cooking competition.  

Coming Out Perfect by Richard Mercado

Coming Out Perfect beautifully explores Filipino culture and the weight of familial expectations, fitting in, and coming out, offering a welcoming and uplifting graphic novel. 

Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee 

With sea-swept imagery, a compelling murder mystery, and a dash of romance, Heiress of Nowhere delivers an immersive historical mystery set on Orcas Island, Washington, in 1918.

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang

Evocative and immersive, I Am Not Jessica Chen thoughtfully presents themes of burnout, imposter syndrome, and love against a dark academia backdrop.

Just Between Us by Adeline Kon

Just Between Us is an addictive, fierce, and romantic YA graphic novel with a swoon-worthy sapphic romance and figure skating.

Midnights with You by Clare Osongco

With a tender romance, late-night driving lessons, and a powerful exploration of family trauma, Midnights with You is an emotional, romantic contemporary novel.

Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted by Sujin Witherspoon

Featuring an action-packed wilderness game show, a witty cast of characters, and an adorable romance, Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted is an addictive, cinematic contemporary novel.

Strike the Zither by Joan He

Strike the Zither is a fierce retelling of the Chinese classic The Three Kingdoms, filled with political intrigue and star-crossed lovers.

That Which Feeds Us by Keala Kendall 

Haunting, propulsive, and raw, That Which Feeds Us is a horror-infused thriller with sisterhood and sapphic love that celebrates and honors Hawaiian culture, history, folklore, and resilience.

The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha

The Fox Maidens is a sweeping graphic novel set in 16^th-century Korea with a sapphic romance and Korean mythology.

The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker 

Immersive, gritty, and magical, The Keeper of Night brilliantly weaves Japanese folklore into a gripping adventure that takes readers to London, Japan, and the Japanese underworld.

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le

Medical-inspired magic and a Vietnam-inspired world unite in The Last Bloodcarver, a lush and mystery-infused fantasy.

The Last Tiger by Julia and Brad Riew

Inspired by true stories from the authors’ grandparents’ love story, The Last Tiger is a powerful, romantic, and adventurous tale with hope, high stakes, and magic.

Zhara by S. Jae-Jones

Zhara is a witty, creative, and addictive fantasy with East Asian mythology, found family, and a pinch of Cinderella.

Adult Books

For adult readers, here are some books to satisfy your literary cravings, from mythology to monsters to magic to mystery:

A Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang by Lee Onhwa

Magical, cozy, and emotional, A Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang serves up a heartfelt and compelling story set in an enchanted bakery.

Aunt Tigress by Emily Yu-Xuan Qin

Splendidly strange and wonderfully haunting, Aunt Tigress is a compelling urban fantasy with sapphic love inspired by Chinese and First Nation mythology.

Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil

Vibrant and propulsive, Black Salt Queen captivates with its Filipino-inspired world, powerful cast, and political intrigue.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a spellbinding, romantic fantasy with Chinese mythology and lush prose.

Local Heavens by K.M. Fajardo

Set in New York City, 2075, Local Heavens delivers an addictive reimagining of The Great Gatsby, filled with cyberpunk technology, queer love, lyrical prose, and a Filipino American Nick Carraway.

Red City by Marie Lu

Vicious, dark, and magical, Red City presents an alternate Los Angeles with alchemy and star-crossed love.

The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung 

A cinematic standalone featuring Chinese culture, a powerful mother-daughter bond, and political intrigue, The Last Mandarin is a gripping thriller from start to finish.

The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg 

Adventure, love, and Thai mythology meet in The Last Phi Hunter, a witty and action-packed fantasy debut.

The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li

A twisty and haunting gothic thriller, The Manor of Dreams delivers a compelling concoction of sapphic love, family drama, mystery, and a haunted garden.

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

The Poet Empress is a lush, immersive, and vicious fantasy with court politics, magic, and Chinese mythology.

The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei 

The Stardust Grail delivers an innovative and unputdownable adventure with a treasure hunt, found family, and riveting heist.

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard 

Brimming with Indian mythology, hilarious characters, and swoon-worthy romance, The Starlight Heir is a sweeping romantasy.

The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu

The Subtle Art of Folding Space delivers a heartfelt, propulsive, and creative sci-fi novel with delicious dim sum, generational trauma, and physics.

These are just some of the countless incredible books waiting to join your TBR list this AANHPI Heritage Month! Many are out now, and some release later this year, making it the perfect time to preorder to continue the celebration and amplify AANHPI stories throughout 2026. Happy AANHPI Heritage Month, and happy reading!

The post 36 Books To Add To Your AANHPI Heritage Month TBR 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.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Joan He’s Sound the Gong, which is out April 30th 2024.

All her life, Zephyr has tried to rise above her humble origins as a no-name orphan. Now she is a god in a warrior’s body, and never has she felt more powerless. Her lordess Xin Ren holds the Westlands, but her position is tenuous. In the north, the empress remains under Miasma’s thumb. In the south, the alliance with Cicada is in pieces.

Fate also seems to have a different winner in mind for the three kingdoms, but Zephyr has no intentions of respecting it. She will pay any price to see Ren succeed—and she will make her enemies pay, especially one dark-haired, dark-eyed Crow. What she’ll do when she finds out the truth—that he worked for the South all along…

Only the heavens know.

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The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Sound the Gong’ by Joan He appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you are familiar with the Chinese classic The Three Kingdoms, you will immediately recognise some similar elements between it and Strike the Zither. The Three Kingdoms has always been my favourite classic growing up—it depicts war, conflicts, and power struggles that occurred during the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history. Even if you have no knowledge of The Three Kingdoms, it will not affect the reading experience and the author offers notes at the back to provide more insights into the original story. I was immediately captured by Strike the Zither when it is said to be inspired by The Three Kingdoms, but instead of emperors and warlords, there are empresses and warlordesses!

Zephyr, our protagonist (who is based on the character Zhu Geliang), is considered to be the best strategist in the country and serves under Xin Ren, a warlordess. She is ambitious, motivated, and extremely loyal. After being cornered by the enemies in a battle with no escape route, the only way to stay alive is for her to infiltrate the enemy’s army. Will her plan succeed, or will she end up getting herself and her people killed? Since the story is written from Zephyr’s point of view in the first-person narration, Joan He really dives deep into her complex characteristics. Additionally, the novel contains found family and we see characters struggle with their identities and where their loyalties actually lie. On top of that, there is also continuous war and bloodshed happening.

One thing that strikes me when reading Strike the Zither is that Zephyr’s ambitiousness. She knows what she desires, and she will stop at nothing to achieve them. She is not afraid to be misunderstood, as long as her goals are accomplished. She does not trust easily, but she goes to extreme lengths to protect the ones she cares about. What this book does not lack is its complexity and diversity of characters as they are all complicated, and it is interesting to see Zephyr’s dynamic with each one of them. We have Xin Ren, Zephyr’s warlordess, whom Zephyr goes to great lengths to make sure she gains power. Xin Ren is strong and incredibly loyal, despite her underdog position within the three kingdoms, she has a strong moral code, and it would be nice to see their relationship progress in the sequel. There is also Miasma, another ambitious warlordess, yet extremely cruel and vicious, and also Lotus, a hothead but utterly devoted to her warlordess and her country; and then there’s Crow.

Whilst romance is not a huge plot of the story, we do see Zephyr having potential romantic relations with a potential love interest. Crow is the strategist for the opposite army (the one Zephyr infiltrated yes indeed), and things are getting more complicated. He’s the only one that Zephyr sees as a dangerous rivalry (enemies-to-lovers! What more do you want?), and their dynamic is quite intense. Crow is a quiet but nonetheless threatening presence, and he does not trust Zephyr has truly defected to their side. And guess what, he also plays the zither! Not a lot is told about Crow’s background in this one, and I sincerely hope the second book will cover more.

The plot twists in the book are INSANE! One could never tell where the story is going to go in the next page, it is difficult to say anything without the plot being spoiled but be prepared to have your mind blown. Since this book is the first one in a duology, there are still plenty of unanswered questions which hopefully will be resolved in the sequel. There are also character arts within the book, and they are GORGEOUS!

Overall, Joan He does an interesting feminine twist on the original Three Kingdoms story. For readers of the fantasy genre, if you love found family, war, rivalry, conflicts, and a dash of romance, don’t hesitate to pick this up!

Strike the Zither is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

The year is 414 of the Xin Dynasty, and chaos abounds. A puppet empress is on the throne. The realm has fractured into three factions and three warlordesses hoping to claim the continent for themselves.

But Zephyr knows it’s no contest.

Orphaned at a young age, Zephyr took control of her fate by becoming the best strategist of the land and serving under Xin Ren, a warlordess whose loyalty to the empress is double-edged—while Ren’s honour draws Zephyr to her cause, it also jeopardizes their survival in a war where one must betray or be betrayed. When Zephyr is forced to infiltrate an enemy camp to keep Ren’s followers from being slaughtered, she encounters the enigmatic Crow, an opposing strategist who is finally her match. But there are more enemies than one—and not all of them are human.

An epic YA fantasy about found family, rivals, and identity, from New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, inspired by Three Kingdoms, one of the Four Classics of Chinese Literature.

The post Review: Strike The Zither by Joan He appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hello second half of 2022 and hello to all the incredible upcoming book releases we can look forward to!

In this round up, we take a look at some of the most exciting titles to be released between the months of July and December with releases from the likes of Sarah Gailey, Ruth Ware, Alexis Hall, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Courtney Summers, and many more, along with delightful debuts from new authors you should keep on your radar!

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

JULY

Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A darkly enchanting fantasy debut about a morally gray witch, a cursed prince, and a prophecy that ignites their fate-twisted destinies—perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and Serpent & Dove.

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Just Like Home is a darkly gothic thriller from nationally bestselling author Sarah Gailey, perfect for fans of Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House as well as HBO’s true crime masterpiece I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.

The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson
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Rival photographers are forced to collaborate on a body-positive lingerie campaign, but they might have to readjust their focus when sparks fly.

Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark
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The masterful story of a lifelong friendship between two very different women with shared histories and buried secrets, tested in the twilight of their lives, set across the arc of the 20th century.

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The It Girl by Ruth Ware
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the “claustrophobic spine-tingler” (People) One by One returns with an unputdownable mystery following a woman on the search for answers a decade after her friend’s murder.

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Vampire Diaries and dark academia, two queer teen bloodsuckers at an elite vampire-only boarding school must go up against all of Vampirdom when they uncover a frightening conspiracy on campus.

Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From Margarita Montimore, the author of GMA Book Club pick and national bestseller Oona Out of Order, Acts of Violet is a dazzling and twisty new novel about a famous magician who disappears, leaving her sister to figure out what really happened.

The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Everyone knows the story of Rapunzel in the tower, but do you know the story of the witch who put her there? Told from her own perspective, The Book of Gothel is a lush, historical retelling filled with dark magic, crumbling towers, mysterious woods, and evil princes. This is the truth they never wanted you to know, as only a witch might tell it.

What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What Souls Are Made Of, British Fantasy Award-winning author Tasha Suri’s masterful new take on Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and fourth book in the Remixed Classics, will leave readers breathless.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic and Velvet Was the Night comes a dreamy reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center’s The Bodyguard is unabashedly romantic, laugh-out-loud funny, and the perfect summer read.

AUGUST

Husband Material by Alexis Hall
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Luc and Oliver met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disappointment and family and friends…and somehow figured out a way to make it work. Now it seems like everyone around them is getting married, and Luc’s feeling the social pressure to propose. But it’ll take more than four weddings, a funeral, and a bowl full of special curry to get these two from I don’t know what I’m doing to I do.

These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Haunting of Hill House meets Knives Out in a bid for an inheritance that will leave Helen Vaughan either rich…or dead.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal.

The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sunyi Dean’s The Book Eaters is “a darkly sweet pastry of a book about family, betrayal, and the lengths we go to for the ones we love. A delicious modern fairy tale.”― Christopher Buehlman, Shirley Jackson Award-winning author

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this powerful novel about the cost of greatness, a legendary athlete attempts a comeback when the world considers her past her prime—from the New York Times bestselling author of Malibu Rising.

Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club by Roselle Lim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A new heartfelt novel about the power of loneliness and the strength of love that overcomes it by critically acclaimed author Roselle Lim.

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
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With a wicked wink to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Daisy Darker’s unforgettable twists will leave readers reeling.

The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A “superb fantasy saga” (Helene Wecker) of martial arts and magic, about what happens when a prophesied hero is not the chosen one after all—but has to work with a band of unlikely allies to save the kingdom anyway, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lives of Tao

You’re Invited by Amanda Jayatissa
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What could be worse than your ex-boyfriend marrying your childhood best friend? Getting accused of her murder… From the author of My Sweet Girl comes a dangerously addictive new thriller about a lavish Sri Lankan wedding celebration that not everyone will survive.

The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead
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From the author of the acclaimed In My Dreams I Hold a Knife comes a pitch-black thriller about a woman determined to destroy a powerful cult and avenge the deaths of the women taken in by it, no matter the cost.

Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
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They have a second chance at love, but there are some rough seas ahead in the new contemporary romance from the acclaimed author of Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships.

The First Binding by R.R. Virdi
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A thrilling new take on Epic Fantasy, inspired by the many culturally divergent stops along a fantastical Silk Road, that follows a storyteller and a singer on the run from their old lives and secrets. 

SEPTEMBER

I’m the Girl by Courtney Summers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game Sally Thorne comes something a little unexpected… a historical rom-com that imagines Victor Frankenstein’s sheltered younger sister, and her attempts to create the perfect man.

Ithaca by Claire North
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This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca’s shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women—and their goddesses—that will change the course of the world.

The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander
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From New York Times Bestselling author Kwame Alexander comes the first book in a searing, breathtaking trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family.

Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo
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From the author of To Kill a Kingdom comes Princess of Souls, a Rapunzel-inspired YA fantasy romance about a teen witch groomed to steal souls for an immortal king and the reckless, rebellious boy to whom her fate is tied.

Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
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Tamsyn Muir’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling Locked Tomb Series continues with Nona …the Ninth?

The Gathering Dark: An Anthology of Folk Horror
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Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young
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From New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young comes a deeply atmospheric story about ancestral magic, an unsolved murder, and a second chance at true love.

People Person by Candice Carty-Williams
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From an author with “a flair for storytelling that appears effortlessly authentic” (Time), People Person is a vibrant and charming celebration of discovering family as an adult.

Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai.

Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco
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Full of court intrigue, queer romance, and terrifying monsters—this gothic epic fantasy will appeal to fans of Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree and the adult animated series Castlevania.

Direwood by Catherine Yu
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In this velvet-clad 1990s gothic horror, Aja encounters a charming vampire who wants to lure her into the woods―just like her missing sister.

OCTOBER

Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra
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In Rati Mehrotra’s Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove, a young guardswoman struggles with her unwitting role as a major pawn in the deadly games between two kingdoms in a monster-infested alternate medieval India.

Sign Here by Claudia Lux
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A darkly humorous, surprisingly poignant, and utterly gripping debut novel about a guy who works in Hell (literally) and is on the cusp of a big promotion if only he can get one more member of the wealthy Harrison family to sell their soul.

A Cosmic Kind of Love by Samantha Young
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Space is the last thing an event planner and an astronaut need in this charming new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle
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From the author of Twice Shy comes a sprightly Christmas novel, a rollicking romp through the absurdity of family holidays and the hope of new love.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
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From the number one bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere, a deeply suspenseful and heartrending novel about the unbreakable love between a mother and child in a society consumed by fear.

The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Dávila Cardinal
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From International Latino Book Award-winning author Ann Dávila Cardinal comes a gorgeously written family saga about a Puerto Rican teenager who finds herself gifted (or cursed?) with a strange ability.

Dead Man’s Hand by James J. Butcher
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In the tradition of his renowned father, James J. Butcher’s debut novel is a brilliant urban fantasy about a young man who must throw out the magical rule book to solve the murder of his former mentor.

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo
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Award-winning author Malinda Lo returns to the Bay Area with another masterful coming-of-queer-age story, this time set against the backdrop of the first major Supreme Court decisions legalizing gay marriage. And almost sixty years after the end of Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Lo’s new novel also offers a glimpse into Lily and Kath’s lives since 1955.

Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty
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Amateur detective Mallory Viridian’s talent for solving murders ruined her life on Earth and drove her to live on an alien space station, but her problems still follow her in this witty, self-aware novel that puts a speculative spin on murder mysteries, from the Hugo-nominated author of Six Wakes.

Jackal by Erin E. Adams
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A young Black girl goes missing in the woods outside her white Rust Belt town. But she’s not the first—and she may not be the last. . . .

Lavender House by Lev A.C. Rosen
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A delicious story from a new voice in suspense, Lev AC Rosen’s Lavender House is Knives Out with a queer historical twist.

Strike the Zither by Joan He
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A dazzling new fantasy from New York Times and Indie bestselling author Joan He, Strike the Zither is a powerful, inventive, and sweeping fantasy that reimagines the Chinese classic tale of the Three Kingdoms.

NOVEMBER

The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix
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Love and duty collide in this richly imagined, atmospheric young adult debut about a witch whose dark powers put her at the center of a brewing war between the only family she’s ever known and the enemy who makes her question everything.

She’s Gone by David Bell
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When 17-year-old Hunter Gifford wakes in the hospital on the night of homecoming, he’s shocked to learn he and his girlfriend, Chloe Summers, have been in a terrible car accident. Hunter has no memory of the crash, and his shock turns to horror when he is told Chloe’s blood has been found in the car—but she has disappeared.

Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade
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After All the Feels and Spoiler Alert, Olivia Dade once again delivers a warm and wonderful romantic comedy about two co-stars who once had an incredible one-night stand—and after years of filming on the same remote island, are finally ready to yield to temptation again…

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard
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From Susan Dennard, the New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series, comes a haunting and high-octane contemporary fantasy, about the magic it takes to face your fears in a nightmare-filled forest, and the mettle required to face the secrets hiding in the dark corners of your own family.

White Horse by Erika T. Wurth
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White Horse is a gritty, vibrant debut from Erika T. Wurth about an Indigenous woman who must face her past when she discovers a bracelet haunted by her mother’s spirit.

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
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The author of the “swoon-worthy debut” (Harper’s Bazaar) The Charm Offensive returns with a festive romantic comedy about a woman who fakes an engagement with her landlord…only to fall for his sister.

Into the Forest: Tales of the Baba Yaga by Lindy Ryan and Christina Henry
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A collection of new and exclusive short stories inspired by the Baba Yaga. Featuring Gwendolyn Kiste, Stephanie M. Wytovich, Mercedes M. Yardley, Monique Snyman, Donna Lynch, Lisa Quigley, and R. J. Joseph, with a foreword by Christina Henry.

Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli
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A stunning and witty debut novel about a young woman’s emotional journey through unimaginable loss, pulled along by her tight-knit Nigerian family, a posse of new friends, and the love and laughter she shared with her husband. Onyi Nwabineli is a fresh new voice for fans of Yaa Gyasi, Queenie and I May Destroy You.

The Cloisters by Katy Hays
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The Secret History meets Ninth House in this sinister, atmospheric novel following a circle of researchers as they uncover a mysterious deck of tarot cards and shocking secrets in New York’s famed Met Cloisters.

Wait For Me by Sara Shepard
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Dating New York socialite Marcus Coleman, Casey has had trouble recognizing herself lately. But things only get stranger when she begins to hear a voice in her head: one that warns her of danger and leads her to the sleepy town of Avon, where she recognizes people and places she couldn’t possibly know, including a beguiling local boy who seems important to her past—and her present.

Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese
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Opposites become allies to fool their matchmaking friends in this swoony reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

The Family Game by Catherine Steadman
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A rich, eccentric family. A time-honored tradition. Or a lethal game of survival? One woman is about to find out if she has what it takes to join her husband’s family in this riveting, must-read thriller from the author of Something in the Water, Mr. Nobody, and The Disappearing Act.

DECEMBER

Queen of Myth and Monsters by Scarlett St. Clair
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Queen becomes conqueror in this powerful follow-up to King of Battle and Blood where Queen Isolde de Lara has come into her own as the newly coronated queen of Cordova.  She and her mate, the vampire King Adrian, battle insurrection from the Nine Kingdoms…and a mysterious plague that turns humans to monsters. But hell hath no fury like Isolde’s wrath when she discovers that one of the vassal kings has enslaved her mother’s people.

A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar
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Adiba Jaigirdar, author of one of Time‘s Best YA books of all time, gives Titanic an Ocean’s 8 makeover in this nail-biting heist set onboard the infamous ship.

Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
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A girl enters a reality dating competition to get revenge on her cheating, royal-adjacent ex-boyfriend, and ends up falling for another girl on the show—in fact, the girl he cheated on her with.

The Widowmaker by Hannah Morrissey
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A wealthy family shrouded in scandal; a detective tasked with solving an impossible cold case; and a woman with a dark past collide in Hannah Morrissey’s stunning new Black Harbor mystery, The Widowmaker.

A Dash of Salt and Pepper by Kosoko Jackson
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Sometimes two cooks in the kitchen are better than one in this swoony romantic comedy from the author of I’m So (Not) Over You.

The Last Invitation by Darby Kane
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Darby Kane, the author of the critically acclaimed and #1 International Bestseller Pretty Little Wife, has crafted another gripping and twisty suspense about an invitation to an exclusive club that comes with deadly consequences.

Acting the Part by Z.R. Ellor
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This delightfully tropey teen romance perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and Lyla Lee follows a queer teen actor navigating their gender identity—while pretending to date their co-star.  

All the Dark Places by Terri Parlato
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A savage murder rocks a quiet Massachusetts suburb, revealing the dark secrets at the center of a group of friends and setting two women – one with a traumatic past, the other a Boston police detective – on a hunt for truth in this stylish debut thriller for fans of Megan Miranda and Shari Lapena…

The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton
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For readers of Station Eleven and Where the Crawdads Sing comes a hopeful, sweeping story of survival and resilience spanning one extraordinary woman’s lifetime as she navigates the uncertainty, brutality, and arresting beauty of a rapidly changing world.

The Key to My Heart: A Novel by Lia Louis
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A heartwarming novel about hope after loss as a young widow receives mysterious messages of love from the “must-buy author” (Jodi Picoult) of Eight Perfect Hours.

The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale
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My Dark Vanessa meets The Queen’s Gambit in this new novel of suspense about the bonds of family, the limits of talent, the risks of ambition, and the rewards of revenge.

Witcha Gonna Do by Avery Flynn
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An unlucky witch and her know-it-all nemesis must team up in the first of a new, spicy romantic comedy series from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn.

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

The post Get Your Hands On These Anticipated July To December 2022 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This may sound weird, but reading post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction makes me feel better about the world. Sure, I’m watching our world crumble on the page, but I’m also watching people rise to the occasion, surviving and persisting and building a better world from the rubble. It’s reassuring to see that humanity can’t and won’t disappear no matter what terrible things happen to it. If that thought also inspires you, read on for my list of some of my favorite examples of teenage girls not just surviving, but kicking the apocalypse’s butt.

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He
On a future Earth devastated by climate change and the natural disasters that come along with it, Kasey wants to use her skills at logic and science both to save humanity from itself and to find her missing sister, Celia, who she knows isn’t dead—no matter what everyone else says. Meanwhile, Cee wakes up on a faraway island, unable to remember anything except that she loves and needs to find her sister, Kay.

The world of this book hit hard and hit home with its depiction of a future wracked by climate change, which feels all too real right now. I loved both sisters and how, even though they were opposites personality-wise, they were still so devoted to each other. If you pick this one up, make sure you’ve got a few tissue boxes handy: the twists in the second half will WRECK you.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
Tierney lives in a brutally misogynistic society, where women are sent away for a year on a remote island when they turn sixteen to use up their “magic,” which supposedly makes them dangerous to the men. That year is called the grace year, and many of them don’t come back alive. But all isn’t as it seems in Tierney’s world. What’s the real purpose of the grace year? And will Tierney figure out her place in society, among her friends, and even among the inevitable revolution before she runs out of time?

This book kept me rapt as I turned the pages to see how Tierney and her story would develop. I especially loved how Tierney gradually learned the greater meaning of rebellion, how it isn’t just all big flashy gestures and sacrifices, but how it’s often the small, quiet things behind the scenes that wind up changing everything.

Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams
Can it really be a sin for otherwise devout Agnes to barter with the treacherous Outsiders for the insulin needed to save her younger brother’s life? In the eyes of the prophet who runs her beloved hometown of Red Creek, yes, it absolutely is. As Agnes starts to question his teachings, she realizes she has to get out of his cult to keep herself and her family safe. Except the world outside isn’t safe either—a horrifying illness is tearing through the population. A horrifying illness that is, somehow, connected to Agnes and her home, that perhaps only she can stop.

I love YA books about characters exploring their faith and figuring out who they are outside of what they’ve been taught their whole lives. Especially when those aspects of a character intersect with a plot that’s one of the most unique and interesting I’ve ever seen. I was riveted the whole way through and cheering for Agnes not just as she saved the world but as she figured out her place in it.

Internment by Samira Ahmed

In a terrifyingly plausible near-future America, Muslim-Americans have been relegated to internment camps similar to those Japanese-Americans were confined in during World War II. Seventeen-year-old Muslim-American Layla Amin is furious at the system, and she’s not going quietly. In fact, she’s going to lead a revolution against it from the inside.

This might be the scariest example of world-building on this list, just because the scenarios Ahmed depicted felt so immediate and real. I loved how strong of a character Layla was while also still being a typical teen.

This is Not the Jess Show by Anna Carey

It’s 1998, and Jess is just your normal suburban teenager living a normal suburban life… or is she? Her life’s not feeling so normal anymore—her friends and even her dog have started behaving strangely, and she starts hearing things nobody else can hear. And then a mysterious metal device with an apple logo on it falls out of her friend’s bag. When the people around her start going missing, Jess is given no choice but to figure out what’s going on if she doesn’t want her world—and her mind—to fall apart.

I read this book in under 24 hours, if that tells you anything about how thrilling and addictive it is. It has so many smart, insightful things to say about celebrity culture and the entertainment industry. I’m counting down the days until the second book in the duology comes out in May!

Gone Dark by Amanda Panitch

I couldn’t leave my own book off a list like this! When all of America’s electrical grids go dark at once, the country quickly devolves into chaos. The only safe place Zara Ross can think of is her estranged father’s survivalist compound across the country, which she and her mom fled years ago after a traumatic event. But as she forges toward it, gathering a growing group of friends and followers as she unearths the survival skills she thought she buried long ago, dark secrets from her past begin bubbling up. Can she save others when she’s not sure if she herself is worth saving?

One of my favorite parts when it came to writing this book was that Zara wasn’t just surviving all of the physical chaos stemming from the world going dark—just as much of the story is about Zara surviving the mental and emotional chaos stemming from her past. Writing and researching this book was a thrilling process—I hope reading it is, too!

The post 6 Must-Read YA Books About Badass Girls Surviving the End of the World appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

This story begins with Cee, who’s been trapped on an island for three years without a clue as to how she arrived or memories of her previous life. All she knows is that somewhere across the sea she has a sister named Kay, and she’ll do whatever she can to get back to her. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Kasey Mizuhara spends her time in isolation in the eco-city she calls home. These cities loom over the world protecting the people who endeavoured to protect the planet and now need protection from it. The earth has become almost completely inhospitable with rising ecological disasters as a result of climate change. People in the cities are required to spend some of their time in stasis pods, which is perfect for Kasey who prefers her introverted life. However, it’s awful for her sister Celia, who much prefers the world outside. No one could have predicted that her sister would take a boat out to sea and never return. It’s been three months since then and logic tells Kasey that Celia is likely gone. But something has her retracing her steps, and while her sister was full of secrets, Kasey also has one of her own.

There’s a lot to unpack in this book, and I think the best way to start is with the characters. We begin the book from Cee’s perspective, which creates a distortion because of the holes in her memory. She’s alone but surviving, and attempting to get off of the island she’s marooned on. As the story continues you find out more of her personality through her interactions with her environment. She’s tenacious and determined to get back to her sister, and there’s an inevitable spark of confidence that she oozes even when the odds are against her. Kasey is the complete opposite. She’s muted and logical, you could even say she’s calculating and a little aloof. Where Cee is easy to connect with as a reader, it’s harder to relate to Kasey, but there’s something compelling about her observations of life around her. One thing is certain though, she cares deeply for her sister Celia, and it drives a lot of her actions and decisions.

Now, let’s talk about the world that Joan He has created in this book because as I mentioned at the start of this review, it’s incredible. There are two “worlds”, the island where Cee is marooned and the eco-city where Kasey lives. This is where the sci-fi elements come to life in the book, but not in a way that is overwhelming or confusing to the reader. I love the way that He has set up the eco-city, because while it’s intended to be this helpful thing that could help save the “good” citizens from the consequences of climate change, it also highlights a moral dilemma. People that live in the cities are ranked and your admittance to them is based on the actions of your past and present. It definitely gives you quite a few things to think about. Then there’s also the fact that people in the eco-cities spend a good chunk of their time in pods in order to reduce their carbon footprints (meaning a lot of their recreational activities happen in VR, basically).

If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t have a heavy focus on romantic relationships, you’re going to enjoy this book a lot. However, I have to say my favourite aspect of this book is the depth of the bonds between sisters. Kasey and Cee are both determined to protect their sibling, no matter the cost or detriment to themselves. As the story moves, you’ll realise that both of them have secrets that might affect how they see their sister, and readers will wonder just what it might take to ruin or fix the relationship forever.

Everything about this story is fascinating and I honestly couldn’t put it down. I finished it in one sitting, and I have no doubt that others will do the same. I’m not the biggest fan of sci-fi elements in books, but this was expertly done. I’m excited to see what He might write next, because she’s proven her writing style is versatile, and any story she writes will be just as compelling as the one that came before it.

The Ones We’re Meant to Find is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up The Ones We’re Meant to Find? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Perfect for fans of Marie Lu and E. Lockhart, The Ones We’re Meant to Find is a gripping and heartfelt YA sci-fi with mind-blowing twists. Set in a climate-ravaged future, Joan He’s beautifully written novel follows the story of two sisters, separated by an ocean, desperately trying to find each other.

Cee has been trapped on an abandoned island for three years without any recollection of how she arrived, or memories from her life prior. All she knows is that somewhere out there, beyond the horizon, she has a sister named Kay, and it’s up to Cee to cross the ocean and find her.

In a world apart, 16-year-old STEM prodigy Kasey Mizuhara lives in an eco-city built for people who protected the planet―and now need protecting from it. With natural disasters on the rise due to climate change, eco-cities provide clean air, water, and shelter. Their residents, in exchange, must spend at least a third of their time in stasis pods, conducting business virtually whenever possible to reduce their environmental footprint. While Kasey, an introvert and loner, doesn’t mind the lifestyle, her sister Celia hated it. Popular and lovable, Celia much preferred the outside world. But no one could have predicted that Celia would take a boat out to sea, never to return.

Now it’s been three months since Celia’s disappearance, and Kasey has given up hope. Logic says that her sister must be dead. But nevertheless, she decides to retrace Celia’s last steps. Where they’ll lead her, she does not know. Her sister was full of secrets. But Kasey has a secret of her own.

The post Review: The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of these!

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
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Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning new fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and asks: When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?

The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda
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There is no limit to the lies, suspicion, and secrets that can poison the perfect marriage in this twisting novel of suspense by USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley
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From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
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A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian.

In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
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A pansexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead, in this dark YA fantasy by A.M. Strickland, author of Beyond the Black Door, whom Richard Kadrey calls “a storyteller of both grace and power.”

Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
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From one of the most exciting new storytellers in epic fantasy, the first book in the Nameless Republic trilogy is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forbidden magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa.

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin
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It’s a club like no other. Only the most important women receive an invitation. But one daring young reporter is about to infiltrate this female-run secret society, whose beguiling members are caught up in a dark and treacherous business.

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He
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One of the most twisty, surprising, engaging page-turner YAs you’ll read this year—We Were Liars with sci-fi scope, Lost with a satisfying resolution.

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
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Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne forges a new epic, one that puts the forgotten women of Greek mythology back at the heart of the story, as they strive for a better world.

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
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In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense and New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
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Funny, warm, and full of heart, The Soulmate Equation proves that the delicate balance between fate and choice can never be calculated.

Things We Lost to the Water by Eric Nguyen
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A stunning debut novel about an immigrant Vietnamese family who settles in New Orleans and struggles to remain connected to one another as their lives are inextricably reshaped.

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

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

Prepare yourselves because this list of 2021 young adult book releases will see you adding several to your TBR! With new releases from favourites, such as Kristin Cashore, Neal Shusterman, Cassandra Clare, and Julie Murphy, as well as debuts from the likes of Ellie Eaton, Angeline Boulley, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, and many more! Plus, the YA genre is absolutely delivering with gorgeous covers!

Want more 2021 book releases? Check out our list of Most Anticipated releases, Fantasy and Sci-Fi releases, Queer releases, and Queer SFF releases.

Read on to discover our January to June 2021 releases and tell us what you’re looking forward to in the comments below!

JANUARY

Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink
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A historical YA novel that takes place during the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, in an area of Tulsa, OK, known as the Black Wall Street.

The Divines by Ellie Eaton
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With the emotional power of Normal People and the reflective haze of The Girls, a compulsively readable literary debut set in a secluded boarding school, exploring the intoxicating, destructive relationships between teenage girls. 

Roman and Jewel by Dana L. Davis
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If Romeo and Juliet got the Hamilton treatment…who would play the leads? This vividly funny, honest, and charming romantic novel by Dana L. Davis is the story of a girl who thinks she has what it takes…and the world thinks so, too.

You Have a Match by Emma Lord
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From the beloved author of Tweet Cute comes Emma Lord’s You Have a Match, a YA novel of family, friendship, romance and sisterhood…

Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift
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The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal, and Renée Ahdieh.

Winterkeep (Graceling Realm #4) by Kristin Cashore
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The highly anticipated next book in the New York Times bestselling, award-winning Graceling Realm series, which has sold 1.3 million copies.

Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder
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For fans of epic fantasies and sweeping adventures, this ensemble cast will immerse you in a world of unique magic, breathtaking action and unforgettable characters.

Glimpsed by G. F. Miller
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Perfect for fans of Geekerella and Jenn Bennett, this charming, sparkly rom-com follows a wish-granting teen forced to question if she’s really doing good—and if she has the power to make her own dreams come true.

FEBRUARY

What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo
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Rose Szabo’s thrilling debut is a dark and thrilling novel about a teen girl who returns home to her strange, wild family after years of estrangement, perfect for fans of Wilder Girls. 

The Girl from Shadow Springs by Ellie Cypher
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The Revenant meets True Grit with a magical twist in this thrilling and atmospheric debut fantasy about two teens who must brave a frozen wasteland and the foes within it to save their loved ones and uncover a deadly secret.

Of Silver and Shadow by Jennifer Gruenke
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Ren Kolins is a silver wielder—a dangerous thing to be in the kingdom of Erdis, where magic has been outlawed for a century. But when a wealthy rebel leader discovers her secret, he offers her a fortune to join his revolution. The caveat: she won’t see a single coin until they overthrow the King.

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
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When Dimple Met Rishi meets Ugly Delicious in this funny, smart romantic comedy, in which two Vietnamese-American teens fall in love and must navigate their newfound relationship amid their families’ age-old feud about their competing, neighbouring restaurants.

As Far as You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper
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The author of The Gravity of Us crafts another heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding the people who become your home–perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli.

Game Changer by Neal Shusterman
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This high-concept novel from the National Book Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of the Arc of a Scythe series tackles the most urgent themes of our time, making this a must-buy for readers who are starting to ask big questions about their own role in the universe.

Love Is a Revolution by Renée Watson
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From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Rene Watson comes a new YA–a love story about not only a romantic relationship but how a girl finds herself and falls in love with who she really is. 

Love Is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann
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This is a laugh-out-loud exploration of sexuality, family, female friendship, grief, and community. With the heart and hilarity of Netflix’s critically-acclaimed Sex Education, Wibke Brueggemann’s sex positive debut is required reading for Generation Z teens. Think of this as Bridget Jones’ Diary, if it were written by Bridget’s daughter.

MARCH

Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas
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When children go missing, people want answers. When children go missing in the small coastal town of Astoria, people look to Wendy for answers. 

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
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Debut author Angeline Boulley crafts a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community, for readers of Angie Thomas and Tommy Orange. 

The Stolen Kingdom by Jillian Boehme
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Nothing is quite as it seems in this thrilling YA fantasy adventure by Jillian Boehme, The Stolen Kingdom!

Sing Me Forgotten by Jessica S. Olson
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Cast into a well at birth for being one of the magical few who can manipulate memories when people sing, she was saved by Cyril, the opera house’s owner. Since that day, he has given her sanctuary from the murderous world outside. All he asks in return is that she use her power to keep ticket sales high—and that she stay out of sight. For if anyone discovers she survived, Isda and Cyril would pay with their lives.

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo
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The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Bright and the Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski
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Debut author Jessica Rubinkowski delivers the thrilling first book in an epic Russian folklore–inspired fantasy duology filled with page-turning romance, tragedy, magic, and monsters. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sara Raasch!

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare
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The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. 

American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar
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Fans of Sandhya Menon, Erika Sanchez and Jandy Nelson will identify with this powerful story of a young artist grappling with first love, family boundaries, and the complications of a cross-cultural relationship.

APRIL

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
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From bestselling author Lynette Noni comes a dark, thrilling YA fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, and Sabaa Tahir.

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky
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New York Times–bestselling author Goldy Moldavsky delivers a deliciously twisty YA thriller that’s Scream meets Karen McManus about a mysterious club with an obsession for horror.

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens
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A young prince must rely on a mysterious stranger to save him when he is kidnapped during his coming-of-age tour in this swoony adventure that is The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Pirates of the Caribbean.

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
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As sweet as a macaron from Laduree, with writing as crisp as a freshly baked baguette, this romantic novel set in Paris about an American ballerina and a charming French boy is parfait for fans of American Royals and Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
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I’m Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact in this stunning story of first love, familial expectations, the power of food, and finding where you belong.

What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson
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An exhilarating, emotionally powerful and superbly written thriller that’s Winter’s Bone meets The Road.

My Epic Spring Break-Up by Kristin Rockaway
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A fun and upbeat paperback original romance about a girl who finds a cheat sheet for love.

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O’Neal
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Teen Wolf meets Emergency Contact in this sharply observed, hilarious, and heartwarming debut young adult novel about friendship and the hairy side of chronic illness. 

MAY

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He
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One of the most twisty, surprising, engaging page-turner YAs you’ll read this year—We Were Liars with sci-fi scope, Lost with a satisfying resolution.

Baby & Solo by Lisabeth Posthuma
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Joel’s new job at the video store is just what the therapist ordered. But what happens if the first true friend he’s made in years finds out about What Was Wrong With Him?

Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan
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In this irreverent regency romp by New York Times best-selling author Sophie Jordan, newly minted sixteen-year-old Primrose Ainsworth finds herself on a wayward birthday adventure through London with a mysterious hero—perfect for fans of My Lady Jane.

Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
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Return to the beloved world of Julie Murphy’s #1 New York Times bestselling Dumplin’—now a popular Netflix feature film starring Jennifer Aniston—in this fabulously joyful, final companion novel about drag, prom, and embracing your inner Queen.

Off the Record by Camryn Garrett
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The behind-the-scenes access of Almost Famous meets the searing revelations of #metoo in this story of a teen journalist who uncovers the scandal of the decade.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
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Crazy Rich Asians meets The Princess Diaries in this irresistible story about Izumi, a Japanese-American girl who discovers her senior year of high school that she’s really a princess of Japan.

Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan
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In this sparkling and romantic YA debut, a reserved Bangladeshi teenager has twenty-eight days to make the biggest decision of her life after agreeing to fake date her school’s resident bad boy.

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
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Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Nina LaCour, this queer coming-of-age story from the author of The Falling in Love Montage is wry, multilayered, and unflinchingly honest.

JUNE

Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
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Shaun of the Dead meets Dumplin’ in this bitingly funny YA thriller about a kickass group of teens battling a ravenous group of zombies.

Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews
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A reinterpretation of the classic Greek myth of Daphne and Apollo, Daughter of Sparta by debut author Claire Andrews turns the traditionally male-dominated mythology we know into a heart-pounding and empowering female-led adventure.

The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver
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Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, this book will rip your heart out before showing you how to heal from tragedy and celebrate life in the process.

Sisters of the Snake by Sasha Nanua and Sarena Nanua
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Deadly magic, hidden temples, and dark prophecies: Sisters of the Snake is an action-packed, immersive fantasy that will thrill fans of The Crown’s Game and The Tiger at Midnight. 

Simone Breaks All the Rules by Debbie Rigaud
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Late bloomers unite! This fresh and funny #ownvoices novel from rising star Debbie Rigaud is perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Booksmart.

A Season of Sinister Dreams by Tracy Banghart
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Furyborn meets A Curse So Dark and Lonely in this courtly feminist fantasy from Grace and Fury author Tracy Banghart.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
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Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. 

We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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A wedding harpist disillusioned with love and a hopeless romantic cater-waiter flirt and fight their way through a summer of weddings in this effervescent romantic comedy from the acclaimed author of Today Tonight Tomorrow.

What YA books are you looking forward to releasing between January and June 2021? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 2021 YA Book Releases You Need To Have On Your TBR appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

When we think of Spotify, we tend to think about the latest albums from Halsey, Harry Styles, and other popular singers and bands, or we think about the hottest hits that are currently taking over the world. Little did most of us know, but there are also audiobooks on Spotify! Specifically, YA science fiction & fantasy novels!

Each audiobook is presented as a playlist and contains 100+ 3-4 minute tracks to make up the whole novel. They’re absolutely free and they are yours for the taking. So if you’re an avid fan of audiobooks, a beginner (just like me), or someone who wants to try audiobooks for the first time, this is your chance! Here are some of the YA SFF Audiobooks you can listen to on Spotify!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

16-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in the place of her sister to fight against 23 other tributes in an arena designed to kill them. Best thing is, the whole trilogy is available to listen to! (Clearly, this is the perfect chance to reread the trilogy before the release of its prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in May.)

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He

In this Chinese-inspired fantasy, a princess thrust into power tries to find her father’s killer, but not without facing a world filled with deception.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

What if you knew that you would cause your true love to die? Blue does and she never thought it would be a problem. But that was before she got caught in the strange world of the Raven Boys. (Just like The Hunger Games, the whole series is available on Spotify!)

Light at the Bottom of the World by London Shah

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where life continues underwater, Leyla McQueen tries to do everything she can to rescue her father. But with the threat of unfathomable waters, a corrupt government, and a secretive and hotheaded companion, the mission will be a lot harder.

Nameless by Rebecca McLaughlin

In this first instalment of this electrifying fantasy series, Zo must figure out a way to keep her sister safe when she followed Zo into a suicide mission thought to enable her to seek revenge for the death of her parents.

Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

Sal, a gender fluid thief, joins an audition to become a member of the Queen’s personal assassins to get revenge on the court. But as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of a member of the court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future. Its sequel Ruin of Stars is also available on Spotify.)

Analiese Rising by Brenda Drake

When a stranger gives Analiese Jordan a list before he dies, it leads to her learning the truth about her godly ancestors and the deadly power she wields. Now, she finds herself in the middle of a war between gods who want to raise an army of the dead.

Smoke & Key by Kelsey Sutton

In this mysterious, dark world, people receive their names from whatever belongings they had when they fell out of their graves. Key is determined to discover the truth of her past, but she’s running out of time as someone starts burning others and they all stay dead.

The Last 8 by Laura Pohl

This high-stakes survival story revolves around eight teenagers who outlived an alien attack, only they seem to be more interested in hiding than fighting back. Its conclusion, The Last 7, is also available on Spotify!

Exo by Fonda Lee

Donovan Reyes, son of a Prime Liaison in an Earth ruled by aliens, gets abducted by a human revolutionary group determined to end alien control. But his dad never negotiates with the terrorists and he’s left alone with them. Even worse, if they kill Donovan, it could spark another intergalactic war Earth won’t survive…again.

That’s 10 YA science fiction & fantasy books in the palm of your hands! Try listening to them today (or for the rest of time while you’re stuck at home *wink*)!

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

The post 10 YA SFF Audiobooks You Can Listen To On Spotify appeared first on The Nerd Daily.