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.

Read on to discover what our contributors read this year and tell us in the comments if you have also read them!

The Book of X by Sarah Rose Etter

Etter’s debut novel is one of the most visceral, mind-bending reading experiences I’ve had in a very long time. Since reading it in May, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this book! The story follows Cassie, a girl who is born with her stomach twisted into a knot, from her childhood living with her family on a meat farm (yes, you read that correctly – a quarry where they mine meat) through her adult years out on her own trying to navigate her way through the world. Etter’s blurring of surreal elements with real life experiences works tremendously well as both symbolism and commentary on issues including body image, beauty, acceptance, and expected roles. The emotional impact of Cassie’s loneliness, sadness, and pain have stuck with me and it is this immersive reading experience that made me choose The Book of X as my favourite book of 2019! – Beth Mowbray

Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This royal LGBTQ+ romance is everything you could ever want and more. Casey McQuiston’s humourous writing mixed with her storytelling and the heavy rom-com vibes of this book provide such a delightful read! Loved every second of this book! – Julia Fleur

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

A standout in the YA trend of fairytale retellings! Inspired by Beauty and the Beast but not slavishly beholden to it, the author puts an original spin on this well-known story by connecting the fairytale land to our modern day world. Harper is a well-rounded heroine who is courageous, compassionate, and happens to have cerebral palsy. I love the diversity with a differently-abled protagonist as well as LGBT rep in the supporting cast! The horrifying twist on the curse afflicting Prince Rhen, the ‘Beast’, adds suspense and tension in the background behind the slow-burn romance. Incredibly well-written and thrilling, if you haven’t already read this, it needs to be at the top of your TBR! – Annie Deo

Call Down The Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater

I have been waiting for this one for years! Ronan Lynch is back and my heart is full of love. After finding the Welsh King, the Raven Boys split up to follow their plans. While Gansey and Blue are off on a road trip, Adam starts college. Now eight hours apart, Ronan lives in his family home now and is working on his relationship with his brothers. But after a secret organisation found out what Ronan can do, danger is after his family once more. – Isabella Stocka

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

In this much-awaited and thrilling conclusion to The Folk of the Air trilogy, we follow our favourite exiled Queen, Jude Duarte, as she makes her way back into Elfhame. In true Holly Black fashion, the finale was full of twists and turns that made you constantly question what was going to happen next. In the end, The Queen of Nothing perfectly wraps up the series and answers all of our burning questions. Now that all three books are out, you can binge the series in its entirety without waiting months on end for the next book. (Seriously, the cliffhangers at the end of The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King are the definition of torture). – Gabby Gamez

Rayne and Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner

A story about two best friends facing life-changing decisions while hosting a TV show that does not have a big audience but a big heart. Rayne and Delilah are the friends you wish you had in your life, a power house of encouragement and girl power wrapped in the bodies of two girls who love to talk nonsense about everything from pancakes to boys. From falling head-over-heels for the single most adorable love interest, to the tears you’ll cry when one of the girls will meet the dad that abandoned her, there’s just a whole lot of laughter and tears to be shed while reading this.

Witty, upbeat and filled with healthy relationships and the conflicts that arise when you grow up but don’t want to grow apart, this is Zentner’s strongest work to date. The best description I can give you is that it makes me feel the way I do when I binge Gilmore Girls and that is the highest compliment I can think of. – Mimi Koehler

The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

An incredible heist story featuring a diverse cast, a historical setting, and a lot of suspense. This book has everything I look for in a YA fantasy. Chokshi uses her beautiful writing to comment on social issues but also provide a story that you won’t forget! – Julia Fleur

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Girl Power. Dystopian vibes. Creepy. Guessing games. Plot twists. This story had it all and kept me up all night with just my kindle for light. I was constantly swiping the pages wanting to see what happened next. Oooooh and that ending!? It’s already been picked up for a film, directed by Elizabeth Banks. I can’t wait to see how it will all look when it hits the big screen. – Sarah C

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Inspired by Mayan mythology and set in 1920s Mexico, this is a wonderfully unique story featuring an intelligent self-assured heroine who unwittingly releases a death god from imprisonment and is swept up in an epic quest! The writing is lush and beautifully vivid, bringing the old-timey setting to life in full colour and chaos, then submerging the reader in the ominous gloom of the Mayan underworld. If you’re a fan of the ‘powerful immortal & bold independent human girl’ dynamic, this is utter perfection and will ruin you for all other takes on that trope! – Annie Deo

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Elisabeth Scrivener is a child of the library. Left on the doorstep of the Great Library of Summershall as a baby, she was raised among the magical grimoires lining the shelves. As she grows up, all she wants is to become a Warden of the library. But that dream is ripped from her when one night she in accused of wrongfully tampering with a grimoire, causing it’s malefic. She has no one to turn to but Nathaniel Thorn, a sorcerer Elisabeth knows to be evil. But are sorcerers as evil as she was taught to believe? There are so many aspects to fall in love with, but two main ones are the characters and the atmosphere. The world Margaret Rogerson has created is incredibly interesting and atmospheric. Secondly, the characters are all unique in their own ways and you will in love with every single one. This is one stand-alone you won’t want to miss out on. – Gabby Gamez

Heartstopper, Vol 2 by Alice Oseman

Utterly adorable, even more so than the first volume. You will most definitely die in a puddle of feels while reading it, and believe me when I say that you will be so enthralled that you will read the whole thing in one sit. Alice Oseman’s drawing style is soft and impossibly cute — the perfect match for Nick and Charlie’s relationship. I can’t wait for the next volume! – Ankara

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern’s highly anticipated second book is an exquisitely written ode to stories, storytelling and storytellers. Multi-layered and multi-linear, its stories nested like a set of Matryoshka dolls, with different narrative threads weaving in and out, proving that all stories are different and that all stories are ultimately the same story, and packed to the brim with old-school fairy-tale symbolism; symbols, as the book reminds us, being interpretive not definitive, meaning that everyone can take away something different. The icing on the bee (or key, or sword, or heart, or crown, or indeed owl) shaped cake are all the little references to other works (be they literature, film, game etc) sprinkled throughout and one of the joys of re-reading will be trying to spot them all. The Starless Sea is a gorgeous book that builds on the magic of The Night Circus and even manages to exceed it. What’s the best way of surviving down the Rabbit Hole? “Become a rabbit.” – Carolyn Percy

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

There is nothing better than falling in love with a new genre. And this book made it easy to fall into a deep historical romance binging hole. The lack of wit and banter in this book is nonexistent. When you don’t stop smiling the entire time you read a book you know you have found the one. What is even better is when you realise that the author has written multiple series that all intertwine perfectly (one of which is being made into a Netflix series) . Julia Quinn will not disappoint to make you laugh and tug on heart strings. – Emma Knight

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

In 2380 Tyler Jones, the star cadet of Aurora Academy, is meant to have his pick of the recruits to join his squad. But when he ventures out on an unsanctioned rescue mission he ends up missing his chance and ends up with the recruits no one else wanted. That isn’t even the worst of it Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he rescued, is not from this time and is completely out of her depth. The added pressure of a brewing intergalactic war does nothing to help Tyler’s mood. In true Kaufman and Kristoff style, this book is an adventure packed, witty and hilarious and they have created the most lovable band of misfits the galaxy has ever seen. – Ellie King

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

The Toll has cemented itself as one of the strongest and smartest conclusions in recent years. Shusterman’s trilogy is a masterpiece of clever world-building, dynamic characters and a universe which challenges the moral perception of life and death. This series will resonate with readers for years to come and serves as documentation of the turbulent time in which it was published. From a rising dictatorship to the mass branding of large communities, The Toll, even in all of its embroidered and bejewelled glory, is far too close to home and serves as a worrying reminder at the state our world currently finds itself in. – Tom Hitchen

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

This was an exciting finding as I’ve never labelled myself as a reader of epic fantasy before. This isn’t just a book, it’s a whole lively experience. Wang’s Japanese inspired fantasy was remarkable from start to finish. With rich worldbuilding, multiple strong plots, and deeply-explored characters, it’s a rare gem that you don’t want to miss. – Vinny MS

Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavours by Sonali Dev

A classic retelling with your favourite characters in a modern day setting done right. Very similar to Bride and Prejudice (if you have not seen it go now and let your mind be blown) but with a dash more food and a pinch of current realism that paints DJ and Trisha’s trials and triumphs perfectly in a new contemporary fashion. Even though I knew what would happen next it was still thought provoking and heart clenchingly amazing. A book that I would happily reread and highly recommend to everyone. – Emma Knight

Did you enjoy any of these favourites too? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Nerd Daily’s Favourite 2019 Books appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

While there have been many debut novels released this year, we round up some of the most buzzed about 2019 debuts!

Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this shimmering Chinese-inspired fantasy, debut author Joan He introduces a determined and vulnerable young heroine struggling to do right in a world brimming with deception.

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
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A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford Rebels, in which a fiercely independent vicar’s daughter takes on a powerful duke in a love story that threatens to upend the British social order.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
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In the early 1900s, a young woman searches for her place in the world after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut.

We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal
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Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands.

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

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
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A shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive…

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
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Bridget Jones’s Diary meets Americanah in this disarmingly honest, boldly political, and truly inclusive novel that will speak to anyone who has gone looking for love and found something very different in its place.

The Perfect Son by Lauren North
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A disturbing and shocking debut novel of psychological suspense about a recently widowed mother, her young son, and the lengths she’ll go to in order to keep him safe.

The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson
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Eragon meets And I Darken in this thrilling new fantasy debut that follows a fallen princess as she ignites a rebellion to bring back the magical elemental crows that were taken from her people.

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

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

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
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Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skilfully animated as necromantic skeletons. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
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Four Queens. A divided nation. A ruthless pickpocket. A noble messenger. And the murders that unite them. An enthralling fast-paced murder mystery where competing agendas collide with deadly consequences.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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A big-hearted romantic comedy in which First Son Alex falls in love with Prince Henry of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends…

There Will Come A Darkness by Katy Rose Pool
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Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows meets Kristin Cashore’s Graceling, with a dash of Winter is Coming, in this showstopping debut YA fantasy!

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

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

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
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Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this stunning fantasy adventure from debut author Charlotte Nicole Davis.

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
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As one by one her beautiful sisters mysteriously die on their isolated island estate, Annaleigh must unravel the curse that haunts her family. Be careful who you dance with. . . .

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

Do you have any new favourite authors from 2019? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Best Debut Novels of 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi Kim! Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m originally from the rural Midwest, but I live in New York City. It’s probably because I’m a massive introvert, but I really enjoy the anonymity that comes with city life. I can be alone without ever being lonely.

Your new novel, The Grace Year, publishes on October 8^th. If you could only use five words to describe your novel, what would they be?

Feminist. Survival. Gutting. Hopeful. Magic.

What inspired you to write The Grace Year?

I’ve never had a book come to me this way. And I probably never will again. It felt like magic.

I was in Penn Station, staring up at the board, willing my train to arrive, when I noticed a girl in front of me. Probably thirteen or fourteen, long and lean, bouncing on the tips of her toes, thoroughly annoying her parents and younger siblings. She had the nervous energy of a girl on the verge of womanhood. Of change.

A man in a business suit walked by, instinctively looking her way, stem to stern, as they say. I knew that look. She was fair game now. Prey.

And then I noticed a woman pass, drawn to that same energy, but I imagined for entirely different reasons. As she surveyed the girl, a look of sadness, possibly disdain, clouded her eyes. Maybe it was a reminder of everything she’d lost…everything she thought she’d never get back, but this girl was now competition.

As the family’s train was announced, they rushed to the gate and said their goodbyes. They were clearly sending the girl back to boarding school. She waved the entire escalator ride down and I couldn’t help but notice the relief on her parent’s faces. For another year, she’d be tucked away from the world. Safe.

“The things we do to young girls,” I whispered under my breath.

In a daze, I walked to my train, and when I sat down in my seat, I began to weep. I cried for that girl. I cried for my daughter, my mother, my sister, my grandmothers.

I opened my computer and by the time I got to D.C. the book was completely plotted. The beginning and ending had been written, and I knew I didn’t have a choice. I had to write this book.

Were there any challenges you faced while writing?

It was a really difficult headspace to be in for such a prolonged period of time. Writing this book was the only way I knew how to unpack everything I was feeling—all of the pain, fear and resentment over what was happening in the world. It felt like I was carrying around a heavy weight. It definitely took a toll—mentally, physically, spiritually—but I came out so much stronger in the end.

This book changed me. It changed the way I write, the way I see the world and my place in it, but more importantly, it changed the way I view women. As soon as I softened my gaze, a whole new world opened up. Instead of standing back, silently passing judgement, I began to lean in with empathy and compassion. There’s wisdom to be found in meeting women where they are, not where you want them to be. Because, after all, there are a million ways to be a feminist. There are a million ways to fight.

From start to final revision, how long did The Grace Year take you?

We sold it on proposal, but I had to set it aside for half a year while I finished up another book. I remember being so worried that I would lose that spark, but the break only seemed to intensify my resolve. One rough first draft. Three intense revisions. And lots of tinkering in pass pages. All in all, three years.

What do you hope readers will take away from your novel?

I can promise lots of chills and thrills, but my hope is that by the time they’ve turned the last page, they’ll feel as if they survived right alongside the remaining grace year girls, that they’ve come out the other side, changed.

What was it like when you found out that The Grace Year had been optioned by Universal with Elizabeth Banks at the helm?

Everything happened so quickly! I had just turned in my revision when a slew of foreign offers came in and “film interest” started entering conversations. Honestly, I didn’t think much of it. It seemed so pie in the sky. It wasn’t until my agents suggested that I get an entertainment attorney that I realized this was serious. And Elizabeth Banks is serious business. She’s an actress, director, producer, activist, and probably a dozen other things that I don’t even know about, but her company, Brownstone Productions, is at the forefront of bringing female centric projects—especially books— to the screen. As soon as we spoke, I knew it was the perfect match. I went out to Los Angeles last week to meet with the entire team, and I can tell you that The Grace Year is in excellent hands.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

On the writing side: Keep learning. Keep reaching. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Every time I start a new book, I think I’m out my depth—that the skill level needed is way above my paygrade. I’m terrified that I won’t be good enough, but I do it anyway. That’s the only way I know how to grow.

On the business side: Let the success of others be a motivator, not a hindrance. The Grace Year is my fifth book, and let’s be real, most of my author friends were a lot more successful than I was out of the gate. You can either look at it like, why do they have that and I don’t? or That’s so cool. Maybe I’ll have that someday. It’s a subtle shift in perspective, but really necessary if you’re going to be in this for the long haul. There’s an ebb and flow to everything. If you stay focused on the craft, you will only be competing with yourself.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on two books, one for adults, the other for young adults, both centering around similar themes—the unusual circumstances that bring women together, and how we can find understanding in a world that wants to tear us apart.

Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for us?

I have a million, but here are a few of my latest reads that I’m still thinking about.

I loved Three Women by Lisa Taddeo– it was such a compelling read.

The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker—smart, thought provoking, binge-worthy.

The Night Country by Melissa Albert – a beautiful dark modern fairy tale

And I adored Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga—a stunning middle grade novel told in verse.

Will you be picking up The Grace Year? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Kim Liggett, Author of ‘The Grace Year’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

But that’s not all! Alexandra Christo tells a tale of dark magic and four young crooks, Jojo Moyes’s new novel is set in Depression-era America, Joe Hill’s Full Throttle features thirteen short stories, and Charlotte Nicole Davis’s debut is Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale.

Other exciting releases includes Tochi Onyebuchi’s War Girls, which is set in a futuristic, Black Panther–inspired Nigeria, Kim Liggett’s The Grace Year, which is reminiscent of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Power, and Hex Life: Wicked New Tales of Witchery from authors such as Rachel Caine and Kelley Armstrong.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo comes a mesmerizing tale of power, privilege, and dark magic set among the Ivy League elite.

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Proposal and “rising star in the romance genre” (Entertainment Weekly) comes a dazzling new novel about a spontaneous holiday vacation that turns into an unforgettable romance.

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two sisters are torn apart by war and must fight their way back to each other in a futuristic, Black Panther–inspired Nigeria.

Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky
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Christopher is seven years old. Christopher is the new kid in town. Christopher has an imaginary friend. The epic work of literary horror from the #1 bestselling author of The Perks of Being A Wallflower.

Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo
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In a world thriving with black magic, four young crooks embark on a quest to take down their criminal leader after they discover the plot behind his dangerous new magic.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
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Set in Depression-era America, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their unforgettable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond, from the author of Me Before You and The Peacock Emporium.

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
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New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with a sumptuous, sultry and romantic new series set in 19th century New Orleans where vampires hide in plain sight.

Full Throttle by Joe Hill
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In this masterful collection of short fiction, Joe Hill dissects timeless human struggles in thirteen relentless tales of supernatural suspense, including “In The Tall Grass,” one of two stories co-written with Stephen King, basis for the terrifying feature film from Netflix.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A speculative thriller in the vein of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Power. With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.

Hex Life: Wicked New Tales of Witchery by Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, and Sherrilyn Kenyon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hex Life: Wicked New Tales of Witchery will take the classic tropes of tales of witchcraft and infuse them with fresh, feminist perspective and present-day concerns–even if they’re set in the past. These witches might be monstrous, or they might be heroes, depending on their own definitions. Even the kind hostess with the candy cottage thought of herself as the hero of her own story. After all, a woman’s gotta eat.

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
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Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this stunning fantasy adventure from debut author Charlotte Nicole Davis.

Angel Mage by Garth Nix
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Fans of Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, and Leigh Bardugo will fall in love with Angel Mage, a feminist fantasy that takes place in an alternate European world ruled by fearsome magic and deadly passions.

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

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

The rest of 2019 sees new YA books from popular authors such as Kasie West, Kami Garcia, Katharine McGee, Jenn Bennett, Ruta Septys, Philip Pullman, Natasha Ngan, Tomi Adeyemi, and Kiersten White! Plus there’s debuts, tales of Sabrina, Mulan, and Camelot, and plenty more for you to enjoy!

Read on to discover a few of the YA books coming out between July and December! Tell us in the comments below which ones you’re excited to read!

JULY

Maybe This Time by Kasie West
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Beloved author Kasie West brings her signature witty banter and rom-com fun to a bold, fresh format. Think Four Weddings and a Funeral for YA.

Season of the Witch by Sarah Rees Brennan
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From the creator of Riverdale comes the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a new Netflix series based on the classic Archie comic series. This prequel YA novel tells an all-new, original story.

Destroy All Monsters by Sam J. Miller
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A crucial, genre-bending tale, equal parts Ned Vizzini and Patrick Ness, about the life-saving power of friendship.

Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia and first-time graphic novel artist Gabriel Picolo comes this riveting tale of finding the strength to face who you are and learning to trust others–and yourself.

Before I Disappear by Danielle Stinson
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Danielle Stinson’s Before I Disappear is an action-packed YA novel where a young woman has to find her little brother after her town disappears into thin air.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu
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Told in alternating timelines, Thelma and Louise meets Gone Girl in this twisted psychological thriller about the dark side of obsessive friendship.

AUGUST

Swipe Right for Murder by Derek Milman
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Ever Alice by H.J. Ramsay
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Alice’s stories of Wonderland did more than raise a few eyebrows—it landed her in an asylum. Now at 15 years of age, she’s willing to do anything to leave, which includes agreeing to an experimental procedure.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
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From the critically-acclaimed author of Under a Painted Skyand Outrun the Moon and founding member of We Need Diverse Books comes a powerful novel about identity, betrayal, and the meaning of family.

Bright Star by Erin Swan
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Erin Swan’s YA fantasy debut, Bright Star, is an action-packed adventure tale of rebellion, romance, and finding one’s voice in the heart of a storm.

Here There Are Monsters by Amelinda Bérubé
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The Blair Witch Project meets Imaginary Girls in this story of codependent sisterhood, the struggle to claim one’s own space, and the power of secrets

Hello Girls by Brittany Cavallaro and Emily Henry
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Thelma and Louise gets remade in this powerful, darkly funny teen novel from acclaimed authors Brittany Cavallaro and Emily Henry. Two teenage girls who have had enough of the controlling men in their lives take their rage on the road to make a new life for themselves.

SEPTEMBER

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
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A speculative thriller in the vein of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Power. With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.

The Magnolia Sword: A Ballad of Mulan by Sherry Thomas
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Inspired by wuxia martial-arts dramas as well as the centuries-old ballad of Mulan, The Magnolia Sword is perfect for fans of Renee Ahdieh, Marie Lu, or Kristin Cashore–a thrilling, romantic, and sharp-edged novel that lives up to its beloved heroine.

Six Goodbyes We Never Said by Candace Ganger
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Candace Ganger’s Six Goodbyes We Never Said is no love story. If you ask Naima, it’s not even a like story. But it is a story about love and fear and how sometimes you need a little help to be brave enough to say goodbye.

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett
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The Last Magician meets A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue in this thrilling tale filled with magic and set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains where a girl must hunt down Vlad the Impaler’s cursed ring in order to save her father.

American Royals by Katharine McGee
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What if America had a royal family? If you can’t get enough of Harry and Meghan or Kate and William, meet American princesses Beatrice and Samantha.

The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Sky in the Deep in this bewitching, historical horror novel, perfect for fans of Holly Black and V.E. Schwab.

OCTOBER

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

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
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Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this stunning fantasy adventure from debut author Charlotte Nicole Davis.

The Secret Commonwealth (The Book of Dust #2) by Philip Pullman
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Return to the parallel world of His Dark Materials in the second volume of Philip Pullman’s new bestselling masterwork The Book of Dust, and discover what comes next for Lyra.

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
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Frozen meets Mad Max in this epic teen fantasy duology bursting with star-crossed romance, immortal heroines, and elemental magic, perfect for fans of Furyborn.

Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo
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In a world thriving with black magic, four young crooks embark on a quest to take down their criminal leader after they discover the plot behind his dangerous new magic.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
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A light-hearted and romantic contemporary novel set during the holiday season and full of humor, heart and heartbreak.

NOVEMBER

Across A Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood
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The last thing eighteen-year-old Wilhelmina “Willa” MacCarthy wants is to be a nun. It’s 1936, and as the only daughter amongst four sons, her Irish–Catholic family is counting on her to take her vows—but Willa’s found another calling. Each day she sneaks away to help Doctor Katherine Winston in her medical clinic in San Francisco’s Richmond District.

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
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From New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White comes a new fantasy series reimagining the Arthurian legend, set in the magical world of Camelot.

All-American Muslim Girl by Nadine Jolie Courtney
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All-American Muslim Girl is a relevant, relatable story of being caught between two worlds, and the struggles and hard-won joys of finding your place.

Crown of Oblivion by Julie Eshbaugh
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In this mesmerizing YA fantasy mash-up of The Road meets The Amazing Race, one girl chooses to risk her life in a cutthroat competition in order to win her freedom.

Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian
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Lovers of dark, high-octane adventure will be enthralled by Sarah Harian’s Eight Will Fall, a genre-bending YA fantasy standalone, perfect for fans of Kendare Blake and Leigh Bardugo.

Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan
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In this mesmerizing sequel to the New York Times bestselling Girls of Paper and Fire, Lei and Wren have escaped their oppressive lives in the Hidden Palace, but soon learn that freedom comes with a terrible cost.

DECEMBER

Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orïsha #2) by Tomi Adeyemi
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Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Tomi Adeyemi’s New York Times bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone, the first title in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy.

The Weight of A Soul by Elizabeth Tammi
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When Lena’s younger sister Fressa is found dead, their whole Viking clan mourns—but it is Lena alone who never recovers. Fressa is the sister that should’ve lived, and Lena cannot rest until she knows exactly what killed Fressa and why—and how to bring her back. She strikes a dark deal with Hela, the Norse goddess of death, and begins a new double life to save her sister.

Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things by Jacqueline Firkins
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In this charming debut about first love and second chances, a young girl gets caught between the boy next door and a playboy. Perfect for fans of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.

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

To Whatever End by Lindsey Frydman
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Quinn Easterly is cursed. With one touch, she can see the end to someone’s life. Everyday deaths, and ones that haunt her in her daydreams. Ones that have always proven impossible to prevent. She has finally learned to go about life as usual until she meets Griffin.

Watch Over Me by Mila Gray
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From the author of Come Back to Me comes a striking new novel about a young woman— desperately trying to protect her family from their violent father—who finds safety, and a passionate romance, with an ex-Marine.

Are there any YA books you’re excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post YA Books Releasing Between July & December 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Grace Year

Does this sound bleak? Throw in the fact that poachers lurk beyond the camp, waiting to capture and kill the girls to sell their body parts on the black market, and it becomes frightening. This year it is Tierney’s turn. The story follows her fight for survival; survival in both the landscape and survival among her own peers. Some reviews I have read liken The Grace Year as a cross between The Hunger Games and Lord of The Flies mixed with The Handmaid’s Tale, and I can definitely agree with them.

I finished this book a few days ago, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind! It has raised many questions and thoughts, and I think this book would be a great pick for a book group as there would be lots to discuss. This is because there are many choices Tierney has to make, and the reader may not always agree with all of them. What one reader may have wanted for her, another may disagree.

What made the book unique to some others that I’ve read recently is the use of symbolism and the language of flowers. This is used a lot throughout the book and a careful reader would be able to pick up on some clever foreshadowing. That is not to say that there weren’t any twists, I thought there were so many twists! Particularly in the last third of the book when I thought I’d figured something out, I hadn’t. I was kept on the edge of my seat by the end. I also found it was a lot more graphic than I was expecting for a book labelled as YA because it doesn’t hold back on the gore.

I liked Kim’s writing style in The Grace Year and the first person perspective makes it easy to follow and know what Tierney is feeling. The description is excellent and builds a picture in your mind so you can imagine all the settings and place yourself there. It’s definitely not overdone though as the story keeps flowing. Once you are past the introduction and the Grace Year is underway, this is when the book gets really good. The writing manages to evoke a feeling of tension in the right places. Although there are times when it slows, I didn’t feel like the plot went off course at any point. There are a few time jumps though which some readers may not like and wish for more explanation, but as the story takes place across a year it is necessary to have these gaps.

The book explores a women’s role in society and the patriarchy. There is definitely a feminist feel to the story, and it is about girls and their choices (and the choices made for them). The Grace Year divides the girls when it should bring them together, and that’s what I feel the author was trying to do through Tierney. Does she do what’s right for herself or does she do what’s right for the group? When is it okay to lie? At what point do you tell the truth? The ending was very thought-provoking for me although this is hard to discuss whilst remaining spoiler free!

I liked The Grace Year so much because I think it had most things I like in books. It had characters to root for, a surprise love interest, a touch of the unknown and mysterious, and an ending that left me thinking, but not wanting. The particular bits I loved most would give away plot points so I guess you’ll have to read it and discover them for yourself!

I would recommend this to fans of The Hunger Games, but I would also think anyone who enjoys a bit of rebellion and girl power would enjoy it. I would like any feminist to pick it up, as their opinion on Tierney’s choices and how other characters behaved may well differ to mine, but I think that’s the beauty of The Grace Year. It stays with you, makes you think, and would start a great discussion.

The Grace Year is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of October 8th 2019. Thank you to NetGalley who provided me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Will you be reading The Grace Year? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

No one speaks of the grace year. It’s forbidden.

Girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds, drive women mad with jealousy. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That’s why they’re banished for their sixteenth year, to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified and ready for marriage. But not all of them will make it home alive.

Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman, but as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for their chance to grab one of the girls in order to make their fortune on the black market. Their greatest threat may very well be each other.

With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.

The post Review: The Grace Year by Kim Liggett appeared first on The Nerd Daily.