Hi, Kristin! Welcome back! How have you been since we spoke last year for the release of The Empress?

I’ve been wonderful! Super busy with life and work and learning and growing, but I have no complaints.

Fortune is the third installment in your Towerfall series and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Eep! This is difficult. (And I hope those didn’t count as four of my words.)
spicy, portal, empowering, sexting, powerful

What can readers expect?

Sexting a hot CEO, falling through a portal into an enchanted fire kingdom, and coming out the other side a little more empowered…and a lot more satisfied.

Was there any particular inspiration behind the story of Fortune?

I enjoy exploring the ways in which we disguise our true selves with versions we believe are more palatable not only to others but also to ourselves. As most of my books are, Fortune is inspired by a past version of myself or an aspect of who I am that I’d like to examine more closely. This book is for anyone who’s pretended to have their life together while internally screaming. I needed to let that part of myself breathe and see that she’s not damaged or alone. I hope others feel the same comfort when they read Fortune.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Fennel might not have any speaking parts, (since he’s a donkey and this is not that kind of fantasy novel), but I am sort of obsessed with him. My writing coach, Emily Suvada, is the one who had the brilliant idea to add animal companions to this book, and I will be forever grateful to her for her absolute genius. Fennel was such a joy to include in this story and brought a sense of fun to the writing process that I had unconsciously drifted away from during the writing process.

What a stunning cover and we were honoured to reveal it last year! Did you have any involvement in concepts for the artwork or how it came to be?

I have been a total creep and have followed Mary (@thesleepingfoxy), the cover artist, for more than a year and daydreamed about working together. I even added her to the spreadsheet I have of artists I desperately want to create my covers. So, I suppose—and Amanda would agree—that I manifested the whole collab.

In all seriousness, I am extremely fortunate to work with a publishing team at Bloom that only wants the best for this series and will put in extra work to ensure that the outside of the book truly represents what’s inside. They are very communicative and include me every step of the way. But I know what my strengths are and cover design isn’t one of them. They took my character descriptions, their amazing Bloom Books magick, and gave the info to Mary, who is a frickin bad ass artist. Most of my involvement comes in the form of all caps email replies screeching about how beautiful everything is.

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

I had a whole speechified moment that I considered including here about the state of the world and my country, but as I started typing it my heartrate increased and I got all hot and bothered, (not in a good ol’ sexy way), and my chest got really tight. I’ve been in occupational therapy long enough to know that those are indicators of a stress response.

And that can fuck right off.

Instead, I’d like to channel Philisophical Kristin who usually only makes an appearance after “Normal” Kristin smokes half a joint.

Of course I faced challenges. The writing process would be devoid of life without them for there can be no joy or growth or sense of accomplishment in the absence of challenge. How did I overcome them? I haven’t. I won’t. To overcome them implies that I’ve mastered or slayed the beast that is _________. Each of us could fill in the blank with any number of things. I’m not here to gain control over a problem. I am here to live, to make what falls within my locus of control absolutely shine, to support and enhance my community, to let women know that they are not alone, to teach my small human to be and do better. I will focus on what I can enhance and leave my challenges to teach me how to improve rather than divert my energy to forcing them into submission.

What’s the best and worst writing advice you’ve received?

The best writing advice I’ve received is to read books across genres written by all sorts of different people. I’ve carried this advice around in my head for decades but only really put it into practice within the past five or so years. It really opened my eyes to amazing stories and facts I had missed out on and completely refilled my creative well.

I don’t remember the worst writing advice I’ve ever received. Whatever it was, I either deemed it as worthless and promptly forgot it or tried to implement it, realized it wasn’t for me, and then promptly forgot it. Hopefully this question never stands between me and preventing the destruction of the planet. If so, we’re fucked.

What’s next for you?

Death! I mean, we’re all going to die at some point, but the next book in the Towerfall series releases October 13 as is titled Death after the tarot card. This one is a best friend’s older brother spicy portal romance that explores an enchanted kingdom where the truth is often deadly.

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

I shall make a list! (My autism wriggles around in my head like an excited puppy each time I get to make a list. Thanks for that!)

• Baby and the Late Night Howlers by Kathryn Moon
• A Pack for Summer by Eliana Lee
• Devour Me by Emily Rath
• Axe Marks the Spot by Kayla Grosse
• Ember by Naima Simone
• Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson
• The Unknown by Riley Sager
• The Dark in Her Veins by MK Lobb
• His Juliet by Emilia Rossi
• Kiss, Slay, Replay by Rachel Harrison
• Deathsworn by Meg Smitherman
• Dearly Departed by Chip Pons
• After Hours Anthology by Evelyn Leigh

This concludes my Bookshop order.

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

The post Q&A: Kristin Cast, Author of ‘Fortune’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from The Lovers by Kristin Cast, which is out now!

Gemma Summers is broke, burnt out, and about three weeks from moving back in with her parents. Her career has imploded, her confidence is circling the drain, and the last thing she needs is a run in with Alder Hawke—the dangerously charming ex who still haunts her dreams and could buy her a new life with just his pocket change.

When a magickal tarot card sends them spiraling—literally—into another realm and they land in the steampunk inspired Kingdom of Cups, Gemma is forced to rely on the man who shattered her trust, broke her heart, and somehow still makes her weak in the knees.

But survival in the world of Towerfall is anything but simple, especially when she’s caught between the ex who wants to own her and a roguish former king who sees through every one of her defenses.

With secrets mounting, identities unraveling, and her heart very much on the line, Gemma must decide: will she cling to the version of herself she built in the real world… or risk everything to become the woman she was always meant to be?

One enchanted tarot card. Two infuriatingly hot men. And a modern woman who refuses to be anyone’s damsel.

The wedding reception is in full swing. The tent, pitched near a sparkling lake on the perfectly manicured lawns of the Charleston Island Country Club, glows with golden lantern light. Tables are draped in soft ivory linens, centerpieces burst with blooms, and the air is fragrant with roses, gardenias, and sweet buttercream.

Southern weddings have a particular kind of charm—one part fairy tale, two parts local gossip—and this one is no exception.

I linger near the bar, nursing a drink that isn’t nearly strong enough while I fidget with a monogrammed cocktail napkin.

“I am so sorry about Kendall and Alex.” Beside me, Mackenzie’s petite frame sways as she clutches her champagne flute.

I shrug. “They’re fine.” Or, at least they will be after I’ve had enough to drink. She hiccups, swaying closer, and makes a pitiful groaning sound before dropping her forehead against my shoulder.

“My mom is in Bunco with their moms,” she mutters. “I had to make them bridesmaids, or I’d never hear the end of it. Like—never.”

She leans back, eyes bleary. “I’d have died an old woman, and they’d still be saying, remember how Mackenzie didn’t make Kendall and Alex bridesmaids? What a selfish little bitch.”

I laugh into my glass. “We have to avoid that at all costs.”

“Yep,” she agrees, popping the p before taking a very unladylike gulp of champagne.

Her gaze sweeps the room, her grin going lazy. She hiccups again and turns back to me.

“God,” she mutters under her breath. “Alder looks so good.”

I go very, very still. She gasps suddenly, hand flying to her mouth, the triangle of freckles beneath her left eye crinkling with a wince. “Wait! Am I still allowed to say that? I mean, I’m a married woman now.” She extends her left hand and closes one eye to focus on the massive diamond. “Is this illegal?” she slurs.

“I think you’re safe.”

Mackenzie nods, satisfied. Her gaze sweeps the reception tent again, catching on Alder once more. She exhales, her champagne flute tipping precariously in her hand.

“Not gonna lie,” she says, voice just loose enough with alcohol to be brutally honest, “He is such an asshole.

Not husband material. Not even boyfriend material. If he hadn’t grown up literally next door to Jason, there’s no way they’d be best friends. Buuuut I get why you keep going back.” She waves her hand in his direction. “He’s rich as sin and looks, well…like that.”

I follow her gaze, even though I shouldn’t. I know exactly what I’ll see. Alder, standing just beyond the crowd, effortlessly tall, perfectly composed, his presence suffocating even from across the tent.

I look away fast.

“I mean, Gem, let’s be real.” She leans in, voice low and conspiratorial, the kind of tone that precedes bad decisions and questionable life choices. “You’re doing your Sex and the City thing in New York, and that’s great. But Alder… He could buy you a penthouse up there tomorrow, no problem.”

She’s not wrong. And the thought makes me want to puke. “I don’t want him to buy me a penthouse.”

My throat burns as I down the rest of my drink and motion to the bartender for another. Mackenzie has no idea how much easier it would be. How much I’ve already considered it. If I gave in, I wouldn’t be weeks away from running out of money and packing my bags to move back in with my parents. I wouldn’t have to drown in shame when everyone realizes I didn’t make it.

“Mackenzie!” The wedding planner rushes up, clipboard in one hand, earpiece securely in place, moving with the focused urgency of a woman who has seen some shit. “It’s time for the cake pull.”

Mackenzie squeals in delight, clutching my arm.

“Oh my God, Gemma, the cake pull!”

I try to protest, but she’s already yanking me forward.

“Go on.” Mackenzie nudges me toward the cake and the other bridesmaids. “You have to. It’s tradition.”

I groan and playfully bump her hip with mine.

“Love youuuuu!” She shouts as the wedding planner whisks her to the front of the gathering crowd of guests.

Alex clears her throat and glances at Mackenzie, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear, “Remember last fall at Sophie’s wedding? I got a money charm. And then, boom! Three new clients.”

“Yeah, well, I hope this pull actually works.” Kendall,

Thing 2 to Alex’s Thing 1, snorts, her fingers twirling around her ribbon. “I could use some serious love luck right now.”

Love.

The word burns through my thoughts along with visions of Alder.

Mackenzie drunkenly raises her arms like a race starter about to set us off. “On the count of three, you’ll pull together!”

I grab a ribbon. The moment I do, a shock zips through me. It’s static electricity but with a strange undertone—a tingling sensation that travels up my arm and settles in my chest.

“What the hell?” I mutter, shaking off the buzzing sting and flexing my fingers.

“Three, two, one—pull!”

A chorus of cheers rings out from the gathered crowd as we tug on our ribbons. The others glide out of the cake effortlessly, glinting at the end of their satin strings. Bridesmaids squeal and joyous gasps pop from the gathered attendees as their attention shifts to Mackenzie, her dark curls bouncing as she wiggles in the middle of a group hug.

But my ribbon stays stuck.

I pull again, harder this time. The satin catches, hung up somewhere deep inside the cake. I tug again. Nothing.

Finally, I use both hands and yank on the string like my life depends on it.

The ribbon jerks free, and I stumble backward. A blob of frosting flies through the air, and something heavier than a charm lands with a wet slap directly onto my overflowing cleavage.

I glance down, my pulse whooshing in my ears, embarrassment rushing hot through my veins.

It’s not a charm.

It’s a card.

The frosting-covered card clings to my skin, smearing a sticky splotch of buttercream across the pale-yellow satin of my dress.

The din around me swells, laughter and giddy shrieks as the other bridesmaids compare their charms—tiny sparkling beacons of hope for their future. A tiny baby carriage for motherhood. A ring for an upcoming proposal. A four-leaf lover for good fortune.

I peel the card from my chest, my fingers tacky with buttercream.

I catch Mackenzie’s gaze across the cake table.

“What’s that?” she asks, tilting her head.

At the same time, I blurt, “What’s this?”

Her eyes flick to the card in my hand. I hold it up, swallowing hard.

“It was in the cake,” I say. “It’s my charm.”

Mackenzie blinks, trying to focus through the fog of champagne. She grabs my wrist and leans in to inspect the card.

“Gem…” she murmurs, shaking her head. “I—I’ve never seen this before.”

“What do you mean?”

She frowns and throws up her hands.

“All the charms…” She gestures vaguely toward the others. “We got them from Pandora. They don’t sell cards. Well, gift cards…”

I stare down at the card, my pulse hammering. Mackenzie sticks her finger in the frosting on my boobs and puts it in her mouth. “Is this vanilla?”

Over her shoulder, past the glittering centerpieces and flickering lanterns, Alder cuts through the crowd, moving toward me like a shark.

I clutch the paper tighter, my fingers smearing buttercream across the edges.

I need to get out of here before he reaches me.

I snag a flute of champagne from a server as I slip away, weaving between the tables and guests without so much as a backward glance. The tent flaps rustle as I push my way outside and rush to the clubhouse where I duck into the bathroom.

It’s blessedly cool as the door closes behind me, and the noise of the reception is long gone, leaving me alone with the quiet hum of the air conditioning and the soft whisper of my ballet flats against the polished marble floor.

My breathing stills as the last bits of frosting melt away under my touch and reveal the card’s shimmering surface.

It looks like a tarot card.

No…it is a tarot card.

I swallow and peer closer. I can’t explain the dread pooling in my stomach as I trace the shimmering figures on the surface. Two figures are locked in a tender embrace, bodies pressed together like two halves of the same whole beneath towering, golden-leafed trees. A twisting green serpent curls up one of the tree trunks—temptation lurking in the shadows. The man and woman at the center look familiar. Too familiar to ignore, even as my mind insists it’s impossible.

I touch my hair as I stare down at hers. Even with the singed ends I had to cut off in my hotel room with sewing scissors, my blond waves still drape across my shoulders and down my back—just like hers. She wears a deep blue gown, and a satin mask obscures her eyes, but I know that round chin, those cheekbones, that smile.

And him. I’d recognize him anywhere.

Extract from The Lovers by Kristin Cast (Sourcebooks, 2026)

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Releasing on May 26th 2026, Fortune is now available for preorder here.

They matched on a dating app. Then the universe dropped them into a magickal fire kingdom. 

Amanda Ward has a five-step manifestation routine, a ritual kit in every purse, and a dating profile designed to reflect the version of herself she wishes she could be: grounded, glowing, and in total alignment. In reality, she’s overwhelmed, under-satisfied, and one passive-aggressive email away from a full-blown meltdown. 

When a sext thread with her in-app temptation, Declan Thorne, leads to an invitation she can’t resist, Amanda finds herself face-to-face with the man behind the messages—a devastatingly hot, emotionally constipated venture capitalist. And the moment she tries bringing a bit of magick into their night, a tarot-triggered portal yanks them both into another realm entirely. 

Now stranded in the Kingdom of Wands with an aggravating, broody CEO-turned-reluctant-bodyguard and zero clue how to get home, Amanda’s facing nightly on-stage performances, suspicious queens, and magick that refuses to cooperate. 

What’s worse is that her biggest issue might not be the kingdom—it might be catching real feelings for the one man who makes her want to drop the act. 

To survive and find their way back home, she’ll have to ditch the affirmations and the carefully controlled persona she’s been clinging to and learn how to wield something way more powerful—her actual, honest-to-Goddess truth.  

Even if it burns everything down.

The post Exclusive Cover Reveal: Fortune by Kristin Cast appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast’s Give Up The Night, which is out April 1st 2025. 

Since becoming Moonstruck on her eighteenth birthday, Wren Nightingale has found herself thrust into a world filled with deception, danger, and murder. Uncovering that their magick was fractured and limited when the original Moonstruck ritual was broken by Selene, Wren is determined to find a way to restore it. But the Elementals are split into two factions―some want the ritual completed and their freedom―and others are so terrified of change that they’re willing to end Wren before she can reach the center of the island where the ritual Selene ruined can be completed.

Between his overbearing father’s arrival, Rottingham delegating him more and more responsibility, and Celeste taking a special interest in him, Lee Young has been struggling to find his own path. As much as Lee wants to take his place in the Moonstruck hierarchy, he knows something’s not right at the Academia de la Luna. He thinks if he can talk some sense into Wren and get her to return to the Academia, that everything will turn out alright.

As Wren and Lee both battle for what they believe is right, they’ll have to uncover who their true allies are…and if they’re even on the same side of this magickal fight.

ONE
Wren

Within the protective embrace of my Air Elemental I hover above the broken dome of the Conduit Chamber, the jagged glass glinting in the light of the full moon like the fanged mouth of a beast. I don’t want to look down—not at the shattered dome and the two people below it: my love and my enemy.

Is my love now my enemy?

But I have to look. I have to see if Lee is still there. Still with Celeste. My gaze lowers and I breathe out a long sigh that I’m not sure is relief or disappointment. Lee and Celeste are gone. All I see are the statue-like figures of the other Elementals, dozens of them, seemingly frozen, a forest of specters in a strange landscape of questions without answers.

I shake my head as if trying to wake from a dream that will not release me. My gaze lifts and I meet the Air Elemental’s amber eyes. He has one arm around my waist, steadying me as we float high in the night sky. Slowly, he lifts his other hand and wipes away a tear tracking down my cheek.

“Wren.”

His voice is the same, familiar but odd, like it has to struggle to reach me—a pixelated version of communication. Hidden within the hood of the dark robe that swirls around him, his face is almost impossible to see. Except for his amber eyes, it’s just a shadowy form, but in those eyes I see compassion. It’s the compassion that holds me, steadies me, allows me to take a few deep breaths and look down again, searching for Lee.

Beneath us my gaze is pulled to Crossroads Courtyard, the main campus courtyard—the meeting place for students—where Lee and I waltzed under the moonlight just hours ago, where my best friend Sam died holding my hand, her body shattered and bloody.…

There are students and teachers in the courtyard, though they all avoid the dark liquid stain in the middle of the circle of cobblestones where Sam’s body had been. As I watch, the group shifts and turns. I recognize the man who hurries from the others, clutching an ancient leather-bound book to his chest. Dean Rottingham rushes to someone carrying a limp body whose long hair is streaked with white and whose cloak glints with the shimmer of stars.

I jolt as I realize it’s Lee and Celeste.

Oh god, Wren! What happened? What did you do?

Lee’s stunned voice echoes in my mind. I’ll never forget his face, devastated and accusatory, looking up at me as he gathered Celeste with her self-inflicted wound into his arms.

“Don’t believe her, Lee.” I whisper the words like a prayer through my cold lips. As Dean Rottingham takes Celeste from Lee and shouts for the healers, Lee’s face lifts. I feel his gaze. “Please don’t believe her,” I beg, even though he’s too far away to hear me.

“Wren!” My name explodes from Lee. He’s shouting. The dean has taken Celeste from him and given Lee the book. With one hand he holds the leather tome against his chest. With the other he points up. Up. At me. It’s like his voice is the bow and his extended hand is the arrow that pierces me.

Rottingham turns with Celeste still in his arms. His head snaps back and now the dean is also staring at me.

But I’m no longer looking at Lee or Rottingham. Celeste raises her head from the dean’s shoulder. Her eyes are open, glowing with reflected moonlight as her lips move. Suddenly, adult-sized shapes fly up through the broken glass of the dome. The other Elementals, released from their frozen, statue-like state, dart from the Conduit Chamber where Celeste, the leader of our Lunar Council, just tried—and failed—to kill me. Where she also tried to make it look to Lee like I’d stabbed her. With that, she’d succeeded.

The cloaked shapes speed toward us, eyes glowing with malevolence. My Elemental doesn’t hesitate. He wraps his cloak around me and my vision goes black as we soar up above the flock of swarming Elementals. We catch an air current that carries us away from the school so swiftly that my stomach flip-flops and my mouth fills with saliva as I battle not to puke.

Just as I know I’m losing the puke war, we descend. My Elemental places me gently on the mossy forest floor. I’m shaking and my legs are noodles. I drop to my knees, head bowed, gulping air while I try to convince my stomach to retreat from my throat.

“Wren?”

His voice brushes against me like a warm breeze and I lift my hand, making what I hope is the universal just give me a second gesture as I continue to tremble and not puke.

“Doncella?”

Doncella—maiden. I understand more now. I know the Elemental isn’t just calling me a generic term for a young, unmarried woman. I’m the maiden. The first of the three: maiden, mother, elder. The book that started it all and ended it all, the ancient leather tome Rottingham has given to Lee, explained it. Maya, Lee’s sister, her life was taken after she read the book. Sam, my best friend, was killed earlier that night after she read the book.

And now me. I read the book. Not all of it. I hadn’t had time. But I read enough to understand that Sam was right. She’ll kill you if she can.… I can still hear Sam’s broken words, stuttering from her broken body as the last thing she did in this life was warn me about Celeste, warn me that the leader of the Lunar Council would try to kill me.

The book. I need it. Now that I know the key to understanding it—that it must be read in the light of the moon—I have to get it. I have to finish reading it and figure out how to fix this mess.

My body hurts. My heart feels shattered. I force myself to my feet, wincing at the pain in my back. My Elemental’s questioning amber gaze meets my eyes. “We have to go back. I have to get that book.”

My Elemental doesn’t speak. He paces back and forth across the mossy forest floor, ferns bowing and pine needles rustling with each pass.

“Please,” I say. “You have to take me to campus.”

He whirls around to face me. His cowl slips and I can glimpse the suggestion of a jawline and dark hair, but if I stare too long my vision blurs. “Danger!” This time the pixilated voice pushes against me with more force. Not a warm breeze, but a whipping wind—cold and final.

“I know!” I shout into the wind. “But it’s all I have. All we have to get us out of this mess.” And that is the absolute truth. I don’t have Sam anymore. Sam, who was a Taurus moon, gifted with computer-level intelligence and an eidetic memory, is dead. Broken by Celeste because she knew too much. I don’t have Lee anymore. Lee … my other best friend and an Aquarius moon, a healer who was also so much more to me. The memory of him shielding Celeste from the shards of glass that fell from the shattered dome is permanently burned into my mind, as is the expression on his face when he looked up at me.

He believed Celeste.

No. I don’t have Lee anymore.

I plead with the Elemental. “The book has information we need. We can’t fight against what’s going on at the school unless we understand exactly what’s going on at the school.”

He stares back and I see something flicker across his amber eyes.

“What? Do you know what’s going on?” A spark of hope lights within me. “Whatever you know you have to tell me. It’s just the two of us now.” I take a step closer to him. The Elementals are mysterious and dangerous and I don’t know much about them other than they’re ancient, as old as this island, and this one particular Elemental has saved me—three times. I suck in a breath. “Wait, were you there? At the beginning when Celeste and her people shipwrecked here and made a deal with all of you, all of the Elementals?”

“Betrayal!” The word bursts from him. He continues to hold my gaze as he speaks, but his words are muffled, as if he’s shouting at me from underwater. I can’t understand anything he’s saying.

I fling up my hands in frustration. “I can’t understand you!” And then I wince as the movement tugs at my back, which stings and burns. Grimacing, I reach around my shoulder and gingerly touch the slash across my upper back. Celeste cut me. My T-shirt is wet and my fingers come away tipped in blood. “Damn Celeste! Damn whatever is wrong with her and damn whatever is wrong with that school!”

From Give Up the Night by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Copyright © 2025 by the authors, and reprinted with permission of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.

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It’s almost spring break and summer is right around the corner, so it’s time to start picking out your beach reads! Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, these young adult thrillers and romances will transport you to beautiful and unique locales from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

First stop, the City of Light with Under the Surface by Diana Urban. But readers won’t be lingering by the Eiffel Tower or strolling the Champs-Elysees in this spooky read. This excellent pulse-pounding thriller takes place in the catacombs, a series of tombs far beneath the streets of Paris. 

Hop a train from France to Italy and fall in love with All Roads Lead To Rome by Sabrina Fedel, a Roman Holiday-esque YA romance featuring an anxious introvert who thinks she knows all the gelato shops and picturesque ruins of the Eternal City. But when she meets a Scottish hottie and gets embroiled in a fake-dating scheme, will it be her heart that’s left in ruins?

Next, hop another flight to India for Love Craves Cardamom by Aashna Avachat (coming out in May) for a read with a rich backdrop of art and culture. In this romance, Archana Dhawan is looking forward to a semester abroad–without the distraction of boys. But at her museum internship near the palace in Rajasthan, her plans go awry when she meets a cute gardener and things heat up. 

If you’re all about the ocean, dip into the edge-of-your-seat thriller Seasick by Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn, set aboard a luxury yacht en route to sunny Bermuda (where two ex-best friends find one of their privileged group murdered). Trapped at sea, the two girls realize a serial killer is closing in, and they have nowhere to run. 

If the yacht makes it back to the States, disembark in New Orleans, Louisiana for The Debutantes by Olivia Worley. This glittering thriller is set among the glamorous balls and colorful festivities of the Mardi Gras season, where a mysterious Jester appears and threatens to reveal secrets about the debutante that turned up dead the previous year. Three friends work to unearth the Jester’s identity and prevent another killing in this riveting mystery.

It’s not necessarily a vacation destination, but who wouldn’t want to visit a posh New England boarding school to soak up some dark academia vibes? In A Darker Mischief by Derek Milman, initiation rituals can be downright dangerous as a disadvantaged queer teen works to fit in… and stay alive. Come for the stained glass and manicured lawns of the lush campus setting, stay for the thrilling mystery. 

The post Armchair Vacation: YA Reads In Stunning Locations appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Kristin! Welcome back! How have the past few years been since we last spoke?

Thank you! It’s wonderful to be back. The past few years have been a incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some exciting new projects, including working with Bloom on the Towerfall series, writing the first book, The Empress, building an empowered circle of women in She Wields Magick, and creating my very own tarot deck (plus a bunch of other things I can’t talk about yet!). The past few years have really been a period of growth, learning, building community, and connecting with my readers on a deeper level.

With it being the new year, have you set any goals for the year?

Absolutely! I’m a big believer in setting intentions for the year ahead. One of my main goals for 2025 is to connect with more readers through in person events. I’m also focusing on growing my She Wields Magick community to create a thriving space for women who are ready to step into their power. On a personal note, I’m aiming to carve out more time for creativity and balance and really embracing more feminie energy while juggling all my exciting work projects.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester
• The one that made you want to become an author: There wasn’t a specific book that made me want to become an author. It was more a vibe inspired by Karen Rose.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Your latest novel, The Empress, is out January 7^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Magickal, seductive, empowering, adventurous, transformative.

What can readers expect?

In this story where Outlander meets tarot, readers can expect an immersive journey into a world filled with intrigue, romance, and magickal stakes. It’s a book about self-discovery, power, and the choices we make when faced with impossible odds. And it’s all set against the backdrop of a luxurious palace with a sexy, broody MMC and the vibes of Bridgerton and The Tudors.

Where did the inspiration for The Empress come from?

The inspiration came from my love for tarot, magickal archetypes, and the idea that the life we think we want might not be the life we need. It was really fullfiling to explore a world where the lines between the ordinary and the extraordinary blur, and where one woman’s journey symbolizes empowerment for everyone who feels they’re destined for more.

I’m also a practicing witch and use tarot in my daily practice. So, when thinking about the fantasy world and magickal system I wanted to incorporate into my next project, I knew tarot would be the base and set the tone.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I, of course, absolutely loved writing the dynamic between Hannah and Kane. Their interactions were so charged with tension and emotion that they practically wrote themselves. Another favorite was delving into the worldbuilding, especially crafting the Kingdom of Pentacles and its blend of Renaissance and magick. It felt like painting with words.

How many moments of enjoyment am I allowed to have, because I have another one?! The friendship that grows between Hannah and Marion touched me deeply. All women deserve the same kind of strong and meaningful friendship that blossoms between these two characters.

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

One of the biggest challenges was balancing the intricate plotlines while keeping the emotional core of the story front and center. I tackled this by breaking the narrative into smaller, manageable pieces and focusing on one layer at a time. Another challenge was maintaining momentum during the slower creative periods of the writing process. I found that stepping away for short breaks or leaning into rituals, like lighting a candle or pulling a tarot card for inspiration, helped me to re-center.

What’s next for you?

I’m always working on multiple projects! Right now, I’m currently deep into Book Two in the Towerfall series, The Lovers, which deepens the lore of this world and takes readers on another spicy and thrilling adventure. Both The Lovers and the Towerfall Tarot Deck release October 21, 2025.

I’m also growing my She Wields Magick community, offering courses and resources that blend magick and witchcraft with personal empowerment. Beyond that, I have some exciting new projects in the works that I can’t wait to share!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up in 2025?

There are so many amazing titles coming out in 2025! I’m particularly excited for The Hearth Witch’s Path: Everyday Rituals and Spells for the Home by Anna Franklin, The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig, Hot Wax by M. L. Rio, Kill Creatures by Rory Power, and The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy. I also love discovering hidden gems and supporting debut authors, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for those as well.

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

The post Q&A: Kristin Cast, Author of ‘The Empress’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Draw Down The Moon, which releases on April 2nd 2024.

A mystical school. A mysterious death. A magickal romance.

Wren Nightingale isn’t supposed to have any elemental powers. Born of magickal parents but not under one of the four fated astrological full moons, she is destined for life as a Mundane―right up until she starts glowing on her eighteenth birthday. In a heartbeat, Wren’s life is turned upside down, and she’s suddenly leaving her home for the mystical Academia de la Luna―a secret magickal school on a hidden island off the Seattle coast.

Lee Young has always known about his future at the academy. He has three goals: pass the trials, impress the Moon Council, and uphold his family’s reputation. But he wasn’t expecting to be attending alongside the girl he’s been secretly in love with for as long as he can remember.

As Wren and Lee are thrown into the academy’s grueling trials, they quickly learn there’s something different―and dangerous―about the school this year. Wren will have to navigate a web of secrets, prophecies . . . and murder. And Lee will have to decide what to protect: his family’s legacy, or the girl he loves.

ONE
Wren

I’m pretty sure that, at any moment, blue and red lights will flash and the local sheriff will tear down the street and stop me. Again.

“Wren! Hurry up!” Lee whisper-shouts at me from the shadows.

With the hand not squeezing an entire bottle of Seventh Generation Powered by Plants dishwashing liquid into the fountain, I make what I hope is a calming gesture. “It’s fine. It’s natural. Won’t hurt the ecosystem at all. Plus, it’s not like we can actually go to prison for this.”

“Well, you can’t, but…”

I brush a hunk of white-blond hair out of my face and glance over my shoulder as Lee makes a motion that takes in his long, leanly muscled body, his deep brown skin, and his neatly braided cornrows. How did he get so grown-up looking? He’s only been gone two years? He was shorter when he moved away—short in height, short hair, short on muscles—just a kid. My prank partner. My buddy. I mean, I’ve seen him since he moved away. We’ve FaceTimed a million times and practically stalk each other’s Insta and TikTok. Rationally, I know he’s older. I’m older, too! But actually putting eyes on him in real life is something else. Something different. Something new … I feel my cheeks flush hot and know my blush is as glowing pink against my porcelain skin as the fuchsia dyed ends of my hair.

“I’ll hurry.” I quickly unscrew the cap and the rest of the dishwashing liquid glugs into the fountain. Balancing with my arms spread out, I tightrope walk around the lip of the basin that holds the three-tiered stone water feature situated in the middle of the quaint little courtyard in the heart of downtown Fern Valley. As I reach Lee, my Vans slip on the water-splashed stone, and I start to fall.

Lee’s strong hands catch me before I splat against the pavement. I look up and grin at him as I catch my balance and plant my feet firmly on the ground again. Yeah, he’s older, bigger, stronger. But he’s still my prank partner. My best friend who always has my back.

“You almost fell into…” Lee’s words trail off and I watch his eyes widen at something behind me.

I turn and do a little celebratory dance. “Yes! This is even better than I thought it was going to be, and I knew it was going to be epic.”

Lee’s head shakes back and forth, back and forth. “For the record, when I agreed to sneak out tonight, I did not know this was what you had in mind.”

“You didn’t really agree; I peer pressured you into it.”

“I think you mean coerced,” says Lee.
I grin, but not up at him. I’m too busy taking in the glorious sight of bubbles billowing from the fountain’s basin up, up, and up. The opalescent suds lift into the night sky like the sea-foam on our rough Oregon coast. “Admit it. This is magnificent.”

“It’s vandalism.”

Sure, he said the v word, but I could hear the familiar smile in his voice.

“It’s the perfect birthday present,” I say. What I don’t say out loud is that what actually makes my birthday perfect is the fact that he’s home. It’s so great to see Lee that not even knowing he’s leaving again tomorrow night can ruin my happiness. (I won’t let it ruin my happiness.)

“It’s not officially your birthday”—he takes his phone from his pocket and glances at it—“for fifteen more minutes. And I did not get you felony behavior as a gift.”

“This is a misdemeanor at best,” I correct him, and link my arm through his. “And I didn’t mean it’s my present from you. It’s my selfie birthday gift. You know, like last year my selfie gift was—”

“A wren. Tattooed on your lower back. How could I forget? I was on the phone with you for the whole thing.” Lee speaks a lot more quietly than me as he guides us into the concealing shadows the full moon casts under the pines circling the courtyard. “I also remember how you lied about your age to the sketchy tattoo artist. I’ll bet your uncles do, too.”

I don’t want to think about the semi-hysterical apoplectic meltdown Uncle Joel had last summer when he’d noticed the wren’s wingtip poking above the waistband of my shorts, so I quickly turn and face Lee as I change the subject. “But speaking of birthday gifts…” I waggle my eyebrows at him, cup my hands together, and hold them up expectantly.

“You can’t wait fifteen more minutes until it’s your actual birthday?”

“I’m sure it’s more like thirteen and a half minutes by now, but no. No, I cannot.” I give him the smile. I know it’s going to work on Lee. He can’t help it. Just like I can’t help the fact that he’s my person and has been since I moved to Fern Valley five years ago, newly orphaned, broken and lost, and not wanting to ever care about anyone again. Lee has been there for me since day one of eighth grade, and that has never changed—even when his mom got such a big promotion that their family had to relocate all the way across the country to Brooklyn. Lee and I stayed close, no matter the distance between us.

“Okay, turn around.”

I frown. “How am I going to get my present with my back turned?”
He takes my shoulders in his big hands and spins my body around so that I’m facing the fountain. For a moment I forget that he’s birthday gifting me, because the bubbles have spilled from the basin and are tumbling across the well-tended grass like they’re pouring from a dishwasher someone (perhaps me) accidentally put dish soap instead of dishwashing detergent into. Who knew that could make such a massive mess?

Then I feel something settle around my neck. I look down. The watery moonlight, speckled by the concealing boughs of the pines, catches the silver chain. I lift it and see the beautiful full moon made of a blue stone I recognize immediately. Aquamarine—the exact color of my eyes—glitters with a magick that I know I will never feel.

I turn and look up at Lee as I swallow several times and blink a lot, trying not to burst into tears. “I love it,” I finally manage to whisper.

His smile looks sad. “Mom and Dad put a little moon magick in it. It won’t last because you’re…” His words trailed off.

“Because I’m a Mundane,” I finish for him. “Lee, for the zillionth time. It’s okay. I don’t mind not having any magick, and this necklace is beautiful with or without any help from the moon.…” I pause, flash him my most mischievous smile, and add, “My sparkling personality is magickal enough all on its own.”

Lee’s Moonstruck. Like the rest of his family, he’s filled with the magick of the full moon he was born under. My mom and dad were Moonstruck, too. But not me. I wasn’t born under the right moon sign and the moon definitely hadn’t been full. So I’m just … me. And that’s okay. I made peace with being a Mundane when I was a kid. Wishing for something I could never have is a ridiculous waste of time, plus I like me just as I am.

From Draw Down the Moon by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Copyright © 2024 by the authors, and reprinted with permission of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Draw Down the Moon’ by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

From magic, fairytales, romance, and thrillers, to monsters, rebels, pirates, and friends, there’s certainly something for everyone to look forward to amongst the young adult books releasing between January and June 2024! From new releases from the likes of Emma Lord, Brigid Kemmerer, Kacen Callender, Morgan Matson, Tomi Adeyemi, Kalynn Bayron, Rachel Lynn Solomon, and many more, to those making their dazzling debut, you will be spoilt for choice!

Read on to discover some wonderful new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2024 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated and our Swoonworthy Romance lists!

JANUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

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A trans boy searches for a future―and a romance―in which he can live and love openly as himself in this heartrending young-adult reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, part of the Remixed Classics series.

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

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Inescapably romantic and brimming with New York Times bestselling author Emma Lord’s signature cheer, The Getaway List is an uplifting and romantic read that will settle into your heart and never leave.

If I Promise You Wings by A.K. Small

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Hold Still meets You’ve Reached Sam in this lyrical novel about one young woman’s journey through the Paris fashion scene as she chases promises, overcomes grief, and falls in love.

Just Happy to Be Here by Naomi Kanakia

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In this YA standalone perfect for fans of Tobly McSmith and Meredith Russo, the first out trans girl at an all-girls school must choose between keeping her head down or blazing a trail.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

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From a gripping new voice comes a YA thriller with amnesia, stalking, abduction and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, perfect for fans of Natalie D. Richards and Vincent Ralph.​

A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel

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Circe goes YA in this unapologetically feminist retelling of the Medusa myth steeped in Indian mythology, a YA epic fantasy addition to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

The Atlas of Us by Kristin Dwyer

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Following her critically-acclaimed debut novel, Some Mistakes Were Made, Kristin Dwyer is back with The Atlas of Us, a novel about deep grief, found family, and a raw love story that will have readers crying and laughing in equal measure.

Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta

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An unforgettable YA debut about two Latina teens growing up in East Oakland as they discover that the world is brimming with messy complexities, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Erika L. Sánchez.

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

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Save the Date meets Never Have I Ever in this sparkling debut rom-com about a high school senior whose life suddenly gets a Bollywood spin when her sister gets engaged.

Somewhere in the Deep by Tanvi Berwah

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From the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn. 

Out of Our League: 16 Stories of Girls in Sports

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A compelling YA anthology from editors Dahlia Adler and Jennifer Iacopelli about the trials and triumphs of girls in sports with stories from Carrie S. Allen, Sara Farizan, Juliana Goodman, Maggie Hall, Leah Henderson, Sarah Henning, Naomi Kanakia, Miranda Kenneally, Yamile Saied Méndez, Cam Montgomery, Marieke Nijkamp, Amparo Ortiz, Aminah Mae Safi, and Kayla Whaley.

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer

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In the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end.

FEBRUARY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender

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Infinity Alchemist is a spellbinding fantasy novel about a quest that leads three young alchemists toward dangerous truth, legendary love, and extraordinary power.

My Big, Fat Desi Wedding

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These genre-bending stories focus on the magic (and tension) of the biggest family gathering. Both award-winning and debut authors share stories of broken hearts, rekindled flames, unlikely romances, and one particular auntie who loves to meddle with stories from Prerna Pickett, Syed Masood, Tashie Bhuiyan, Aamna Qureshi, Payal Doshi, Sarah Mughal, Noreen Mughees, and Anahita Karthi.

This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill

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Dash & Lily meets Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in Edward Underhill’s new whirlwind rom-com about two queer teens who spend one life-changing day together in New York City.

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye

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Two girls reluctantly bound by fate must weather a dangerous courtship as a prophesied war grows ever closer in Jasmine Skye’s high-stakes, queernormative dark fantasy debut, Daughter of the Bone Forest.

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

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From the New York Times–bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame comes the first book in a hotly-anticipated fantasy duology teeming with romance and revenge, led by an orphan girl willing to do whatever it takes to save her self-made kingdom.

The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert

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NYT bestselling author Melissa Albert returns with THE BAD ONES, a supernatural horror novel about four mysterious disappearances in a town haunted by a sinister magical history

Kindling by Traci Chee

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From bestselling and award-winning author Traci Chee comes a standalone fantasy set against a war-ravaged world where kindling warfare—the use of elite, magic-wielding teenage soldiers—has been outlawed. In this rich and evocative novel, seven kindlings search for purpose and identity as they prepare for one final battle. For fans of the classic films Seven Samurai and The Magnificent Seven.

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang

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Unforgettable, snarky, and romantic, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters.

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

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Enemies-to-lovers doesn’t get more high stakes than a witch and a witch hunter falling in love in bestselling author Kristen Ciccarelli’s latest romantic fantasy

If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin

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An intensely emotional and gripping companion novel to Laura Nowlin’s USA Today and New York Times Bestselling novel If He Had Been With Me about the love that both breaks and heals us. Perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han.

With a Little Luck by Marissa Meyer

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After being magically gifted with incredible luck, a boy discovers this gift just may be a curse when it comes to love, in this sweet romantic comedy by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer.

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

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A girl with dangerous magic makes a risky bargain with a demon to be free of her monstrous power in this young adult fantasy perfect for fans of An Enchantment of Ravens and House of Salt and Sorrows.

MARCH 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le

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The tantalising romance of These Violent Delights meets the mechanical wonders of Cinder in The Last Bloodcarver , the first in a two-book debut – with a riveting medical magic system and lush Vietnam-inspired fantasy world.

Bad Like Us by Gabriella Lepore

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Two friend groups collide when someone turns up dead over spring break in this heart-thumping YA thriller for fans of One of Us Is Lying and We Were Liars

The Summer She Went Missing by Chelsea Ichaso

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From the author of Dead Girls Can’t Tell Secrets and They’re Watching You, a compelling new thriller!

Icarus by K. Ancrum

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Perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, this suspenseful queer YA romance from critically acclaimed author K. Ancrum reimagines the tale of Icarus as a star-crossed love story between a young art thief and the son of the man he’s been stealing from—think Portrait of a Thief for YA readers.

Promchanted by Morgan Matson

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Modern-day teens wander into Disney’s Sleeping Beauty in this enemies-to-lovers rom-com from New York Times bestselling author Morgan Matson.

One Last Breath by Ginny Myers Sain

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The New York Times bestselling author of Dark & Shallow Lies delivers another chilling supernatural thriller filled with murder, romance, and a decades long mystery that haunts a small Florida town.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

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In Where Sleeping Girls Lie ― a YA contemporary mystery by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, the New York Times-bestselling author of Ace of Spades ― a girl new to boarding school discovers dark secrets and coverups after her roommate disappears.

We Are Mayhem by Beck Rourke-Mooney

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Filled with messy, complicated characters, We Are Mayhem is a debut YA novel about finding your strength, embracing your weird, and being who you truly are – no matter what.

Ariel Crashes A Train by Olivia A. Cole

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Exploring the harsh reality of OCD and violent intrusive thoughts in stunning, lyrical writing, this novel-in-verse conjures a haunting yet hopeful portrait of a girl on the edge. From the author of Dear Medusa, which New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed called “a fierce and brightly burning feminist roar.”

The No-Girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall

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Julie Murphy meets Casey McQuiston in this unforgettable queer romance about a teen girl whose foray into fantasy tabletop roleplaying brings her new confidence, true friends, and a shot at real, swoon-worthy love.

The Hedgewitch of Foxhall by Anna Bright

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In this gorgeous stand-alone fantasy romance perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Allison Saft, a rebellious witch undertakes a last-ditch quest to restore magic to medieval Wales—as two princes vie for her heart.

The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste

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The Poisons We Drink is a potent YA debut about a world where love potions are weaponized against hate and prejudice, sisterhood is unbreakable, and self-love is life and death.

APRIL 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Something Kindred by Ciera Burch

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Magical realism meets Southern Gothic in this commanding young adult debut from Ciera Burch about true love, the meaning of home, and the choices that haunt us.

We’re Never Getting Home by Tracy Badua

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HBO’s Insecure meets Dazed and Confused in this messy, tender YA novel about a friendship breakup, set against the backdrop of a chaotic night at a music festival, from rising talent Tracy Badua.

The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray by Christine Calella

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The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray follows the asexual daughter of a notorious pirate queen and her anxious half-sister braving the sea and its pirates to find themselves

Fate Be Changed: A Twisted Tale by Farrah Rochon

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What if the witch gave Merida a different spell? This New York Times best-selling series twists Disney Pixar’s Brave into a fast-paced story in which Merida is sent back in time.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

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From the author of the multimillion-copy bestselling A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series and Five Survive comes a new true-crime fueled mystery thriller about a girl determined to uncover the shocking truth about her mother’s disappearance while filming a documentary on the unsolved case.

Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo

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Not Like Other Girls is a stunning debut that takes a hard look at how we treat young women and their trauma, through the lens of a missing girl and a girl trying to find herself again.

Otherworldly by F.T. Lukens

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A skeptic and a supernatural being make a crossroads deal to achieve their own ends only to get more than they bargained for in this lively young adult romantic adventure from the New York Times bestselling author of Spell Bound and So This Is Ever After.

The Misdirection of Fault Lines by Anna Gracia

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Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants goes to the French Open in an emotionally honest and openhearted novel for fans of Yamile Saied Méndez and Mary HK Choi.

To A Darker Shore by Leanne Schwartz

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A da Vinci-esque teen girl inventor on a Dante-esque journey through hell to save her best friend.

Draw Down the Moon by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

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New York Times bestsellers P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast return with a new duology set in a dark and magickal world filled with incredible danger and irresistible romance.

Finally Fitz by Marisa Kanter

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A bisexual teen girl tries to make her ex jealous by faking an Instagram romance that leads to surprisingly real feelings in this hijinks-filled rom-com perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and She Gets the Girl.

Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin

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Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison, weaves a dreamy gothic romance worthy of the heavens in Song of the Six Realms.

MAY 2024 BOOK RELEASES

The Worst Perfect Moment by Shivaun Plozza

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Equal parts tender and edgy, this inventive queer romance imagines what it might feel like to come of age in the afterlife.

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

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June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace, crafts a devastating and pulse-pounding tale that will feel all-too-relevant in today’s world, based on a true story from Korean history.

Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

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A teenager on the run from his past finds the family he never knew existed and the community he never knew he needed at an HBCU for the young, Black, and magical. Enroll in this fresh fantasy debut with the emotional power of Legendborn and the redefined ancestral magic of Lovecraft Country.

The Ballad of Darcy and Russell by Morgan Matson

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From New York Times bestselling author Morgan Matson comes a sweeping romantic novel about love, fate…and that one night that can change everything.

The Only Light Left Burning by Erik J. Brown

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What If It’s Us meets They Both Die at the End in this sequel to the beloved postapocalyptic queer YA adventure romance All That’s Left in the World by USA Today bestselling author Erik J. Brown.

The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe

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Four teens. Three henchmen. Two thousand acres of remote forest. One very bad man. And a whole lot of new secrets to unearth. The unmissable, thrilling follow-up to THE GIRLS I’VE BEEN (soon to be a Netflix film).

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers

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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets You’ve Reached Sam in this love story in which explosive secrets threaten to tear everyone apart, including best friends (or maybe more?), Natalia and Ethan.

Bite Me, Royce Taslim by Lauren Ho

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Acclaimed author of Last Tang Standing and Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic in her YA debut: a sharp yet sweet rivals-to-romance romp through Kuala Lumpur—perfect for fans of Emiko Jean, Abigail Hing Wen, and Kat Cho.

The Lamplighter by Crystal J. Bell

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In a quaint 19th century whaling village, a young woman seeks to expose the dark truth behind the village’s eerie disappearances at the risk of the lives of everyone she loves . . . assuming anyone will listen to a female in the first place.

In the Shallows by Tanya Byrne

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From the acclaimed author of Afterlove comes a beautiful sapphic second-chance love story drenched with longing, loss and mystery.

Keepers of the Stones and Stars by Michael Barakiva

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Keepers of the Stones and Stars is a witty young adult contemporary fantasy about a group of five teens chosen by magical gems to save the world.

Have You Seen This Girl by Nita Tyndall

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Fans of Courtney Summers and Tess Sharpe will devour this standalone YA thriller following a nonbinary teen investigating a series of copycat murders targeting girls in their small town—murders based on their serial killer dad’s MO.

JUNE 2024 BOOK RELEASES

Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

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Tomi Adeyemi’s #1 New York Times -bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series comes to an earth-shaking conclusion.

Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six (under the penname Olivie Blake) comes Twelfth Knight, a YA romantic comedy and coming of age story about taking up space in the world and learning what it means to let others in.

Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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They fell for each other in just twenty-four hours. Now Rowan and Neil embark on a long-distance relationship during their first year of college in this romantic, dual POV sequel to Today Tonight Tomorrow.

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen

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Mulan meets Iron Widow in this thrilling silkpunk fantasy about a girl who must disguise herself as a boy and enter the famed and dangerous Engineer’s Guild trials to unravel the mystery of her father’s murder.

Wish You Weren’t Here by Erin Baldwin

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Pitched as The Hating Game for teens, the story follows childhood rivals Juliette and Priya, who are forced to be summer camp cabinmates, and must decide what they want more: to kill each other, or to kiss.

Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron

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New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation Kalynn Bayron returns to fairytales with a lush, thrilling and original YA Snow White retelling that brings a new and exciting voice to this familiar tale. Perfect for fans of Cinderella Is Dead.

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

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The Inheritance Games meets Ocean’s 11 in this thrilling YA adventure about a vengeful daughter determined to pull off the perfect heist in the midst of her father’s wedding.

We Mostly Come Out At Night: 15 Queer Tales of Monsters, Angels & Other Creatures

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An empowering cross-genre YA anthology that explores what it means to be a monster, exclusively highlighting trans and queer authors who offer new tales and perspectives on classic monster stories and tropes. Contributors include editor Rob Costello, Kalynn Bayron, David Bowles, Shae Carys, Rob Costello, H.E. Edgmon, Michael Thomas Ford, Val Howlett, Brittany Johnson, Naomi Kanakia, Claire Kann, Jonathan Lenore Kastin, Sarah Maxfield, Sam J. Miller, Alexandra Villasante, and Merc Fenn Wolfmoor.

Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee

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In a society where conformity is valued above all else, a teen girl training to become an Imperial pilot is forced to return to her rebel roots to save her world in this adrenaline-fueled sci-fi adventure—perfect for fans of Iron Widow and Skyward!

There Is a Door in This Darkness by Kristin Cashore

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A magic-tinged contemporary YA about grief and hope from the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of the Graceling Realm novels.

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

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A Darker Shade of Magic meets Six of Crows, in this alternate day New York where monsters live among humankind, from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde.

Storm: Dawn of a Goddess by Tiffany D. Jackson

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Before she was the super hero Storm of Marvel’s X-Men, she was Ororo of Cairo—a teenaged thief on the streets of Egypt, until her growing powers catch the eye of a villain who steals people’s souls.

What YA books are you looking forward to picking up in 2024? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Here’s 72 Of The Most Anticipated YA Books Of 2024 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Please note there are mild spoilers through this review. Stop reading now if you don’t want to know anything other than what is in the book description!

First off… as a practicing witch, I’m drawn to anything and everything witch like, witch adjacent, and downright witchy, especially books involving witches in any way at all. That being said, I either really love fictional witches or I can’t stop pausing while reading because there are random “witchy” words thrown in sporadically that have no bearing on the story at all and are usually used incorrectly, and it drives me bonkers.

Now that that’s out of the way, I can happily report that not only did the writing duo, P.C. & Kristin Cast, firmly cement their place on my autobuy author list for life, they have full-on imprisoned my witchy heart in a prison cell that no spell could break me free from with Spells Trouble.

Not only do we jump right into the action from page one with a prologue set in Salem, Massachusetts during the Witch Trials (with being a witch from New England, I’ve usually got plenty of side eyes for all things witchy only being set in Salem because witches are worldwide people, but I digress), P.C. and Kristin waste no time in setting the stage, or gallows as it were, and entrance readers senses with their descriptions of the harrowing predicament our heroines ancestor, Sarah Goode, is currently in.

Without giving too much away, let me just assure any sort of practitioner of the craft (and by craft I mean witchcraft), that not only do the authors keep fictional magic mystically mysterious, they keep it practical and not in a boring way that might bog down a reader who’s unfamiliar with witches or any of the arcane arts.

They weave little bits of lore, spellwork, and omens throughout the novel in a perfect mix of fantastical and feasible. Add in their trademark quick-witted writing, and their ability to address common misconceptions about witchcraft, such as all who practice the craft worshiping the devil (you do you, fellow human. No judgement here, I’m just including an example I found refreshing in a work of fiction), and the fact that it’s not all complex potions and secret rituals by moonlight (although they have those too!), but giving intentions to everyday items and actions.

Moving on because I could, and will happily, wax poetic about this novel for hours… After one hell of an introduction to the Goode line of witches, we’re introduced to not only a change of setting from Massachusetts, but twin witches—Hunter and Mercy Goode, who are no more alike than oil and water. They also know they’re witches and embrace it fully, which is a refreshing change from what has become the norm in YA witch books where they have to discover they’ve been a witch all along etc.

You’ve got Mercy, who’s a certified badass in my book with her hand embroidered jeans and rebellious witchy attitude. Add in her unapologetically comfortable in her own skin, even as a sixteen-year old, energetic and eclectic vibe, and it’s just a cherry on top. Every teen (and adult) out there who’s afraid to wear certain things or stand up for themselves should take note and follow in Mercy’s footsteps when it comes to speaking up and demanding respect for themselves.

And then we’ve got quiet but intense, secret romance novel writer, Hunter, who think’s she’s the only lesbian in her town (shout out to the authors for always including a diverse cast of characters in their novels). She’s also no less of a badass for her introverted and less in your face way of handling things, despite her lack of confidence in herself in the novel, which I honestly felt made her incredibly relatable as a character because I know I was absolutely full of doubts and questions and insecurities at her age, and still have some of those as an adult.

The novel has themes of being different throughout the novel, be it being straight or gay, a kitchen witch or a celestial witch, having a guy best friend when you’re a girl etc… I will note that this book was definitely written with an audience of teens in mind. Not adults who have the gift of hindsight, but teens who don’t always make rational decisions, whose brains are still developing and thus they make ill-advised and sometimes confusing, even to themselves, decisions.

With that said, so long as you go into the novel expecting it to be YA, which it fully is—even with the steamy scene between Mercy and her boyfriend, and the murders that are depicted as happening through the town—this book is absolutely meant for a YA audience. Knowing this, I was able to set my expectations reasonably for the characters and their development. Also, this is the first book in a trilogy, so regardless of my greedy desires to know everything that’s going to happen like yesterday, because I’m fully invested in the Goode twin’s wellbeing at this point, there were a few loose ends left dangling at the end of the book that are giving me a serious book-hangover right now.

As a writer, I understand having a cliffhanger ending. As a reader, it both makes me want to reread the book to find little clues I might have missed during my first read of the book and throw the book at the wall (no books were harmed in the writing of this review, pinky promise!)

I’m dying to see how the authors continue the story in book two. Will there be more to do with monsters and the different underworlds? Will they accept their destiny fully or will something happen to drive a wedge between them? Will their aunt continue to make me cackle with her antics? Either way, I can’t wait to dive back into the town of Goodeville, IL with the Goode sisters, and their circle of friends once book two comes out!

Spells Trouble is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 25th 2021.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

Double double, twins spell trouble…

Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.

When their mother becomes the first victim in a string of murders, the devastated sisters vow to avenge her death. But it will take more than magic to rein in the ancient mythological monsters who’ve infected their peaceful town.

Now Hunter and Mercy must come together and accept their destiny or risk being separated for good.

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Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
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A reluctant medium discovers the ties that bind can unleash a dangerous power in this compelling Malaysian-set contemporary fantasy.

Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller
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In Blade of Secrets, the first book in Tricia Levenseller’s exciting new YA fantasy duology, a teenage blacksmith with social anxiety is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she’s ever made.

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman
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Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, Christopher Buehlman’s The Blacktongue Thief begins a ‘dazzling’ (Robin Hobb) fantasy adventure unlike any other.

How to Mars by David Ebenbach
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What happens when your dream mission to Mars is a reality television nightmare? This debut science-fiction romp with heart follows the tradition of Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles, with a dash of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and a hint of The Real World.

The Shadow in the Glass by J.J.A. Harwood
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A deliciously gothic story of wishes and curses – a new dark fairy tale set against a Victorian backdrop full of lace and smoke.

The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
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For fans of The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and David Mitchell, a genre bending, time twisting alternative history that asks whether it’s worth changing the past to save the future, even if it costs you everyone you’ve ever loved.

Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
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Rivers Solomon’s Sorrowland is a genre-bending work of Gothic fiction. Here, monsters aren’t just individuals, but entire nations. It is a searing, seminal book that marks the arrival of a bold, unignorable voice in American fiction.

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
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Set in a brand-new, Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance, The Shadow of the Gods begins an epic new fantasy saga from bestselling author John Gwynne.

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
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Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark returns to his popular alternate Cairo universe for his fantasy novel debut, A Master of Djinn.

Firebreak by Nicole Kornher-Stace
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One young woman faces down an all-powerful corporation in this all-too-near future science fiction debut that reads like a refreshing take on Ready Player One, with a heavy dose of Black Mirror.

Spells Trouble by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
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Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.

We Are Satellites by Sarah Pinsker
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From award-winning author Sarah Pinsker comes a novel about one family and the technology that divides them.

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

The post May 2021 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.