Hi, Madeleine! Welcome back! How has the past year been since we last spoke?

Busy, busy! I keep telling myself I’ll stop writing so many books every year but somehow, it’s two books, and two short stories and who knows what else!

Your latest novel, These Violet Delights, is out November 4^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Heartfelt, mysterious, cozy, passionate, artsy

What can readers expect?

 In These Violet Delights, I wanted to put the emotional connection of our heroes—Violet and Alasdair—front and center. They both feel like outsiders, and finding each other, discovering their shared love of art and their shared mental landscape, allows them to feel safe for the first time. From a plot perspective, we’ve got two art nerds falling in love while trying to solve a mystery and heal an old family grudge.

I also feel strongly about bringing back genuinely lovely and kind male love interests, and Alasdair is such a teddy bear, I think readers will fall head over heels for him.

Where did the inspiration for These Violet Delights come from?

It was inspired by two main things. One, wanting to portray a love story with two neurodivergent people grappling with their disability (this is set in the Regency period, so they don’t have the language for it the way we do, but ADHD and AuDHD humans have always existed).  Two, I’ve been learning to paint over the last year, and I wanted to bring in that knowledge and passion to give Violet and Alasdair a common interest.

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

It’s always a joy to research a new aspect of a time period that fascinates you. Shamefully, I had never really looked into what it was like for female painters during this time. It was so inspiring to read about their struggles, how many of them were getting public acclaim for their art but only until it was discovered that they were women. I folded some of their stories into both Violet and her tutor, Cristabel.

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

At one point I just had to start over, which was certainly challenging! But the original idea and title I had picked weren’t working. It’s frustrating to throw out work like that, but it’s never actually wasted. The research I had done was still useful in some regards, and even if you have to scrap some chapters, the practice of writing them just helps you improve. There’s always a moment of ego when you realize it’s time to quit and start again, I can get defensive and stubborn, but it’s always better to take a deep breath and remember that the final product is what matters. You just keep your focus on creating the best experience for the reader.

With it being almost 15 years since your debut novel published, what are some of the key lessons you’ve learned as a writer since then?

The most crucial lesson I’ve learned over the years is to write the book that you feel strongest about. When you’re writing with a clear message or theme in mind, you’re always going to create better art. A book that doesn’t say anything won’t be remembered.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a few exciting things I can’t talk about yet, but luckily, I can finally discuss the Star Wars book I’ve written! I get to fill in the gaps between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. It’s a novel that explores how Leia became Rey’s mentor, and as a lifelong Star Wars freak it’s been a wild time. It’s called Star Wars: Legacy and it will be out July 2026.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up in 2026?

I just finished Seed by Ania Ahlborn, and it was spectacular, a great choice for the Halloween season. Mindy McGinnis is brilliant, so her next book—How Girls Are Made—is at the top of my list. I’m also looking forward to Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar.

Will you be picking up These Violet Delights? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Madeleine Roux, Author of ‘These Violet Delights’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

Absolutely! I’m a writer living and working in Seattle. I’ve published over twenty novels for kids, teens, and adults, but I’m probably best known for my young adult horror series, Asylum. I’ll always publish horror of some kind, but I’ve also cherished branching out into science fiction, fantasy, and romance. And, of course, I’ve had good fun doing books for brands like Marvel and D&D. I’m sure that sounds wild, but I’ve always been interested in a huge range of genres and my writing reflects that. When I’m not working, I like to powerlift with my partner, play videogames, spend time with my dogs, cook, and travel.

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

Very young, so young I can’t really put an age on it. My parents have some funny samples of my first “books” which were tiny paper pamphlets I stapled together and illustrated. One of them is about Ariel from The Little Mermaid interviewing the different Disney princes to find out who she should marry, then deciding none of them are good enough and running off with Sebastian the crab to just vibe and see the world. I grew up in an artistic household—my dad was always painting or sketching, and my mom got me into Jane Austen and Shakespeare from a young age. I can’t remember a time in my life when stories and storytelling weren’t front and center.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: The Mitten by Jan Brett
• The one that made you want to become an author: Winter of Fire by Sherryl Jordan
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Possession by A.S. Byatt

Your latest novel, Much Ado About Margaret, is out October 22^nd! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Wow, that’s hard! Let’s see: Charming, sweeping, earnest, intentional, and, well, romantic!

What can readers expect?

Readers can expect to fall into a world that’s based on history but has magic sparkling around the edges. I wanted to create an atmosphere that feels like somewhere you’d like to go, that by the end of the book, you’ve made friends with some of the characters and can imagine yourself spending time with them, wandering the same beautiful gardens, sitting in the same expansive rooms. They’re also going to get a love story about two strongwilled people who have flaws and challenges, but ultimately they are better and more healed when they’re together.

Where did the inspiration for Much Ado About Margaret come from?

I’ve been a Jane Austen nerd and a Shakespeare nerd since childhood, and it just felt natural to combine the two things. Shakespeare’s plays were actually hugely popular during the Regency period, so it’s not a stretch to have those influences transfer. Both writers have such a transportive quality to their work, and that for me is a huge strength of romance, the way you can get swept up in the lovestory of two total strangers. I looked to my own childhood growing up in an artistic home to come up with Margaret Arden and her family, and then pulled inspiration from the cheeky magic of Shakespeare’s comedies and the quiet beauty of Austen’s novels to build the rest of the world. The hero, Bridger, really came from experiencing so much Regency content that glossed over what effect it would have on men to go to absolutely brutal war and then return home to, you know, take a turn around a drawing room or shoot some ducks. I wanted the challenge of showing a man with real challenges, genuine PTSD, and still portraying him as lovable and well-rounded, worthy of good things, not a caricature.

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

I love everyone equally in this one, but I always have the most fun writing the villains. It’s incredibly enjoyable to sit in the mind of someone who doesn’t like your main characters much. And it’s a great way to see if you’ve actually made flawed heroes—is there any legitimate criticism of them? If so, let’s explore that from another person’s point of view, you know? Regency novels just aren’t any fun without arrogant, snobby villains throwing their bitey, mean-spirited opinions around.

After fantasy and horror, what’s it been like shifting to writing a romance?

It’s not terribly different, to be honest! Of course, there are always genre conventions you want to be respectful of—I might not give happy endings in my horror books, but I absolutely make sure to when I write romance. You’re still trying to create characters that feel real and setting interesting obstacles in front of them, then letting them loose at those obstacles to watch them grow. I think genres can inform each other wonderfully, because all of them do something the best, but you can take those skills and apply them elsewhere. Tension and stakes are always high in horror, and worldbuilding is crucial in fantasy and sci-fi, and those aspects mesh beautifully with romance.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I’m working on a few things I can’t announce yet, but also the follow up to Much Ado About Margaret. In fall of 2025, my next young adult horror, A Girl Walks Into the Forest, will be coming out. It’s a gory, A24-inspired love letter to Baba Yaga and folk horror…quite a departure from this romance novel, but it’s fun to contain multitudes!

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?

I’m a huge Rebecca Roanhorse fan so getting Mirrored Heavens was a joy. Malas by Marcela Fuentes is probably the book that’s stuck with me the most this year. Mike Chen is putting out the third in a Marvel What If? series I kicked off earlier this year and I can’t wait to get my hands on it! It’s coming out later this month and the premise is so wild I just have to see how he handles it—What If…Marc Spector Was Host to Venom?

Will you be picking up Much Ado About Margaret? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Madeleine Roux, Author of ‘Much Ado About Margaret’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

In need of a good swoon? Well get ready for all of the exciting romance books hitting shelves in the second half of 2024! With new releases from Emma Lord, Tessa Bailey, Jessica Joyce, Hannah Grace, Andie Burke, Carissa Broadbent, Lyla Sage, Nora Roberts, Sangu Mandanna, Lana Ferguson, and many more, along with those making their sweet debuts!

With just about every trope explored to historical romances and fantasy romances, you’ll be sure to find something for your romance-loving heart!

Read on to discover just a few of our picks and also be sure to check out our Most Anticipated list.

JULY 2024

Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

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In this steamy Regency romp, Lady Selina is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect wife―the only problem is she’s starting to think that might be her.

Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream by Tehlor Kay Mejia

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A small-town bartender juggles motherhood and a sexual awakening in this heartwarming queer friends-to-lovers romance from the author of Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review.

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

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Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols.

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with an all-new sports rom-com about a burly, surly, single dad who falls head-over-hockey-stick for his quirky live-in nanny…

The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas

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A fake engagement, second chances, and newfound family members come together in this new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the “swoon-worthy” (Business Insider) The Spanish Love Deception.

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

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A recently deceased woman meets “the one” in the afterlife waiting room, scoring a second chance at life (and love!) if she can find him on earth before ten days are up…

Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney

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A spicy, swoony frenemies-to-lovers romance, whilst full of heart, humour, and heft – and offers a moving ode to the people and places we call home.

What’s in a Kiss? by Lauren Kate

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From # 1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Kate comes an enemies-to-lovers “what if” romance about a prom kiss that never was, and one woman’s magical chance to live what might have been.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut–a lush cottagecore tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.

Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

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Set against a sizzling-hot Greek summer filled with sunshine and souvlaki, Rufaro Faith Mazarura’s Let the Games Begin is a page-turning debut rom-com about two strangers at the top of their game.

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

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Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View.

The Scenic Route by Katie Ruggle

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The Rocky Mountains get unBEARably hot in Katie Ruggle’s brand-new series packed with adventure, action, tall dark & scruffy heroes, and a sense of quirky humor that will be your next perfect escape.

AUGUST 2024

Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne

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After getting passed over for tenure and having her life upended in the process, a physics professor decides to throw caution to the wind and live by her horoscope predictions for a year in this effervescent rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Made in Manhattan.

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe

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The hardest thing for a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer to believe in is finding love in this swoony debut romantic comedy.

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

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Two best friends who haven’t spoken in ten years pretend to date after break-ups with their respective exes go viral, in this delightfully fun and deeply emotional novel.

Heavy Hitter by Katie Cotugno

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The beloved New York Times bestselling author of Birds of California hits it out of the park with this smart, sexy, thrilling take on the celebrity-athlete story—a funny, sizzling, ripped-from-the-headlines romance between an international pop star and a major league baseball player who thought his best days were behind him.

I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram

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A smart, tender, vivacious romantic comedy about mistaken identities, the line between love and sex, and the way one night—and one person—can change your life forever.

Daydream by Hannah Grace

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The third in the New York Times bestselling Maple Hills series follows fan-favorite Henry and a bookish fellow student who come up with a plan to help them both overcome their respective challenges in a difficult year.

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

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A Chickasaw woman who can’t catch a break serves up a little white lie that snowballs into much more in this witty and irresistible rom-com by debut author Danica Nava.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

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From the creator of the viral TikTok videos about the sunshine assistant to the evil villain and their unexpected romance comes the second book in the hotly-anticipated fantasy romance series.

You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma R. Alban

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The enemies-to-lovers queer Victorian romance follow-up to Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend, in which a young lord and a second son clash, but find themselves thrust together again and again by their meddling cousins.

Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Desai

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Diamond necklaces, billionaires, Mafia bosses, and student loans—it’s all in a day’s work for Simi Chopra and her ragtag heist crew in the next romantic-comedy caper from Sara Desai.

Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller

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In this sparkling romance, two professors with a complicated past get a second chance to prove history won’t repeat itself.

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca

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It’s love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits in this new series from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

SEPTEMBER 2024

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

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Knives Out gets a holiday rom-com twist in this rivals-to-lovers romance-mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

Whenever You’re Ready by Rachel Runya Katz

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After reconnecting on a road trip, two friends must decide if love is the ultimate risk worth taking in this funny, emotional sapphic romance.

The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

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Business or Pleasure meets Evvie Drake Starts Over in this delicious opposites-attract romance from debut author Sarah Chamberlain.

All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard

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Two rival authors—and ex’s—are thrown together just in time for the holidays in this delightful new romantic comedy from beloved author Falon Ballard.

Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen

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A rollicking, unforgettable romance about two strangers finding love despite their best efforts as they embark on a sweeping matchmaking tour through Việt Nam, perfect for readers of Carley Fortune and Abby Jimenez.

Fall For Him by Andie Burke

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In Fall for Him by Andie Burke, seven-hundred-fifty square feet isn’t enough for the home-renovation-fueled hatred and the building sexual tension.

The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean by Ann Rose

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Equal parts heartwarming and bittersweet, The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean expertly weaves the wonder and terror of falling in love into a beautifully crafted story about the joy that can be found when you’re willing to dust yourself off and try again.

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

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A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Caraval in this seductive fantasy adventure. With steamy romance, a sexy morally gray love interest, OCD rep and jaw-dropping twists, Phantasma is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Nisha J. Tuli and Carissa Broadbent.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

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From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we’ve taken.

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine

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Nothing sucks more than fake dating a vampire in this paranormal romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of My Roommate Is a Vampire.

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Sophie Sullivan

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A struggling waitress and the heir to a major Seattle company stumble into a high-profile fake engagement while simultaneously trying to keep up with their own love lives in this flirty fall rom-com!

One On One by Jamie Harrow

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For readers of The Hating Game and The Ex Talk, a workplace, enemies-to-lovers debut for anyone yearning for a courtside romance, perfect for anyone who can’t get enough sports rom-coms.

OCTOBER 2024

Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore

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A hilarious and heartfelt rom-com about having it all, slowing down to see the big picture, and finding out that the person you least expect could be your perfect fit

The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy

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From the author of The Christmas Wager comes a charming holiday rom-com about a young, recently heartbroken woman who is tasked by her sister to complete Advent calendar challenges in the lead up to Christmas to reignite her belief in herself, the holidays, and love again.

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky

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The Santa Clause meets Husband Material in this delightful holiday novel!

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay

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When doppelgänger best friends trade one’s cabin Christmas vacation for the other’s Hawaiian would’ve-been-honeymoon, both might just find love they weren’t expecting.

Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll

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A big-hearted small-town romance from bestselling, award-winning author Elle McNicoll, Some Like it Cold is perfect for fans of Alice Oseman, Talia Hibbert and Gilmore Girls.

I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War

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In this smart and swoony adventure rom-com, a journalist and a movie star find themselves teaming up to cover up a murder…and falling for each other in the process.

The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling

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Erin Sterling brightens up the Winter Solstice with another delightfully spooky novel following Bowen Penhallow and the girl he feels strangely drawn to—especially when she becomes his only hope of salvation after a strong spell sends them to a Yuletide celebration… more than 50 years in the past.

Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña

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The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.

Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner

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Opposites attract when a buttoned-up professor and carefree doorman must restore a magically missing identity in this sparkling romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens and Ashley Poston.

Haunt Your Heart Out by Amber Roberts

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A dashing ghost hunter and the bookseller who made up the ghosts he’s chasing wind up entangled in more ways than one in this steamy contemporary romance from the author of Text Appeal, perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and Chloe Liese.

Much Ado About Margaret by Madeleine Roux

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Madeleine Roux’s next season in Regency England follows a rebellious writer and the man who risks everything to publish her.

The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison

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Planning a wedding is so romantic . . . except when it’s not yours, and you’re planning it with the guy you’re secretly crushing on.

NOVEMBER 2024

A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley

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After accidentally going viral on social media, a cupcake-baking football player gets assistance from a social media maven—and his best friend’s little sister—to help promote his new bakery.

Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens

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From the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year, a hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.

The Co-Op by Tarah DeWitt

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Filled with crackling tension, The Co-op is a steamy second chance romance about restoration and renovation, and uncovering all the things that build character within ourselves. It’s about the never-ending construction project that partnership is, and finding enjoyment at every stage.

The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

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New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Songbird and the Heart of Stone, where A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Dante’s Inferno, in an epic fantasy romance of love and treachery between mortals and gods.

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

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She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other. From the author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance featuring enemies to lovers and forced proximity.

Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan

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When her student goes missing, an independent bluestocking must seek the help of the arrogant duke who spurned her in this sizzling tale of romance and intrigue, perfect for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton series

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith

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When a pyrotechnic engineer discovers her biological father is an international criminal, she must work with a sexy CIA agent to take him down in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea

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Two very indoor people rough it on a remote island after getting swept up in an archaeologist’s hunt for a famed jewel in this dazzling new adventure rom-com by Kerry Rea, author of Lucy on the Wild Side.

Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden

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In this hilarious and steamy rom-com, a hardworking city woman unexpectedly inherits her grandparents’ farm that comes equipped with a handsome horticulturist.

Wake Up, Nat & Darcy by Kate Cochrane

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A sapphic romance in which two former hockey teammates turned rivals with unresolved feelings for one another are paired to host a popular morning show’s Olympic coverage and must remain professional amid a nation of fans closely scrutinizing their incredible chemistry.

The Mirror by Nora Roberts

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts continues the hauntingly spectacular Lost Bride Trilogy with book two, The Mirror.

Pickleballers by Ilana Long

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A pickleball newbie looking to recover from life’s swings and misses crosses paddles with love in this debut romantic comedy.

DECEMBER 2024

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

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An enchanting novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

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A woman discovers that not all monsters are her enemy—the opposite, in fact—in this new paranormal romance by Lana Ferguson, author of The Fake Mate.

Not in My Book by Katie Holt

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The Hating Game meets Beach Read in this sexy and hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance from a debut Peruvian-Tennessean voice.

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain

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When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by Jenny L. Howe

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In this charming new rom-com from Jenny L. Howe, a young woman who’s fed up with dating challenges her family and friends to set her up on ten dates, but gets more than she bargained for when her best friend adds himself to the roster.

PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

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In this splendidly bittersweet romantic comedy, enemies forced together by a mutual loss are led on a cross-country journey toward a second chance.

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

The post Enjoy These Swoonworthy July to December 2024 Romance Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

No matter how different best friends Adelle and Connie are, one thing they’ve always had in common is their love of a little-known gothic romance novel called Moira. So when the girls are tempted by a mysterious man to enter the world of the book, they hardly suspect it will work. But suddenly they are in the world of Moira, living among characters they’ve obsessed about for years.

Except…all is not how they remembered it. The world has been turned upside down: The lavish balls and star-crossed love affairs are now interlaced with unspeakable horrors. The girls realise that something dark is lurking behind their foray into fiction-and they will have to rewrite their own arcs if they hope to escape this nightmare with their lives.

If that synopsis wasn’t enough, here’s five reasons to add this book to your TBR!

1. The Concept

I’m sure we’ve all dreamed of escaping into the pages of our favourite and Roux brings that dream to life in this book. Interestingly though, this is a far more nightmarish world that our protagonists expected…

2. The Way Roux Twists This Romantic Novel Into A Horrific Nightmare

The way she twists every expectation you have of this Bridgestone like world is excellent and will send shivers down your spine. Instead of ballgowns and love, there are monsters and bizarre occurrences around every corner.

3. It Has A Really Interesting Exploration of Faith and Resistance

Roux unexpectedly delves into the concept of blind faith and the way it enshrines and upholds privilege in this society. The incredibly sinister organisation that dominates the way the world interprets these events is chilling to read about.

4. It’s Sapphic!

Going into this book, I was not aware of the incredibly sweet and gorgeous exploration of identity and sexuality. One of our protagonists is sapphic and just coming to terms through it, while she tries to navigate this very unexpected world.

5. The Ending

Obviously no spoilers here, but that ending is such a cleverly executed one that challenges everything that went before it. Your emotions are upended and it leaves a complex, thought-provoking problem to be solved.

Will you be picking up The Book of Living Secrets? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Five Reasons To Read ‘The Book of Living Secrets’ by Madeleine Roux appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The YA genre is not holding back when it comes to 2022’s upcoming book releases! Between the months of January and June, readers are going to be delighted as to what they can get their hands on with books from favourite authors, to those making their debut!

From stories of love, magic, and mystery, to retellings, anthologies, and sequels, you will surely find several new reads to add to your TBR and we apologies in advance for adding to it!

Looking for more releases? Check out our Most Anticipated 2022 Releases and our Must-Have 2022 Queer Releases.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below which ones you’re looking forward to!

JANUARY

When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord
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A bighearted novel about falling in love, making a mess, and learning to let go, When You Get the Chance is the next effervescent novel from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of the Reese Witherspoon YA Book Club pick You Have a Match.

Hopepunk by Preston Norton
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A heartfelt and funny new novel about forgiveness and redemption, and about how hope is the ultimate act of rebellion, perfect for fans of John Green and Becky Albertalli.

The Red Palace by June Hur
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June Hur, critically acclaimed author of The Silence of Bones and The Forest of Stolen Girls, returns with The Red Palace—a third evocative, atmospheric historical mystery perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Kerri Maniscalco.

Into The Midnight Void by Mara Fitzgerald
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Fans of Holly Black and Kendare Blake will obsess over the conclusion to this deliciously dark YA fantasy duology!

Serendipity, edited by Marissa Meyer
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From stories of first love, unrequited love, love that surprises, love that’s been there all along, 10 of the brightest and award-winning authors writing YA have taken on some of your favourite romantic tropes, embracing them and turning them on their heads. Readers will fall for this collection of stories that celebrate love at its most humorous, inclusive, heart-expanding, and serendipitous. Contributors include Elise Bryant, Elizabeth Eulberg, Leah Johnson, Anna-Marie McLemore, Marissa Meyer, Sandhya Menon, Julie Murphy, Caleb Roehrig, Sarah Winifred Searle, and Abigail Hing Wen.

Waking Romeo by Kathryn Barker
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Kathryn Barker’s Waking Romeo is a spectacularly genre-bending retelling of Romeo & Juliet asking the big questions about true love, fate, and time travel

Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long
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Meg Long’s Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves is a captivating debut about survival, found family, and the bond between a girl and a wolf that delivers a fresh twist on classic survival stories and frontier myths.

Salaam, with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg
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This heartfelt and humorous YA contemporary follows Dua, who spends the month of Ramadan making unexpected discoveries about family, faith, and first love.

Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds
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Prepare yourself for something unlike anything: A smash-up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black. In America. Right Now. Written by #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds.

The Kindred by Alechia Dow
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To save a galactic kingdom from revolution, Kindred mind-pairings were created to ensure each and every person would be seen and heard, no matter how rich or poor…

Medusa by Jessie Burton
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A dazzling, feminist retelling of Greek myth from the internationally bestselling author of The Miniaturist, stunningly illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill.

Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
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A gothic tale full of mystery and romance about a willful female surgeon, a resurrection man who sells bodies for a living, and the buried secrets they must uncover together.

FEBRUARY

And We Rise by Erica Martin
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A powerful, impactful, eye-opening journey that explores through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America in spare and evocative verse, with historical photos interspersed throughout.

Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity by Angela Velez
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Booksmart meets Never Have I Ever in this Latinx road trip adventure—a big-hearted, voice-driven YA about two sisters who couldn’t be more different, but become begrudging partners on their school’s cross-country college trip—from debut author Angela Velez.

Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe
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Extasia by Claire Legrand
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From New York Times bestselling author Claire LeGrand comes a new, bone-chilling YA horror novel about a girl who joins a coven to root out a vicious evil that’s stalking her village. Perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Grace Year.

All the Right Reasons by Bethany Mangle
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The Bachelor meets Gilmore Girls in this laugh-out-loud young adult romance about a girl who joins her mother on a reality dating show for single parents—only to fall for a contestant’s son.

League of Liars by Astrid Scholte
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In this fantasy thriller, four teens charged with murder and the illegal use of magic band together to devise the ultimate jailbreak. Perfect for fans of Six of Crows and How to Get Away with Murder.

You Truly Assumed by Laila Sabreen
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In this compelling and thought-provoking debut novel, after a terrorist attack rocks the country and anti-Islamic sentiment stirs, three Black Muslim girls create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths.

Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian
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A spellbinding story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown. Immerse yourself in the first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series.

Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher
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A heartbreaking novel about finding your first love and what happens when it’s over too soon. Ashley Schumacher’s Full Flight is about how first love shapes us—even after it’s gone. 

Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon
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For fans of Sandhya Menon and Adam Silvera, a prom-night romantic-comedy romp about a Sikh teen’s search for love and identity

Only a Monster by Vanessa Len
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The sweeping romance of Passenger meets the dark fantasy edge of This Savage Song in this stunning contemporary fantasy debut from Vanessa Len, where the line between monster and hero is razor thin.

These Deadly Games by Diana Urban
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Author of All Your Twisted Secrets, Diana Urban’s explosive sophomore novel, These Deadly Games, will keep you riveted until the final twist is revealed.

MARCH

The One True Me and You by Remi K. England
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A big-hearted, joyful romance and a love letter to all things geek, Remi K. England’s The One True Me and You is a *witness me* celebration of standing up for, and being, yourself.

Debating Darcy by Sayantani DasGupta
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This Pride & Prejudice retelling brings New York Times bestselling Sayantani DasGupta’s trademark wit and insight to her bright and funny YA debut!

A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee
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From New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist, Traci Chee, comes a Japanese-influenced fantasy brimming with demons, adventure, and plans gone awry.

This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg
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Marit Weisenberg’s This Golden State follows a family on the run, a restless teenage daughter hungry for the truth, and the simple DNA test that threatens their carefully crafted world

Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorram
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A smart, sexy YA novel about a boy band star, his first breakup, his first rebound, and what it means to be queer in the public eye, from award-winning author Adib Khorram.

Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi
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A ragtag band of misfits gets swept up in Holy Land politics in Travelers Along the Way by Aminah Mae Safi, a thrilling YA remix of the classic legend of Robin Hood.

Message Not Found by Dante Medema
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An emotionally complex portrayal of secrets, loss, and grief from Dante Medema, Indies Introduce author of the Indie Next Pick title The Truth Project. 

A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson
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From the author of Sing Me Forgotten comes a lush new fantasy novel with an art-based magic system, romance, and murder…

Love, Decoded by Jennifer Yen
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For fans of Jenny Han and Jane Austen, a rom-com that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt about the unexpected consequences of one teen’s quest to help her friends find love, from the author of A Taste for Love.

Cinder & Glass by Melissa de la Cruz
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Blockbuster author Melissa de la Cruz’s YA retelling of Cinderella, set in 17th Century Versailles.

The Book of Living Secrets by Madeleine Roux
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Perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood, this genre-bending page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Madeleine Roux follows two girls who transport themselves into the world of their favorite book only to encounter the sinister alternate reality that awaits them. 

A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
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A romantic YA fantasy perfect for fans of Erin A. Craig and Margaret Rogerson, about two people who find themselves competing for glory – and each other’s hearts – in a magical fox hunt.

APRIL

Year on Fire by Julie Buxbaum
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What secrets will people keep—or reveal—to protect those they love? This novel, set against the frightening backdrop of an encroaching fire season, sparks reflection about friendship, the allure of romantic love, and loyalty to family.

This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke
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The Fountains of Silence meets Spinning Silver in this rollicking tale set amid the 1956 Hungarian revolution in post-WWII Communist Budapest from Sydney Taylor Honor winner Katherine Locke.

Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf
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They Wish They Were Us meets The Queen’s Gambit in the world of competitive Scrabble when a teen girl is forced to investigate the mysterious death of her best friend a year after the fact when her Instagram comes back to life with cryptic posts and messages.

K-Pop Revolution by Stephan Lee
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She thought that debuting in a K-Pop band was the finish line, but it was only the beginning. Because now it’s not only her company judging her—it’s the entire world. If K-Pop Confidential was about finding your voice, K-pop Revolution is about finding the courage to stand by your beliefs, even when powerful forces are trying to shame and silence you.

My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham
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Wilder Girls meets The Craft in this Sapphic horror debut that asks: what price would you be willing to pay to achieve your deepest desires?

Some Mistakes Were Made by Kristin Dwyer
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Sarah Dessen meets Adam Silvera in the debut YA romance everyone is talking about!

Very Bad People by Kit Frick
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In this dark academia young adult thriller for fans of The Female of the Species and People Like Us, a teen girl’s search for answers about her mother’s mysterious death leads to a powerful secret society at her new boarding school—and a dangerous game of revenge that will leave her forever changed.

My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding by Sajni Patel
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A fresh, witty rom-com romp set against the backdrop of a high-profile music competition and a riotous Indian wedding.

Flirting With Fate by J.C. Cervantes
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Jane the Virgin meets The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants in New York Times bestselling author J.C. Cervantes’s charming, romantic YA debut.

This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
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When a high stakes boarding school prank war leads to a fake dating scheme, two teens must decide if they are ready to take the ultimate risk — falling in love.

The Genesis Wars by Akemi Dawn Bowman
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Black Mirror meets Marie Lu’s Warcross in Nami’s continuing adventures as she fights to free her friends in this high-stakes sequel to The Infinity Courts by award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.

All the Best Liars by Amelia Kahaney
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Amelia Kahaney’s All the Best Liars is a dark, modern psychological thriller and coming-of-age story about obsession, manipulation, and the intensity of those first friendships that take hold of you and never let go

MAY

See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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From the author of Today Tonight Tomorrow comes a magical romance in the vein of Groundhog Day about a girl forced to relive her disastrous first day of college—only to discover that her nemesis is stuck in the time loop with her.

Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez
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An ancient city plagued by dragons. A flamenco dancer determined to save her ancestral home. A dragon hunter refusing to teach her his ways. They don’t want each other, but they need each other, and without him her world will burn.

Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bovalino
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Salem’s Lot meets The Darkest Part of the Forest in this horror-fantasy retelling of Christina Rossetti’s “Goblin Market.”

A Show for Two by Tashie Bhuiyan
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New from the author of Counting Down with You comes a sparkling YA romance about an aspiring screenwriter who falls for the indie film star who goes undercover at her school.

The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
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Who killed Brooke Donovan? It’s the biggest mystery of the summer, and everyone in Castle Cove thinks it’s the wrong guy. Fans of One of Us Is Lying and Riverdale can’t miss this page-turning who-done-it that’s sure to be the next must read Young Adult thriller!

The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson
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In this complex and emotionally resonant novel about a Métis girl living on the Canadian prairies, debut author Jen Ferguson serves up a powerful story about rage, secrets, and all the spectrums that make up a person—and the sweetness that can still live alongside the bitterest truth.

Destination Unknown by Bill Konigsberg
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From Stonewall Award winner Bill Konigsberg, a remarkable, funny, sexy, heartbreaking story of two teen boys finding each other in New York City at the height of the AIDS epidemic.

Murder for the Modern Girl by Kendall Kulper
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Gatsby-era glamour, a swoon-worthy love story, and an indomitable heroine dazzle in this romp that captures the extravagance of the Roaring Twenties and the dangers of vigilante justice.

Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
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Hitch meets The Sun Is Also a Star in this witty and romantic teen novel about a self-professed teen love doctor with a popular radio segment who believes he can get a girl who hates all things romance to fall in love with him in only three dates.

Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho
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What would you do if the world’s biggest K-pop star asked you to prom? Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sandhya Menon, this hilarious and heartfelt novel brings the glamour and drama of the K-pop world straight to high school.

All Signs Point to Yes, edited by G. Haron Davis, Cam Montgomery, and Adrianne White
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A YA anthology of love stories for each of the star signs that will showcase multicultural characters and celebrate the myriad facets of love, from meet-cutes to the lesser-explored love expressed by aromantic people, featuring 13 bestselling and award-winning multicultural authors.

A Cruel and Fated Light by Ashley Shuttleworth
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Half-fae Arlo becomes entangled in the courtly intrigue at the Seelie Summer palace as danger for ironborns mounts in this gripping sequel to A Dark and Hollow Star that’s The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones.

JUNE

Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert
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Secrets. Lies. Super-bad choices. Witchcraft. This is Our Crooked Hearts, a darkly gripping contemporary fantasy from Melissa Albert, the New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood

The Song That Moves the Sun by Anna Bright
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This sweeping YA fantasy romance full of star-crossed love, complex female friendship, and astrological magic is perfect for fans of Laini Taylor, Alexandra Bracken, and V.E. Schwab. From the acclaimed author of The Beholder.

This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede
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Emily Thiede’s exciting fantasy debut, This Vicious Grace, will keep readers turning the pages until the devastating conclusion and leave them primed for more!

Blade Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
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In the sequel to Victoria Aveyard’s instant #1 New York Times bestselling Realm Breaker, a divided world must rally, an unstoppable enemy must be defeated, and the fate of the world rests on a blade’s edge.

This Place Is Still Beautiful by XiXi Tian
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A sweeping debut novel about first love, complicated family dynamics, and the pernicious legacy of racism. Perfect for fans of Tahereh Mafi, Jandy Nelson, and Emily X.R. Pan, with crossover appeal for readers of Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half and Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You.

Valiant Ladies by Melissa Grey
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Two teen vigilantes set off on an action-packed investigation to expose corruption and deliver justice in Valiant Ladies, Melissa Grey’s YA historical fiction novel inspired by real seventeenth century Latinx teenagers known as the Valiant Ladies of Potosí.

Rise of the Vicious Princess by C.J. Redwine
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The first in a YA political fantasy duology about a fierce princess determined to bring lasting peace to her kingdom regardless of the cost to her heart —from C.J. Redwine, the author of the Defiance series and the New York Times bestselling Ravenspire series. Perfect for fans of These Violent Delights, And I Darken, and Ash Princess.

Stealing Infinity by Alyson Noel
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The Dream Runners by Shveta Thakrar
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Go Hunt Me by Kelly deVos
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For Dracula lovers and fans of Diana Urban’s All Your Twisted Secrets, this spine-tingling thriller follows seven horror buffs as their dream trip to a remote Romanian castle turns into a nightmare when they begin to be killed one by one.

Game of Strength and Storm by Rachel Menard
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Game of Strength and Storm is a YA gender-bent Hercules retelling. Teenagers of Olympia Gen and Castor race to be the first to complete six nearly impossible challenges to obtain their greatest desire. Only one will win. The other walks away with nothing—if she walks away at all.

Bad Things Happen Here by Rebecca Barrow
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I Killed Zoe Spanos meets The Cheerleaders in this haunting mystery about an island town with a history of unsolved deaths—and a girl desperate to uncover the mystery behind it all.

What 2022 YA book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 72 Upcoming YA Book Releases To Add To Your TBR appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Reclaimed takes place on a small intimate scale introducing us to three damaged characters struggling to deal (badly) with trauma from their past who seize on the relief offered by the idea of erasing the troublesome memories to allow them to move on with their lives, unburdened by their current emotional pain. The universe that this novel takes place in is very minimally sketched out, but that’s forgivable as it’s largely irrelevant to the story—all you need to know is that this is set two centuries in the future where mankind has spread out among the stars and advanced technology is now commonplace.

What the author does well is to humanise the three main characters from the first page they’re introduced to us, making them sympathetic and easy to understand even if we can’t relate to the circumstances they’ve regrettably found themselves in. Senna is the sole survivor of a cult whose members were slaughtered by its leader, Zurri is a supermodel with a deranged stalker and Han is a gifted teenager who lost his mother in an explosive crash. It’s not hard to imagine why they would take up the invitation of a reclusive genius to visit his isolated base on a distant moon to undergo a cutting edge procedure to remove their respective traumatic memories.

Often in a horror novel, there are moments when you facepalm in disbelief at the unrealistic actions of its protagonists staying in a clearly dangerous situation for longer than reasonable. In this novel,  we’re presented with each character’s viewpoint in alternating chapters and can see how they handwave away troubling signs out of a desperation to be able to function in normal life again in Senna’s case, out of a desire to not require constant debilitating self-medication in Zurri’s case and out of hero worship in Han’s case. Plus the isolation of the tech mogul’s facility is compounded by dangerous atmospheric conditions making shuttles out of the area infrequent and unreliable. Finally the very nature of the treatment they’re undergoing makes it easy to dismiss the unsettling visions they’re experiencing – of course having brain surgery could come with bizarre side effects, no reason for them to panic! Until it’s too late…

Each chapter is from a different protagonist’s viewpoint, however it’s not written from the first-person which is crucial to the great hook of the story. The main characters have memories being rewritten and experience gaps in their recall, but the reader is perfectly aware of what took place on the page, so there is a delicious horror when we are aware of something that the characters have been made to forget. The incongruity of seeing them in terror one moment and then perfectly calm and happy the next is a special kind of terrifying and sends chills down the spine as we contemplate how the trio can escape from a nightmare they don’t even know is happening.

Reclaimed is a brilliantly plotted science fiction story with an exhilarating take on classic sci-fi tropes and majorly creepy psychological horror elements. It features a strong cast of diverse characters you’ll be praying will survive and a nail-biting suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the reader frantically turning the page. Pick this one up once it’s out and join me in hoping that the next sci-fi novel from this author isn’t far away!

Reclaimed is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of August 17th 2021.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

In this claustrophobic science fiction thriller, a woman begins to doubt her own sanity and reality itself when she undergoes a dangerous experiment.

The Ganymede compound is a fresh start. At least that’s what Senna tells herself when she arrives to take part in a cutting-edge scientific treatment, where participants have traumatic memories erased.

And Senna has reasons for wanting to escape her past.

But almost as soon as the treatment begins, Senna finds more than just her traumatic memories disappearing. She hardly recognizes her new life or herself. Even though the symptoms for the process might justify the cure, Senna knows that something isn’t right. As her symptoms worsen, Senna will need to band together with the other participants to unravel the mystery of her present, and save her future.

The post Review: Reclaimed by Madeleine Roux appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Themes for Thought

In the future, people have moved away from Earth and research vessels are abundant, exploring the universe. Advances in technology are being made and humans have expanded their colonies into far reaches of the cosmos. We might have spaceships that can travel far and wide, however, long-term space travels are still hard for humans. New drugs are being researched to make this form of travel more effective.

Salvaged follows Rosalyn, a talented bio chemist, who has taken up the job of a space janitor, ‘salvager’, cleaning up the mess left behind when accidents happen and people die. Learning to deal with her past and present by relying heavily on alcohol, Rosalyn is given a final chance to redeem herself and keep her position by answering a distress call of a research space ship named the Brigantine. But as it turns out, people are alive on the Brigantine, except something is really wrong with them.

Salvaged is the story of fighting for ones’ humanity when the pull from the other side is too powerful. It is about finding the one thing that is so precious to us that it grounds us to our deepest selves and our memories, while we are floating away in space.

On Control

Salvaged comes with a cast of well thought out characters, each with their own struggles and strengths. When the Brigantine gets affected by the alien parasite, who they refer to as ‘Mother’ or Foxfire, the crew feels connected to each other in a telepathic manner. As they feel themselves losing control, they use their skills in the field, their past, or a combination of the two, to understand how they are being affected as well as how to combat this thing that speaks to them in their head. Misato and Edison were exceptional characters and their way of thinking and approaching the stressful situation was quite commendable. Rosalyn somehow holds the key to Firefox and that was quite an interesting angle in my mind.

Throughout this struggle, Mother herself is a force to be reckoned with, tapping deep into their memories and getting the crew to accept her and give themselves up to her.

“You’re just spores, some kind of network bound at a molecular level but also a telepathic level. I don’t have to understand the nuances of that to know you aren’t a human woman. So it’s either a trick or there’s something here I don’t understand yet.” – Misato in Salvaged

With powerful characters that question themselves and each other at every move and are somehow working together towards one mission, to stop the spread of the parasite, I loved the writing and plot of this book. There are twists and turns that I was unable to anticipate.

On Life

Like I mentioned above, Salvaged is the story of survival. Through the characters, I learned a number of valuable lessons. Misato was hands down my favourite and, as the oldest person in the crew, she had insights about life and strategies to help herself keep in control, that the other members did not have. This quote from the book describes the Foxfire, the parasite that has taken over their minds, so well:

“Life wasn’t always some magical, mystical thing to be protected and cherished; sometimes it was simply greedy expanding chaos, a teeming, overwhelming force.” Misato in Salvaged

The Audiobook Experience

This was initially a hard audiobook for me to get into and that’s partly because of the atmosphere that lingers throughout this whole read. Emily Woo Zeller does an amazing job of portraying the different characters as well as expressing the gravity of the situation that they are wrestling with. This is the first time in my years of listening to audiobooks when I can confidently say the audiobook was way better than how I would have read this book in my mind.

The story of a mind controlling alien parasite in Salvaged and the struggle of each of the crew members of the Brigantine – I could not have done justice to that. Please do check out the audiobook if you read them.

This is a thriller, horror, and science fiction read with a dark atmosphere that will linger with me for a while… the best part being, I WANT TO go back and read it again.

Salvaged is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

A WOMAN ON THE RUN. A CAPTAIN ADRIFT IN SPACE. ONE OF THEM IS INFECTED WITH AN ALIEN PARASITE.

In this dark science fiction thriller, a young woman must confront her past so the human race will have a future.

Rosalyn Devar is on the run from her famous family, the bioengineering job she’s come to hate, and her messed-up life. She’s run all the way to outer space, where she’s taken a position as a “space janitor,” cleaning up ill-fated research expeditions. But no matter how far she goes, Rosalyn can’t escape herself. After too many mistakes on the job, she’s given one last chance: take care of salvaging the Brigantine, a research vessel that has gone dark, with all crew aboard thought dead.

But the Brigantine’s crew are very much alive–if not entirely human. Now Rosalyn is trapped on board, alone with a crew infected by a mysterious parasitic alien. The captain, Edison Aries, seems to still maintain some control over himself and the crew, but he won’t be able to keep fighting much longer. Rosalyn and Edison must find a way to stop the parasite’s onslaught…or it may take over the entire human race.

The post Review: Salvaged by Madeleine Roux appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Beyond the Black Door by A.M. Strickland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Beyond the Black Door is a young adult dark fantasy about unlocking the mysteries around and within us―no matter the cost …

The Throne of the Five Winds by S.C. Emmett
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Two queens, two concubines, six princes. Innumerable hidden agendas. Yala, lady-in-waiting to the princess of a vanquished kingdom, must navigate their captors’ treacherous imperial court.

Crier’s War by Nina Varela
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From debut author Nina Varela comes the first book in an Own Voices, richly imagined epic fantasy duology about an impossible love between two girls—one human, one Made—whose romance could be the beginning of a revolution.

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.

Salvaged by Madeleine Roux
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In this dark science fiction thriller, a young woman must confront her past so the human race will have a future. A woman on the run. A captain adrift in space. One of them is infected with an alien parasite…

The Vagabond King by Jodie Bond
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In a land where immortality can be bought, cruelty thrives… Exiled and alone, Threon is torn from a life in the palace to scrape a living on the streets of a foreign land. Once a prince whose every whim was obliged, now this vagabond must adapt to survive. Throwing his lot in with a witch, a rebel soldier and a woman touched by a god, he seeks retribution for the wrongs committed against his family.

The End and Other Beginnings: Stories from the Future by Veronica Roth
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Bestselling Divergent and Carve the Mark author Veronica Roth delivers a stunning collection of novella-length stories set in the future, illustrated with startling black-and-white artwork.

The Library Of The Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
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In the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series, books that aren’t finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories.

Escaping Exodus by Nicky Drayden
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Compton Crook award–winning author of The Prey of Gods and Temper returns with a dazzling stand-alone novel, set in deep space, in which the fate of humanity rests on the slender shoulders of an idealistic and untested young woman—a blend of science fiction, dark humor, and magical realism that will appeal to fans of Charlie Jane Anders, Jeff VanderMeer, and Nnedi Okorafor.

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy
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In the city of Craewick, memories reign. The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take memories from others through touch as they please.

The Black Hawks by David Wragg
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Dark, thrilling, and hilarious, The Black Hawks is an epic adventure perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch.

How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse
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How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse is a feminist reimagining of familiar fairytale tropes and a story of resistance and self-determination—how small acts of rebellion can lead a princess to not just save herself, but change the course of history. First in a duology that reimagines fairy tale tropes within a space opera—The Princess Bride meets Princess Leia.

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

The post October 2019 Book Releases: Fantasy + Sci-Fi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you’re the typical Stranger Things fan and already binged season 3, but needing to fill the demogorgon-sized hole until the next season, OverDrive has your solution! They have an excellent collection of books for fans who can’t get enough of the supernatural, ’80s-themed series. Readers can access all books for free through their local library via the Libby App!

What’s the Libby App you ask? You can borrow thousands of ebooks and audiobooks from local libraries, instantly, for free, using just the device in your hand!

Read on to discover some books that you Stranger Things nerds will love!

Notes from the Upside Down by Guy Adams
OverDrive | Goodreads

Entertaining, informative, and perfect for fans of eighties pop culture, Notes from the Upside Down is the Big Mac of unofficial guides to Stranger Things—super-sized and special sauce included.

Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond
OverDrive | Goodreads

If you think you know the truth behind Eleven’s mother, prepare to have your mind turned Upside Down in the first official Stranger Things novel.

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
OverDrive | Goodreads

A mad scientist’s concoction of H. P. Lovecraft, teen detectives, and a love of Americana, Edgar Cantero’s Meddling Kids is a story filled with rich horror, thrilling twists, outright hilarity, and surprising poignancy.

The Boys of Summer by Richard Cox
OverDrive | Goodreads

Both a haunting coming-of-age story set in North Texas against the backdrop of a deadly tornado, and a character-driven, deeply-affecting supernatural thriller.

My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
OverDrive | Goodreads

An unholy hybrid of Beaches and The Exorcist that blends teen angst, adolescent drama, unspeakable horrors, and a mix of ’80s pop songs into a pulse-pounding supernatural thriller.

Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody
OverDrive | Goodreads

A darkly irresistible new fantasy set in the infamous Gomorrah Festival, a travelling carnival of debauchery that caters to the strangest of dreams and desires.

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
OverDrive | Goodreads

The Bram Stoker Award-winning author of A Head Full of Ghosts adds an inventive twist to the home invasion horror story in a heart-palpitating novel of psychological suspense that recalls Stephen King’s Misery, Ruth Ware’s In a Dark, Dark Wood, and Jack Ketchum’s cult hit The Girl Next Door.

Chills by Mary SanGiovanni
OverDrive | Goodreads

True Detective meets H.P. Lovecraft in this chilling novel of murder, mystery, and slow-mounting dread from acclaimed author Mary SanGiovanni….

The Door to December by Dean Koontz
OverDrive | Goodreads

The #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a truly suspenseful novel of a mother who must save her daughter from a threat she can hardly understand. What happened to nine-year-old Melanie during the six years she was subjected to terrifying experiments? And what is the unstoppable power that she can unleash from behind the “Door to December”?

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
OverDrive | Goodreads

Few novels have endured in the heart and memory as has Ray Bradbury’s unparalleled literary masterpiece Something Wicked This Way Comes. Scary and suspenseful, it is a timeless classic in the American canon.

The Good House by Tananarive Due
OverDrive | Goodreads

A thrilling exploration of secrets, lies, and divine inspiration, The Good House will haunt readers long after its chilling conclusion.

House of Furies by Madeleine Roux
OverDrive | Goodreads

Featuring stunning interior illustrations from artist Iris Compiet, plus photo-collages that bring the story to chilling life, House of Furies invites readers to a world where the line between monsters and men is ghostly thin.

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
OverDrive | Goodreads

A spine-tingling tale rooted in Caribbean folklore that will have readers holding their breath as they fly through its pages.

The End of the World Running Club by Adrian J. Walker
OverDrive | Goodreads

This powerful post-apocalyptic thriller pits reluctant father Edgar Hill in a race against time to get back to his wife and children. When the sky begins to fall and he finds himself alone, his best hope is to run – or risk losing what he loves forever.

The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
OverDrive | Goodreads

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

The post 15 Books To Read If You Love ‘Stranger Things’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The young adult genre has certainly grown substantially over the last two decades in terms of both readership, books, and sub-genres. From the crazes of paranormal and dystopian, to the growing representation of diversity being included within these novels, there has certainly been many up’s and down’s. That being said, there will always be some books and series that will stand out to readers depending on the age and year they were introduced to the genre.

We’ve found fourteen YA series from over the past two decades that certainly shows the evolution of the genre, and although some may be a little ‘cringe-worthy’ these days, they’re almost seen as a “classic” in some ways for the genre.

Read on to discover some of the YA series you should have read by now, and if you haven’t, give them a go just for curiosity’s sake and fun!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Goodreads

This series is talked about quite frequently, but there are many that don’t appreciate or like them. However, they are incredibly captivating because of the great adventure inside! The Shatter Me series follows a 17-year-old girl who has a lethal touch. She is locked into a cell for accidentally killing someone, but when they world is crashing down she could be a weapon or a warrior. Four books have been published in this series and there are two more are on the way!

The Program series by Suzanne Young
Goodreads

The hype this series doesn’t receive is saddening! In a world where suicide is an international epidemic, there is the program, used to treat kids to not kill themselves. However, the program doesn’t just take that urge, but it also takes memories and it makes you forget. For young Sloane, along with her boyfriend James, they are running and hiding from them. This series will not let you put it down until you are finished and even though there are only six books in the series, you’ll probably be finished in a day.

Fallen series by Lauren Kate
Goodreads

A somewhat ‘classic’ YA series, Fallen follows a girl named Lucinda (Luce) Price who is sent to a new school called Sword and Cross after being accused of murdering a boy by starting a fire. This school isn’t a normal one and it’s there that she meets a boy named Daniel, but she has a feeling they have met before. This series is super engaging and it’s full of twists and turns. It has angels and will make you fall in love with them. Lauren Kate’s writing is spectacular; she has a way of pulling you in through all 4-6 books, depending if you read the extras.

Illuminae series by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Goodreads

This series is an extremely unusual kind of read with the story told from a series of emails, letters, and reports. There are three books and each follows different characters with each set of characters living in space because the planet is no longer habitable. Again, this series has such a unique of writing that really intrigues the reader and a truly epic story.

Hush Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick
Goodreads

This is another series about angels and Becca Fitzpatrick makes you fall in love with them. Nora Grey is just an average teenager making her way through high school along with Patch, an annoying boy, who always seems be where she is. Nora then finds out who Patch really is, a fallen angel, and starts to wonder about her angelic heritage. This series is a page-turning leap into the world of fallen angels that will change your views of good and bad.

Matched series by Ally Condie
Goodreads

Let’s face it, we all love a good dystopian and this series is definitely one to consider picking up! In this world there is a tightly-controlled society that chooses peoples life partners at the young age of 17. Our main character Cassia is matched to her best friend, Xander, however, she soon realises there is another. Cassia is then faced with the decision of following government rules or setting herself free. This series was all the rage when it first came out, but has died down since, however it still deserves all of the hype it received.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Goodreads

This trilogy is completely different from other YA books out there and it certainly deserves more appreciation. Karou is just a normal girl who is trying to live life, but she was raised by chimaera, who are creatures of different human and animal attributes. The chimaera she lives with demand teeth in exchange for wishes, and send Karou to fetch them, which leaves Karou to wonder about what she is doing. Laini Taylor portrays this universe extremely well and that is what makes a good book that deserves to be read.

A Series of Unfortunate Events series by Lemony Snicket
Goodreads

This series has previously been made into film and a Netflix series last year. The series follows the Baudelaire children who have just lost their parents and home in a fire, but Count Olaf is trying to take their fortune. The children are sent from guardian to guardian just trying to escape from Olaf. This series is very intriguing because of how it narrated and it has 13 books in the entire series.

Asylum series by Madeleine Roux
Goodreads

The Asylum series is a paranormal YA trilogy that needs to be read by all. Dan Crawford has gotten the chance of a lifetime to go to the school he wants, but when he gets there he, and his new friends, end up staying at Brookline Dorm, which used to be a psychiatric hospital. Throughout the story he and his friends find out what really happened at the psych ward and discover their attachments to it. This series will have you on the edge of your seat, just don’t read it in the dark!

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series by Jenny Han
Goodreads

Lara Jean Song Covey is 16 years old and she has a box that contains letters to all the boys she’s loved before and these boys don’t know she loved them. However, one night her little sister sends all the letters out creating a whirlwind for Lara Jean. This trilogy sees Lara Jean weave her way through love, heartbreak and family. This series is so heartfelt and real, which makes them a great page-turner.

Taken series by Erin Bowman
Goodreads

This dystopian series follows a government that takes boys on their eighteenth birthday, and nobody knows where they go, but you can’t run. There’s no place to run because going just over the wall is a suicide mission. Gray is almost eighteen and he needs to decide what he will do to survive. The Taken trilogy is very captivating and will cause readers to feel full of emotion.

Let the Sky Fall series by Shannon Messenger
Goodreads

Shannon Messenger is a spectacular storyteller in this fantasy series! The main character Vane Weston should’ve died in a tornado that killed his parents, but he didn’t and has no memories of what happened. However, he has dreams of a girl that isn’t human, and Vane is baffled when one day she walks by him real as can be and starts to discover the truth about himself.

The Selection series by Kiera Cass
Goodreads

This series is a little more royal than everything else on this list. It follows a competition to become the prince’s betrothed. It takes place in a world like ours where places, such as the United States, have been overthrown and renamed. This series is set up a little differently with the first three books told in a different point of view in comparison to the last two.

Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo
Goodreads

Leigh Bardugo has beautifully crafted a very intriguing world called the Grisha Verse. This trilogy is the first of this series and it is so amazing that it’s unbelievable. Alina grew up in an orphanage with her friend Mal, they were both tested to see if they were Grisha, but neither of them were. However, fast forward many years Alina thought she was normal until one day she proved she wasn’t. Many other books by Bardugo are popular, such as Six of Crows, but this series has been kind of downgraded, but shouldn’t be because it started this awesome universe.

Any other books you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 14 YA Book Series You Should Have Read By Now appeared first on The Nerd Daily.