Can you describe The Court of the Dead in five words?

Riordan: Percy Jackson’s world turned upside-down.

Oshiro: This is really, really unhinged.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• What books made you want to become authors?
  Riordan: The Lord of the Rings, and, probably, A Wizard of Earthsea. Those were probably my two major touchstones.
  Oshiro: My answer is Stephen King’s It, which I was way too young for, but was so magical in terms of being able to make me feel a wide range of emotions.
• Can you tell us what book you are currently reading?
  Oshiro: I’m reading The River Has Roots by Amal El-Motar. It’s a new novella from one of my close friends, whom I adore, and it’s very good. Very fairytale-like and strange.
  Riordan:  I’m in the middle of reading a thriller in Italian, actually, by Donata Carisi. It’s called Io Sono L’abisso, I Am The Abyss, and it is really, really dark.

What kind of reader do you encourage to pick up this new release?

Oshiro: I would say an adventurous one.

Riordan: I mean, anyone who is familiar with the Percy Jackson world and wants to get back into that world, but also anybody who needs a fun adventure. I think we could all use a break these days, and a chance to get away from reality. I think this book is a good way to do that.

What was the co-writing experience like, and was there any conflict or compromise?

Oshiro: Rick and I both feel very lucky that our writing processes are similar. We wrote a detailed outline of what we wanted in the book, and then wrote the manuscript. Because this was our second outing, the process felt even more in sync. I come from journalism. I don’t have a huge ego around my writing. I’m used to it being edited and being changed, so I don’t  know that we’ve ever had a disagreement. It becomes so convoluted in terms of who wrote what that we often can’t determine who wrote a specific sentence. We both approached this with humility, curiosity, and wanting to write a fun adventure, which meant we were always kind of one-upping each other.

Riordan: I was thinking the closest thing I can compare it to is, like, improvisational jazz. When you just sort of have the general key, and you have the chord patterns, but everything else is kind of up for grabs, you know? It’s like, yeah, that’s awesome, do that again. Okay, all right. I can riff off of that.

What inspired the decision to write this series together?

Riordan: Well, I mean, Nico di Angelo is probably one of the most popular characters among the readership for Percy Jackson. He’s a real touchstone for a lot of readers, and he’s very near and dear to my heart, and of course yes, I’ve written about him before, and I’ve even written from his point of view, but I think the idea of writing an entire novel from his point of view, and based on his relationship with his boyfriend Will Solas, felt like something that I needed help with. I don’t have the context for his life experience; I needed someone with the toolset of emotionality, life experience, and the authenticity that would make readers say, I understand this, I empathize with this, I get this; this feels real to me. I loved Mark’s previous work, and so I was very fortunate that they were open to doing this.

How did you approach interweaving mental health into the story?

Oshiro: I mean, a part of this came from The Sun and the Star, and a lot of Rick’s ideas came from how he wanted to explore Nico’s trauma in that book. So when we were having conversations about The Court of the Dead, a lot of it was, how is this going to look? Especially if you’re now a person whose emotions are hanging around and can affect other people. What does that mean for this character, who has historically hidden their emotions, and now doesn’t have a choice in the matter? So, I think it was twofold, which is, if we’re gonna do this, we need to have it be a big part of the story. Then also, Mr. D, the camp counselor, has been around for a while and has seen a lot of demigods come through, and he has this very unique relationship with Nico and Will. What if we expand that just a little bit more and show this side of the counselor as well? How might things be changing in Camp Half-Blood for other campers? So, yeah, these are all intentional conversations that we had.

Some readers have mentioned that Nico’s voice in The Sun and the Star feels a little bit different compared to when he’s written in The Trials of Apollo, for example. So, I think they’re curious to know, did you revisit that series when you were writing, or did you intentionally approach this perspective differently?

Oshiro: So yes, I did. I read the series twice before I got the call from Rick and from Disney. Then, in the few days before we started the process of auditioning to write for the series, I re-read them all again and took extensive notes, with post-it notes. It’s different when you read the books and you’re reading them as a fan, and then reading them as now making an entry into this canon. We talked about how I would write the first draft, rather than us writing a chapter at a time and sending it back and forth. But, being given the creative freedom to just write the book, I didn’t worry about trying to imitate, necessarily, what a person sounds like in the past. We were like, this is going to be Nico’s own book, which means we’re going to spend more time in his head. Also, time has passed since the trials of Apollo. How has he changed because of that experience? How can the way he talks when we’re in his head also change? Even if I tried to imitate Rick, I think it was always gonna be different. There was no way to make it exactly the same, because I’m a whole different human. I’m curious, Rick, how you felt about that? That’s gotta feel strange, someone’s writing your character?

Riordan:  Oh, no, I love it. I think it’s great. I think there’s a huge range for latitude on what a character sounds like. Have you ever listened to your own voice recorded? I mean, you sound different to yourself, you know, so think about all the range that we have to sound different at different times in our lives, under different circumstances. And a lot of what a person sounds like also has to do with who’s receiving that voice, who’s listening, and when, and how they’re listening. So, I think Nico is very true to Nico. But I agree, I think that the tenor and the tone have sort of evolved, and I think that’s all good.

Did you use AI tools in any part of the writing process for this book? Or have you ever worked with ghostwriters?

Riordan: I’m so old, I wouldn’t even know how to start it. The only thing I know about AI is how to turn it off immediately. Anytime I update a device, that’s the first thing I do. Is there a way to turn this feature off? I mean, I’m sure it will have a place in the world.  But I think creativity is exactly the wrong place to be trying to use that.  If you can’t be bothered to write the book, why would anybody be bothered to read it?

Oshiro: Yeah. I also don’t know how to use it, and I don’t understand it. Part of what made my writing grow over the years is writing badly. You have to do things that don’t work, and you have to write sentences that don’t make sense, or don’t communicate what you’re trying to, so that your brain can figure out what works. If you want to develop your own voice and this distinct voice we were just talking about, you have to be willing to write the stuff that doesn’t work.  I’ve seen people with Percy Jackson tattoos that are quotes from the book, and I’m like, that is magical that a sentence and this stringing of words that you put together has affected someone so deeply.​

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

Oshiro: I hope that the book’s questions about the nature of right and wrong, good and evil, hero and monster, have a lasting impact. I think there are a lot of sometimes uncomfortable scenes where Rick and I were also uncomfortable writing them, thinking about how this even challenges the world of Percy Jackson itself. I love a book that keeps you thinking after you finish it, and so I hope it inspires a lot of thought in our readers.

Riordan: Yeah, I would echo that. I think that’s a beautiful sentiment.

What is next for the two of you? Any plans to continue Nico’s Adventures?

Oshiro: Yeah, we’re both not planners. I get why some creatives are, but we are not generally ones who plan 10 years in advance. A couple of weeks ago, I turned in my next young adult book, which is a horror novel, and I’m very excited, but that’s a year and a half out. Right now, I’m excited about The Court of the Dead finally coming out.

Riordan: There’s no grand plan. We’re making this up as we go along. We wrote the first book because it was just something we were very excited about. The second book came from talking about ideas we thought were so fun that we couldn’t wait to put them down. So, if something like that comes along again. I’m sure we’ll jump on the phone and have that conversation, but it’ll be organic, and it’ll be natural, I hope.

Will you be picking up The Court of the Dead? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, Co-Authors of ‘The Court of the Dead appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Long-lost twin princes tackling coming out, frenemies-with-benefits at magical boarding schools and sapphic crushes forever trapped underwater—2023 is bringing us some truly magical, whimsical and heartfelt queer stories! With a focus on learning to love yourself, standing up for your right to love and eschewing antiquated gender norms, we’re ready to let these brand-new stories take over our hearts and minds!

Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Romance lists!

JANUARY

Brighter Than the Moon by David Valdes
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From the author of Spin Me Right Round, a fresh, modern story about learning how to love–starting with yourself–as three teens who know each other online meet up and find themselves questioning everything.

A Tale of Two Prince by Eric Geron
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When Edward, Crown Prince of Canada, and Billy, small-town boy with a big heart, meet by chance in New York City and discover that they are long-lost twins, their lives are forever changed. Will the twin princes—“twinces”— be able to take on high school, coming out, and coronations together? Or will this royal reunion quickly become a royal disaster?

Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
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An Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni.

The Minus-One Club by Kekla Magoon
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From the Coretta Scott King and Printz Honor-winning author of How It Went Down, Light It Up, and Revolution In Our Time comes a moving contemporary YA novel about the bonds between a group of teens whose lives have been upended by tragedy. Kermit finds a mysterious invitation in his locker, signed anonymously with “-1.” He has no idea what he’s in for, but he shows up to find out. Dubbed the “Minus-One Club,” a group of his schoolmates has banded together as a form of moral support. The members have just one thing in common—they have all suffered the tragic loss of someone they loved.

Then Everything Happens at Once by M.E. Girard
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Girard offers a stand-alone sex-positive coming-of-age story about a teen named Baylee who’s torn between her heart and her hormones as she navigates her feelings for her best friend, Freddie, and new friend, Alex. Perfect for fans of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega.

The Daughters of Izdihar by Hadeer Elsbai
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From debut author Hadeer Elsbai comes the first book in an incredibly powerful new duology, set wholly in a new world, but inspired by modern Egyptian history, about two young women–Nehal, a spoiled aristocrat used to getting what she wants and Giorgina, a poor bookshop worker used to having nothing–who find they have far more in common, particularly in their struggle for the rights of women and their ability to fight for it with forbidden elemental magic

FEBRUARY

Out of Character by Jenna Miller
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Dumplin’ meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller’s queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

Afterglow by Phil Stamper
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After a summer of life-changing, these four friends are finally ready for senior year. As graduation nears and the boys prepare to enter the real world, it’s clear their friendship will never be the same. Can they find a way to stay connected and pursue their dreams? Don’t miss the conclusion to Stamper’s duology!

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill
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A trans pianist makes a New Year’s resolution on a frozen Wisconsin night to win regionals and win back his ex, but a new boy complicates things.

If I Can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla
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For fans of Kacen Callender and Mason Deaver comes a heart-tugging coming-of-age YA debut that takes a poignant look at gender identity, sexuality, friendship, and family–both the one we’re born into and the one we find for ourselves.

Planning Perfect by Haley Neil
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In this charming, heartfelt YA romcom about being on the asexual spectrum, a girl tries to craft the perfect wedding for her mother but discovers that sometimes the best parts of life can’t be planned.

Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by H.S. Valley
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What happens when your enemy becomes your friend … with benefits? Tim Te Maro and Elliott Parker – classmates at Fox Glacier High School for the Magically Adept – have never gotten along. But when they both get dumped the day before the big egg-baby assignment, they reluctantly decide to ditch their exes and work together.

MARCH

Into the Light by Mark Oshiro
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Into the Light is a ripped-from-the-headlines story with Oshiro’s signature mix of raw emotions and visceral prose—but with a startling twist you’ll have to read to believe.

Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly
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From the author of Love & Other Disasters comes a sparkling grumpy-meets-sunshine romance featuring two men’s sweeping journey across the Western wilderness.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles
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Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping Regency romance of smugglers, adventure, mystery, and life-changing love from celebrated author KJ Charles.

The Immeasurable Depth of You by Maria Ingrande Mora
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In the devastating but uplifting tradition of Adam Silvera and Nova Ren Suma comes a queer supernatural coming-of-age story from acclaimed author Maria Ingrande Mora.

Ravensong by Cayla Fay
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A demi-god who refuses to cohabitate with humans accidentally falls in love with one in the first book of a pulse-pounding teen duology that’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Celtic mythology.

Solomon’s Crown by Natasha Siegel
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Two destined rivals fall desperately in love—but the fate of medieval Europe hangs in the balance.

APRIL

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
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Finding home. Falling in love. Fighting to belong. Andi & Santi Were Here is a love story about a Mexican-American teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican boy.

Secret Rules to Being a Rockstar by Jessamyn Violet
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Acclaimed musician Jessamyn Violet’s debut LGBTQA+ novel sizzles with a coming-of-age story set in an industry of ambition, secrets, lies, and utter joy.

In the Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune
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A queer retelling of Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio starring an inventor named Victor, a mysterious android called Hap (Hysterically Angry Puppet), an anxiety-riddled Roomba vacuum named Rambo, and a sociopathic nursing machine, the Registered Automaton To Care, Heal, Educate and Drill (Nurse Ratched, for short), this is the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.

Becoming a Queen by Dan Clay
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A vibrant and emotional novel from debut author Dan Clay about a boy who turns toward love, self-acceptance, and drag performance when the unthinkable happens.

Sizzle Reel by Carlyn Greenwald
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An unputdownable queer coming-of-age rom-com about life and love in Hollywood. For aspiring cinematographer Luna Roth, coming out as bisexual at twenty-four is proving more difficult than she anticipated.

No Boy Summer by Amy Spalding
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Lydia and her younger sister Penny make a pact to avoid boy drama for the summer—but Lydia can’t help looking for a loophole when she falls for a cute girl.

MAY

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland
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In this compelling YA contemporary, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie
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A queer YA romance about rival soccer players from author Racquel Marie, perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy.

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude
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We Are Okay meets They Both Die at the End in this YA debut about queer first love and mental health at the end of the world-and the importance of saving yourself, no matter what tomorrow may hold.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
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Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You The Sun meets Dawson’s Creek with a dash of HBO’s Euphoria in this story that follows twins who have different ways of dealing with their father’s incarceration—and then his untimely death—and the complications that arise when one discovers a secret third sibling and keeps them from his sister, even after they move to their Adirondack lake-side town.

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
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With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestseller Becky Albertalli explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship.

The Song of Us by Kate Fussner
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This stunning debut and wholly original queer middle grade novel-in-verse retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice adds a new chorus to the songs of great love, perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World. 

JUNE

Love Letters for Joy by Melissa See
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Less than a year away from graduation, seventeen-year-old Joy is too busy overachieving to be worried about relationships. She’s determined to be Caldwell Prep’s first disabled valedictorian. And she only has one person to beat, her academic rival Nathaniel. 

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
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A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush.

The First Bright Thing by J.R. Dawson
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The First Bright Thing is a spellbinding debut for fans of The Night Circus and The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue.

Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler
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A queer Sliding Doors YA rom-com in which a girl must choose between summer in NYC with her dad (and the girl she’s always wanted) or LA with her estranged mom (and the guy she never saw coming). In Going Bicoastal, there’s more than one path to happily ever after.

Darkhearts by James L. Sutter
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Perfect for fans of Red, White, & Royal Blue and Perks of Being a Wallflower, Darkhearts is a hilarious, heartfelt novel about fame, romance, and what happens when the two collide.

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
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Inspired by a classic of martial arts literature, S. L. Huang’s The Water Outlaws are bandits of devastating ruthlessness, unseemly femininity, dangerous philosophies, and ungovernable gender who are ready to make history—or tear it apart.

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

The post Must-Have 2023 Queer Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Magic, monsters, meddling mothers, mysteries, and more all await you amongst 2023’s upcoming young adult books! From authors such as Marie Lu, Alexandra Bracken, Ibi Zoboi, Steven Salvatore, and Adiba Jaigirdar, along with those making their dazzling debut this year, there are so many books to look forward to.

We’ve rounded up 72 YA books releasing between the months of January and June, so you will definitely find quite a few exciting new reads within this list. Be sure to check out our other 2023 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Romance, Middle Grade, and Queer Books lists!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below what you are looking forward to!

JANUARY

Cool. Awkward. Black.
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A multi-genre YA anthology of bestselling, critically acclaimed Black authors challenging the concept of the geek, featuring contributions from Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton-Walker, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Lamar Giles, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Shari B. Pennant, K. Arsenault Rivera, Julian Winters, and Ibi Zoboi.

A Ruinous Fate by Kaylie Smith
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A Ruinous Fate series will take readers’ imaginations to new heights on an adventure of dark secrets, witches, and forbidden magic.  

Retro by Jarrod Shusterman & Sofía Lapuente
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What starts off as a light-hearted competition to live without modern technology for a year turns into a fight for survival in this unputdownable young adult thriller by New York Times bestselling author Jarrod Shusterman and debut author Sofía Lapuente.

The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan
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A contemporary fantasy YA debut from Rochelle Hassan about monsters, magic, and wicked fae, perfect for fans of The Darkest Part of the Forest and The Hazel Wood.

Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett
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It’s too late for a Sweet Sixteen, but what if Mahalia had a coming-out party? A love letter to romantic comedies, sweet sixteen blowouts, Black joy, and queer pride.

Brighter Than the Moon by David Valdes
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Lauded writer David Valdes offers a heartfelt, clever, and thought-provoking story about how we figure out who we want to be–online and IRL–for fans of David Levithan and Adam Silvera.

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman
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Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night. One, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her. 

City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer
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Gotham meets Strange the Dreamer in this thrilling young adult fantasy about a cowardly girl who finds herself at the center of a criminal syndicate conspiracy, in a city where crooked politicians and sinister cults reign and dreaming means waking up as your worst nightmare.

The Love Match by Priyanka Taslim
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before meets Pride and Prejudice in this delightful and heartfelt rom-com about a Bangladeshi American teen whose meddling mother arranges a match to secure their family’s financial security—just as she’s falling in love with someone else.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
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The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked.

Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare
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James and Cordelia must save London—and their marriage—in this thrilling and highly anticipated conclusion to the Last Hours series from the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Thorns is a Shadowhunters novel.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
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In a fallen kingdom, one girl carries the key to discovering the secrets of her nation’s past—and unleashing the demons that sleep at its heart. An epic fantasy series inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

FEBRUARY

The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
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Set against the glitz and glamour of an elite LA private school, Melissa de la Cruz’s first YA thriller is an addictive mystery perfect for fans of Gossip Girl and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
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El Diablo is in the details in this Latinx pirate fantasy starring a transmasculine nonbinary teen with a mission of revenge, redemption, and revolution.

This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
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Get ready to fall in love in this hilarious romcom about a girl who begins a fake relationship with the famous actor in her class, perfect for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

My Flawless Life by Yvonne Woon
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Yvonne Woon, author of If You, Then Me, has crafted a slow-burn thriller about fixing—our friends, ourselves, and our complicated pasts. For fans of Allegedly and We Were Liars, My Flawless Life features a compelling narrator who grapples with the secrets of her private school classmates as well as her own life.

Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith
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Inspired by Moulin Rouge! and set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York, Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith.

Out of Character by Jenna Miller
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Dumplin’ meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller’s queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.

Lola at Last by J. C. Peterson
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This Pride and Prejudice–inspired tale, a companion to J. C. Peterson’s Being Mary Bennet, spins a modern Lydia Bennet’s life into a tumultuous and hilarious coming-of-age journey, complete with misadventures, misunderstandings, mayhem, and a romance worthy of Darcy and Elizabeth themselves. 

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran
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A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic.

When You Wish Upon a Lantern by Gloria Chao
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Acclaimed author Gloria Chao creates real-world magic in this luminous romance about teens who devote themselves to granting other people’s wishes but are too afraid to let themselves have their own hearts’ desires—each other.

Chaos Theory by Nic Stone
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The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin delivers a gripping romance about two teens: a certified genius living with a diagnosed mental illness and a politician’s son who is running from his own addiction and grief. Don’t miss this gut punch of a novel about mental illness, loss, and discovering you are worthy of love.

Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim by Patricia Park
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The award-winning author of Re Jane makes her young adult debut in a funny, poignant, and powerful novel about a multicultural teen struggling to fit into her whitewashed school, her diverse Queens neighborhood, and even her own home as her family reels from the loss of her father.

Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong
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In a dazzling new fantasy world full of whispered secrets and political intrigue, the magic of women is outlawed but four girls with unusual powers have the chance to change it all.

MARCH

Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute by Sayantani DasGupta
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New York Times bestselling Sayantani DasGupta brings her trademark wit and insight to this bright and funny Sense and Sensibility retelling!

Made of Stars by Jenna Voris
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Inspired by the lawless love story of Bonnie and Clyde, Jenna Voris’s heart-stopping tale of passion and crime will have you seeing stars.

Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole
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This searing and intimate novel in verse follows a sixteen-year-old girl coping with sexual abuse as she grapples with how to reclaim her story, her anger, and her body in a world that seems determined to punish her for the sin of surviving.

Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation
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Study Break, a collection of interconnected contemporary Young Adult short stories written by Gen Z authors, explores different parts of “the college experience,” from questioning your major to questioning your identity.

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa
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A young adult graphic novel about high school wallflower Belle Hawkins, who ends up in a love triangle after tutoring the girlfriend of her crush.

Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
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Perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Tamora Pierce, this standalone YA debut is a stunning cottagecore fantasy romance about a girl with powerful and violent magic, which she must learn to control—or lose everything she loves.

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu
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The Hating Game meets Mission: Impossible in this smoldering new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu about a superstar tapped to become a secret agent and the reluctant young spy assigned to be his partner.

Midnight Strikes by Zeba Shahnaz
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In this explosive fantasy debut, a provincial girl must work with an infuriatingly handsome prince to escape a nightmarish curse that forces them to relive the same night over and over.

The Memory Eater by Rebecca Mahoney
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A teenage girl must save her town from a memory-devouring monster in this piercing exploration of grief, trauma, and memory, from the author of The Valley and the Flood.

Royal Blood by Aimée Carter
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An American girl becomes the British Monarchy’s greatest nightmare in this thrilling new series where royal scandals just got deadlier.

There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia
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A raised fist against the destructive forces of gentrification and a love letter to communities of color everywhere, Jade Adia’s unforgettable debut tells the darkly hilarious story of three best friends willing to do whatever it takes to stay together.

Into The Light by Mark Oshiro
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For fans of Courtney Summers and Tiffany D. Jackson, Into the Light is a ripped-from-the-headlines story with Oshiro’s signature mix of raw emotions and visceral prose―but with a startling twist you’ll have to read to believe.

APRIL

An Improbable Season by Rosalyn Eves
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For fans of Bridgerton, a Regency romance by Rosalyn Eves about three young women, their big dreams, and a London Season gone awry.

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson
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Be swept away by a lush, witchy tale about forbidden magic and missing girls who don’t need handsome princes to rescue them. Perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood.

Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick
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Perfect for fans of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Five Feet Apart, this tender solo debut by the coauthor of New York Times bestseller She Gets the Girl is a romantic ode to the strength of love and the power of choosing each other, against odds and obstacles, again and again.

This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham
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From the author of the New York Times bestselling My Dearest Darkest comes another incredible sapphic horror. When four best friends with a hunger for human flesh attend a music festival in the desert they discover a murderous plot to expose and vilify the girls and everyone like them. This summer is going to get gory.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
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When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch
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From the author of The Sky Blues and Blaine for the Win comes a speculative young adult romance about a teen stuck in a time loop that’s endlessly monotonous until he meets the boy of his dreams.

Never Vacation with Your Ex by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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The Summer I Turned Pretty meets People We Meet on Vacation in a YA second chance romance from fan-favorite author couple #Wibbroka!

Pieces of Me by Kate McLaughlin
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The next gut-punching, compulsively readable Kate McLaughlin novel, about a girl finding strength in not being alone.

The Other Side of Infinity by Joan F. Smith
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They Both Die at the End meets The Butterfly Effect in this YA novel by Joan F. Smith, where a teen uses her gift of foreknowledge to help a lifeguard save a drowning man—only to discover that her actions have suddenly put his life at risk.

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard
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A teen girl seeking retribution against her backstabbing former best friend finds her plans slightly derailed once she catches the eye of a familiar, handsome marquess. Bestselling author Amalie Howard delivers a delightful, anti-historical Regency-era romp that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo!

That Self-Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams
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A stunning YA fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Holly Black and Justina Ireland, about a Black girl (and sword expert) fighting a Fae uprising in Shakespearean London.

Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken cements her status as one of the top fantasy authors writing today in this stunning series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!

MAY

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude
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We Are Okay meets They Both Die at the End in this YA debut about queer first love and mental health at the end of the world-and the importance of saving yourself, no matter what tomorrow may hold.

The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro
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The Alchemy of Moonlight by David Ferraro is a seductive YA paranormal romance following a runaway queer teen’s deepening and dangerous ties to a mysterious family of werewolves.

Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi
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From Ibi Zoboi, bestselling, award-winning author of American Street and co-author of Punching the Air, comes a bold new YA coming-of-age story, which explores race, feminism, and complicated family dynamics, about a girl whose father is the leader of a Black liberation group. The ideal next read for fans of Roxane Gay, Jacqueline Woodson, and Elizabeth Acevedo.

They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
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Jonah and Dylan get along like oil and water. Until a fake dating ploy gives them new perspective, and they realize that “falling for your enemy” isn’t as impossible as it seems.

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland
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In this compelling YA contemporary from author Miel Moreland, a bisexual teen’s path to political staffer stardom is in jeopardy, until she convinces a cute new candidate to team up with her on the campaign trail.

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber
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I Like Me Better is joyful  queer summer romance from the author of If You Change Your Mind.

Court of the Undying Seasons by A.M. Strickland
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Sarah J. Maas meets A Deadly Education in A.M. Strickland’s lush, queer YA dark fantasy novel. Court of the Undying Seasons is a deliciously dark romantic novel and a pitch perfect modern take on classic vampire tropes.

No Perfect Places by Steven Salvatore
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From lauded author Steven Salvatore comes a moving YA novel about twins whose incarcerated father dies and leaves behind a life-changing secret, perfect for fans of I’ll Give You the Sun and Euphoria.

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
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From the Stonewall Honor–winning author of Like a Love Story comes a sweeping story of three generations of boys in the same Iranian family. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and Darius the Great Is Not Okay.

Secret of the Moon Conch by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall
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Award-winning authors David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall join forces to craft a sweeping fantasy romance about falling in love despite all odds.

When the Vibe Is Right by Sarah Dass
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From the author of Where the Rhythm Takes You comes a delightful enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance set during Trinidad’s Carnival celebration.

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young
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In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn’t the dark you should be afraid of—it’s the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.

JUNE

Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
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In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city.

Wolfpack by Amelia Brunskill
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Perfect for fans of We Were Liars, Wolfpack is an unforgettable and unputdownable novel that will hold you breathless all the way to its shocking finale.

Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan
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In this charming YA debut, a girl who’s determined to prove her star chart wrong ropes her longtime best friend into an experimental relationship—not knowing that he has been in love with her for years.

Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
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In this dark and seductive YA fantasy debut, a siren must choose between protecting her family and following her heart in a prejudiced kingdom where her existence is illegal.

Some Shall Break by Ellie Marney
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This sequel to the New York Times bestselling None Shall Sleep is an equally electrifying, chilling thriller that brings us back into the lives of junior FBI consultants Travis Bell and Emma Lewis with a new case that may unravel everything they’ve been working for.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
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At Camp Mirror Lake, terror is the name of the game . . . but can you survive the night? This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Fear Street.

Ride or Die by Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu
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Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu’s adrenaline-packed joyride of a debut is an ode to Gen Z and chaotic teens—perfect for fans of Grace D. Li, Ebony Ladelle, and Baby Driver.

Invisible Son by Kim Johnson
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From the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of This Is My America comes another thriller about a wrongly accused teen desperate to recclaim both his innocence and his first love.

Always Isn’t Forever by J.C. Cervantes
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From New York Times bestselling author J.C. Cervantes comes a sparkling, unforgettable YA romance, perfect for fans of You’ve Reached Sam.

Plus One by Kelsey Rodkey
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Fans of Emma Lord and Rachel Lynn Solomon will revel in Kelsey Rodkey’s latest swoon-worthy YA rom-com as self-proclaimed matchmaker Lahey finally puts her own heart on the line—to find a date in just one week.

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar
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A pun-filled YA contemporary romance, The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar finds a teenage girl competing in a televised baking competition, with contestants including her ex-girlfriend and a potential new crush – perfect for fans of The Great British Bake Off and She Drives Me Crazy!

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
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When a girl overhears a guy getting verbally destroyed by his friends for being catfished, she jumps in to save the day—and pretends to be his online crush. A young adult romance from the critically acclaimed author of Places We’ve Never Been.

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

The post YA Book Releases To Add To Your TBR In 2023 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The best summary of this book is that it is a collection of amazing stories: princesses warring in space, the devastation of climate-change, haunting ghost stories in Argentina, and mermaids off of the coast of the Caribbean. When you break down the borders and barriers of these fantastical and science filled realms, you’ll find that stories are truly universal.

I don’t know how it’s possible, but each and every story in this anthology had a warmth to it that I can’t possibly put into proper words. Maybe it’s because I identified with each character, or something resonated within me to the point that I loved every story…but there’s no doubt that people will fall in love with these stories as I did. For this review, I will focus on the stories that I loved the most. The first of these stories was The First Day of Us by David Bowles. It’s undoubtedly romantic, with a novio, novia, and novie. I was hooked by the confidence of the narrator, and the space world they were in. It genuinely felt like it could have been expanded into a full story. Many of these tales felt the same way to me.

This is Our Manifesto is a story full of grit and of teenage rebels who refuse to back down in the face of people who would put them down. This story is poetic and full of righteous anger that will fill readers with the fury of the children who refused to let their voices die. Who plotted their freedom after they were imprisoned. It’s incredible, and such an elaborate world is built in only a few pages. I LOVED the ending.

Immediately following this story I fell right into Circe Moskowitz’s Creatures of Kings. It’s a story of a mother and daughter that death won’t take, and about what it takes to become a king. It’s powerful and if death is triggering for you, approach this with caution. It’s a story that’s very honest and blew me away.

Moonglow by Sara Faring is fraught with growing and needling tension. It builds into a phenomenal ending that will leave readers shivering. This could be the beginning to a historical horror film, and it would be one that I’d watch with the lights on. At the same time, the love of a mother shines through and through.

Tame the Wicked Night by Zoraida Cordova is the longest of the tales in this anthology, and is a gorgeous finale to the whole anthology. It’s a story full of tension and romance, where a young man seeking the love of his life is challenged to bring back something that is sure to cause his death, but in the darkness finds so much more. It’s so imaginative and lovely, and the ending is perfect for the way the story unfolds.

With the tales in this anthology being so short, I am deliberately vague to avoid spoilers. However, I urge everyone to pick up a copy of this book. For the sake of brevity I picked the tales that I loved the most, but I could spend pages upon pages telling you the delights of each and every story in this book. Each author brings in a unique perspective on life, whether it’s reimagining what the world looks like in the not so distant future, or the fantasy lands that tantalise, delight, and beguile readers to return time and again.

This anthology is a 10/10 for me. Add it to your reading list, and if you find a favourite story, make sure to pick up the author’s other book(s). You never know when you’ll find a new favourite story.

Reclaim The Stars is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

Seventeen fantasy and science fiction short stories from leading voices in the Latin American diaspora!

Reclaim the Stars is a collection of bestselling and acclaimed YA authors that take the Latin American diaspora to places fantastical and out of this world. From princesses warring in space, to the all too-near devastation of climate change, to haunting ghost stories in Argentina, and mermaids off the coast of the Caribbean. This is science fiction and fantasy that breaks borders and realms, and proves that stories are truly universal.

Authors include Daniel José Older, Yamile Saied Méndez, Anna-Marie McLemore, Mark Oshiro, Romina Garber, David Bowles, Lilliam Rivera, Claribel Ortega, Isabel Ibañez, Sara Faring, Maya Motayne, Nina Moreno, Vita Ayala, J.C. Cervantes, Circe Moskowitz, Linda Nieves Pérez, and Zoraida Córdova.

The post Review: Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

After the last two years, readers are thoroughly enjoying jumping into a fantasy or sci-fi novel to escape the world, so 2022 holds many exciting books to look forward to! From new releases from the likes of Seanan McGuire, Tara Sim, John Scalzi, Jennifer Saint, Jonathan Maberry, and more, to those releasing their debut novel, there’s really something for everyone within this round up!

Read on to discover fantasy and sci-fi books releasing between the months of January and June and tell us in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of them!

JANUARY

Engines of Empire by R. S. Ford
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This epic fantasy tells the tales of clashing Guilds, magic-fueled machines, intrigue and revolution—and the one family that stands between an empire’s salvation or destruction.

How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
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For fans of Cloud Atlas and Station Eleven––Follow a cast of intricately linked characters over hundreds of years as humanity struggles to rebuild itself in the aftermath of a climate plague

Seven Mercies by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May
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The second book in a feminist space opera duology that follows the team of seven rebels who will free the galaxy from the ruthless Tholosian Empire–or die trying.

The Amber Crown by Jacey Bedford
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In this new epic fantasy, three societal outcasts must work together to fulfill the orders of a dead king’s ghost or risk their nation falling to a tyrant

Where The Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire
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Welcome to the Whitethorn Institute. The first step is always admitting you need help, and you’ve already taken that step by requesting a transfer into our company.

Servant Mage by Kate Elliott
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In Kate Elliott’s Servant Mage, a lowly fire mage finds herself entangled in an empire-spanning conspiracy on her way to discovering her true power.

Obsidian by Sarah J. Daley
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Defying those who think her an abomination, Shade wears her tattoos openly and carries obsidian blades at her hips. For years, she has protected the outcast clans who wander the blighted Wastes, but the land is growing more unstable and her blades are no longer enough.

The Starless Crown by James Rollins
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An alliance embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the secrets of the distant past and save their world in this captivating, deeply visionary adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling thriller-master James Rollins.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
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A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e , in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm and sets her on a dangerous path—where choices come with deadly consequences, and she risks losing more than her heart.

Battle of the Linguist Mages by Scotto Moore
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In modern day Los Angeles, a shadowy faction led by the Governor of California develops the arcane art of combat linguistics, planting the seeds of a future totalitarian empire in Scotto Moore’s Battle of the Linguist Mages.

Light Years From Home by Mike Chen
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The perfect combination of action, imagination and heart, Light Years from Home is a touching drama about a challenge as difficult as saving the galaxy: making peace with your family…and yourself.

The Unfamiliar Garden by Benjamin Percy
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FEBRUARY

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
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House of Earth and Blood meets The Witch’s Heart in Rebecca Ross’s brilliant first adult fantasy, set on the magical isle of Cadence where two childhood enemies must team up to discover why girls are going missing from their clan.

Last Exit by Max Gladstone
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Fresh from winning the Hugo and Nebula Awards, Max Gladstone weaves elements of American myth—the muscle car, the open road, the white-hatted cowboy—into Last Exit, a deeply emotional tale where his characters must find their own truths if they are to survive.

Clean Air by Sarah Blake
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Suspenseful and startling, but also written with a wry, observant humor, Clean Air is the second novel from poet Sarah Blake, author of the award-winning literary debut Naamah. It will appeal to readers of The Need, The Leftovers, and Fever Dream as it probes motherhood, grief, control, and choice.

Dead Collections by Isaac Fellman
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A whirlwind romance between an eccentric archivist and a grieving widow explores what it means to be at home in your own body in this clever, humorous, and heartfelt novel.

Scorpica: The Five Queendoms by G.R. Macallister
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A centuries-long peace is shattered in a matriarchal society when a decade passes without a single girl being born in this sweeping epic fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Circe.

The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart
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At once a dazzlingly time-twisting murder mystery and a story about grief, memory, and what it means to—literally—come face-to-face with our ghosts, The Paradox Hotel is another unforgettable speculative thrill ride from acclaimed author Rob Hart.

The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan
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From a major new debut author in epic fantasy comes the first book in a trilogy where action, intrigue, and magic collide. The Justice of Kings introduces an unforgettable protagonist destined to become a fantasy icon: Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice, who is a detective, judge, and executioner all in one. But these are dangerous times to be a Justice…. 

Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes
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Titanic meets The Shining in S.A. Barnes’ Dead Silence, a SF horror novel in which a woman and her crew board a decades-lost luxury cruiser and find the wreckage of a nightmare that hasn’t yet ended.

Redwood and Wildfire by Andrea Hairston
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Andrea Hairston’s alternate history adventure, Redwood and Wildfire, is the winner of the Otherwise Award and the Carl Brandon Kindred Award.

Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space
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Reclaim the Stars is a collection of bestselling and acclaimed YA authors that take the Latin American diaspora to places fantastical and out of this world. Authors include Daniel José Older, Yamile Saied Méndez, Anna-Marie McLemore, Mark Oshiro, Romina Garber, David Bowles, Lilliam Rivera, Claribel Ortega, Isabel Ibañez, Sara Faring, Maya Motayne, Nina Moreno, Vita Ayala, J.C. Cervantes, Circe Moskowitz, Linda Nieves Pérez, and Zoraida Córdova. 

Hunt the Stars by Jessie Mihalik
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The critically acclaimed author of Polaris Rising takes readers on an exciting journey with the start of her brand-new series about a female bounty hunter and the man who is her sworn enemy.

Mickey7 by Edward Ashton
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The Martian meets Dark Matter in Edward Ashton’s high concept science fiction thriller, in which Mickey7, an “expendable,” refuses to let his replacement clone Mickey8 take his place.

MARCH

The Bone Orchard by Sara A. Mueller
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Sara A. Mueller’s The Bone Orchard is a fascinating whodunit set in a lush, gothic world of secrets and magic–where a dying emperor charges his favorite concubine with solving his own murder, and preventing the culprit, which undoubtedly is one of his three terrible sons, from taking control of an empire.

The City of Dusk by Tara Sim
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Set in a gorgeous world of bone and shadow magic, of vengeful gods and defiant chosen ones, The City of Dusk is the first in a dark epic fantasy trilogy that follows the four heirs of four noble houses—each gifted with a divine power—as they form a tenuous alliance to keep their kingdom from descending into a realm-shattering war.

The Way Spring Arrives and Other Stories: A Collection of Chinese Science Fiction and Fantasy in Translation
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From an award-winning team of authors, editors, and translators comes a groundbreaking short story collection that explores the expanse of Chinese science fiction and fantasy.

Comeuppance Served Cold by Marion Deeds
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A respected magus and city leader intent on criminalizing Seattle’s most vulnerable magickers hires a young woman as a lady’s companion to curb his rebellious daughter’s outrageous behavior.

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
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Judy I. Lin’s sweeping debut A Magic Steeped in Poison, first in a duology, is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
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From the critically acclaimed author of The Book of M, a highly imaginative thriller about a young woman who discovers that a strange map in her deceased father’s belongings holds an incredible, deadly secret—one that will lead her on an extraordinary adventure and to the truth about her family’s dark history. 

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
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The Kaiju Preservation Society is John Scalzi’s first standalone adventure since the conclusion of his New York Times bestselling Interdependency trilogy.

Kundo Wakes Up by Saad Hossain
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In this standalone follow-up to the fan favorite The Gurkha and the Lord of Tuesday Saad Z. Hossain continues to mix futurism with fable, and shows how strange our lives might become.

Until the Last of Me by Sylvain Neuvel
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A darkly satirical thriller, as seen through the eyes of the women who sacrifice all to make progress possible and the men who are determined to stop them.

Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli
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Haunting and romantic, Kristen Ciccarelli’s Edgewood is an exciting novel from a bold, unforgettable voice in fantasy.

Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May
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In the aftermath of World War I, a naive woman is swept into a glittering world filled with dark magic, romance, and murder in this lush and decadent debut.

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book four in her Blood and Ash series.

APRIL

God of Neverland by Gama Ray Martinez
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In this magical re-imagining of J. M. Barrie’s classic tale, Michael Darling—the youngest of the Darling siblings and former Lost Boy, now all grown up—must return to the life he left behind to save Neverland from the brink of collapse and keep humanity safe from magical and mythological threats, as well as answer the ultimate question: Where is Peter Pan?

In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power
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Twins imbued with incredible magic and near-immortality will do anything to keep their family safe—even if it tears the siblings apart—in the first book of a mythic epic fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls.

The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport
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Blending fantasy and science fiction, N. E. Davenport’s fast-paced, action-packed debut kicks off a duology of loyalty and rebellion, in which a young Black woman must survive deadly trials in a racist and misogynistic society to become an elite warrior.

Aspects by John M. Ford
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In the years before his unexpected death, John M. Ford wrote a novel of fantasy and magic unlike any other. Politics and abdicated kings, swords and sorcerous machine guns, divination and ancient empires―finally, Aspects is here.

Spear by Nicola Griffith
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The legendary author of Hild returns with an unforgettable hero and a queer Arthurian masterpiece for the modern era. Nicola Griffith’s Spear is a spellbinding vision of the Camelot we’ve longed for, a Camelot that belongs to us all.

Flint and Mirror by John Crowley
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From award-winning author John Crowley comes a novel that masterfully blends history and magic in Flint and Mirror.

Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse
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Return to The Meridian with New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse’s sequel to the most critically hailed epic fantasy of 2020 Black Sun—finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, Lambda, and Locus awards.

The Discord of Gods by Jenn Lyons
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The Discord of Gods marks the epic conclusion to Jenn Lyons’s Chorus of Dragons series, closing out the saga that began with The Ruin of Kings, for fans of Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss.

The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe
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In The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, singer-songwriter, actor, fashion icon, activist, and worldwide superstar Janelle Monáe brings to the written page the Afrofuturistic world of one of her critically acclaimed albums, exploring how different threads of liberation—queerness, race, gender plurality, and love—become tangled with future possibilities of memory and time in such a totalitarian landscape…and what the costs might be when trying to unravel and weave them into freedoms.

Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
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With her signature mix of the grim and the delightful, award-winning author T. Kingfisher takes the old bones of fantasy and fairytale and makes them into something entirely new in this enchanting adventure.

Saint Death’s Daughter by C.S.E. Cooney
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Perfect for fans of Gideon the Ninth and The Ten Thousand Doors of January, Saint Death’s Daughter is the first novel in a new trilogy about love, coming-of-age and strangeness.

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
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A stunning debut from a powerful new voice, Kaikeyi reimagines the life of the infamous queen from the Indian epic the Ramayana, weaving a tale of fate, family, courage, and heartbreak—of an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come.

MAY

Elektra by Jennifer Saint
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A spellbinding reimagining of the story of Elektra, one of Greek mythology’s most infamous heroines, from Jennifer Saint, the author of the beloved international bestseller, Ariadne.

The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
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Two warriors shepherd an ancient god across a broken land to end the tyrannical reign of a royal family in this new epic fantasy from the author of The Vanished Birds.

Kagen the Damned by Jonathan Maberry
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The Witcher meets Game of Thrones in New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry’s brilliant new fantasy series, Kagen the Damned.

Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire
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From New York Times bestselling author Seanan McGuire, Seasonal Fears is the extraordinary companion novel to Middlegame.

Under Fortunate Stars by Ren Hutchings
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Under Fortunate Stars is a modern, progressive homage to classic space opera stories, with flawed heroes and time travel.

All the Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay
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Returning triumphantly to the brilliantly evoked near-Renaissance world of A Brightness Long Ago and Children of Earth and Sky, international bestselling author Guy Gavriel Kay deploys his signature ‘quarter turn to the fantastic’ to tell a story of vengeance, power, and love.  

The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R.M. Romero
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With spellbinding verse prose, R.M. Romero channels the spirit of myth into a brilliantly original tale, inspired by her experiences restoring Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe.

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
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Heroic Hearts edited by Jim Butcher & Kerrie Hughes
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An all-star urban fantasy collection featuring short stories from #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, Kelley Armstrong, and more . . .

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
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Inspired by stories from One Thousand and One Nights, The Stardust Thief weaves the gripping tale of a legendary smuggler, a cowardly prince, and a dangerous quest across the desert to find a legendary, magical lamp.

Second Spear by Kerstin Hall
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Kerstin Hall’s Second Spear is the thrilling follow-up to the Nommo Award finalist, The Border Keeper.

A Game of Retribution by Scarlett St. Clair
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Become enchanted by the fantasy world of gods and mortals in bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair’s reimagined New Greece. Readers are “hopelessly addicted” to the story of Hades and Persephone told from Hades’s point of view.

JUNE

Rise of the Snake Goddess by Jenny Elder Moke
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Samantha Knox is back for another adventure in this 1920s female-driven mystery-adventure series!

Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
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From highly acclaimed bestselling author Ava Reid comes a gothic horror retelling of The Juniper Tree, set in another time and place within the world of The Wolf and the Woodsman, where a young witch seeks to discover her identity and escape the domination of her wizard father, perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson and Catherynne M. Valente.

For the Throne by Hannah F. Whitten
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Red’s sister Neve is trapped in a mysterious land of twisted roots, lost gods, and mountains made of bone, and the only clues to her rescue are a magic mirror and a dark prince who wants to bring the whole thing crumbling down. 

In the Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan
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From Brian McClellan, author of The Powder Mage, comes In the Shadow of Lightning, a brand-new epic fantasy where magic is a finite resource—and it’s running out.

The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings
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In a fantastical version of New Orleans where music is magic, a battle for the city’s soul brews between two young mages, a vengeful wraith, and one powerful song in this vibrant and imaginative debut. 

A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow
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A Mirror Mended is the next installment in USA Today bestselling author Alix E. Harrow’s Fractured Fables series.

Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro
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A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
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The Goblin Emperor meets “Magnificent Century” in Alexandra Rowland’s A Taste of Gold and Iron, where a queer central romance unfolds in a fantasy world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.

Wrath Goddess Sing by Maya Deane
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Drawing on ancient texts and modern archeology to reveal the trans woman’s story hidden underneath the well-known myths of The Iliad, Maya Deane’s Wrath Goddess Sing weaves a compelling, pitilessly beautiful vision of Achilles’ vanished world, perfect for fans of Song of Achilles and the Inheritance trilogy.

Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs
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Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must face her greatest fears in this chilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

The City Inside by Samit Basu
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The City Inside, a near-future epic by the internationally celebrated Samit Basu, pulls no punches as it comes for your anxieties about society, government, the environment, and our world at large—yet never loses sight of the hopeful potential of the future.

Locklands by Robert Jackson Bennett
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A god wages war—using all of humanity as its pawns—in the unforgettable conclusion to the Founders trilogy.

What 2022 fantasy and sci-fi book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases To Devour In 2022 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Within these pages, you’ll find short stories and comic strips for every letter of the acronym that you might be proudly calling yourself a part of. While I’m not going to spoil any story for you, let me just give you a taste of what you’re in for: there’s a story in here in which a young witch turns herself into a puppy to win over her new neighbour and secret crush. Did someone mention perfect premise? Because that surely is one. There’s also a story about a boyband fandom being the reason for someone coming out and hoo boy, if that didn’t hit home, I don’t know what will. Another chronicles two online friends helping each other come out to their parents while another follows someone trying to find a new inclusive sport after quitting gymnastics because of the assumptions people make about their gender. Beyond stories set in the contemporary world—albeit with magical elements—there are also stories of pirates and other fantastical elements that will make young readers be drawn in from the very first paragraph. Beyond being obviously queer, these stories are also incredibly inclusive and feature topics such as body diversity, bullying, identity struggles, friends standing up for each other, encouraging and uplifting support groups, and a sense of camaraderie not only between the characters themselves but with society at large.

It seems like a truth universally acknowledged that there are no perfect anthologies out there—rarely does a human ever like every single story in an anthology and that’s okay. With that being said, though, I have to admit that I wholeheartedly loved every story in this. Whether you come to this anthology because of an author you already love or because you want to try out someone’s work for the first time, you won’t be disappointed. Even the ones that perhaps weren’t my cup of genre or trope, I was still filled with so much warmth and excitement whenever I thought of what that story might evoke in younger readers’ hands. It’s an anthology that is based on hope, inclusivity, and camaraderie—and it is a must-read, no matter how old you are. Here’s to the future and to many more LGBTQIAP+ based anthologies!

Sure to become a staple in children’s literature, This Is Our Rainbow offers an uplifting and gripping collection of short stories for young readers. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQIAP+ community or an ally, you will devour this must-read anthology that is filled with magic and above all, immense love.

This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of October 19th 2021.

Will you be picking up This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

The first LGBTQIA+ anthology for middle-graders featuring stories for every letter of the acronym, including realistic, fantasy, and sci-fi stories by authors like Justina Ireland, Marieke Nijkamp, Alex Gino, and more!

A boyband fandom becomes a conduit to coming out. A former bully becomes a first-kiss prospect. One nonbinary kid searches for an inclusive athletic community after quitting gymnastics. Another nonbinary kid, who happens to be a pirate, makes a wish that comes true–but not how they thought it would. A tween girl navigates a crush on her friend’s mom. A young witch turns herself into a puppy to win over a new neighbor. A trans girl empowers her online bestie to come out.

From wind-breathing dragons to first crushes, This Is Our Rainbow features story after story of joyful, proud LGBTQIA+ representation. You will fall in love with this insightful, poignant anthology of queer fantasy, historical, and contemporary stories from authors including: Eric Bell, Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Ashley Herring Blake, Lisa Bunker, Alex Gino, Justina Ireland, Shing Yin Khor, Katherine Locke, Mariama J. Lockington, Nicole Melleby, Marieke Nijkamp, Claribel A. Ortega, Mark Oshiro, Molly Knox Ostertag, Aisa Salazar, and AJ Sass.

The post #ReadWithPride: ‘This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Mark! Thanks so much for joining us! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hello all! I’m Mark Oshiro, a kidlit writer who loves dogs, being outside, roller coasters, and good food. I tend to write stories that have a hidden punch-to-your-heart in them.

Lightning Round! Tell us a book that shaped your life, a book that made you feel all the feels and one you wish you would have written!

Oh, this is an easy one: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. I was taught it at age 14, and it’s the book that made me realize that people like me could write. I love it so much that not only is a major character in Anger is a Gift named after the main character of Mango Street, but I like to think that Each of Us a Desert is my speculative fiction take on the book.

Now, onto The Insiders! What can readers expect?

Chaos. Lots of it. Magical travel. The greatest pre-himbo you’ll ever meet. Lonely, isolated kids making friends! Adult characters who will—surprise!!!—punch you in the heart. And like… five of my best jokes.

Héctor is such a vibrant, relatable protagonist. Where did you draw inspiration from for his character or did he pop into your head fully formed?

Okay, so, truthfully? I’ve never had a character pop into my head fully formed! My process simply doesn’t work that way. I might have an idea for how I want to write a character, like Taylor, my pre-himbo. I wanted to write a young character who will totally grow up to be the sweet-but-simple jock later on in life. But that doesn’t mean I knew every part of his characterization until I wrote him. So, with Héctor, I had an idea of what I wanted to do, but it took a lot of work. Thankfully, a good portion of it was already done before I wrote The Insiders. This book is based on the first manuscript I ever wrote, so I’d done a great deal of character work in this first story. I still had to change him a lot, and he changed even more during editing!

The Insiders is your middle-grade debut novel. How did writing this story differ from your writing process for you?

The process itself didn’t really change much at all; it was more about developing craft skills during the editing! I had a wonderful editor on this book (Stephanie Stein, HarperCollins) who helped me shape and carve out Héctor’s voice, which I found to be the biggest challenge for me. There were times in the early drafts where I led the reader on too much, or I was writing out these complicated emotional beats that really didn’t make sense for someone that age. So Stephanie truly helped me get back into the headspace of a twelve-year-old kid, and that part was the biggest shift for me.

The room Héctor and two others share is a magical place that adapts to their needs. If you had a room like that as a kid, what would it have turned into when you needed it most?

Actually, the answer to that is what I wrote for Sal! I’ve long been a huge bookworm, so the space I would have had as my Room would have been a comfy and cosy library. Functionally, that was my safe space in middle school. I lived in that library, as well as one of the branches of my local library in Riverside. There’s just something to me so comforting about a room full of books.

The room is also a place where Héctor finds a queer community that accepts and supports him, away from the bullying at school. What do you think needs to happen to create these safe spaces in real life?

I think some of that answer is in the book. What helps a lot of these kids is finding community in other people, as I believe one of the hardest things about being queer and in an environment like Héctor’s is the loneliness. At the same time, that’s a more personal angle to this struggle. It was very important to me to show how bullying can be accepted (and even encouraged) by other people. There’s a dark and traumatic story at the heart of this book, yes, and sadly, the real-life stuff it’s based on is even worse than what I put in The Insiders. In that sense, this book is a power fantasy. What would have happened if the adults in my life when I was in middle school had listened to me? What would my school have looked like if they understood power imbalances? A lot of schools and administration members tout a refusal to accept bullying, but they completely do not understand bullying in the context of bigotry. I wanted to show why that hurts in this specific case and why schools need to do more than run anti-bullying campaigns if they’re serious about supporting their students.

The Insiders is all about finding a place where you belong when you’ve felt like you never fit in anywhere. Growing up, were there middle-grade stories that made you find that space?

This is a hard question to answer because I’m of an age where there weren’t necessarily a whole lot of middle grade or young adult stories I was reading because a lot of kidlit as an age range wasn’t a thing? Plus, I read older most of my life, so I was reading what would be considered “middle grade” when I was in elementary school, and then reading what would now be young adult or straight-up adult in middle school.

That being said: I was taught The Giver by Lois Lowry in seventh grade, and that book had a HUGE impact on me. I had this idea at the time I read it (in 1997) that it had been out FOREVER, but it had only been published less than three years prior!!! So, it was pretty wonderful that I was reading a book that had been published recently. On top of that, it was the first real speculative fiction book I was taught in a school environment, and my teacher—Ms. Stearns—did a fantastic job guiding us through it. I haven’t re-read the book in a long time, but I was not at all surprised when folks started comparing Each of Us a Desert to The Giver. That book clearly imprinted on my subconscious, and the dystopian elements were clearly inspired by The Giver.

If The Insiders were to be turned into a movie, which scenes would you love to see on the big screen?

If I ever get the privilege of having this adapted, I will riot if Taylor’s Capri Sun theory is not included. I would also love to see how someone would portray the “magic” of the Room! And I think the funniest scene in the book (in my humble opinion) is the first major “travel” that the trio does and a chaotic interaction with a certain head of security. I want to see THAT in its entirety.

With The Insiders releasing soon, are you already working on another project? If so, can you share a tidbit about it with us?

So, I wrote The Insiders in January and February 2020, and then edited it throughout the year. Since the start of 2021, I’ve actually written THREE full manuscripts and am about to start my seventh novel. Publishing is weird! I’m so far ahead of what’s been released! I can say this: Book #4 is an open secret; Book #5 is my second book for HarperCollins, and it’s somehow even more chaotic than The Insiders; Book #6 is my third YA novel, and it’s a slow-burn thriller about a cult. Book #7… I am legally restricted from telling anyone about it, so all I can say is that every human will lose it when then find out what it is.

Last but not least, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?

Yes! I love giving recommendations, and I’m trying to keep them all slightly different for these interviews. So, here’s what I’ll share with y’all:

• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir is the best thing she’s ever written, and you’re not ready.
• Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye not only has one of the best covers I’ve ever seen, but the characters. The pacing. The thrills. THE PLOT TWIST THAT SHOVED ME OFF A CLIFF. I cannot wait for its release next year. Also, I need the next book as soon as possible!!!!
• The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes is just… CHEF’S KISS. I cannot stress to you what a delight this book is, and it contains two of the FUNNIEST protagonists I have ever read. I will literally go to war for Cesar and Yami in a heartbeat. I love a book that deals with such heavy topics as this one, yet manages to do so with humor, levity, and love.

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

The post Q&A: Mark Oshiro, Author of ‘The Insiders’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Out of Character by Annabeth Albert
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Red, White & Royal Blue meets Fangirl in this heartwarming romcom where two former friends strike an unlikely bargain that could lead to more than either expected.

Flash Fire by TJ Klune
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In the second installment in this hilarious contemporary fantasy trilogy, Nick has landed himself the superhero boyfriend of his dreams but with new heroes arriving in Nova City it’s up to Nick and his friends to determine who is a friend or a foe.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
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From the author of You Should See Me in a Crown comes another stunning novel about being brave enough to be true to yourself, and learning to find joy even when times are unimaginably dark. Packed with irresistible romance, Rise to the Sun is a cinematic story about grief, love and the remarkable power of music to heal and connect us all.

What We Devour by Linsey Miller
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Beauty and the Beast meets Wicked Saints in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of Mask of Shadows duology and Belle Révolte.

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier, illustrated by Val Wise
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Annie, a smart anti-social lesbian involuntarily joins the cheerleader squad to make friends and reconnects with her former friend BeeBee, a trans girl who must keep her parents happy to keep their support of her transition. Sparks fly when the two rekindle their friendship and realize just how much they’ve been missing each other.

Fresh by Margot Wood
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Some students enter their freshman college year knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives. Elliot McHugh is not one of those people. Fresh is all about Elliot’s hilarious yet flawed experiences during freshman year.

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
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A YA supernatural thriller about two girls who fall in love when they team up to stop an evil presence terrorizing a smalltown – a story about the things that lurk in the dark, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden and about finding home in places – and people – you didn’t expect.

Anything but Fine by Tobias Madden
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Anything but Fine is about a teenage ballet dancer who breaks his foot and begins to question everything he once took for granted, including his relationship with the dreamy, perfect-in-every-way, and seemingly straight captain of the rowing team.

The Hollow Heart by Marie Rutkoski
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Intrigue, romance and magic abound in this heart-stopping conclusion to Marie Rutkoski’s Forgotten Gods duology.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
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n this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy—reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch—an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros
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David Levithan meets Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All in this haunting standalone historical fantasy that follows a young, queer Jewish immigrant who is possessed by the evil spirit of his murdered best friend and is catapulted into a deadly hunt for a serial killer terrorizing Chicago during the World’s Fair of 1893.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
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 A Man Called Ove meets The Good Place in this delightful new queer love story from TJ Klune, author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea. By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this absorbing tale of grief and hope is told Klune’s signature warmth, humor and extraordinary empathy.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World
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The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an achingly romantic, tender tale sure to captivate fans of Adam Silvera and Mary H.K. Choi. 

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
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Award-winning YA author Mark Oshiro makes their middle grade debut in this queer coming-of-age story about three kids who don’t belong, a room that shouldn’t exist, and the year that will change everything.

City of Shattered Light by Claire Winn
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In this YA sci-fi, an heiress flees her controlling father to prevent her test-subject sister’s mind from being reprogrammed—but must ally with a smuggler to outwit a monstrous AI, gravity-shifting gladiatorial pits, and bloodthirsty criminal matriarchs to save her sister and their city.

Tink and Wendy by Kelly Ann Jacobson
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What happens when Tinker Bell is in love with both Peter Pan and Wendy? In this sparkling re-imagining of Peter Pan, Peter and Wendy’s granddaughter Hope Darling finds the reclusive Tinker Bell squatting at the Darling mansion in order to care for the graves of her two lost friends after a love triangle gone awry. 

Spin Me Right Round by David Valdes
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A sharp, funny YA debut that’s Back to the Future with a twist, as a gay teen travels back in time to save a closeted classmate’s life.

Briar Girls by Rebecca Kim Wells
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Cursed to kill all those she touches, Lena endures an isolated life on the run from her fellow humans. But when an enigmatic stranger offers to help her break the curse in exchange for her aid in waking a princess hidden in an enchanted forest, Lena embarks on a quest to win her freedom, no matter the cost.

Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl
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The Descendants meets Pretty Little Liars. Four troubled friends, One murdered girl… and a dark fate that may leave them all doomed.

The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath
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A genre-defying debut, this queer historical YA centers a wild and reckless trio who fly in the face of small town tradition—full of compassion, love, and determination to live the lives of their choosing.

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
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For fans of What If It’s Us: two boys in America’s biggest boy band fall for each other while on their first sold-out European tour, and are forced to keep their relationship a secret.

The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska
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The Wicked Deep meets House of Salt and Sorrows in this new standalone YA fantasy set in a snow-cloaked kingdom where witches are burned, and two enchantresses secretly compete for the heart of a prince, only to discover that they might be falling for each other.

Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
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Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera reunite to continue the story of Arthur and Ben, the boys readers first fell for in the New York Times bestselling rom-com What If It’s Us.

The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling
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Elise, a mortal girl who feels the death of anyone she touches, and Claire, the vampire assigned to recruit her for the Order, as they team up to stop a paranormal killer and realize they might be falling in love.

What queer books have you picked up in the second half of the year or are looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post You Need These New 2021 Queer Book Releases To End The Year appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Weird Kid by Greg Van Eekhout
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Strange things are happening in Cedar Creek View, Arizona: Sinkholes. An unidentified Hum. People behaving… oddly. No one knows the reason, but Jake thinks it might have something to do with him. Weird Kid is a story about a boy trying to find his place in the world – even though he’s an alien from a distant planet.

Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne
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Meet Josephine, the most loveable mischief-maker in Barbados, in a magical, heartfelt adventure inspired by Caribbean mythology.

The Other Side of Luck by Ginger Johnson
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A young pauper and a caged princess vie for the reward of a special contest that finds them searching for the elusive Silva Flower. The Other Side of Luck follows two children from opposite circumstances as their fates cross and change both their lives forever.

Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi
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A heartwarming—and heart-tugging—middle grade novel about love, loyalty, and what it means to be part of a family, featuring a motley pack of rescue dogs—from author Carolyn Crimi, with adorable illustrations by Melissa Manwill. Perfect for fans of A Dog’s Life and Because of Winn-Dixie.

Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie
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A middle school soccer whiz’s determination to keep things from changing is tested when his father’s ALS symptoms worsen in this touching story about growing up and facing loss, perfect for fans of Shouting at the Rain.

Margie Kelly Breaks the Dress Code by Bridget Farr
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The middle grade novel features a girl who leads a protest at her middle school after she is unfairly dress-coded. A timely and thought-provoking story of one girl’s fight against gender inequality and the lessons she learns about her own privilege along the way.

Kingdom of Secrets by Christyne Morrell
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When her father is arrested for a crime she committed, Prismena will do anything to save him, taking her on a high-flying and shadowy adventure in this middle-grade fantasy debut.

The Renegade Reporters by Elissa Brent Weissman
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When Ash gets kicked off her school’s news show, she becomes a renegade reporter – and makes a big discovery about technology and her fellow students’ privacy.

Say It out Loud by Allison Varnes
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Charlotte Andrews is perfectly fine being quiet – in fact, she prefers it. But when she witnesses bullying on the school bus and doesn’t say anything, her silence comes between her and her best friend. An empowering look at finding your voice, facing your fears, and standing up for what’s right.

Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko
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Zee Puckett loves ghost stories. She just never expected to be living one. Perfect for fans of Small Spaces and Nightbooks, Ally Malinenko’s middle-grade debut is an empowering and triumphant ghost story—with spooky twists sure to give readers a few good goosebumps!

The Plentiful Darkness by Heather Kassner
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In this spine-chilling, middle-grade fantasy reminiscent of Serafina and the Black Cloak, an orphaned girl chases a thieving boy into a magician’s land of starless, moonless gloom where other children have gone missing before her.

Stowaway by John David Anderson
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The beloved author of Posted returns with the first book in a coming-of-age sci-fi duology about Leo, a kid trying to navigate the galaxy in order to save his family—and, possibly, the planet Earth.

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro
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Three kids who don’t belong. A room that shouldn’t exist. A year that will change everything. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Meg Medina, this debut middle grade novel from award-winning author Mark Oshiro is a hopeful and heartfelt coming-of-age story for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in.

Cuba in my Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas
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Cuba in my Pocket follows a 12-year-old boy who leaves his family in Cuba to immigrate to the U.S. by himself. Based on the author’s family history, this novel transports readers back to the 1960s when Castro solidifies his power and Cumba tries to make a better life for himself in Florida.

Last Gamer Standing by Katie Zhao
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Ready Player One meets the action of battle royal video games in this middle-grade sci-fi perfect for fans of Fortnite.

Recipe for Disaster by Aimee Lucido
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Hannah’s schemes for throwing her own bat mitzvah unleash family secrets, create rivalries with best friends, and ultimately teach Hannah what being Jewish is all about in Recipe for Disaster.

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi
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At a time when we are all asking questions about identity, grief, and how to stand up for what is right, this book by the author of A Thousand Questions will hit home with young readers who love Hena Khan and Varian Johnson—or anyone struggling to understand recent U.S. history and how it still affects us today.

What Lives in the Woods by Lindsay Currie
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All Ginny Anderson wants is to relax and enjoy her summer. But when Ginny’s father surprises the family with a month-long trip to Michigan, her plans change for the worse. What Lives in the Woods is a chilling ghost story about Ginny living in a decrepit and creepy mansion who discovers the something in the woods may be after her.

Frankie and Bug by Gayle Forman
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The novel spotlights the friendship between Bug, a feisty 10-year-old girl from Venice Beach, who feels abandoned when her older brother decides he’d rather hang out with his friends than with her; and Frankie, an 11-year-old trans boy who arrives from Ohio to spend the summer with his gay uncle—and who wants only to have the chance to be who he is.

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui
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Perfect for fans of Hena Khan and The First Rule of Punk, Barakah Beats is the story of 12-year-old Nimra Sharif who has spent her whole life in Islamic school and suddenly finds herself going to “real” school – and realizes that middle school is a whole new beast to conquer.

Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers by Caela Carter
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Critically acclaimed author Caela Carter writes a timely and poignant #OwnVoices story that shines a bright light on one girl’s frustration and ultimate hope in dealing with her neurodiversity.

The Circus at the End of the Sea by Lori R. Snyder
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A vibrant and enchanting debut novel about an orphan girl who discovers a magical circus, this story shows readers the magic of following your heart and finding where you belong. Perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Rebecca Stead!

The Lost Language by Claudia Mills
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The quest to save the words of a dying language – and to find the words to save what may be a dying friendship – lies at the heart of this exquisite verse novel.

Boy Everywhere by A.M. Dassu
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Boy, Everywhere chronicles the harrowing journey of Sami who is taken from Syria to the UK. From privilege to poverty, across countries and continents, from a smuggler’s den in Turkey to a prison in Manchester, it is a story of survival, of family, of bravery.

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi
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Magic is messy. Fans of Nevermoor and the School for Good and Evil will love this standalone middle grade fantasy featuring a failed young wizard and her chaotically fun cleanup crew.

Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee
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Candidly Cline follows an aspiring country singer-songwriter trying to find her voice as she navigates her family’s money troubles, a changing relationship with her grandmother, a difficult friendship breakup, and her first crush on a girl, while dreaming of her big break from her small Kentucky town.

Tidesong by Wendy Xu
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Tidesong follows an ambitious 12-year-old who moves to a seaside town with her aunts for an apprenticeship in magic and realizes that it may be more than she bargained for.

Gussy by Jimmy Cajoleas
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Perfect for fans of Kelly Barnhill and Anne Ursu, Gussy is an enchanting, lyrical middle grade novel about a girl who must protect her village from a menacing magical force, even as she discovers that there is more to her village than she knew.

Tangled up in Luck by Merrill Wyatt
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When seventh grade enemies research a missing set of jewels for a class project, they realize that the answers to the unsolved case might be much closer to home than they thought in this fun-filled mystery for fans of The Book Scavenger and Lemons.

The Art of Running Away by Sabrina Kleckner
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When Maisie reconnects with her estranged 22-year-old brother abroad while trying to save her family’s portrait studio, she uncovers a truth about her parents that changes everything.

I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab
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Pretty Little Liars meets One of Us Is Lying in this middle-grade tour de force. An exploration of why we conceal the truth, I Know Your Secret forces four children to come to terms with the secrets they have hidden from everyone.

The Last Weave Andrew Zurcher
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The epic conclusion to Twelve Nights, where Kay and Ell’s magical quest of imagination, adventure, and the power of storytelling comes to a thrilling, twisty close. Perfect for fans of The Golden Compass and A Wrinkle in Time.

Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray
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Perfect for fans of Brightstorm and His Dark Materials, Orphans of the Tide is the story of a mysterious boy washing in with the tide and the city that believes he’s the Enemy – the god who drowned the world – come again to cause untold chaos.

Dark Hearts by Jim Gigliotti
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Sometimes the truth can be much scarier than fiction. And this collection is no exception. Uncover what fascinated and frightened some of our favorite horror writers of all time.

Girl Giant and the Jade War by Van Hoang
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In the sequel to Van Hoang’s outstanding Girl Giant and the Monkey King, Thom and her friends set off on a far-flung adventure to save the Heavens and the Jade Emperor from certain destruction.

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

The post Middle Grade Fiction Is Ending 2021 With A Bang appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

• Fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
• Fans of Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
• Anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong
• Lovers of portal fantasies

“A single closet, full of cleaning supplies, an intricate web in the corner . . . And him. One boy, who had somehow changed his life for the better.”

Y’all, all I can say is: this is how you do middle-grade right.

In The Insiders, we follow Héctor (he/him) who decides to wear glitter on his face on his first day at a new school after his parents moved to show people what they’re in for. Héctor is gay, proud, dramatic and stylish to boot. Once he arrives at school, though, things aren’t going as planned: there’s no drama class at this new school and no people for him to sit with in the cafeteria. Determined not to let this get him down, he sits at the table of the self-pronounced Misfits, a group of individuals that don’t fit any other tables and that are also connected by one thing – they have all been bullied by the teacher’s favourite, Mike. And now he’s set his eyes on Héctor. As the story unfolds and the bullying gets worse, Héctor finds himself hiding in a janitor closet that magically turns into a safe space, portalling him away from his school days that turn worse and worse. And while school is turning into a nightmare, in the magic room, Héctor finds friends that are always there for him, and together, they will show the world just what they’re made of.

I wholeheartedly love this book. Héctor is one of the most relatable, funny and compassionate characters I’ve ever read about and his journey was as painful as it was mesmerising.

The bullying aspect of this book was incredibly hard to read because of how authentic Oshiro’s writing is. You can feel Héctor’s pain bleed through the pages and it’s heartbreaking to read Héctor’s journey from an outspoken, confident young gay boy who diminishes his own light by dressing and acting differently just so he won’t be a target anymore—and yet still remains one, despite these attempts. I doubt there will be a dry eye in the world when readers pick up The Insiders, whether they have ever been bullied or not. To read about these kids who have all been bullied by the same individual but knowing that there’s nothing they can do about it because the teachers won’t believe them and everyone else turns a blind eye to it so they don’t become a target next just showed so well how fear can make us do unspeakable things and render us silent.

One of the things that made me almost scream “VINDICATION” at the top of my lungs like Captain Holt on Brooklyn 99 was how Oshiro included teachers that didn’t necessarily help Héctor, even when he reached out to them when the bullying got worse and instead made him the culprit of things gone awry. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t reach out to someone you trust when someone is bullying you but it was just so validating to see that sometimes, even when you reach out people aren’t ready to hear the truth and are so narrow-minded which makes it even harder to come forward. Adults need to do better.

Beyond that very dark and devastating narrative, we also get so many moments of light in this story. Héctor’s parents and his abuela are so compassionate and full of love and that is shown so beautifully in the time they spend together and the food they make. The Misfits that initially are scared to stand up to Mike, eventually become a source of comfort for Héctor in the best way. Moreover, the friends Héctor encounters in the magical room, Sal (they/them) and Juliana (she/her) are so supportive and help each other face the struggles in their separate lives. Transcending time and space, the room gives these three everything they need and after an explosive conclusion to their story, Oshiro offers a wonderful outlook on future generations that need help which might have made me tear up once more.  While I wish that magical room would exist in real life, I am at least somewhat emboldened by the knowledge that this book will be just as magical a comfort to young readers and will hopefully find them right when they need it.

Achingly relatable and insightful to a fault, The Insiders is a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in. With its revelatory depiction of bullying and transcending friendships, Oshiro’s magical middle-grade debut promises to become a staple in the beloved genre.

The Insiders is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 21st 2021.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

Three kids who don’t belong. A room that shouldn’t exist. A year that will change everything.

Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Meg Medina, this debut middle grade novel from award-winning author Mark Oshiro is a hopeful and heartfelt coming-of-age story for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in.

San Francisco and Orangevale may be in the same state, but for Héctor Muñoz, they might as well be a million miles apart. Back home, being gay didn’t mean feeling different. At Héctor’s new school, he couldn’t feel more alone.

Most days, Héctor just wishes he could disappear. And he does. Right into the janitor’s closet. (Yes, he sees the irony.) But one day, when the door closes behind him, Héctor discovers he’s stumbled into a room that shouldn’t be possible. A room that connects him with two new friends from different corners of the country—and opens the door to a life-changing year full of magic, friendship, and adventure.

The post #ReadWithPride: The Insiders by Mark Oshiro appeared first on The Nerd Daily.