Yerba Buena isn’t easily categorised. For me, it turned out to be nothing like I expected and yet held me captive for the entirety of the book. At times, Yerba Buena read like a reluctant memoir, at others almost like an exorcism of ghosts of the past that haunted the characters.

In this slice of life narrative, we follow two women who ostensibly have nothing in common and yet somehow fit together perfectly. LaCour takes her time to establish both Sara and Emilie as flawed, relatable and lovable characters that you immediately begin to root for. Both Emilie and Sara have got their own struggles but their connection with each other is palpable from their very first chance encounter. Yet they both are faced time and again with the question whether love—real, unconditional love—is enough to make them leave their ghosts in the past. Anyone who’s ever been haunted by their mistakes, their losses or their regrets will surely feel connected to these women.

Ultimately, what drew me to this book was that, as much as it seems to be about star-crossed lovers, it really focused more on trauma and grief. There is an intimacy to how LaCour depicts what happens to Sara and Emilie —and much of this story is what happens to the characters until they finally realise their own agency and try to get out of the harmful and toxic situations they keep finding themselves in. It felt affirming to read about two women who also can’t help but fall into these traps that we’ve all encountered in life and struggle with finding their way out—there are no perfect characters here, everyone is flawed, moral compasses are askew and it just perfectly worked paired with LaCour’s storytelling. Both Sara and Emilie go through different journeys and emotional reprieves are few and fleeting. Though you kind of guess that they’ll cross paths again, you’re always left wondering what else the universe has got in store for them, which compelled me to keep reading. Weaving their tales together toward the end of the book almost felt cathartic.

What I really enjoyed about Yerba Buena was how it showed you how transient everything in life is only to follow it up with something that left a permanent impression you can’t really put into words. LaCour brings this ineffable feeling to every topic discussed in the story—from the depiction of grief to child neglect to missing loved ones and the deep abyss of depression. Yet the story also delivers moments of happiness, of inner strength, of taking yourself out of a harmful situation and, most of all, persevering when life tries to get you down again and again. It’s a masterfully crafted story that at times flows and ebbs like the sea—meaning that sometimes the pacing felt like a Monday that never ends and at others raced the clock when you’re late for an appointment you already don’t feel like going to. It’s a story that essentially shows that no matter how hard or messy life gets, you can always get up one more time. Its heavy themes are explored in excruciating detail but if you’re up for it, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this heartbreaking yet rewarding story.

A true slice of life narrative, Nina La Cour’s adult debut Yerba Buena is a story of love and loss, family and friendship, of two women finding their way in the world—and each other. At times brutally honest and at others comforting and intimate, this story is perfect for anyone who has ever been kicked down by life only to get up again.

Yerba Buena is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 31st 2022.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

The debut adult novel by the bestselling and award-winning YA author Nina LaCour, following two women on a star-crossed journey toward each other

When Sara Foster runs away from home at sixteen, she leaves behind not only the losses that have shattered her world but the girl she once was, capable of trust and intimacy. Years later, in Los Angeles, she is a sought-after bartender, renowned as much for her brilliant cocktails as for the mystery that clings to her. Across the city, Emilie Dubois is in a holding pattern. In her seventh year and fifth major as an undergraduate, she yearns for the beauty and community her Creole grandparents cultivated but is unable to commit. On a whim, she takes a job arranging flowers at the glamorous restaurant Yerba Buena and embarks on an affair with the married owner.

When Sara catches sight of Emilie one morning at Yerba Buena, their connection is immediate. But the damage both women carry, and the choices they have made, pulls them apart again and again. When Sara’s old life catches up to her, upending everything she thought she wanted just as Emilie has finally gained her own sense of purpose, they must decide if their love is more powerful than their pasts.

At once exquisite and expansive, astonishing in its humanity and heart, Yerba Buena is a love story for our time and a propulsive journey through the lives of two women finding their way in the world.

The post #ReadWithPride: Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Welcome to 2022, but more importantly, welcome to a whole lot of new book releases to look forward to over the next year!

In this round up, we take a look at an array of highly anticipated books releasing between the months of January and June. From new releases from favourite authors such as Rachel Lynn Solomon, Sarah J. Maas, Tahereh Mafi, Marlon James, Emily St. John Mandel, Holly Black, Christina Lauren, Ryan Sager, and many more, to absolutely dazzling debuts, you’re sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list!

Stay tuned as we’ll be releasing more 2022 lists for several genres!

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

JANUARY

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter scheme to reunite their divorced bosses with unforecasted results in this charming romantic comedy from the author of The Ex Talk.

Good Rich People by Eliza Jane Brazier
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A destitute woman deceives her way into the guesthouse of a Hollywood Hills mansion and inadvertently becomes a target in the twisted game of the wealthy family upstairs in the next intoxicating novel from Eliza Jane Brazier.

Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden
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Anything But Fine is a hilarious coming of age story about a gay ballerina who loses his dancing dreams, but finds his true self and his first love. 

The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
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Three years ago, Katrina Freeling and Nathan Van Huysen were the brightest literary stars on the horizon, their cowritten books topping bestseller lists. But on the heels of their greatest success, they ended their partnership on bad terms, for reasons neither would divulge to the public. They haven’t spoken since, and never planned to, except they have one final book due on contract.

Goliath by Tochi Onyebuchi
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In his adult novel debut, Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and NAACP Image Award finalist and ALA Alex and New England Book Award winner Tochi Onyebuchi delivers a sweeping science fiction epic in the vein of Samuel R. Delany and Station Eleven.

Echoes and Empires by Morgan Rhodes
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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Falling Kingdoms series comes the first book in a brand-new duology about forbidden magic and dangerous secrets, for readers of Victoria Aveyard and Margaret Rogerson.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
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A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
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From Rachel Hawkins, the New York Times bestselling author of The Wife Upstairs, comes Reckless Girls, a deliciously wicked gothic suspense, set on an isolated Pacific island with a dark history, for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.

A Thousand Steps by T. Jefferson Parker
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A Thousand Steps is a beguiling thriller, an incisive coming-of-age story, and a vivid portrait of a turbulent time and place by three-time Edgar Award winner and New York Times bestselling author T. Jefferson Parker.

A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
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Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
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The first openly nonbinary contestant on America’s favorite cooking show falls for their clumsy competitor in this delicious romantic comedy debut “that is both fantastically fun and crack your heart wide open vulnerable.” (Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate).

The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman
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In this epic YA fantasy debut, magic, a prized resource, is the only thing between peace and war. When magic runs out, four estranged royal siblings must find a new source before their country is swallowed by invading forces. The first in an Indian-inspired duology that’s perfect for fans of There Will Come a Darkness, The Gilded Wolves, and We Hunt the Flame.

FEBRUARY

Ramón and Julieta by Alana Quintana Albertson
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When fate and tacos bring Ramón and Julieta together on the Day of the Dead, the star-crossed pair must make a choice: accept the bitter food rivalry that drives them apart or surrender to a love that consumes them—perfect for fans of Jane the Virgin!

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List comes a new locked room mystery, set in a Paris apartment building in which every resident has something to hide… 

This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
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Clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people—bestselling author Tahereh Mafi’s first in an epic, romantic trilogy inspired by Persian mythology.

Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist
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From debut author Kit Mayquist, a propulsive and atmospheric modern Gothic with all the splendor of The Great Gatsby . . . and all the secrets, lies, and darkness that opulence can hide.

The Violence by Delilah S. Dawson
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Three generations of abused women must navigate their chilling new reality as a mysterious epidemic of violence sweeps the nation in this compelling novel of self-discovery, legacy, and hope.

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
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A gut-wrenching, startling historical thriller about communist Romania and the citizen spy network that devastated a nation, from the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray.

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James
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Both a brilliant narrative device—seeing the story told in Black Leopard, Red Wolf from the perspective of an adversary and a woman—as well as a fascinating battle between different versions of empire, Moon Witch, Spider King delves into Sogolon’s world as she fights to tell her own story. Part adventure tale, part chronicle of an indomitable woman who bows to no man, it is a fascinating novel that explores power, personality, and the places where they overlap.

Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour
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The debut adult novel by the bestselling and award-winning YA author Nina LaCour, following two women on a star-crossed journey toward each other. (Edit: Yerba Buena will now publish on May 31st 2022)

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
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In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
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Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is an enthralling feminist retelling of the classic Korean folktale “The Tale of Shim Cheong,” perfect for fans of Wintersong, Uprooted, and Miyazaki’s SpiritedAway.

Lease On Love by Falon Ballard
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Beach Read meets The Flatshare in this warmly funny and delightfully sharp debut rom-com about a down-on-her-luck young woman who turns an innocent mix-up between a dating app and a roommate app into a new chance at love.

The Verifiers by Jane Pek
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Introducing a sharp-witted heroine for the 21st century: a new amateur sleuth exploring the landscape—both physical and virtual—of New York in a debut novel about love, technology, and murder.

MARCH

Sundial by Catriona Ward
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Sundial is a new, twisty psychological horror novel from Catriona Ward, internationally bestselling author of The Last House on Needless Street.

Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye
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The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
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The much-acclaimed viral sensation from Olivie Blake, The Atlas Six—now newly revised and edited with additional content, is a dark academic debut fantasy with an established cult following that reads like The Secret History meets The Umbrella Academy.

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
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From the author of the breakout thriller Every Last Fear, comes Alex Finlay’s electrifying next novel The Night Shift, about a pair of small-town murders fifteen years apart―and the ties that bind them.

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir comes a brilliant, unforgettable, and heart-wrenching contemporary YA novel about family and forgiveness, love and loss, in a sweeping story that crosses generations and continents.

Lakelore by Anna Marie McLemore
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In this young adult novel by award-winning author Anna-Marie McLemore, two non-binary teens are pulled into a magical world under a lake – but can they keep their worlds above water intact?

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
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The Golden Couple is the next electrifying novel from Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, the #1 New York Times bestselling author duo behind You Are Not Alone, An Anonymous Girl, and The Wife Between Us.

Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma
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Nisha Sharma’s hilarious new romantic comedy inspired by The Taming of the Shrew features a love-phobic TV doctor who must convince a love-obsessed homebody they are destined to be together.

When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo
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A mythic love story set in Trinidad and Tobago, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s radiant debut introduces two unforgettable outsiders brought together by their connection with the dead.

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James
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A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.

A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch
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A wry and bold debut novel, which is at once an irresistible catastrophe waiting to happen and an unflinching exploration of how we narrate the stories of our lives, as an aspiring novelist finds herself stalking—and writing about—her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend.

The Lost Dreamer by Lizz Huerta
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A stunning YA fantasy inspired by ancient Mesoamerica, this gripping debut introduces us to a lineage of seers defiantly resisting the shifting patriarchal state that would see them destroyed―perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir.

APRIL

An Arrow to the Moon by Emily X.R. Pan
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Romeo and Juliet meets Chinese mythology in this magical novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Astonishing Color of After.

Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough
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In this twisty, mind-bending thriller from the bestselling author of Behind Her Eyes, Emma Averell worries that her crippling insomnia is a sign that she’s slowly going insane—like the mother she’s worked so hard to leave in her past.

Reputation by Lex Croucher
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Bridgerton meets Gossip Girl with a dash of Jane Austen, in Reputation, a Regency-era historical romantic comedy with a deliciously feminist twist, from a hilarious new British voice, Lex Croucher.

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor
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For fans of Caraval and The Night Circus, this decadent and darkly enchanting YA fantasy, set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-inspired hotel, follows seventeen-year-old Jani as she uncovers the deeply disturbing secrets of the legendary Hotel Magnifique.

I Am the Ghost in Your House by Maria Romasco Moore
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From the author of Some Kind of Animal comes a wildly unique story about an invisible girl struggling to see herself in a world obsessed with appearances.

One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose
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Meet the women of Buckhead — a place of expensive cars, huge houses, and competitive friendships. Who amongst these women will be clever enough to survive Buckhead — and who will wind up dead? They say that friendships can be complex, but no one said it could ever be this deadly.

An Honest Lie by Tarryn Fisher
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This seething, gut-punch of a thriller can only have sprung from the fiendish brain of Tarryn Fisher, one of the most cunning writers of our time.

Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
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A spellbinding debut novel tracing three generations of a Southern Black family and one daughter’s discovery that she has the power to change her family’s legacy.

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
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A searing and compassionate new novel about a young Black nurse’s shocking discovery and burning quest for justice in post-segregation Alabama, from the New York Times bestselling author of Wench.

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
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The award-winning, best-selling author of Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel returns with a novel of art, time, love, and plague that takes the reader from Vancouver Island in 1912 to a dark colony on the moon five hundred years later, unfurling a story of humanity across centuries and space.

The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
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The USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man is back with a hilarious rom-com about two strangers who get trapped in a lie and have to fake date their way out of it…

The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann
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Thirty, flirty, and asexual Joy is secretly in love with her best friend Malcolm, but she’s never been brave enough to say so. When he unexpectedly announces that he’s met the love of his life—and no, it’s not Joy—she’s heartbroken. Malcolm invites her on a weekend getaway, and Joy decides it’s her last chance to show him exactly what he’s overlooking. But maybe Joy is the one missing something…or someone…and his name is Fox.

MAY

Book of Night by Holly Black
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black makes her stunning adult debut with Book of Night, a modern dark fantasy of shadowy thieves and secret societies in the vein of Ninth House and The Night Circus.

Hide by Kiersten White
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A high-stakes hide-and-seek competition turns deadly in this dark thriller from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White.

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
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The “reigning romance queens” (PopSugar) and New York Times bestselling authors of The Soulmate Equation and The Unhoneymooners present a charming and laugh-out-loud funny novel filled with adventure, treasure, and, of course, love.

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
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From the New York Times bestselling author of One Last Stop and Red, White & Royal Blue comes a debut YA romantic comedy about chasing down what you want, only to find what you need…

Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer
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New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer expands the Cursebreaker world in an electrifying new series.

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
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From Ryan La Sala, the wildly popular author of Reverie, comes a twisted and tantalizing horror novel set amidst the bucolic splendor of a secluded summer retreat.

City of Orange by David Yoon
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This imaginative and affecting new novel is beloved, bestselling, and award-winning author David Yoon at his finest: thought-provoking and heart-piercing, by turns funny and challenging, and at all times deeply human. 

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
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Mexican Gothic meets Rebecca in this debut supernatural suspense novel, set in the aftermath of the Mexican War of Independence, about a remote house, a sinister haunting, and the woman pulled into their clutches…

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
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An insightful, delightful new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

My Summer Darlings by May Cobb
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Three lifelong friends plus a dangerous, sexy new stranger in town add up to a scorching summer of manipulation, obsession, and murder, from the acclaimed author of The Hunting Wives.

Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater
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Merida goes on an all-new, life-changing adventure in this original YA novel set several years after the close of Brave!

Boys, Beasts & Men by Sam J. Miller
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In Nebula Award-winning author Sam J. Miller’s devastating debut short-fiction collection, featuring an introduction by Amal El-Mohtar, queer infatuation, inevitable heartbreak, and brutal revenge seamlessly intertwine. Whether innocent, guilty, or not even human, the boys, beasts, and men roaming through Miller’s gorgeously crafted worlds can destroy readers, yet leave them wanting more.

JUNE

Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald
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From the author of the critically-acclaimed Blackwing trilogy comes Ed McDonald’s Daughter of Redwinter, the first of a brilliant fantasy series about how one choice can change a universe.

American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
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In this dangerously sexy rom-com that evokes the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle, a prince who wants to live out of the spotlight falls for a daring American rapper who turns his life, and the palace, upside down.

Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
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A dazzling epic of betrayal, love, and fate that spans five generations of an Indigenous Chicano family in the American West, from the author of the National Book Award Finalist Sabrina & Corina.

This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
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How much would you risk to save the ones you love? Would you tempt even the most dangerous fate?Bestselling author Kalynn Bayron continues the story of Briseis and her family’s deadly magic in the sequel to This Poison Heart.

Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond
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A people-pleasing bridesmaid-for-hire falls for the crushable new lesbian in town. Will she finally find her happily ever after—and her own voice? 

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
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With his trademark blend of sharp characters, psychological suspense and gasp-worthy twists, Riley Sager’s The House Across the Lake will shock readers until the very last page.

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
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A Discovery of Witches meets The Craft in this the first installment of this epic fantasy trilogy about a group of childhood friends who are also witches.

Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White
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A furious, queer debut novel about embracing the monster within and unleashing its power against your oppressors. Perfect for fans of Gideon the Ninth and Annihilation.

The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
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In the first book of a visionary African and Arabian-inspired fantasy trilogy, three women band together against a cruel Empire that divides people by blood.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
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Evvie Drake Starts Over meets Beach Read in this heartwarming and hilarious novel about a divorced romance channel screenwriter whose script about her marriage’s collapse just might help her reclaim her life and find love.

We All Fall Down by Rose Szabo
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The first book in a dark fantasy YA duology by the author of What Big Teeth, about the power and danger of stories and the untold costs of keeping magic alive, perfect for fans of Aiden Thomas and Marie Rutkoski.

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
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She was the face that launched a thousand ships, The fierce beauty at the heart of Olympus, And she was never ours to claim. A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus that’s as sinful as it is sweet.

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

The post The Most Anticipated 2022 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming…human or demon. Princess or monster.

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

It’s 200 years after Cinderella found her prince, but the fairy tale is over. Teen girls are now required to appear at the Annual Ball, where the men of the kingdom select wives based on a girl’s display of finery. If a suitable match is not found, the girls not chosen are never heard from again.

Sixteen-year-old Sophia would much rather marry Erin, her childhood best friend, than parade in front of suitors. At the ball, Sophia makes the desperate decision to flee, and finds herself hiding in Cinderella’s mausoleum. There, she meets Constance, the last known descendant of Cinderella and her step sisters. Together they vow to bring down the king once and for all–and in the process, they learn that there’s more to Cinderella’s story than they ever knew . . .

This fresh take on a classic story will make readers question the tales they’ve been told, and root for girls to break down the constructs of the world around them.

Ironspark by C.M. McGuire

A captivating and utterly original fairy tale about a girl cursed to be poisonous to the touch, and who discovers what power might lie in such a curse…

There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming…human or demon. Princess or monster.

Watch Over Me by Nina Lacour

Mila is used to being alone. Maybe that’s why she said yes to the opportunity: living in this remote place, among the flowers and the fog and the crash of waves far below.

But she hadn’t known about the ghosts.

Newly graduated from high school, Mila has aged out of the foster care system. So when she’s offered a job and a place to stay at a farm on an isolated part of the Northern California Coast, she immediately accepts. Maybe she will finally find a new home, a real home. The farm is a refuge, but also haunted by the past traumas its young residents have come to escape. And Mila’s own terrible memories are starting to rise to the surface.

Watch Over Me is another stunner from Printz Award-Winning author Nina LaCour, whose empathetic, lyrical prose is at the heart of this modern ghost story of resilience and rebirth.

Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power

Ever since Margot was born, it’s been just her and her mother. No answers to Margot’s questions about what came before. No history to hold on to. No relative to speak of. Just the two of them, stuck in their run-down apartment, struggling to get along.

But that’s not enough for Margot. She wants family. She wants a past. And she just found the key she needs to get it: A photograph, pointing her to a town called Phalene. Pointing her home. Only, when Margot gets there, it’s not what she bargained for.

Margot’s mother left for a reason. But was it to hide her past? Or was it to protect Margot from what’s still there?

The only thing Margot knows for sure is there’s poison in their family tree, and their roots are dug so deeply into Phalene that now that she’s there, she might never escape.

Beyond the Ruby Veil by Mara Fitzgerald

Cunning and unapologetic, Emanuela Ragno is a socialite who plays by her own rules. In her most ambitious move yet, she’s about to marry Alessandro Morandi, her childhood best friend and the heir to the wealthiest house in Occhia. Emanuela doesn’t care that she and her groom are both gay, because she doesn’t want a love match. She wants power, and through Ale, she’ll have it all.

But Emanuela has a secret that could shatter her plans. In her city of Occhia, the only source of water is the watercrea, a mysterious being who uses magic to make water from blood. When their first bruise-like omen appears on their skin, all Occhians must surrender themselves to the watercrea to be drained of life. Everyone throughout history has obeyed this law for the greater good. Everyone except Emanuela. She’s kept the tiny omen on her hip out of sight for years.

When the watercrea exposes Emanuela during her wedding ceremony and takes her to be sacrificed, Emanuela fights back…and kills her. Before everyone in Occhia dies of thirst, Emanuela and Ale must travel through the mysterious, blood-red veil that surrounds their city to uncover the source of the watercrea’s power and save their people—no matter what it takes.

Ruinsong by Julia Ember

Her voice was her prison… Now it’s her weapon.

In a world where magic is sung, a powerful mage named Cadence has been forced to torture her country’s disgraced nobility at her ruthless queen’s bidding.

But when she is reunited with her childhood friend, a noblewoman with ties to the underground rebellion, she must finally make a choice: Take a stand to free their country from oppression, or follow in the queen’s footsteps and become a monster herself.

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

Liz Lighty has always believed she’s too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it’s okay — Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.

But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz’s plans come crashing down . . . until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen. There’s nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington.

The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She’s smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?

The Fate of Stars by S.D. Simper

A devout mermaid. A disgraced princess. A feud as ancient as the gods themselves.

Worlds collide when Tallora is kidnapped from her ocean home and forced to be a pet to a tyrannical foreign empire. Her only hope for rescue lies with a sworn enemy—Princess Dauriel, infamous for her stone heart and conflicted past. But when Dauriel’s kingdom comes to the cusp of war, could their uneasy alliance be the key to defeating a common foe? Or will their tenuous feelings for each other become their ruin?

From the world of FALLEN GODS comes a tale of ancient magic and cutthroat politics—and finding redemption through love.

A Curse of Roses by Diana Pinguica

With just one touch, bread turns into roses. With just one bite, cheese turns into lilies. There’s a famine plaguing the land, and Princess Yzabel is wasting food simply by trying to eat. Before she can even swallow, her magic—her curse—has turned her meal into a bouquet. She’s on the verge of starving, which only reminds her that the people of Portugal have been enduring the same pain. If only it were possible to reverse her magic. Then she could turn flowers…into food.

Fatyan, a beautiful Enchanted Moura, is the only one who can help. But she is trapped by magical binds. She can teach Yzabel how to control her curse—if Yzabel sets her free with a kiss. As the King of Portugal’s betrothed, Yzabel would be committing treason, but what good is a king if his country has starved to death? With just one kiss, Fatyan is set free. And with just one kiss, Yzabel is yearning for more. She’d sought out Fatyan to help her save the people. Now, loving her could mean Yzabel’s destruction.

Based on Portuguese legend, this #OwnVoices historical fantasy is an epic tale of mystery, magic, and making the impossible choice between love and duty…

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

The post 10 Recent and Incredible Sapphic Book Releases That You’ll Love appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Watch Over Me is LaCour’s latest novel and she has done it again. Nina LaCour is one of those authors whose gorgeous writing style you could pinpoint with just one line and her signature melancholic tone is there from the very beginning. LaCour is a master when portraying that sense of longing and self-doubt lonely people feel when trying to connect with others.

The author also develops her beautiful prose and imagery with the same care she did in her previous works. Evocative and delicate, her words are a force of nature, and they are able to imbue the pages of her novel with a myriad of emotions. Her every word is full of life; a feeling of soft, distant sadness that drenches your soul for days even after finishing her novels. Surprisingly, that is not a negative thing because it transforms into a gentle feeling of yearning that becomes a bittersweet ache.

In Watch Over Me, Nina LaCour places her main character, Mila, in an isolated, stranded setting: a farm next to the sea for foster children, where she is to work as a teacher. However, unlike her previous novel, the protagonist is not completely by herself this time and instead, she is surrounded by a loving family of foster children…and a group of ghosts. As a result, Mila does not only have to fight against loneliness, but against the much more difficult situation of feeling alone while surrounded by people. And not just any people, but an incredibly tight-knitted group of individuals whose personalities shine through even if they have barely any presence in the narration. This is especially remarkable in the cases of Lee and Lizz, who become quite an intriguing pair, but also help Mila immensely through her healing journey.

In line with the rural, idyllic setting of the novel, the story moves along with a languid, yet steady and gripping pace, that goes back and forth between Mila’s present and glimpses of her past. Even if a bit confusing at first, the pieces of the puzzle that make Mila’s mind up fall into place beautifully and just at the right times. Through these movements in time, the reader gets to understand why Mila is unable to feel loved and cared about by her newfound family and why she doesn’t trust herself most of the time. Furthermore, LaCour makes use of weather and natural elements—mainly fire for her past and water for her present time. This is a stunning use of imagery to make a clear distinction between the two timelines and symbolise how polarising the two situations are, even if they might appear to the protagonist as the same at first glance.

Combined with these jumps in time, LaCour makes a magnificent use of a somewhat unreliable narrator. Reminiscent of the classic novel, The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, the reader cannot be sure whether the ghosts and the tokens of her past Mila finds at the farm are real, fabricated by her own mind, or manipulated by the people around her. Nonetheless, no matter what the truth is, LaCour’s main goal with the use of ghosts is to establish a representation of how our past selves influence our present and the haunting of past trauma. And that is, undoubtedly, a brilliant parallelism, for an apparent ghost story becomes so much more. Yes, the narration is still spooky and haunting at times, but it also becomes a tale of self-exploration and growth where the real monsters to overcome are trauma, insecurities and fear. Mila’s journey towards becoming a new person—free from her past, but also being able to maintain her best memories—is one that many readers will be able to relate to.

Overall, Watch Over Me is a moving tale of chosen family, loneliness, self-discovery, healing from past trauma, and learning to accept love. Many of these topics are no stranger to Nina LaCour’s readership, but she is always able to make them feel brand new. Comforting, relatable, and delicately frozen in time, LaCour’s prose is a true pleasure to read.

Watch Over Me is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up Watch Over Me? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Nina LaCour delivers another emotional knockout with Watch Over Me, the eagerly anticipated follow-up to the Printz Award-winning We Are Okay.

Mila is used to being alone. Maybe that’s why she said yes to the opportunity: living in this remote place, among the flowers and the fog and the crash of waves far below.

But she hadn’t known about the ghosts.

Newly graduated from high school, Mila has aged out of the foster care system. So when she’s offered a job and a place to stay at a farm on an isolated part of the Northern California Coast, she immediately accepts. Maybe she will finally find a new home, a real home. The farm is a refuge, but also haunted by the past traumas its young residents have come to escape. And Mila’s own terrible memories are starting to rise to the surface.

Watch Over Me is another stunner from Printz Award-Winning author Nina LaCour, whose empathetic, lyrical prose is at the heart of this modern ghost story of resilience and rebirth.

The post Review: Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Miss Meteor by Tehlor Kay Mejia and Anna-Marie McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Witty and heartfelt with characters that leap off the page, Miss Meteor is acclaimed authors Anna-Marie McLemore and Tehlor Kay Mejia’s first book together.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A Cinderella story with deadly stakes and thrilling twists, perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out.

These Vengeful Hearts by Katherine Laurin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A thrilling novel about a secret society and the dangers that lie in wait for anyone brave enough to join—perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus, Kara Thomas, and Maureen Johnson.

Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the award-winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han. 
(Note: Charming As A Verb has now been pushed back to October 13th 2020)

Not Your #LoveStory by Sonia Hartl
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

#PlaneBae meets Gilmore Girls in this hilarious and heartfelt story about the addictiveness of Internet fame and the harsh realities of going viral.

Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this delicious new collection, you’ll find stories about lurking vampires of social media, rebellious vampires hungry for more than just blood, eager vampires coming out―and going out for their first kill―and other bold, breathtaking, dangerous, dreamy, eerie, iconic, powerful creatures of the night.

Fable by Adrienne Young
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Filled with all of the action, emotion, and lyrical writing that brought readers to Sky in the Deep, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Young returns with Fable, the first book in this new captivating duology.

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another riveting, ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman’s voice.

The Scapegracers by Hannah Abigail Clarke
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An outcast teenage lesbian witch finds her coven hidden amongst the popular girls in her school, and performs some seriously badass magic in the process.

Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Justin A. Reynolds, author of Opposite of Always, delivers another smart, funny, and powerful stand-alone YA contemporary novel, with a speculative twist in which Jamal’s best friend is brought back to life after a freak accident . . . but they only have a short time together before he will die again.

Shine by Jessica Jung
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl by way of Jenny Han in this knock-out debut about a Korean American teen who is thrust into the competitive, technicolor world of K-pop, from Jessica Jung, K-pop legend and former lead singer of one of the most influential K-pop girl groups of all time, Girls Generation.

Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Nina LaCour delivers another emotional knockout with Watch Over Me, the eagerly anticipated follow-up to the Printz Award-winning We Are Okay.

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

The post September 2020 Book Releases: YA appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you’re worried about your tears hitting the pages of your book, then perhaps turn to their digital copies! Scribd is the world’s largest digital library and offers ebooks, audiobooks, and more for a low price of $9.99/month & 30-day free trial.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments if you have any other recommendations!

Eleanor & Park: A Novel by Rainbow Rowell
Goodreads

The relatability of two teens falling for each other over a mutual love of comics and The Smiths is a testament to Rainbow Rowell’s ability to tap into the teenage experience, where first loves are sweet, awkward, and all-consuming. Rowell’s young adult debut goes nicely with Green’s, launching them both into superstardom among teens.

Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined to Meet by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sara Shepard and Nicola Yoon
Goodreads

Speaking of meet-cutes, here’s a whole slew of short stories about teens who seem almost destined for each other after being brought together serendipitously. Some of the biggest names in YA, from Nicola Yoon to Sara Shepard, contributed to this swoon-worthy collection.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Goodreads

How would you make the most of your last day on Earth? Part high school mystery, part poignant coming-of-age story, Lauren Oliver’s propulsive novel about a teen who is forced to live her last day over and over again (à la Groundhog Day) will surprise you. It’s a beautiful exploration of how we can be kinder to those around us — one that will make you think twice about the daily choices we all make.

Every Day by David Levithan
Goodreads

Every Day has a set-up with an extreme hypothetical premise: What if you became a different person every single day? A touching, thought-provoking look at what factors really matter when choosing to love someone and a contemplation on moral responsibilities.

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Goodreads

What would you do on your last day before deportation? Natasha is trying to figure out a way for her family to stay in the US when she has a chance encounter with Daniel that sets off sweet series of events. These teens are definitely hoping for their ‘Great Perhaps.’

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Goodreads

Quiet implications of deep distress and profound happiness litter this epistolary novel, penned by outsider Charlie, who makes inroads with various cliques to move past cliches. Like Looking for Alaska, Stephen Chbosky’s novel tackles heavy teenage issues, like drugs and sex, but in a quiet manner.

Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
Goodreads

Living with cystic fibrosis is difficult enough without also falling in love with another CFer — one that you can’t touch. Stella and Will’s heartrending story of trying to live life to the fullest while their lung function deteriorates is for anyone who loves a devastatingly tragic meet-cute (which is one of John Green’s many specialities).

Will you be checking out any of these books? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 7 YA Books That You’ll Need Tissues For appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Over the last couple of years, the Young Adult Contemporary genre has become an inclusive place for authors across all backgrounds. Names like Nicola Yoon, Angie Thomas, Jenny Han, Mary H. K. Choi, Sandhya Menon, Tahereh Mafi, Nina LaCour, Adam Silvera, and many more line the Young Adult shelves in bookstores like Barnes & Noble. Young people of all races, ethnicities, disabilities, and sexualities are being represented like never before. From cute, quirky romances to gripping, hard-hitting works of fiction, YA Contemporary continues to range in a variety of topics while introducing readers to new and diverse authors.

Diversity is finally here. But how did it happen?

What began as a passing trend in 2014 has quickly become a revolution to change to face of YA Contemporary entirely. An outcry for more diversity from book bloggers and vloggers began in 2014 and is a continuing fight today. Where other genres are still lacking (though not without some monumental strides), Young Adult Contemporary in particular has opened up the door to tons of debut authors writing fresh, memorable characters representing a wide range of minority groups.

It’s crazy to see how much the genre has changed in the past five years alone. In 2014, John Green’s The Fault in our Stars was taking over the readership and all anyone could talk about ahead of its movie release, and we were still riding the high of YA Dystopian with Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy. Neither book had an ounce of racial or sexual diversity. Little did we know the small strides made that year by own-voice authors would soon take over the YA genre.

Jenny Han’s To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before brought us an adorable, rom-com-y romance featuring a Korean-American protagonist in 2014. This sweet story came three years after Han wrapped up her first trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty series, which did not feature any POC main characters. Nina LaCour brought us a stunning novel about film featuring a female-female romance with Everything Leads to You in 2014 as well. The following year Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything brought us a SickLit romance featuring a black protagonist to rival The Fault in our Stars, but with a twist instead of a death at the end. But what really blew everything out of the water was Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give, a book inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement released in 2017 and of which still remains high on the New York Times best seller list. For reviewers in the book community, these novels were great strides in spreading diversity. But as per usual in YA literature, the rest of the world wouldn’t hear about them until their movie trailers dropped.

It’s possible the publishing industry took note and decided diversity can sell. It’s also possible that reviewers were finally heard in their cry for representation. Maybe the industry simply thought it was finally time that minority voices were finally heard. But whatever the reason, one fact must remain clear: diversity is not a trend or a genre. It’s a presence. It’s what we should’ve seen in the genre years ago, and what other genres are only now beginning to catch up to.

Progress has been made, but how has this changed reader-opinions? For starters, book bloggers and book vloggers have changed the way they review books. Many reviewers include trigger warnings in their reviews for anyone who might be sensitive to certain topics. Trigger warnings were often considered as spoilers to many readers, but the tide has begun to change and the need to protect readers has taken priority over potentially ruining the book for interested readers.

When promoting books, reviewers may also mention if/what ways a title is diverse as an interest point. Authors who have written minimal or nonexistent diversity in their books are being called out on social media, and discussion about progress and the importance of readers seeing themselves in the books they read has been talked about during book conferences and panels. Casual readers have shared their excitement of being represented over social media platforms.

The world around us is changing and it’s important that the media we consume reflects that. Most especially the books we read. While we might read for pleasure, books are meant to enrich our lives and teach us important lessons about the world around us. Diversity is not the end-all be-all, but it is an essential aspect that must be present in the literature we create and consume in order to reflect the world around us. Now that YA Contemporary has seemed to catch up on this fact, it’s time for other genres to follow suit.

Do you have a favourite author in this genre? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The New Faces of the YA Contemporary Genre appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With summer fast approaching (sorry to those in the other half of the world), your mind may already be wandering far, far away to the things you’ll do and places you’ll go! But despite all the sun and brightness, the heat can sometimes be stifling and the day can be too hot. In case you just want to sit with a glass of lemonade and a good book or dream and think of summer activities and warmer weather, we’ve got you covered!

We’ve found 10 summery book covers and stories for you to enjoy this summer or to help you stay warm as you brave the winter weather!

Read on to discover some of our favourite summery reads and tell us in the comments below if there’s any others you would add!

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

This is a modern retelling of The Little Mermaid, which follows Elyse, the youngest of the golden-voiced d’Abreau sisters who was destined for a life of singing and stardom until an accident left her mute. She escaped Trinidad and Tobago and stayed in Atargatis Cove, where she spent the summer spending time preparing for the annual pirate regatta, but this year, the stakes are too high. If you love a small seaside town, summer romance, and a self-discovery story, this one is for you.

Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Shy and introverted Emily can’t wait to spend the summer with her best friend, Sloane. Except Sloane disappears without a trace and leaves behind a bucket list that Sloane would never try.  Will Emily be able to fulfil all the bucket list and find Sloane again?

A Thousand Salt Kisses by Josie Demuth
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

This is one of the most summery books I’ve ever read and it tells the story of Crystal who just moved to Starfish Island. When she almost drowns, she was saved by a merman named Llyr. As they get to know each other, a threat looms in the form of environmental destroying power plant. Crystal has to fight against the power plant to save the island, the ocean and of course, the merfolk.

One Italian Summer by Keris Stainton
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Milly’s family always went to Italy for the summer, but after their dad’s death last year, this will be the first time they go without him. While everything still feels the same, it’s just not the same without him and not to mention the fact that their family barely hanging on together. This book can get heavy at times, but it also brings you all the fun and experience of exploring around Rome!

Boys of Summer by Jessica Brody
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Sun + water + fun? Nothing screams summer more than this cover! Grayson, Mike and Ian are best friends since they were kids and always spend the summer together. But this year, they all been through a lot and this summer and this might be the summer their friendship ends. Will they be able to survive this summer as friends or will they became estranged?

Summerlost by Ally Condie
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

While this is darker than the rest of covers on this list, it has that nostalgic quality for biking and playing outside until the sky darkens. Summerlost tells the story of the summer after Cedar’s father and brother were killed in an accident. She returns to Iron Creek for the summer, and soon, she befriends Leo and they spend the summer surrounded by the mysteries in Iron Creek.

Summer Days and Summer Nights by Stephanie Perkins
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

This summer anthology is the sibling to My True Love Gave To Me, an anthology of 12 holiday stories. Just like its sibling, Summer Days and Summer Nights are filled with summer stories from renowned authors like Stephanie Perkins, Leigh Bardugo, Cassandra Clare, Nina LaCour, and more.

Wanderlost by Jen Malone
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

By chance, Aubree ended up substituting as her sister in leading senior citizens on a tour throughout Europe. It didn’t take long for trouble to start: she manages to lose the binder full of information needed and her phone. There’s also an unexpected guest in the tour: Sam, the son of the tour owner. This summer is going to be interesting indeed, will Aubree managed to lead the tour and keep her cover?

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

For those of you in the other half of the world, not to worry, we also got you covered! The next two books in our list set during the summer, but with cold mysteries and plot twists perfect for a cold winter. The first one is We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. This popular thriller is set during the summer in a private island, with four friends whose friendship turned toxic.

With Malice by Eileen Cook
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

With Malice is based on true crime story about Amanda Knox. Jill wakes up in a hospital room with no memories of what happened. All she remembers was she was on a school trip to Italy, and people said she had an accident during the trip. Only, it wasn’t an accident. As she returns to the states, she realizes that her best friend was murdered in the “accident” and she is the prime suspect. As the clock is ticking, Jill has to prove her innocence before everything is too late.

(P.S – The Nerd Daily may receive commissions for the links in this article, however, any earnings made are put right back into funding prizes for our followers!)

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

The post Summer Lovin’ YA Books To Read appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

From the release of the physical copy of Zenith written by BookTuber Sasha Alsberg, to a collection of short stories by some talented YA authors including Nicola Yoon and Kass Morgan. Then there’s a new novel adaption of Marvel and Hulu’s Runaways, plus new releases from Pierce Brown, Holly Black, Marie Lu, Maureen Johnson and Marissa Meyer.

Check out our picks and tell us if you will be reading one (or a few) of these great new releases!

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert | Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Alice’s grandmother, the reclusive author of a cult-classic book of pitch-dark fairy tales, passes away alone on her estate, the Hazel Wood. Soon, Alice’s mother is taken away―by a figure who claims to come from the Hinterland, the cruel supernatural world where her grandmother’s stories are set. Alice’s only lead is the message her mother left behind: “Stay away from the Hazel Wood.”

Zenith by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings | Goodreads

Androma Racella is known as the Bloody Baroness, a powerful mercenary within the Mirabel Galaxy leading her all-girl run starship. Meanwhile, a ruthless ruler waits in the shadows waiting to exact revenge for the destruction of her people and her plan will tear Mirabel in two.

A Taxonomy of Love by Rachael Allen | Goodreads

It’s . . . something at first sight when Spencer meets hope and they quickly become friends. He finally feels like he belongs after being outshone by his brother and teased because of his Tourette syndrome, but the label of “friend” gets messier as they grow up. Through a series of ups and downs, the two grow together and apart and Spencer learns things don’t always fit into boxes.

Runaways by Christopher Golden | Goodreads

Based on the popular Hulu television series and comic books, fans and first-time readers will enjoy this new take on the story. The novel also includes the first issue of the revived Runaways comic series written by Rainbow Rowell and with art by Kris Anka.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black | Goodreads

Jude was seven when herself and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants to belong even though fey despise humans, especially Prince Cardan—the young and wicked son of the High King. To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu | Goodreads

One by one, the city’s elites are being executed. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne is turning eighteen and about to inherit his family’s fortune, not to mention the keys to Wayne Enterprises. But after a run-in with the police, he’s forced to do community service at Arkham Asylum. He meets Madeleine, a brilliant girl with ties to the Nightwalkers and she’s a mystery Bruce must unravel. But is he getting her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees?

Markswoman by Rati Mehrotra | Goodreads

Kyra is the youngest Markswoman in the Order of Kali, a highly trained sisterhood of elite warriors armed with telepathic blades. After the death of her mentor, Kyra is forced to run and finds herself at the Order of Khur, an order composed of all men. With the help of Rustan, a young, disillusioned Marksman, Kyra must obtain proof of who killed her mentor.

Meet Cute: Some People Are Destined To Meet by Jennifer L. Armentrout + Various | Goodreads

Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. Meet Cute is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of “how they first met” from some of today’s most popular YA authors, including Nina LaCour, Nicola Yoon, Katharine McGee, Kass Morgan, and Dhonielle Clayton.

Everless by Sara Holland | Goodreads

In Sempera, time is currency—extracted from blood, bound to iron, and consumed to add time to one’s own lifespan. The rich have extended their lives for centuries and nobody resents them more than Jules Ember. Now with her father dying, she must go to them and earn more time for him, but going back brings danger and temptation catching her in a tangle of violent secrets.

Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely | Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Serendipity “Pity” Jones inherited two things from her mother: a pair of six shooters and perfect aim. She’s been offered a life of fame and fortune in Cessation, a glittering city where lawlessness is a way of life. But the price she pays for her freedom may be too great….

Reign The Earth by A.C. Gaughen | Goodreads

Shalia is a proud daughter of the desert, but after years of war, her people are desperate for peace. Willing to trade her freedom, Shalia becomes Queen of the Bonelands. She discovers Calix, her husband, is determined to kill off the Elementae—mystical people who can control earth, wind, air, and fire. More unsettling is Shalia’s feelings for her husband’s brother and discovering her power over the earth—a power that could get her killed.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson | Goodreads

Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers and inventors.  But after it opened, Albert Ellingham’s wife and daughter were kidnapped and it became one of the great unsolved crimes of American history. Now true-crime aficionado Stevie Bell begins her first year at the academy and aims to solve the cold case until death revisits Ellingham Academy.

Wires and Nerves, Vol 2: Gone Rogue by Marissa Meyer | Goodreads

Iko—an audacious android and best friend to the Lunar Queen Cinder—has been tasked with hunting down Alpha Lysander Steele, the leader of a rogue band of bioengineered wolf-soldiers who threaten to undo the tenuous peace agreement between Earth and Luna. Unless Cinder can reverse the mutations that were forced on them years before, Steele and his soldiers plan to satisfy their monstrous appetites with a massacre of the innocent people of Earth.

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown | Goodreads

A decade ago, Darrow was the hero of the revolution but the Rising only brought an endless war. Now he must risk everything he has fought for on one last desperate mission with other destinies entwining with Darrow’s—A young Red girl flees tragedy and gains a new life she could never have imagined. An ex-soldier broken by grief is forced to steal the most valuable thing in the galaxy—or pay with his life. And Lysander au Lune, the heir in exile to the sovereign, wanders the stars with his mentor, Cassius, haunted by the loss of the world that Darrow transformed, and dreaming of what will rise from its ashes.

Reign of the Fallen by Sarah Glenn Marsh | Goodreads

Odessa is one of Karthia’s master necromancers, catering to the kingdom’s ruling Dead. Whenever a noble dies, it’s Odessa’s job to raise them by retrieving their souls from the Deadlands. But the Dead must remain shrouded, or risk transforming into zombie-like monsters known as Shades. Shade attacks soon rise and it appears someone is intentionally creating and training them to attack.

Nice Try, Jane Sinner by Lianne Oelke | Goodreads

17-year-old Jane Sinner’s parents push her to attend a high school completion program after her expulsion, and she agrees as long as she gets to move out. She signs up for a student-run reality show to solve her housing problem. The show goes from web series to a local TV show with fans and she’ll use her growing fan base, and whatever Intro to Psychology can teach her, to prove to the world—or at least viewers of substandard TV—that she has what it takes to win.

Check out other books coming out in January 2018 on our Goodreads list!

The post January Book Releases: YA appeared first on The Nerd Daily.