Rory Power Archives | The Nerd Daily https://thenerddaily.com/tag/rory-power/ All Things Nerdy Mon, 09 Jun 2025 21:28:44 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://i0.wp.com/thenerddaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-Nerd-Daily-Logo-Favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Rory Power Archives | The Nerd Daily https://thenerddaily.com/tag/rory-power/ 32 32 122026701 Q&A: Rory Power, Author of ‘Kill Creatures’ https://thenerddaily.com/rory-power-kill-creatures-author-interview/ https://thenerddaily.com/rory-power-kill-creatures-author-interview/#respond Sun, 08 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=57273 Today we chat with Rory Power, the New York Times bestseller of speculative fiction such as Wilder Girls, Burn Our Bodies Down, and In a Garden Burning Gold. Her latest novel Kill Creatures follows Nan a year on from the mysterious disappearance of her three best friends in Saltcedar Canyon when one of them suddenly returns. Everybody is overjoyed, except Nan, who was pretty sure they were dead. After all, she’s the one who killed them. Hi Rory, thank you […]

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]]> Today we chat with Rory Power, the New York Times bestseller of speculative fiction such as Wilder Girls, Burn Our Bodies Down, and In a Garden Burning Gold. Her latest novel Kill Creatures follows Nan a year on from the mysterious disappearance of her three best friends in Saltcedar Canyon when one of them suddenly returns. Everybody is overjoyed, except Nan, who was pretty sure they were dead. After all, she’s the one who killed them.

Hi Rory, thank you for joining us today! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and your latest book Kill Creatures?

Thank you so much for having me! I’m Rory Power and I write fiction that ranges from adult epic fantasy to young adult thrillers. My hobbies include using too much garlic when I cook, documenting every second of my cat’s life, and scouring my city for the best caprese sandwich. Kill Creatures, my latest book, is a YA thriller about a girl named Nan and what happens when the girl she thought she killed shows back up alive.

This has such a fantastic and hooky premise – I’d love to know what sparked the idea?

This idea was a combination of a lot of things—sort of like opening your junk drawer and finding that the items you left in there have formed something entirely new. I’d had “canyon” on a list of interesting potential settings for a while, and as I was researching, I learned about Lake Powell and the flooding of Glen Canyon, which I found so interesting. I was also hugely inspired by a photograph by Neil Krug called Phantom: Stage One, Peter Weir’s Picnic at Hanging Rock, the Pretty Little Liars TV show, and the story of the Pied Piper.

Nan is such a fascinating protagonist with plenty of secrets she’s trying to hide, not least the deaths she caused. Where did her voice come from and what was it like writing from her perspective?

Finding Nan’s voice was really about digging into the absurdity of her situation. When we meet her, she’s done something so horrible that the way she gauges the world has shifted; her reactions and emotions are always a little out of step with other people’s because for her the stakes are so different. There’s also an edge of nihilism to her voice that can almost be funny sometimes, and I had a lot of fun leaning into that.

This is a propulsive and compelling thriller with plenty of moving pieces to keep track of. What is the plotting process like for you? 

Usually, when I start a book, I only have a very vague sketch of the plot in my head. I’ve found that if I plan ahead too much, I lose what makes the process engaging for me. That does mean that I often have to rework drafts to keep everything cohesive, but I leave notes in the margins as I go about what needs doing, which helps me knit the threads together.

What surprised you while writing this book?

The epilogue surprised me, actually! I didn’t know it was true, so to speak, until I wrote it for the first time. That was one of those things where as soon as I figured it out, I had to go back through the draft and retrace my steps, but I’m so glad I did; it’s one of my favorite parts of the book now.

What songs would form the soundtrack to Kill Creatures for you? 

“Into Dust” by Mazzy Star is high on my playlist for the book, as is the live version of Alanis Morissette covering “King of Pain,” which is originally by The Police. Also a lot of songs off Halsey’s album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.

Unreliable narrators are one of my favourite narrative devices and have been at play in your work. What’s it like using the device and who are some of your favourite writers who utilise unreliable narrators in their work? 

I love making my narrators unreliable—it’s a fun way to create tension in a story, but I think it’s also a way to really make a character human. We’re all unreliable narrators in our own lives, to some degree, and using that device for my fiction makes the characters feel that much more real to me. E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars is one of my favorite examples of that (and another great summer YA thriller read!), as is Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl. And if you’ve already read those, check out Rebecca Barrow’s The Tournament, out later this month!

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

I loved Wake the Wild Creatures by Nova Ren Suma, which came out in May. And I know I said this already, but I highly recommend The Tournament!

If possible, can you share a little about what you are currently working on or any upcoming projects you have?

Right now I’m working on something secret that’s a little bizarre and a lot of fun. After I finish that I’ll be working on a new YA!

Finally, if you could only use five words to describe Kill Creatures, what would they be? 

Propulsive, twisty, dream-like, surprising, lilac

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

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/rory-power-kill-creatures-author-interview/feed/ 0 57273 Review: Kill Creatures by Rory Power https://thenerddaily.com/review-kill-creatures-by-rory-power/ https://thenerddaily.com/review-kill-creatures-by-rory-power/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=57324 Kill Creatures is a sensational and unputdownable YA thriller that is destined to keep you in its clutches until the early hours. You do not want to miss this. Rory Power’s work always thrives in the liminal space between fantasy and reality with an interplay between the two that makes you question what you are reading. This lends itself incredibly well to this story which centres around unreliable narratives and the constant sensation of someone lying to you. As a […]

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]]> Kill Creatures is a sensational and unputdownable YA thriller that is destined to keep you in its clutches until the early hours. You do not want to miss this.

Rory Power’s work always thrives in the liminal space between fantasy and reality with an interplay between the two that makes you question what you are reading. This lends itself incredibly well to this story which centres around unreliable narratives and the constant sensation of someone lying to you. As a reader you are doubting everything and that creates an unease and atmosphere that is like lightning in a bottle. If you cannot believe everything, you feel even more motivated to track down the truth. This is an impossible situation and you desperately want to figure it out. Like other great YA thrillers, there are plenty of twists and turns in store as Power weaves a twisted web for you to get lost in. There is a throughline of potential speculative elements and local folklore entangled in the story that is deeply fascinating and again lends itself to that blurriness and ambiguity that keeps you hooked. It feels like the town itself is a character with the spotlight increasingly weighing down Nan. That small-town community is brought to life with everyone knowing everyone else and subsequently their secrets. The interpersonal dynamics are crucial and Power gradually reveals the full extent of this. Everything feels like kindling waiting to spark and that fateful night is the foregone explosion that was always building. In this vein, Saltcedar Canyon is eerie, a reminder of the power of nature and maybe other elements.

All of this is set up perfectly by that pitch. Nan killed the girls last summer, but now one of them has returned. Everything about this is irresistible and reels you in. I heard this and just had to read the book. It is a unique premise where you know from very early on that you are dealing with a narrative that is going to flip the script and make bold, interesting and unexpected choices. Power capitalises on this and delivers an arresting and enthralling story that constantly builds the tension with stakes that soar sky-high. We follow the two timelines of then and now, building towards a conclusion that seems telegraphed from the first page, but is everything as it really seems?

There is also a thematic exploration of privilege and the tension between holidaymakers and locals that can boil over. The differing backgrounds of these characters has shaped them fundamentally and also causes plenty of clashes. Nan has always been an outsider, until she forged this friendship, but it is layered and complicated in ways that Power slowly shows to the reader. It is wickedly captivating reading with the way the jigsaw pieces start to fit together. There are relationships that develop and may spiral into obsession. It is so well-constructed and builds until the tension feels unbearable. Nan is at the centre of both timelines, evading the truth in the present and moving towards the unthinkable in the past. She is cold, calculating and manipulative with a voice that sends shivers down your spine. In stark contrast, her desire to belong is palpable and strongly defines her. All of this builds towards an incredible and explosive conclusion with an excellent sting in its tale. Power’s writing is exacting and sharp with a bite to it.

Kill Creatures is going to be one of the YA books of the summer. It builds on its phenomenal premise to deliver a taut and thrilling read that keeps you in its clutches until the final page.

Kill Creatures is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Waterstones, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

Last year, Nan’s three best friends ventured into the canyons near their small town and never returned. Now one of them is back, and Nan can’t believe it…because she’s the one who killed them. From the New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls comes another dark thriller about friendship, jealousy, desire, and revenge, with a twist ending that needs to be talked about.

Last summer, Luce, Edie, Jane, and Nan took a boat out for one final swim in the river. It was a perfect summer night.

But the only one who returned that night was Nan. Edie, Jane, and Luce disappeared, and Nan’s story has always been the same: She has no idea what happened. The girls went ahead, and it was as though they vanished into thin air.

Now, one year later, all of Saltcedar has gathered at the river for a memorial. Nan even recreated the outfit she wore that fateful day last summer. And when Luce climbs out of the water, no one is more surprised than Nan.

Because Nan killed her. Right before she killed Edie and Jane.

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/review-kill-creatures-by-rory-power/feed/ 0 57324 72 Of The Most Anticipated YA Books Of 2025 https://thenerddaily.com/young-adult-2025-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/young-adult-2025-book-releases/#respond Sun, 29 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=54480 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! We apologise in advance to your TBR and bank account, but there’s so many fantastic upcoming young adult books hitting shelves between January and June 2025! There’s new releases from Brigid Kemmerer, Libba Bray, Neal Shusterman, Allison Saft, Tracy Deonn, Ava Reid, Jennifer Dugan, Dahlia Adler, Elizabeth Lim, Becky Albertalli, and many more, plus […]

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]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie!

We apologise in advance to your TBR and bank account, but there’s so many fantastic upcoming young adult books hitting shelves between January and June 2025! There’s new releases from Brigid Kemmerer, Libba Bray, Neal Shusterman, Allison Saft, Tracy Deonn, Ava Reid, Jennifer Dugan, Dahlia Adler, Elizabeth Lim, Becky Albertalli, and many more, plus incredible debut novels!

Read on to discover new books hitting shelves in the first half of the year and be sure to check out our other 2025 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Romance, Fantasy & Sci-Fi and Fiction lists.

JANUARY 2025 YA BOOKS

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee

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A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.

Bingsu For Two by Sujin Witherspoon

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This outrageously charming and infuriatingly adorable enemies-to-lovers coffee shop romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Better Than the Movies.

Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough

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This historical novel in prose and verse tells the story of a deadly secret hiding in plain sight and of the women who risk everything to provide care for those with nowhere else to turn, perfect for fans of Blood Water Paint and The Lost Apothecary.

Royal Heirs Academy by Lindsey Duga

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In this story filled with “romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets” (Kristy Boyce), four teens living in a glamorous boarding school must compete in order to inherit a European kingdom.

Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella

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An Into the Woods-inspired fairy tale retelling where Cinderella never went to the ball and must lie to get her prince.

Brewed With Love by Shelly Page

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A cozy sapphic romantasy about a teen witch trying to keep her family’s apothecary up and running, with a little help from her ex-best friend—and first crush.

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang

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From the bestselling, and award-winning author of If You Could See The Sun comes a new page-turning speculative YA about a girl who wishes she could be as perfect and successful as her cousin… then wakes up the next morning in her cousin’s body.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

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A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . . Family secrets that can’t stay buried . . . A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . . This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn

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Heartstopper meets Derry Girls in this wonderfully hilarious rom-com about finding your first love when your personality might be too big for the world around you.

The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley

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In this riveting historical thriller inspired by true-life events, Belladonna meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.

Build A Girlfriend by Elba Luz

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A teen deep-dives into her dating history to uncover her mistakes, become the perfect girlfriend, and get revenge on the wrong guy so she can ride into the sunset with the right one in this debut rom-com.

Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer

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Dangerous magic. Fateful choices. Broken promises. The spellbinding series by New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer continues.

FEBRUARY 2025 YA BOOKS

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor

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The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Wicked Darlings by Jordyn Taylor

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From the author of The Revenge Game comes a twisty YA thriller about the underbelly of Manhattan’s high society, where nothing is off-limits—not even murder.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

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From New York Times-bestselling author Libba Bray comes an evocative and groundbreaking young adult historical mystery that examines truth, rebellion, reconciliation, and what must be sacrificed for a better world.

Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

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In this debut speculative YA mystery, a Black teen with premonition-like powers must solve her friend’s disappearance before she finds herself in the same danger, perfect for fans of Ace of Spades.

These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban

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A vengeful female spirit with a thirst for justice ignites a teen girl’s rage in this new YA horror, perfect for fans of She Is a Haunting and House of Hollow.

The Wildest Things by Andrea Hannah

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In this sapphic Snow White retelling, if Snow is to save her kingdom from being ravaged by the Blight, she’ll have to kill the Evil Queen’s daughter…if she doesn’t fall in love with her first.

All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

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From New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman comes a young adult thriller about a world where happiness is contagious but the risks of catching it may be just as dangerous as the cure.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

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The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft

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Brimming with magic and romance, a young fairy queen must form an unlikely alliance or risk an unspeakable danger destroying all she holds dear in this fantasy adventure from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft.

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk

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Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Lexi Ryan, this debut romantasy stand-alone novel blends an immersive world, unique magic system, and swoon-worthy romance to create an unputdownable read that explores the great and terrible lengths to which love compels us to go.

Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson

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A teen girl travels to an exclusive boarding school after a deadly incident at her old school, but the wood-paneled halls of Agathion are built over centuries of secrets—including an ancient society which may have ties to demonic magic—in this dark academia fantasy perfect for fans of Curious Tides.

This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole

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Perfect for fans of Raybearer and Fourth Wing, this astonishing sequel to the bestselling novel So Let Them Burn doesn’t hold back. After all, there are no easy endings in war—especially when sisters are forced to fight on opposite sides.

MARCH 2025 YA BOOKS

All the Hidden Monsters by Amie Jordan

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With a crew so entertaining and unique―All the Hidden Monsters is funny, serious, scary―and you’ll never guess who did it. There’s a world below our own, but who is killing who in both of them?

Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris

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Saved! meets Casey McQuiston in this wry, heartfelt tale of a teen who’s taking her church camp by storm—one deadly sin at a time.

Nightweaver by R.M. Gray

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Filled with elemental magic, forbidden romance, and breathtaking twists, Nightweaver is a propulsive romantasy about an iron-willed heroine avenging her brother and discovering her destiny.

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

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Tracy Deonn’s #1 New York Times bestselling Legendborn Cycle continues in the sensational third book about a dazzling contemporary fantasy world that blends Southern Black Girl Magic with secret societies and the legend of King Arthur!

When The Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain

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From New York Times bestselling author of Dark and Shallow Lies comes a new southern gothic supernatural thriller about a teen girl in a small Ozark town who can hear the bones of the dead.

Fable For The End of the World by Ava Reid

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The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in this stand-alone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.

Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chen

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Jennifer Chen’s Hangry Hearts is a funny, big-hearted romance about friendship, family, and first love―and being brave enough to have it all.

Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin

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From author Elisa A. Bonnin comes Lovely Dark and Deep, a YA dark academia novel exploring magic, loneliness, and the power of found family.

What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch

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Inspired by an ominous Prague legend, What Wakes the Bells is a lavish gothic fantasy by debut author Elle Tesch that is perfect for fans of Adalyn Grace, Margaret Rogerson, and V.E. Schwab.

In The Company of Killers by Elora Cook

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Gossip Girl meets The Sopranos in this fast-paced drama about a teenage mafia heiress who would do anything to avenge her family, even join forces with her handsome enemy.

How to Survive a Slasher by Justine Pucella Winans

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You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight meets Scream in this YA slasher that turns classic horror tropes on their heads.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

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The phenomenal fifth book in the Hunger Games series. Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

APRIL 2025 YA BOOKS

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

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Bestselling Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton is back with a glittering fantasy thriller about a glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

Run Away With Me by Brian Selznick

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Brian Selznick, a profoundly romantic YA novel about two boys finding each other and falling in love over one summer in Rome.

The Floating World by Axie Oh

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From Axie Oh, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in this lighthearted romantic fantasy reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens.

Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

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From the National Book Award finalist and author of Pet comes a novel set in a magical West African world, about a teen girl who must save her missing twin while learning to navigate her own terrifying new powers.

Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell

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We Were Liars meets The Raven Boys in this mind-bending YA debut about dark revenge, twisted desire, and the sinister secrets lurking behind the walls of an elite boarding school.

Pride or Die by C.L. Montblanc

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In this delightful dark comedy debut, when the members of an LGBTQ+ club find themselves accidentally framed for attempted murder, it’s up to them to clear their names before it’s too late.

The Coven Tendency by Zoe Hana Mikuta

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Zoe Hana Mikuta delivers a bloody and unrelenting fantasy about young witches dangling on the edge of love and obsession, of magic and madness, of life and death (and death and death and death). . .

If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal

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Booksmart meets Phantom of the Megaplex in Zakiya N. Jamal’s debut enthralling enemies-to-lovers queer romance, set against the backdrop of a historic Black-owned movie theater, the quirky employees who work there, and the suburbs of Long Island. Perfect for fans of Leah Johnson and Today Tonight Tomorrow.

Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love by Jessica Lewis

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Giving the new girl lessons in romance so she can woo your best friend couldn’t possibly go wrong…right? Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuiston, this romantic comedy from Jessica Lewis is packed with heart.

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson

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Two years ago, the murder of a neighbor tore three best friends apart–now the killer is going to walk free and the ex-friends are going to have to face the past–and each other–in another twisty thriller from the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Agathas.

Chaos King by Kacen Callender

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The explosive sequel to instant New York Times bestselling YA debut Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender.

Lady Knight by Amalie Howard

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The daughter of a duke defies the rules of London high society with the help of the resident rake—who just so happens to be her brother’s best friend—in this fun teen historical romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

MAY 2025 YA BOOKS

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

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A twisty thrill-ride of unforgettable drama and suspense that “encapsulates the vulnerability of adolescents playing adult games” (Ali Hazelwood) from USA Today bestselling author Julie Soto, The Thrashers will keep you up at night desperate to read just one more page.

Audre and Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams

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Scorching-hot summer. Scorching-hot chemistry. Two teens can’t forget they’re just friends in this sweet, funny, electrifying romance from New York Times bestselling author Tia Williams. Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Nicola Yoon.

Salvación by Sandra Proudman

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In this Latinx YA fantasy inspired by El Zorro, Lola de La Peña becomes the masked heroine Salvación in order to save her family and town from a man who would destroy it for the magic it contains…if she doesn’t fall in love with one of his men first.

The Lost Queen by Aimee Phan

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A heroine like no other, ancient magic unleashed, a fated epic battle–the first book in an enchanting YA fantasy duology inspired by Vietnamese lore, weaving magic, sisterhood, and self-discovery.

Summer Girls by Jennifer Dugan

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From the author of Some Girls Do comes a YA sapphic romance about two girls from different sides of the tracks.

This Moth Saw Brightness by A. A. Vacharat

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A weird and revelatory debut that vividly captures the dislocation of growing up BIPOC and neurodivergent in a country awash in both conspiracy theories and genuine conspiracies.

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler

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Dahlia Adler’s Come As You Are is about refusing to accept less than you deserve, and realizing that the best relationships are with people who know exactly who you are.

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

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An epic new fantasy about a demon hunter and a foot soldier thrown together in a centuries-old war. . . and the forbidden love that could change the course of history.

All-Nighter by Cecilia Vinesse

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Booksmart meets Today, Tonight, Tomorrow in this page-turning romp about two archnemeses—the valedictorian and the class slacker—who band together for a whirlwind night after discovering that they need each other to achieve their very different sunrise goals.  

Out of Step, into You by Ciera Burch

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Out of Step, into You is a sapphic contemporary romance following childhood friends turned cross-country team rivals who are forced to work together to win the state championship – for fans of She Gets the Girl.

Titan of the Stars by E.K. Johnston

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Alien meets The Titanic in this tense YA science fiction horror series by #1 New York Times bestselling author E.K. Johnston.

Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala

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The young adult debut from the award-winning author of Arsenic and Adobo! When a high school tarot reader’s latest client goes missing after a troubling reading, she must apply everything she’s learned from her private investigator mother to solve a case of her own.

JUNE 2025 YA BOOKS

Celestial Banquet by Roselle Lim

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Iron Chef meets The Hunger Games in Roselle Lim’s dazzling YA fantasy debut, following a young noodle chef who competes in a cutthroat cooking competition for the gods.

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

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RED QUEEN meets SHADOW AND BONE in this explosive start to a YA romantasy trilogy about dangerous magic, forbidden love, and a cut-throat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns are not inherited — they’re won.

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Shea Ernshaw comes a haunting romantic contemporary fantasy about a teen navigating her family’s love curse that blooms with their enchanted tulips every year.

Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang

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From the author of the instant New York Times bestseller I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, Never Thought I’d End Up Here is another hilarious and romantic romcom from Ann Liang, this time following a former model determined to get revenge on the boy who ruined her life.

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

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A breathtaking romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast about a girl who paints the future and a cursed dragon lord, bound by love and deception in a plot to bring down the gods.

Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales

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Young Royals meets The Prince and Me when a disgraced princess falls for a new student at their all-girls boarding school, but the two must hide their forbidden love at all costs.

Kill Creatures by Rory Power

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From the bestselling author of Wilder Girls and queen of twisty narratives, Rory Power, comes her highly anticipated new Young Adult thriller.

A First Time for Everything by K.L. Walther

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules comes a fun new coming-of-age romance full of dating disasters, powerful firsts, and the importance of family.

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli

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The beautiful and heartwarming new romance from Becky Albertalli, best-selling author of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

A Treachery of Swans by A.B. Poranek

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Where the Dark Stands Still comes an atmospheric fantasy based on Swan Lake, following Odile as her plan to restore magic to her kingdom gets disrupted by a murder—forcing her to beg for help from the young woman whose identity she stole.

Among Ghosts by Rachel Hartman

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Set in the world of New York Times bestseller Seraphina, a boy on the run from a dragon—among other dangers—seeks refuge in a haunted abbey in this wholly original ghost story about what haunts us, and what connects us.

If We Survive This by Racquel Marie

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The Walking Dead meets Yellowjackets in If We Survive This, a tense and emotional young adult horror novel from award-winning author Racquel Marie about a teen girl leading a group of survivors on a perilous journey during the apocalypse.

What YA books are you looking forward to? Any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/young-adult-2025-book-releases/feed/ 0 54480 Sick Of That Same Old Love: Four Novels That Look At True Love In A New Lens https://thenerddaily.com/heather-walter-author-guest-post/ https://thenerddaily.com/heather-walter-author-guest-post/#respond Sat, 24 Aug 2024 12:00:24 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=52222 Guest post written by The Crimson Crown author Heather WalterHeather Walter has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with both English and Information Science degrees, books are–and always will be–a definitive part of her life. As an author, Heather loves writing about what-ifs, flawed protagonists, and re-imagined history. Her favorite characters are usually villains. When not writing, you can find her reading (duh), knitting, binging TV, and […]

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]]> Guest post written by The Crimson Crown author Heather Walter
Heather Walter has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with both English and Information Science degrees, books are–and always will be–a definitive part of her life. As an author, Heather loves writing about what-ifs, flawed protagonists, and re-imagined history. Her favorite characters are usually villains. When not writing, you can find her reading (duh), knitting, binging TV, and planning her next travel adventure.

Given that I write fairy-tale retellings, it may surprise you to learn that I’m a bit of a skeptic where true love is concerned. As a young reader, most stories I read were about the true love between a prince and princess. Seeing as a fair number of those princesses were sleeping when they met their alleged soul-mates, I was extremely skeptical about the prospect of their happily ever after. How could a single kiss could break a curse? And why was the princess always falling for some guy? Weren’t there other kinds of love? 

As an author, I’ve tried to reclaim some of these stories and allow them to represent the love that felt true to me. My upcoming novel, THE CRIMSON CROWN, is a queer reimagining of the rise of Snow White’s Evil Queen, packed with angsty sapphic romance.

But though I wrote a love story for that iconic villainess, I don’t believe romance is the only kind of true love that exists. In fact, I could argue that the wicked Queen was already in love before I found her–with herself. And while being obsessed with youth and beauty might have been the Queen’s downfall, can’t we say the same for romantic love? And just because love might look different–does that make it any less true? 

In answer to that question, here some of my favorite novels that examine true love in a wholly new lens: 

IMMORTAL LONGINGS by Chloe Gong

Though this is a retelling of Anthony and Cleopatra–one of the most famous love stories of all time–readers will not find fairytale romance at its murderous heart.

Chloe Gong’s adult debut follows Calla Tuoleimi, disgraced princess of San-Er, who spends her days plotting how to pick off the royal family who wronged her. Her chance arrives when San-Er’s deadly body-jumping competition is announced. If Calla wins, she’ll get her shot to kill the king and end her blood-feud. But what should be an easy victory complicates when Calla meets Anton Makusa, an ex-aristocrat who has also entered the games–for his own reasons. As the games progress, Calla and Anton form a tenuous–and steamy–alliance. But Calla knows that there can only be one winner of the competition and she must decide how far she will go–and who she will sacrifice–in order to be named the victor.  

While Chloe Gong packs her pages with enough steam to fog your mirror, the love in this book is less between our lead characters and more between Calla and power itself. You’ll be rooting for that couple until the bitter end.

THE JASMINE THRONE by Tasha Suri

This Indian-inspired epic fantasy series offers more romance than Chloe Gong’s blood-soaked battle of a novel, but Tasha Suri stuffs it with just as many knives (and every one of them is aimed at readers’ hearts). 

THE JASMINE THRONE is the story of Malini, a princess held captive by her power-hungry brother, and Priya, a maidservant with a magical secret. When Malini discovers Priya’s abilities, she enlists the reluctant young woman to help her depose her brother and save the empire. As the two embark on their deadly quest, their arrangement blossoms into a passion neither woman expected. But as much as they might care for each other, love itself might not be enough to hold them together. 

Don’t get me wrong–Malini and Priya’s love story is swoon-worthy. But what I appreciated most about this book was that, even though Malini and Priya harbored genuine feelings for one another, their true love was for their people. And they’d do anything to defend those they love the most–even from each other. 

SOLOMON’S CROWN by Natasha Siegel 

If you wanted Lion in Winter to be gay, Natasha Siegel has your back. I’ve not stopped thinking about the rival princes in her gorgeously written novel since I met them. 

SOLOMON’S CROWN is a historical re-imagining of twelfth-century rulers Philip, King of France, and Richard, Duke of Aquitaine. Bookish and brooding Philip is determined to use his reign to bring France back to glory. Richard is a careless party-boy who finds himself the unexpected heir to England’s throne. When Richard’s father, King Henry, makes it his personal mission to crush France, Philip and Richard form an unlikely alliance–which quickly turns to forbidden affection. But with war looming and their crowns in the line, Richard and Philip must decide whether their love is worth the cost of their thrones. 

Though Siegel herself admits in the author’s note that her work is by no means historically accurate, I love the idea that this story between Richard and Philip could have been true. If it was, Natasha Siegel presents these two rulers in an entirely new light–and gives them the story they deserve. 

IN A GARDEN BURNING GOLD by Rory Power

If you’ve ever wondered what Succession would look like set in a Greek mythology-inspired fantasy world, this book is it. And just like our toxic Roy clan, the love (if we’re calling it that) in Rory Power’s glittering novel is that between family. 

IN A GARDEN BURNING GOLD follows Rhea, her twin brother, Lexos, and their siblings as they all scrabble for their domineering father’s approval. Gifted with god-like powers, Rhea and her siblings use their magic to harness the natural elements of their country–all while their father rules with an iron fist. But when his position begins to slip, Rhea and Lexos decide to make their own plan to seize power and control the realm for themselves. Predictably, their father isn’t going to let his empire be taken from him, and it will take all of Rhea and Lexos’s cunning to survive the fallout of their coup. 

Rory Power takes sibling rivalry to literal god-tier status with this one. What I loved best about the novel was that, no matter how much they schemed, it was clear that the siblings cared for each other. Their love and loyalty were true, if complicated. But don’t worry–the story is filled with enough backstabbing and betrayals to make even the Roys’ heads spin. 

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/heather-walter-author-guest-post/feed/ 0 52222 Q&A: Rory Power, Author of ‘In a Garden Burning Gold’ https://thenerddaily.com/rory-power-in-a-garden-burning-gold-interview/ https://thenerddaily.com/rory-power-in-a-garden-burning-gold-interview/#respond Tue, 19 Apr 2022 03:00:55 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=39786 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. We had the pleasure of chatting with Rory Power about her latest book release In A Garden Burning Gold, along with writing, book recommendations, and more! Hi, Rory! Thanks for joining us again! We last spoke in 2019, so other than that rigmarole […]

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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.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Rory Power about her latest book release In A Garden Burning Gold, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!

Hi, Rory! Thanks for joining us again! We last spoke in 2019, so other than that rigmarole we continue to deal with, what have you been up to in the last three years?

Thank you so much for having me back! I’ve been writing, reading, watching a lot of TV, and doing battle with my cat, Scallion, who joined the household in 2020 and has been making it her own ever since.

When did you first discover your love for writing?

I grew up in a house full of books, which taught me to love reading from a young age, and as is the case for a lot of writers, that really left a mark on me. I think I started writing stories down when I was five or six!

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!

Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques! … Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques! (Is it cheating if I use the same one twice? Don’t answer that.) And Piranesi by Susanna Clarke.

Your new novel, In a Garden Burning Gold, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

I think I’ll go with: family, betrayal, intricacy, politics, and growth.

What can readers expect?

You can expect a new kind of voice from me as compared to my young adult work, a sprawling world to get lost in, and a quartet of siblings who love and hate each other in equal amounts.

Where did the inspiration for In a Garden Burning Gold come from?

I drew a lot of my inspiration from my family’s history in Greece. We’re from the northwest, and the history there, particularly during the 15th-19th centuries, is unique – the area was able to stay fairly distinct even under Ottoman rule. I took a lot of that and worked it into the world that Garden inhabits.

Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?

This is the longest thing I’ve ever written (except the sequel, which I just finished drafting a few weeks ago!) and the biggest challenge for me was keeping track of all the moving pieces over a larger work. I had to get a lot better at taking notes and marking down important phrases or pieces of information.

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

I loved writing Chrysanthi, the youngest of the four siblings – I’m a youngest sibling myself, so I relished any opportunity to really give her a chance to shine. And she’ll have a lot more time to do that in the sequel!

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

I think the worst advice I’ve gotten was when someone told me not to write every day, but that’s just because I’ve found that writing every day works for me. That advice would probably be very good advice for someone else! And I think that’s kind of the best advice I’ve ever gotten: trust your gut, and know that what works for you might not always be what works for other people.

What’s next for you?

The sequel to In a Garden Burning Gold will be out in the next year, and I’ll also be diving back into young adult! More to come soon!

Lastly, do you have any 2022 book recommendations for our readers?

Loved Rosiee Thor’s Fire Becomes Her, and Liz Parker’s In the Shadow Garden (all Garden titles are good titles).

Will you be picking up In a Garden Burning Gold? Tell us in the comments below!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/rory-power-in-a-garden-burning-gold-interview/feed/ 0 39786 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases To Devour In 2022 https://thenerddaily.com/fantasy-sci-fi-january-to-june-2022-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/fantasy-sci-fi-january-to-june-2022-book-releases/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2022 03:00:14 +0000 https://thenerddaily.com/?p=38746 The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie! 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 […]

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]]> The Nerd Daily may obtain commissions for qualifying purchases from the links included in this article, but it’s so important to remember to shop local and indie!

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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Award-winning author Benjamin Percy delivers both a gripping science fiction thriller and a dazzling examination of a planet—and a marriage—that have broken.

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
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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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Siren Queen offers up an enthralling exploration of an outsider achieving stardom on her own terms, in a fantastical Hollywood where the monsters are real and the magic of the silver screen illuminates every page.

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
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Samantha Knox is back for another adventure in this 1920s female-driven mystery-adventure series!

Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Riveting in its scope, exquisitely written, Ordinary Monsters presents a catastrophic vision of the Victorian world―and of the gifted, broken children who must save it.

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
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/fantasy-sci-fi-january-to-june-2022-book-releases/feed/ 1 38746 10 Recent and Incredible Sapphic Book Releases That You’ll Love https://thenerddaily.com/10-recent-sapphic-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/10-recent-sapphic-book-releases/#respond Fri, 05 Feb 2021 22:00:29 +0000 https://www.thenerddaily.com/?p=31501 Need a sapphic read? Curious as to what’s new? Here’s a list of 10 recent releases! From independent authors, such as S.D. Simper and Diana Pinguica, to Kalynn Bayron and Rory Power, this list has some truly great reads! From fairytale retellings to horror with stories of curses and ghosts, there’s bound to be a book you’ll love in this list! Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed […]

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]]> Need a sapphic read? Curious as to what’s new? Here’s a list of 10 recent releases! From independent authors, such as S.D. Simper and Diana Pinguica, to Kalynn Bayron and Rory Power, this list has some truly great reads! From fairytale retellings to horror with stories of curses and ghosts, there’s bound to be a book you’ll love in this list!

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!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/10-recent-sapphic-book-releases/feed/ 0 31501 July 2020 Book Releases https://thenerddaily.com/july-2020-book-releases/ https://thenerddaily.com/july-2020-book-releases/#respond Tue, 30 Jun 2020 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.thenerddaily.com/?p=25176 Well fellow bookworms, it’s time to say hello to the second half of 2020! July’s book releases look far different to what they did at the start of the year with some books being pushed back months later or even until next year due to COVID-19. With that being said, there are still plenty of wonderful books being released this month! This month sees releases from loved authors such as Kevin Kwan, Sarah Henning, Michele Campbell, Paul Tremblay, and more! […]

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]]> Well fellow bookworms, it’s time to say hello to the second half of 2020! July’s book releases look far different to what they did at the start of the year with some books being pushed back months later or even until next year due to COVID-19. With that being said, there are still plenty of wonderful books being released this month!

This month sees releases from loved authors such as Kevin Kwan, Sarah Henning, Michele Campbell, Paul Tremblay, and more! From fantastic fantasy to breathtaking romances, there’s something for everyone within these releases!

July 2020 Book Releases
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Girls team up to overthrow the kingdom in this unique and powerful retelling of Cinderella from a stunning new voice that’s perfect for fans of A Curse So Dark and Lonely.

He Started It by Samantha Downing
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the twisted mind behind mega hit My Lovely Wife comes the story of a family—not unlike your own—just with a few more violent tendencies thrown in….

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The iconic author of the bestselling phenomenon Crazy Rich Asians returns with a glittering tale of love and longing as a young woman finds herself torn between two worlds–the WASP establishment of her father’s family and George Zao, a man she is desperately trying to avoid falling in love with.

The Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Princess Will Save You is a YA fantasy adventure inspired by The Princess Bride, in which a princess must rescue her stable boy true love, from the acclaimed author of Sea Witch, Sarah Henning.

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Luc O’Donnell is tangentially–and reluctantly–famous. To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship…and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that’s when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don’t ever want to let them go.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From Michele Campbell, the bestselling author of It’s Always the Husband comes a new blockbuster thriller in The Wife Who Knew Too Much.

Queen of Storms by Raymond E. Feist
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Dark and powerful forces threaten the world of Garn once more in this second novel in legendary New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feist’s epic fantasy series, the Firemane Saga.

The Shadows by Alex North
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The haunting new thriller from Alex North, author of the New York Times bestseller The Whisper Man.

July 2020 Book Releases
Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Wilder Girls comes a new twisty thriller about a girl whose past has always been a mystery—until she decides to return to her mother’s hometown . . . where history has a tendency to repeat itself.

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The creeping horror of Paul Tremblay meets Tommy Orange’s There There in a dark novel of revenge, cultural identity, and the cost of breaking from tradition in this latest novel from the Jordan Peele of horror literature, Stephen Graham Jones.

The Book of Dragons by Jonathan Strahan
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Scott Lynch, R.F. Kuang, Kate Elliott, Ken Liu, Todd McCaffrey, Garth Nix, Peter S. Beagle, and other modern masters of fantasy and science fiction put their unique spin on the greatest of mythical beasts—the dragon—in never-before-seen works written exclusively for this fantasy anthology compiled by award-winning editor Jonathan Strahan and with art by Rovina Cai!

Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A riveting novel of suspense and terror from the Bram Stoker award-winning author of The Cabin at the End of the World and A Head Full of Ghosts.

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

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/july-2020-book-releases/feed/ 0 25176 The Best YA Books of 2019 https://thenerddaily.com/best-ya-books-of-2019/ https://thenerddaily.com/best-ya-books-of-2019/#comments Tue, 10 Dec 2019 20:00:36 +0000 https://www.thenerddaily.com/?p=19111 Arthurian retellings, a magical library, vampires, high sea adventures, magic dresses, a futuristic Black Panther–inspired Nigeria…these are just a few of the tales you will find amongst 2019’s young adult books! There have been some truly incredible releases this year from authors such as Brigid Kemmerer, Margaret Rogerson, Ruta Sepetys, and Natasha Ngan, along with releases from debut authors who have certainly made a name for themselves! While there has been many fantastic young adult releases, we’ve rounded up some […]

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]]> Arthurian retellings, a magical library, vampires, high sea adventures, magic dresses, a futuristic Black Panther–inspired Nigeria…these are just a few of the tales you will find amongst 2019’s young adult books! There have been some truly incredible releases this year from authors such as Brigid Kemmerer, Margaret Rogerson, Ruta Sepetys, and Natasha Ngan, along with releases from debut authors who have certainly made a name for themselves! While there has been many fantastic young adult releases, we’ve rounded up some of the best!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you have read any of them!

Best 2019 YA Books

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret–she’s a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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

Best 2019 YA Books

Color Outside the Lines by Sangu Mandanna
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This modern, groundbreaking YA anthology explores the complexity and beauty of interracial and LGBTQ+ relationships where differences are front and center from authors Anna-Marie McLemore, Elsie Chapman, Karuna Riazi, Lydia Kang, L.L. McKinney, Lauren Gibaldi, Tara Sim, Caroline Tung Richmond, Kelly Zekas, Tarun Shanker, Samira Ahmed, Adam Silvera, Eric Smith, Lori M. Lee, and Michelle Ruiz Keil.

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this start to a thrilling, subversive near future series from New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young about a girls-only private high school that is far more than it appears to be.

Across A Broken Shore by Amy Trueblood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Best 2019 YA Books

Full Disclosure by Camryn Garrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a community that isn’t always understanding, an HIV-positive teen must navigate fear, disclosure, and radical self-acceptance when she falls in love–and lust–for the first time. Powerful and uplifting, Full Disclosure will speak to fans of Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon.

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens comes an imaginative fantasy about an apprentice at a magical library who must battle a powerful sorcerer to save her kingdom.

Gravemaidens by Kelly Coon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land’s greatest honour…and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave.

We Are Lost and Found by Helene Dunbar
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A poignant, heartbreaking, and uplifting story in the tradition of The Perks of Being a Wallflower about three friends coming of age in the early 1980s as they struggle to forge their own paths in the face of fear of the unknown.

Best 2019 YA Books

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this moving novel, debut author David Yoon takes on the question of who am I? with a result that is humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable.

Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

High seas adventure, blackmail, and meddling gods meet in Dark Shores, a thrilling first novel in a fast-paced new YA fantasy series by USA Today bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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

Best 2019 YA Books

Girls of Storm and Shadow by Natasha Ngan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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

Swipe Right for Murder by Derek Milman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An epic case of mistaken identity puts a teen looking for a hookup on the run from both the FBI and a murderous cult in this compulsively readable thriller.

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A feminist Lord of the Flies about three best friends living in quarantine at their island boarding school, and the lengths they go to uncover the truth of their confinement when one disappears. This fresh, new debut is a mind-bending novel unlike anything you’ve read before.

The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Debut author Margaret Owen crafts a powerful saga of vengeance, survival, and sacrifice–perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kendare Blake–in The Merciful Crow.

Do you have any other 2019 YA favourites? Tell us in the comments below!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/best-ya-books-of-2019/feed/ 1 19111 Most Gorgeous Book Covers of July 2019 https://thenerddaily.com/july-2019-book-covers/ https://thenerddaily.com/july-2019-book-covers/#respond Tue, 30 Jul 2019 03:00:11 +0000 https://www.thenerddaily.com/?p=16632 Written by Elizabeth Smith They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but sometimes it’s hard not to when the cover is just so gorgeous. Here are 15 of the month’s most beautiful covers! We Came Here To Forget by Andrea Dunlop | Goodreads The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu | Goodreads We Walked The Sky by Lisa Fiedler | Goodreads The Beckoning Shadow by Katharyn Blair | Goodreads Stars In His Eyes by Marti Gironell | Goodreads […]

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]]> Written by Elizabeth Smith

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but sometimes it’s hard not to when the cover is just so gorgeous. Here are 15 of the month’s most beautiful covers!

July 2019 Best Book Covers

We Came Here To Forget by Andrea Dunlop | Goodreads
The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu | Goodreads
We Walked The Sky by Lisa Fiedler | Goodreads
The Beckoning Shadow by Katharyn Blair | Goodreads
Stars In His Eyes by Marti Gironell | Goodreads

July 2019 Best Book Covers

Wilder Girls by Rory Power | Goodreads
The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson | Goodreads
In The Full Light of the Sun by Clare Clark | Goodreads
Escalante’s Dream by David Roberts | Goodreads
The Blue Salt Road by Joanne M. Harris | Goodreads

July 2019 Best Book Covers

The Reunion by Guillaume Musso | Goodreads
The Traitor’s Kingdom by Erin Beaty | Goodreads
The Miraculous by Jess Redman | Goodreads
The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger | Goodreads
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Goodreads

Are there any other covers you love from July 2019? Tell us in the comments below!

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]]> https://thenerddaily.com/july-2019-book-covers/feed/ 0 16632