Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Shaun David Hutchinson‘s The School For Invisible Boys, which is out February 6th 2024.

Sixth grade takes a turn for the weird when Hector Griggs discovers he has the ability to turn invisible. Sure, ever since Hector’s former best friend Blake started bullying him, he’s been feeling like he just wants to disappear…but he never thought he actually would. And then, Hector meets another invisible boy, Orson Wellington, who has an ominous warning: “I’m stuck here. Stuck like this. It’s been years. The gelim’s hunting me and it’ll get you, too.” 

It turns out, there is more than meets the eye at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys, and if Hector is going to save Orson–and himself—from the terrifying creature preying on students’ loneliness and fear, he’ll need to look deeper. With the help of a mysterious new classmate, Sam, can Hector unravel the mysteries haunting his school, and discover that sometimes it takes disappearing to really be seen?

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The post Read An Excerpt From ‘The School for Invisible Boys’ by Shaun David Hutchinson appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Game On is filled with fifteen stories by star-studded contributors: Gloria Chao, Sona Charaipotra, Kika Hatzopoulou, Katie Cotugno, Isaac Fitzsimons, Kathleen Glasgow, Shaun David Hutchinson, Kim Jones & Gilly Segal, Amanda Joy, Yamile Saied Méndez, Anna Meriano, Nina Moreno, Laura Silverman, Kayla Whaley and Francesca Zappia. And it’s of course the magic of anthologies that they bring you stories from your favourite authors while also introducing you to new voices you might not have heard about before. Need an example? I’d been itching to get my hands on this book because of well-known names like Francesca Zappia (and that story did not disappoint), yet after finishing all fifteen stories, I had an entire cart full of books to order at my local indie bookshop because I discovered authors like Sona Charaipotra and Anna Meriano I hadn’t heard much from before but now couldn’t wait to read more from.

What I absolutely adored about this collection is how diverse and inclusive it was. It might not seem like much to others, but for me to pick up an anthology (and believe me, I’ve read quite a lot this year) that’s not marketed directly as a queer anthology and yet for more than half of the stories to star LGBTQIAP+ characters? Chef’s kiss right there. On top of that, the characters came from a variety of different backgrounds, races and religions and I loved how, even if that wasn’t always the focus, it coloured the stories with so much authenticity and diversity.

Now, my reading experience turned out to be quite a nostalgic journey. Obviously, this book is about games and competition, about winning and losing and everything that comes with being on the right team—or the wrong one. I loved how, beyond the actual games in these stories—whether it’s Spin the Bottle, Settlers of Catan, or a fun scavenger hunt—there was always the sense of community that comes with playing games. Whether you’ve ever been part of a sports team or ever lost epically during an online gaming session, there’s usually that sense of camaraderie, which is the beauty of playing games. Games and competitions can bring people together in so many ways. And in the end, it’s not so much about winning or losing, it’s about who you’re winning or losing with. There’s also this theme of competition bringing out the best and worst in people and some stories in here discussed this so beautifully. While I obviously won’t talk about any of the stories in detail, I do want to mention one in particular.

One of the short stories follows a group playing a game called Werewolf. That story was such a throwback for me because it made me miss those summer days where my friends and I would get together after school and sit in the garden, eyes closed, waiting to be assigned “our roles” as a werewolf hunted us down, one by one. Truth be told, I hadn’t thought of that game in nearly a decade and that story just threw me back in time completely. That’s short stories at their best, in my opinion. When authors manage to momentarily transport you to this other place and remind you of the things you love(d). I hope that if you pick this up, there will be such a moment for you as well. Whether it’s in the short story that has two people falling for each other during a puzzle-filled scavenger hunt on campus, the one that finds a group of friends playing card games up on the roof during those lovely summer nights or even the one where two teams battle it out for Team Retro or Team Modern at an amusement park.

Game On is a love letter to games and competition. Whether you’re a fan of sports, board or video games, chances are there is at least one story in Game On will bring out your inner champion. With inclusive narratives and diverse characters, this anthology is a fun addition to any bookshelf!

Game On is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of January 18th 2022.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

From the slightly fantastical to the utterly real, light and sweet romance to tales tinged with horror and thrills, Game On is an anthology that spans genre and style. But beneath each story is a loving ode to competition and games perfect for anyone who has ever played a sport or a board game, picked up a video game controller, or rolled a twenty-sided die.

A manhunt game is interrupted by a town disappearing beneath the players’ eyes. A puzzle-filled scavenger hunt emboldens one college freshman to be brave with the boy she’s crushing on. A series of summer nights full of card games leads a boy to fall for a boy who he knows is taken. And a spin the bottle game that could end a life-long friendship.

Fifteen stories, and fifteen unforgettable experiences that may inspire readers to start up that Settlers of Catan game again.

The post Review: Game On, edited by Laura Silverman appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

September 2021 is bringing it with new releases from YA favourites such as Tiffany D. Jackson and Kendare Blake, to debut authors like Alexandra Leigh Young and Sarah Hollowell, all the while featuring stories of queer love, missing (or dead) teenagers, new takes on favourite tales, vampires, magic, and so much more!

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of them, too!

Things We Couldn’t Say by Jay Coles
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From one of the brightest and most acclaimed new lights in YA fiction, a fantastic new novel about a bi Black boy finding first love . . . and facing the return of the mother who abandoned his preacher family when he was nine.

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Haunting of Hill House meets Get Out in this chilling YA psychological thriller and modern take on the classic haunted house story from New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson!

All These Bodies by Kendare Blake
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sixteen bloodless bodies. Two teenagers. One impossible explanation. In this edge-of-your-seat mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake, the truth is as hard to believe as it is to find.

It All Comes Back to You by Farah Naz Rishi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two exes must revisit their past after their siblings start dating in this rom-com perfect for fans of Sandhya Menon and Morgan Matson.

A Dark and Starless Forest by Sarah Hollowell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When her siblings start to go missing, a girl must confront the dark thing that lives in the forest—and the growing darkness in herself—in this debut YA contemporary fantasy for fans of Wilder Girls.

The Girls Are Never Gone by Sarah Glenn Marsh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Conjuring meets Sadie when seventeen-year-old podcaster Dare takes an internship in a haunted house and finds herself in a life-or-death struggle against an evil spirit.

A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two intrepid girls hunt for a legendary treasure on the deadly high seas in this YA remix of the classic adventure novel Treasure Island.

Tides of Mutiny by Rebecca Rode
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a world where female sailors are executed, sixteen-year-old Lane’s dream of being a ship’s captain seems impossible. Sea life is all she knows, and she wouldn’t give it up for anything, even if it means she has to hide as a captain’s boy to avoid being killed. But Lane’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble when an old pirate enemy comes after her father. And she begins hearing rumours that her father was once a pirate as well.

The Corpse Queen by Heather Herrman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this dark and twisty feminist historical thriller, a teenage girl starts a new life as a grave robber but quickly becomes entangled in a murderer’s plans.

Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Prestige meets What If It’s Us in Before We Disappear, a queer ahistorical fantasy set during the 1909 Seattle Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition, where the two assistants of two ambitious magicians find themselves falling in love amidst a bitter rivalry designed to tear them apart.

The Other Merlin by Robyn Schneider
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Channelling the modern humour of A Knight’s Tale , bestselling author Robyn Schneider creates a Camelot that becomes the ultimate teen rom-com hotspot in this ultra-fresh take on the Arthurian legend.

The Jasmine Project by Meredith Ireland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Jenny Han meets The Bachelorette in this effervescent romantic comedy about a teen Korean American adoptee who unwittingly finds herself at the centre of a competition for her heart, as orchestrated by her overbearing, loving family.

The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sonia Hartl’s The Lost Girls is laced with dark humour and queer love; it’s John Tucker Must Die with a feminist girl gang of vampires.

Idol Gossip by Alexandra Leigh Young
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An inside look at the K-pop phenomenon, in a wry, punchy young-adult debut that probes cultural differences, sisterhood, and the minefield of fame.

Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A lush gothic fantasy about monsters and magic, set on the banks of a cursed lake. Perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Brigid Kemmerer.

We Can Be Heroes by Kyrie McCauley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Kyrie McCauley, author of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award winner If These Wings Could Fly, delivers a powerful contemporary YA novel about the lasting bonds of friendship and three girls fighting for each other in the aftermath of a school shooting. Perfect for fans of Laura Ruby and Mindy McGinnis.

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

The post September 2021 YA Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Saoirse doesn’t believe in love at first sight or happy endings. But after a chance encounter at an end-of-term house party, Saoirse is about to break her own rules. For a girl with one blue freckle, an irresistible sense of mischief, and a passion for rom-coms.

Influence by Sara Shepard and Lilia Buckingham
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Get ready to delve into the world of teen influencers like you’ve never done before–from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS Sara Shepard and sixteen-year-old actress and social media personality Lilia Buckingham comes a twisty mystery that takes place in the fiercely competitive world of Internet stars. (Note: Influence has now been pushed back to January 2021)

Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A reimagining of the story behind Agent 355–a New York society girl and spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War–perfect for fans of Tatiana de Rosnay’s Sarah’s Key and the novels of Julie Berry.

I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The world of K-Pop has never met a star like this. Debut author Lyla Lee delivers a deliciously fun, thoughtful rom-com celebrating confidence and body positivity—perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Julie Murphy.

You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Liz’s plans to attend the uber-elite Pennington College 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, and the only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?

Category Five by Ann Dávila Cardinal
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Category Five is a new supernatural YA thriller from Ann Dávila Cardinal, set against the backdrop of a post-hurricane Puerto Rico.

I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A YA contemporary rom com about arch-nemeses Emma, a die-hard romantic, and more-practical minded Sophia who find themselves competing against one another for a coveted first-prize trip to a film festival in Los Angeles . . . what happens if their rivalry turns into a romance?

Hood by Jenny Elder Moke
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Hood, author Jenny Elder Moke reimagines the world of Robin Hood in lush, historical detail and imbues her story with more breathless action than has ever come out of Sherwood Forest before. This novel is a must-read for historical-fiction fans, adventure lovers, and reluctant readers alike!

The Damned by Renée Ahdieh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with the second instalment of her new sumptuous, sultry and romantic series, The Beautiful.

I Killed Zoe Spanos by Kit Frick
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This gripping thriller follows two teens whose lives become inextricably linked when one confesses to murder and the other becomes determined to uncover the real truth no matter the cost.

The State of Us by Shaun David Hutchinson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

It’s a new modern-day, star-crossed romance about what it really means to love your country—and yourself—from the acclaimed author of We Are the Ants and Brave Face, Shaun David Hutchinson.

You Say It First by Katie Cotugno
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

You Say It First is a propulsive, layered novel about how sometimes the person who has the least in common with us can be the one who changes us most.

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

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

You can find Shaun on Twitter and Instagram, along with at his website.

Hi, Shaun! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Thanks for having me! I’ve been writing young adult novels for ten years now, and I’ve been baking (and eating!) my way through the pandemic. I’m an unabashed geek when it comes to science fiction and computers and video games. I live in Seattle, though I grew up and spent most of my adult life in South Florida—I don’t miss it at all!

Since this is The Nerd Daily, do you mind sharing what nerdy/geeky things you’re loving at the moment?

I’m absolutely in love with the new show Upload about virtual worlds where people can go to live when they die. It’s smart like The Good Place but dark like Black Mirror. I’m also in love with the Murderbot series by Martha Wells. If I could marry Murderbot, I would.

The Valve Index VR headset has also been a huge part of how I’ve stayed mentally healthy during the pandemic. Getting to tour museums and talk to other people while helming the Enterprise has been a life saver.

Now tell us about The State of Us!

Absolutely! The State of Us centers around Dean and Dre, the sons of the Republican and Democrat candidates for President of the United States. They seem like total opposites, but when they meet during a debate between their parents and get the chance to talk, sparks fly.  It’s Romeo and Juliet for the 21^st century…but without the all the death.

The way you handle the discussion surrounding politics and opposing stances on critical issues was something I really enjoyed about The State of Us. Dean and Dre obviously come from two very different households that have opposing political agendas. Was it hard writing such a political novel from both the Republican and Democratic side without “siding” with either one?

Thank you.  It was incredibly difficult. I absolutely have opinions about which side I think does more harm, and I’m not afraid to talk about them, but my goal when writing the politics in this book wasn’t about that. It was about challenging readers to think about their own views, it was about challenging them to interrogate their views with their family and friends, it was about reminding readers that people are capable of change.

I grew up with a liberal mom, but I also grew up in the South. I’m used to the living with those kinds of contradictions. I went to a Catholic middle school where I took religion and attended weekly mass, but where I also had science taught by a Harley-riding, ex-military lesbian who prioritized teaching evolution. My dad and step-brothers are very country and conservative, so I definitely understand what it’s like trying to navigate a familial relationship with a person who claims to love you but votes for people who think you don’t deserve the same rights as others. At the end of the day, I still think he’s capable of change. I think he can be the person I know he can be. I think he’s worth the effort.

One thing I fangirled a bit about in The State of Us is that both Dean and Dre bring up a lot of popular culture and books in general in their POVs – one of them being Neville Longbottom as a potential crush. What would be Dean and Dre’s favorite movie or show to watch on Netflix? Would they exchange books and if so, what would they recommend each other?

I love this question.  I think Dre is definitely addicted to The Magicians and is sad that it’s over, and Dean is a closet Riverdale fan. For books, Dre would give Dean a list, and at the top of that list would be Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender.  Dean would give Dre Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari, and would then spend the next few days wondering if he should have given him something else.

There’s this line in The State of Us, “You have an opportunity to speak for people who can’t speak for themselves” that really resonated with me. Speaking up for others comes with a lot of responsibility and Dre is worried about falling short. Can you talk a bit about what you envision for Dre after the novel ends?

I think Dre remains a reluctant advocate—simply because he doesn’t love being in the spotlight—but that in college he finds ways to follow his passions while using his privilege and position to champion for a better world. The thing I love about Dre is that he changes Dean just by being who he is, so I think Dre just keeps being true to himself, and that doing so has a big impact on the people around him.

Also, he does the special effects for a student movie that quickly gains an underground cult following, so that’s pretty cool.

The demisexual representation in The State of Us really resonated with me and I was so glad it was included! With pride month coming up, do you have any recommendations for our readers who are looking for more diverse #LGBTQ+ rep?

I’m reading All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson, which is incredible.  Anything and everything by Julian Winters; he’s got a new one coming out in August called The Summer of Everything. You should definitely be reading Dread Nation and The Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland. Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas.

And then, I haven’t read but am really looking forward to: Where We Go From Here by Lucas Rocha, You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson, and The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall.

Out of all the books you have written so far, which has been the easiest and which the most difficult to finish?

That’s a tough one! The most difficult was probably Brave Face. Writing a memoir is so different from writing fiction. There’s nothing to hide behind in non-fiction, and I made the commitment before I began writing to be brutally honest no matter how much it hurt—and it definitely hurt.  Every day, it seemed, I would start an email to my editor backing out of the project, but I never sent it, and I’m glad for that.

The easiest was probably The State of Us, not because it was easy but because it wasn’t just the book I wanted to write, it was the book I wanted to read. I was in a darker place at the time, and finding the joy in Dre and Dean’s relationship was the balm that soothed my soul. I woke up each day eager to get to my computer and find out what they were going to do next.  The joy of their story just poured out of me.

Mindy, Dean’s friend, completely stole my heart. I thought that she was the perfect balance to Dean and Dre’s political views and also offered up a space to discuss younger voters leaning towards more ‘popular’ political candidates. What do you think draws younger voters in to types of candidates like you portrayed in the novel?

Thank you! I also really love Mindy. She was one of those characters who peeked out and then nearly stole the whole book. I think that younger voters honestly feel invisible to politicians and older voters. I think they feel like their votes don’t matter and their views aren’t respected. And they’re not wrong. The world is a disaster. We need strong, decisive leadership. Instead, we got the most lukewarm candidate possible. So I think there’s a kind of nihilism that settles in. A desire to completely burn the system down and start again.

And it’s a feeling I sympathize with. We do an exceptionally terrible job in this country of listening to young voters. They’re the ones who have to live with the choices older voters are making. They deserve a say. Populist candidates speak to that need in a way that I think traditional politicians don’t. It’s a powerful thing to be heard, to feel like your voice matters, and I can understand why young voters might be lured in by it even if the candidate is a total creep.

Without spoiling the ending, I do want to know: did you know how The State of Us was going to end when you first came up with the idea for the novel or did the ending present itself while writing?

I kind of knew. I usually have a general idea that I’m working toward even though I don’t outline.  Some bits changed as the book progressed, but I definitely had an idea where I wanted to end up.

With The State of Us releasing soon, are you already working on another project? If so, can you share a few tidbits with us?

I’m definitely working. I’ve got a book out Spring 2021 called A Complicated Love Story Set in Space. I teased it on Twitter as “Gays in Space” for months before coming up with a real title (actually, my agent came up with the title because she’s amazing), and it’s about Noa and DJ who wake up on a spaceship with no idea how they got there. I’ve flirted with sci-fi in the past, but this is my first deep dive, and I’m so excited.

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

I can’t say enough good things about The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, Do You Dream of Terra Two by Temi Oh, Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi, and the Tensorate series by JY Yang.

Will you be picking up The State of Us? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Shaun David Hutchinson, Author of ‘The State of Us’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

• Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
• Yes, No, Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed
• What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Review:

“We have to get better at seeing the person inside the monster. And maybe if we stop filling boys’ heads with so much nonsense, they won’t turn into monsters at all.”

Okay, I’m just going to say it. We all know that most of the people picking up this book are ones that heard it being compared to Red, White and Royal Blue. And while I do see the connection, I hesitate to recommend it to readers solely based on that because I think they’ll expect something different from this story. The State of Us has less of a romance-y feel and is more on the political side, offering answers to the question if two people with opposing views (or with families who have very different ideas of how US politics can be salvaged) can ever find common ground. I think there’s a certain pun in the title, not only because the state of “Us”, that is Dean and Dre is discussed in this book, but also the state of the “United States”. There’s a lot of focus on politics in this book which I enjoyed for the most part.

You can tell Hutchinson made an effort to showcase that just because your relatives have certain stances when it comes to issues such as equity and equality, that does not automatically mean that their children follow and believe in the same ideals. I also really liked that both Dean and Dre get involved in politics and fighting for their beliefs in more unconventional ways. What’s more, I loved how they both began as somewhat ignorant about each other’s beliefs but learned more about what makes the other one tick and that just because you believe certain things doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t see the very convincing arguments the other party has. In a way, they fall in love more because of their differences than their common ground and I really enjoyed that.

I also have to give it to Hutchinson, the ace rep in this novel is phenomenal. The discussion of the asexuality spectrum and Dean not knowing where exactly he is on that spectrum, but still developing and exploring feelings for Dre was so natural and relatable; it honestly made my heart soar a bit. There’s also some discussion about the stereotypes people on the ace spectrum have to deal with, namely that they’re robotic and just don’t ‘get’ feelings and I think Hutchinson did a wonderful job with how he made Dean not only deal with these misconceptions but also with the framing of the coming out process.

Though the pacing of the book left a bit to desired at certain points when it came to the political race between Dean and Dre’s parents, I think the ending especially will pacify a lot of readers.

The tagline For Love or Country perfectly encapsulates what Hutchinson has achieved in this book – in a political minefield, the overall message is that love wins – always. And that the way we raise the next generation of lovers and voters will determine not only the state of us but also the role we play in the world.

The State of Us is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 2nd 2020.

Will you be picking up The State of Us? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

When Dean Arnault’s mother decided to run for president, it wasn’t a surprise to anyone, least of all her son. But still that doesn’t mean Dean wants to be part of the public spectacle that is the race for the White House—at least not until he meets Dre.

The only problem is that Dre Rosario’s on the opposition; he’s the son of the Democratic nominee. But as Dean and Dre’s meet-ups on the campaign trail become less left to chance, their friendship quickly becomes a romantic connection unlike any either of the boys have ever known.

If it wasn’t hard enough falling in love across the aisle, the political scheming of a shady third-party candidate could cause Dean and Dre’s world to explode around them.

It’s a new modern-day, star-crossed romance about what it really means to love your country—and yourself—from the acclaimed author of We Are the Ants and Brave Face, Shaun David Hutchinson.

The post #ReadWithPride: The State of Us by Shaun David Hutchinson appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us if you’ll be reading any in the comments below!

We Set The Dark On Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this daring and romantic fantasy debut perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and Latinx authors Zoraida Córdova and Anna-Marie McLemore, society wife-in-training Dani has a great awakening after being recruited by rebel spies and falling for her biggest rival.

The Black Coats by Colleen Oakes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Moxie meets Female of the Species in this powerful, thrilling, and deeply resonant novel about a secret society of girls who plot revenge on the men who hurt them.

A Soldier and A Liar by Caitlin Lochner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a world on the brink of war, four superpowered teens must learn to work together for peace in Caitlin Lochner’s action-packed debut novel, A Soldier and A Liar.

Tell Me Everything by Sarah Enni
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Ivy keeps a low profile—so low that she’s practically invisible to everyone at school except for her best friend, Harold. As sophomore year begins, Harold takes up a hundred activities, leaving Ivy on her own. Luckily she’s found a distraction: the new anonymous art-sharing app, VEIL. While she’s too scared to put her own creations on the app, Ivy thinks of an even better way to contribute—by making gifts for the artists she’s discovered. When Ivy suspects Harold is keeping a secret, she decides to go all in. Forget gifts—Ivy wants to throw Harold a major party. But when all those good intentions thrust her into the spotlight, Ivy’s carefully curated world is thrown into chaos.

Stolen Time by Danielle Rollins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Seattle, 1913 // Dorothy is trapped. Forced into an engagement to a wealthy man just so she and her mother can live comfortably for the rest of their days, she’ll do anything to escape. Including sneaking away from her wedding and bolting into the woods to disappear. New Seattle, 2077 // Ash is on a mission. Rescue the professor—his mentor who figured out the secret to time travel—so together they can put things right in their devastated city. But searching for one man means endless jumps through time with no guarantee of success.

A Danger To Herself and Others by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Four walls. One window. No way to escape. Hannah knows there’s been a mistake. She didn’t need to be institutionalised. What happened to her roommate at her summer program was an accident. As soon as the doctors and judge figure out that she isn’t a danger to herself or others, she can go home to start her senior year. In the meantime, she is going to use her persuasive skills to get the staff on her side. Then Lucy arrives.

Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

As her father’s chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: to win back her honour, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year or die trying.

Fame, Fate and the First Kiss by Kasie West
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fan favourite author Kasie West delivers an effervescent story about chasing your dreams and following your heart, perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Huntley Fitzpatrick.

Comics Will Break Your Heart by Faith Erin Hicks
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In her endearing debut novel, cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks pens a sensitive and funny Romeo and Juliet tale about modern romance, geek royalty, and what it takes to heal the long-festering scars of the past (Spoiler Alert: love).

The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried by Shaun David Hutchinson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Six Feet Under meets Pushing Daisies in this quirky, heartfelt story about two teens who are granted extra time to resolve what was left unfinished after one of them suddenly dies.

Last of Her Name by Jessica Khoury
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sixteen years ago, rebellion swept the galaxy known as the Belt of Jewels. Every member of the royal family was murdered and the Union government rose in its place. Stacia spends her days half-wild, rambling her father’s vineyard with her closest friends, Clio and Pol. That all changes the day a Union ship appears in town, carrying the leader of the Belt himself, the Direktor Eminent. The Direktor claims that Princess Anya is alive, and that Stacia’s sleepy village is a den of empire loyalists, intent on hiding her. When Stacia is identified as the lost princess, her provincial home explodes into a nightmare.

Smoke and Summons by Charlie N. Holmberg
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

As a human vessel for an ancient spirit, Sandis lives no ordinary life. At the command of her master, she can be transformed against her will into his weapon—a raging monster summoned to do his bidding. Unlike other vessels, Sandis can host extremely powerful spirits, but hosting such creatures can be fatal. To stay alive, she must run. And in a city fuelled by smoke and corruption, she finds a surprising ally.

Will you check out any of these February YA book releases? Tell us in the comments below!

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

February has been one of the best reading months for me recently and in total, I read 10 books, which was a mix of YA contemporary, YA thrillers, fantasy and non-fiction. Not only was it a good reading month in quantity, but quality as well with my lowest rating being a 6/10. This past month I went on a week-long vacation, which definitely helped my reading goal and read books from the likes of John Green, Leigh Bardugo and Rainbow Rowell.

Read on to discover what books I read this month and tell us in the comments below if you will be checking one out!

Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil by Hannah Arendt | Goodreads
10/10

This was a required reading for my law course this year, yet this was the most eye opening book I have read in a very long time. It depicts the Israeli prosecution of a Nazi leader, Adolf Eichmann and details the Nazi Reich and how Eichmann has come to be one of the only leaders prosecuted. It truly is an eye opening account of the holocaust and provides a deeper understanding of both the state of Germany and its intentions, as well as the Jewish people and the organisation of their “extermination”. This I believe is a book that everyone should read to provide a new outlook on the treatment of people around the world presently, in history and for future generations.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green | Goodreads
10/10

Sixteen-year-old Aza Holmes struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, something that has controlled her thoughts her entire life. She has a lot on her mind about not being able to afford university next year and the death of her father. When her long-time friend Davis’ father goes missing, Aza is on the hunt, not just for Davis’ father but for the hundred-thousand-dollar reward as well. A discovery of family, wealth, friendships and trust, Aza’s struggles with mental health provides an in depth view of life with OCD and all the side effects along with it. Much like John Green’s other books, this highlights friendships, the hardships of growing up and interpersonal conflict.

Aza was a breathtaking character to see through the eyes of and seeing first-hand the struggles of mental illness and how that affects her love life and friendships is something you can only truly understand by walking in her shoes. Simply amazing.

The Swan & the Jackal by J.A. Redmerski | Goodreads
10/10

In the third installment of the “In the Company of Killers” series, the ever-so handsome and troubled, Fredrick Gustavsson is explored. Fredrik is a brutal torturer, working for The Order, an assembly of hitmen, hired by elites to kill whoever gets in the way. Fredrick was taken by The Order and trained in the most gruesome ways, how to get someone to spill their deepest and darkest secrets. He was unbreakable, that is, until Seraphina—a woman who once made Fredrick feel human, a human capable of love. This book explores the tension between Seraphina and Fredrick and the question of what tore their love apart. Fredrick is ruthless and conniving, yet the reader sympathises with his pain and suffering. Who is Seraphina and how did she love a man who tortures people for a living?

This is not for the faint of heart as this title comes with a trigger warning of sexual assault and torture. However, the character of Fredrick is lovable, but also destructive and ruthless, expect the worst… in the best way possible!

We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson | Goodreads
8/10

Henry Denton is a boy who is routinely abducted by aliens. He is given an ultimatum: the world will end, push a button and he can save it… but does he want to? Tormented by his peers at school, forced by his boyfriend to keep their relationship secret, and struggling with money at home, Henry doesn’t really have a reason to save the world. His boyfriend committed suicide last year, leaving Henry questioning the moral intentions of humanity. He is left weighing the pain of his life with the joy in the lives of others. A new romance makes him question if this is the turning point for him, a boy who will make him as happy as his last boyfriend. Yet, the question lasts: would you save the world?

This title has a trigger warning for bullying and sexual assault.

The Seeds of Iniquity by J. A. Redmerski | Goodreads
9/10

This month was the month of Redmerski, oh, and how I wish I could have continued. In the fourth book, we are introduced to a new character by the name of Nora. She threatens all that the Order has worked to accomplish and forces the cards of all the hitmen, making them reveal their deepest darkest secrets to one another. These secrets threaten the security of the Order as a whole and their personal relationships with one another. Why do they comply? Because Nora has kidnapped the ones that they love dearly, threatening to kill them in 48 hours if they do not play by her rules. Who is Nora? How does she know their secrets? Why does she want them revealed? But more importantly, what are the assassins hiding?

This title comes with a trigger warning for torture, rape and violence.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo | Goodreads
8/10

My first ever Bardugo book, finally! The release of this book following closely to the debut of the movie, so this book has some pretty big shoes to fill. Princess Diana lives amongst all women on a secret Amazonian island, hidden from all other civilisations. Yet, a mortal girl, Alia Keralis winds up on the island, how did this happen? How did she find them? Diana saves Alia against her best interests and risks being prosecuted by Amazonian law. Alia Keralis wishes to escape the high speed life of her scientist parents, escaping to a semester abroad. Little does she know she is being hunted by people who believe her existence will start a new war. Alia is a warbringer, a descendant of Helen of Troy, and a threat to mankind. Her very existence triggers bloodshed and conflict.  Diana and Alia must find a way to provoke hidden strengths and save both of their worlds. A story of solidarity and girl power!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black | Goodreads
10/10

The most talked about YA fantasy of the year, Holly Black delivers again with a story of politics, betrayal and most importantly—fae. Jude was only a young girl when her parents were murdered and she and her sisters were swept away by the killer to the High Court of Faerie. Living as a human, she is a visible minority amongst the world of fae and she wants to be like them—beautiful, strong and immortal. Prince Cardan is one of the many heirs to the fae throne, when he’s not attending royal parties, he is tormenting Jude and her sisters. Jude wishes to show him and all the other fae that she is worthy of immortality, and she can fight just as well as any other faerie. When a threat to the throne is presented, Jude finds herself in the middle of keeping her family and the throne safe from harm. The Cruel Prince is everything a faerie story needs, political intrigue, fierce heroines and a love to hate relationship.

The Lying Game and Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard | Goodreads
8/10

Sara Shepard is at it again with a YA thriller that delivers, catty school girls, family drama and mystery. Sutton Mercer lived the dream, a mansion in Arizona, a happy family, money, and all the boys fawning over her, however it isn’t always as it seems. She’s dead, murdered. As her long-lost twin sister, Emma finally makes contact with her, Emma is forced to live Sutton’s life and find her murderer. Told from the perspective of Sutton, suffering amnesia after her murder, this book follows the two twins and their quest for justice. But they must be careful who they can trust, everyone is a suspect in Arizona.

Check out the ABC TV adaptation too, which is worth a watch, however it was cancelled only a few seasons in.

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff | Goodreads
6/10

One of the most talked about presidents, featured in one of the most talked about books. Michael Wolff chronicles in his non-fiction tell all the drama of the Trump White house. Featuring answers to: what the staff really thinks of him, the wiretapping of President Obama’s phones, why James Comey was actually fires, Steve Bannon’s infamous return, and what the secret to communicating with Trump is. A never before seen presidency that divided the American people and how President Trump became the king of discord and disunion. This is a very political book and features many political theories, read carefully and do your research!

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell | Goodreads
8/10

Based off the ever-cherished Harry Potter series, Carry On follows the life of Simon, the worst Chosen One ever. When he’s not being abducted, saving the world or studying at Watford School of Magicks, he’s plotting the demise of his roommate and nemesis, Baz, who just happens to be a vampire. A darkness is looming, the Humdrum is impersonating Simon and attacking the school and all the wizards surrounding it. Simon, his friends, and an unlikely Baz set out to find and destroy he Humdrum, saving the world of wizardry once and for all.. or so they think. Spells, action, male male romances and Harry Potter nostalgia, Rainbow Rowell hit the nail on the head with this #1 New York Times bestseller.

Have you read any of these books? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Holly Reads: February Book Wrap-Up appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you’re after a contemporary, try either A Girl Like That or American Panda! And if you’re after a little fantasy or science fiction, pick up The Traitor’s Game or Ink, Iron and Glass!

Read on to discover our YA picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be reading any!

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce | Goodreads

Arram Draper is a boy on the path to becoming one of the realm’s most powerful mages. The youngest student in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak, he has a Gift with unlimited potential for greatness–and for attracting danger. At his side are his two best friends: Varice, a clever girl with an often-overlooked talent, and Ozorne, the “leftover prince” with secret ambitions. Together, these three friends forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms. And as Ozorne gets closer to the throne and Varice gets closer to Arram’s heart, Arram begins to realise that one day soon he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie.

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena | Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old Zarin Wadia is many things, including a troublemaker whose many romances are the subject of endless gossip at school. So how is it that eighteen-year-old Porus Dumasia has only ever had eyes for her? And how did Zarin and Porus end up dead in a car together, crashed on the side of a highway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia? When the religious police arrive on the scene, everything everyone thought they knew about Zarin is questioned. And as her story is pieced together, told through multiple perspectives, it becomes clear that she was far more than just a girl like that.

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston | Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Ana was found as a child drifting through space with a sentient android called D09 and saved by a fearsome space captain and the grizzled crew she now calls family. But D09—one of the last remaining illegal Metals—has been glitching, and Ana will stop at nothing to find a way to fix him. She embarks on a quest to steal the coordinates to a lost ship, but a spoiled Ironblood boy beats her and he doesn’t care what he’ll sacrifice to keep them. The pair end up as fugitives on the run. Now their entire kingdom is after them—and the coordinates—and not everyone wants them captured alive.

Assassin of Truth by Brenda Drake | Goodreads

The gateways linking the great libraries of the world don’t require a library card, but they do harbor incredible dangers. And it’s not your normal bump-in-the-night kind. The threats Gia Kearns faces are the kind with sharp teeth and knifelike claws. The kind that include an evil wizard hell-bent on taking her down. Gia can end his devious plan, but only if she recovers seven keys hidden throughout the world’s most beautiful libraries. And then figures out exactly what to do with them.

Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine | Goodreads

Petty criminal Zara Cole has a painful past that’s made her stronger than most, which is why she chose life in New Detroit instead moving with her family to Mars. Still, when Zara commits a crime that has her running scared, jail might be exactly where she’s headed. Instead Zara is recruited into the Honors, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.

The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza by Shaun David Hutchinson | Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old Elena Mendoza is the product of a virgin birth. This can be scientifically explained (it’s called parthenogenesis), but what can’t be explained is how Elena is able to heal Freddie, the girl she’s had a crush on for years, from a gunshot wound in a Starbucks parking lot. Or why the boy who shot Freddie, David Combs, disappeared from the same parking lot minutes later after getting sucked up into the clouds.

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton | Goodreads

Camellia Beauregard is a Belle and they control Beauty, a commodity coveted above all else. Camellia wants to be the favourite—the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans to tend to the royal family. But once she arrives, it becomes clear that being the favourite is not everything she always dreamed it would be.

Ink, Iron, and Glass by Gwendolyn Clare | Goodreads

A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes from one such world that was written into creation by her mother. But when her home is attacked and her mother abducted, Elsa must cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find her. In an alternative 19th-century Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of pazzerellones—young people with a gift for mechanics, alchemy or scriptology—and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and a tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an assassin arrives on their doorstep.

The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen | Goodreads

Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won’t stop her from being drawn back into her father’s palace politics. He’s the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this and they kidnap her. The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected.

American Panda by Gloria Chao | Goodreads

At seventeen, Mei should be in high school, but skipping fourth grade was part of her parents’ master plan. Now a freshman at MIT, she is on track to fulfill the rest of this predetermined future: become a doctor, marry a preapproved Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer, produce a litter of babies. With everything her parents have sacrificed to make her cushy life a reality, Mei can’t bring herself to tell them the truth–that she (1) hates germs, (2) falls asleep in biology lectures, and (3) has a crush on her classmate Darren Takahashi, who is decidedly not Taiwanese.

The Prince and The Dressmaker by Jen Wang | Goodreads

Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion! Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances―one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend?

The Last To Let Go by Amber Smith | Goodreads

Junior year for Brooke Winters is supposed to be about change. But all of her dreams are shattered one hot summer afternoon when her mother is arrested for killing Brooke’s abusive father. No one really knows what happened that day, if it was premeditated or self-defense, whether it was right or wrong. And now Brooke and her siblings are on their own. In a year of firsts—the first year without parents, first love, first heartbreak, and her first taste of freedom—Brooke must confront the shadow of her family’s violence and dysfunction, as she struggles to embrace her identity, finds her true place in the world, and learns how to let go.

What February YA release are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

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