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

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

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

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

JANUARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEBRUARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JUNE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Victoria Aveyard about all things Realm Breaker, as well as writing, book recommendations, and more!

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

Of course! Hi guys, I’m Victoria. I’m originally from a small town in Massachusetts but I live in Los Angeles now, where I get to work full time as an author and screenwriter. I’m a big fan of the beach, going to the movies, reading books with a nice view, and my dog, Indy, the love of my life. I moved out to LA to study film at USC, largely because it’s where George Lucas went, and Star Wars is one of the cornerstones of my personality, along with The Lord of the Rings. Currently I live with my dog and my fiancé, balancing work and pandemic life.

How is your 2021 going in comparison to that other year?

Even before the pandemic, I worked from home in my own office space, and I didn’t have a book slated to be published in 2020, so I got off relatively easy compared to most people. That said, my fiancé is an ICU doctor, so we did have a disinfecting station in the garage, and things were not easy. After frontline healthcare workers were vaccinated in December 2020, I definitely took a big sigh of relief. We made it through the LA surge and now, touch wood, Los Angeles and California seem to be doing everything correctly. We aren’t back to normal yet, but things are much, much better.

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!

I read Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine when I was 7, and that was electrifying. Both my first fantasy and the first book I really connected with and loved.

Your new novel, Realm Breaker, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Propulsive, epic, huge, desperate, fun

What can readers expect?

A gigantic world, a classic quest, a motley crew, a reluctant heroine, a villain with some good points, broken tropes, and some fun twists.

Where did the inspiration for Realm Breaker come from?

Clearly The Lord of the Rings is first and foremost. I love that series so much, but also feel like it doesn’t love me back, or have a place for anyone who isn’t a straight white man. I so wanted to be part of the Fellowship and this is my attempt to make a little room for others in the classic fantasy adventure. Realm Breaker was also very much enabled by the success of Red Queen, and I started by asking myself what I wanted to write and more importantly, what story was I searching for as a teenager? From there, Realm Breaker grew from the question – what happens when heroes fail?

What was it like building and creating a new world after your best-selling (and absolutely incredible) Red Queen series?

The challenge wasn’t in the writing itself, but the pressure of trying to live up a series like Red Queen. I got so lucky with that series and its reception, and of course, I want to keep my readers happy and entertained with whatever I do next. As a creative, you’re always in competition with yourself and trying to improve. That’s a heavy weight to carry.

Worldbuilding for me starts with a map (once I have the general concept and idea of a story). I go in with my parameters of what story I’m trying to tell, usually with some characters and plot in mind, and draft a map for that story to take place in. After the geographic map is set, you can start breaking down culture and politics, etc, which will also help inform pieces of your story and character. My challenge isn’t how to worldbuild, but how to stop. Eventually I have to pull myself out and start actually writing, and allow myself to figure some things out along the way. Or else the book itself will never get written.

Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring that we should keep an eye out for?

Oh so many. I really love the banter between Sorasa, a morally bankrupt assassin, and Dom, a noble immortal with very little knowledge of the human world. And the main character, Corayne, is my true love, a girl whose super power is her intelligence (and knowledge of maps). There are some setpiece scenes I adored writing, like a particular stampede through a desert canyon, or a tavern brawl that sets up our final crew, but I’m really proud of the quiet moments between characters as well. And of course, I love my big twist scene. I love the moments where everything goes sideways – and all I can think about is…the reader is going to hate me for this.

Now, Realm Breaker is set to be followed by another two installments. Can you give us a little tease about the next installment without teasing us too badly?

I think when crafting a series, escalation is the number one thing to think about. Your size, your scope, the emotional stakes and depth of character – each piece needs to get bigger as the series moves on. Every step needs to feel higher than the last. And that very much happens in Realm Breaker 2 and 3. I can also say the ending of Book 2 has been in my head for almost as long as the entire series, and I cannot wait to write it.

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

Best: you can get an audience to believe one unbelievable thing.

Worst: If you don’t write every day, you’re not a writer and you will never finish anything.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a lot of balls in the air, some I can’t talk about yet, but my focus now is on launching Realm Breaker and writing the sequel!

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

Recent favorites include LORE by Alexandra Bracken, A SONG OF WRAITHS AND RUIN by Roseanne A. Brown, RULE OF WOLVES by Leigh Bardugo, and A THOUSAND SHIPS by Natalie Haynes.

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

The post Q&A: Victoria Aveyard, Author of ‘Realm Breaker’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

There’s darkness growing in Allward and Corayne an-Amarat can feel it from her cottage by the edge of the sea. The truth soon comes to seek her: she’s the last of an ancient line and the last hope to save the world from destruction. She won’t be alone on this quest though. Joining her will be a squire forced to choose between home and honour, an immortal avenging a broken promise, a bloodthirsty and exiled assassin, an ancient sorceress, a forger with a hidden past, and a bounty hunter with a score to settle. They’ll have to stand together to defeat an opponent determined to bring the world to ash, with an army unlike anything their world has ever seen.

It’s been quite a while since I read a book with a prologue that was so long within a book, but it’s an incredible way to set up what’s getting ready to happen in this book. Not only that, but each chapter opens up with a new character perspective, further expanding upon the diverse world of Allward, and some pretty intricate kingdom politics in parts. While it feels pretty heavy with worldbuilding at the beginning, there is also quite a bit happening with the characters that will keep readers invested in the developing plot. Corayne is such a fascinating young woman, full of wanderlust but feeling trapped, until she’s given another choice.

As each new character was introduced, I was on the edge of my seat and wondering how their choices might impact the story later down the line. Every character in this book has a bit (more than a bit, really) of stubbornness and pride, which creates some fascinating dynamics when they dialogue. I’ll admit, my favourite chapters to read (partially due to the internal monologue happening) were Erida’s. She’s a monarch having to hide behind politics, but her thoughts are quite fascinating. On the flipside, Sorasa’s dialogue with other characters, specifically with Dom and Corayne, definitely made me laugh at times. She’s got quite a bit of sarcasm welled up within her! What’s most compelling about this book is the sheer determination that all of these characters have to survive. No matter the cost.

The world of Allward is stunningly done because of its history, specifically with Spindles and the Spindleborn. The Spindles are able to open portals to new worlds, but many of them have been lost, and with their loss, the people that travelled to Allward are forever trapped. There’s a lot more that goes into this, and I highly encourage you to pick it up and read it because I cannot do justice to the elaborate system that Aveyard has created.

This is the kind of story that you devour over the course of a few days, mainly because there’s quite a bit to digest, and you definitely don’t want to miss anything in the story because it might be vital. Believe me, there’s a couple of twists you definitely don’t want to skim over and I genuinely want to scream about them. The book is already quite a brick, but even at the end I found myself wanting to know more. I cannot wait for the next book, because I NEED to know what’s getting ready to happen to these characters next. This book is such a solid read that belongs on your shelf, and I’m excited to see where Victoria is taking this story next. No doubt this will become a bestseller, much like Red Queen.

Realm Breaker is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

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

Synopsis | Goodreads

A strange darkness grows in Allward.

Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.

She soon discovers the truth: She is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won’t be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions:

A squire, forced to choose between home and honor.
An immortal, avenging a broken promise.
An assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty.
An ancient sorceress, whose riddles hide an eerie foresight.
A forger with a secret past.
A bounty hunter with a score to settle.

Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.

The post Review: Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning new fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and asks: When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?

The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda
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There is no limit to the lies, suspicion, and secrets that can poison the perfect marriage in this twisting novel of suspense by USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda.

The Guncle by Steven Rowley
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From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
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A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian.

In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A pansexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead, in this dark YA fantasy by A.M. Strickland, author of Beyond the Black Door, whom Richard Kadrey calls “a storyteller of both grace and power.”

Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
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From one of the most exciting new storytellers in epic fantasy, the first book in the Nameless Republic trilogy is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forbidden magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa.

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin
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It’s a club like no other. Only the most important women receive an invitation. But one daring young reporter is about to infiltrate this female-run secret society, whose beguiling members are caught up in a dark and treacherous business.

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He
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One of the most twisty, surprising, engaging page-turner YAs you’ll read this year—We Were Liars with sci-fi scope, Lost with a satisfying resolution.

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
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Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne forges a new epic, one that puts the forgotten women of Greek mythology back at the heart of the story, as they strive for a better world.

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
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In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense and New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
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Funny, warm, and full of heart, The Soulmate Equation proves that the delicate balance between fate and choice can never be calculated.

Things We Lost to the Water by Eric Nguyen
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A stunning debut novel about an immigrant Vietnamese family who settles in New Orleans and struggles to remain connected to one another as their lives are inextricably reshaped.

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

The post May 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

After whatever that last year was, we’re certainly hoping that 2021 will be a significant improvement! Just like every single industry, the publishing industry faced its own challenges with many 2020 releases delayed by months or even years in some cases and it caused much concern for authors with either recent or upcoming releases.

But with every year, there’s also the improvement when it comes to diversity and whilst it still unfortunately takes devastating events to invoke some kind of change or even discussion, there’s great change heading our way with 2021 releases (and even 2022 and 2023 based on book announcements made thus far).

The year promises for more #ownvoices authors to be heard with stories of fierce Black characters taking the lead role (and also killing it on their covers), queer characters and their journeys offering hope, characters embracing their bodies and their culture, and so much more. Then there’s the continuing shift in perception on genres, including romance and YA, with some incredibly great stories and offering a new take on the genres altogether.

To be honest, it’s quite exciting and refreshing, and we at The Nerd Daily can’t wait to see what comes next and cover 2021 releases!

Read on to discover just a few of our favourite January to June 2021 releases and tell us in the comments if you’re looking forward to any of them! 

Want more 2021 releases? Check out our lists for  2021 Queer Book Releases, 2021 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases, 2021 Romance Book Releases, 2021 YA Book Releases, and 2021 Queer SFF Book Releases.

JANUARY

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An alien artifact turns a young girl into Death’s adopted daughter in Remote Control, a thrilling sci-fi tale of community and female empowerment from Nebula and Hugo Award-winner Nnedi Okorafor

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic queer love story about creativity, passion, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.

Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Darkest Minds comes a sweepingly ambitious, high-octane tale of power, destiny, love and redemption.

The Push by Ashley Audrain
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A tense, page-turning psychological drama about the making and breaking of a family–and a woman whose experience of motherhood is nothing at all what she hoped for–and everything she feared.

Persephone Station by Stina Leicht
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hugo award-nominated author Stina Leicht has created a take on space opera for fans of The Mandalorian and Cowboy Bebop in this high-stakes adventure.

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, Rachel Hawkins’s The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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Public radio co-hosts navigate mixed signals in Rachel Lynn Solomon’s sparkling romantic comedy debut.

A Splendid Ruin by Megan Chance
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A spellbinding novel of dark family secrets and a young woman’s rise and revenge set against the backdrop of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

FEBRUARY

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sensitive, funny, and painful coming-of-age story with a wry voice and tons of chisme, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega tackles our relationships to our parents, our bodies, our cultures, and ourselves.

A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What is a Victorian lady’s formula for love? Mix one brilliant noblewoman and her enigmatic protection officer. Add in a measure of danger and attraction. Heat over the warmth of humour and friendship, and the result is more than simple chemistry—it’s elemental.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone comes an epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras—the Great Depression.

The Project by Courtney Summers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From Courtney Summers, the New York Times bestselling author of the 2019 Edgar Award Winner and breakout hit, Sadie, comes a sensational follow-up―another pulls-no-punches thriller about an aspiring young journalist determined to save her sister from a cult.

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Echo Wife is a non-stop thrill ride, perfect for readers of Big Little Lies and enthusiasts of Killing Eve and Westworld­.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
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In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice. Get ready for battle. The start of a bold and immersive fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther.

A ​Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
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Sarah J. Maas’s sexy, richly imagined series continues with the journey of Feyre’s fiery sister, Nesta.

Do No Harm by Christina McDonald
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Behind Every Lie and The Night Olivia Fell comes an unforgettable and heart-wrenching novel about the lengths one woman will go to save her son.

MARCH

Can’t Take That Away by Steven Salvatore
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Steven Salvatore’s debut Can’t Take That Away is about Carey Parker, a genderqueer teen who dreams of being a diva like their hero Mariah Carey. When they are cast as the female lead in the school musical, they must fight against discrimination and injustice from their closed-minded school administration. 

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
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In Act Your Age, Eve Brown the flightiest Brown sister crashes into the life of an uptight B&B owner and has him falling hard—literally.

The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
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In an epic political fantasy unlike any other, two women clash in a world full of rebellion, espionage, and military might on the far outreaches of a crumbling desert empire.

The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Dear Martin meets They Both Die at the End in this gripping, evocative novel about a Black teen who has the power to see into the future, whose life turns upside down when he foresees his younger brother’s imminent death, from the acclaimed author of SLAY.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network returns with another heart-stopping World War II story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over.

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare
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The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst, a standalone epic fantasy set in a brand-new world of towering mountains and sparkling cities, in which a band of ageing warriors have a second chance to defeat dark magic and avenge a haunting loss.

Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews
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For readers of The Silent Patient – a taut, twisty, character-driven suspense novel about a famous novelist and a small-town striver locked in a struggle for fortune and fame

APRIL

First, Become Ashes by K.M. Szpara
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

K. M. Szpara follows Docile, one of the most anticipated science fiction novels of 2020, with First, Become Ashes, a fantastic standalone adventure that blends pain and pleasure and will make readers question what is real, and what is magical.

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the USA Today  bestselling author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine comes the clever, funny, and unforgettable story of a muscular, tattooed man hired as an assistant to two old women—under the watchful eye of a beautiful retirement home manager.

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and rom-com queen Becky Albertalli comes a buoyant new novel about daring to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight in love, life, and, yes, theater.

The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Naomi and Ethan will test the boundaries of love in this provocative romance from the author of the ground-breaking debut, The Roommate.

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A dark, twisty modern fairytale where three sisters discover they are not exactly all that they seem and evil things really do go bump in the night.

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of the Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper, the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series is a clever retelling of Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a thrilling and high-stakes whodunit.

Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Deadly, fierce, magnetically addictive: this Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut is a thrilling journey where dangerous magic reigns supreme and betrayal lurks beneath every word. 

Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Never Have I Ever builds on her success with this addictive novel of domestic suspense in which a mother must decide how far she is willing to go to protect her child and the life she loves—a chilling and thoughtful tale of power, privilege, lies, revenge, and the choices we make, ones that transform our lives in unforeseen ways.

MAY

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six . . . Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, their lives will change forever.

Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this sweeping debut, actress Asha Bromfield takes readers to the heart of Jamaica, and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family, and herself, set against the backdrop of a hurricane.

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

It’s a club like no other. Only the most important women receive an invitation. But one daring young reporter is about to infiltrate this female-run secret society, whose beguiling members are caught up in a dark and treacherous business.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian.

Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From one of the most exciting new storytellers in epic fantasy, the first book in the Nameless Republic trilogy is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forbidden magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa.

In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A pansexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead, in this dark YA fantasy by A.M. Strickland, author of Beyond the Black Door, whom Richard Kadrey calls “a storyteller of both grace and power.”

The Hunting Wives by May Cobb
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Hunting Wives share more than target practice, martinis, and bad behaviour in this novel of obsession, seduction, and murder.

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning new fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and asks: When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?

JUNE

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop is a magical, sexy, big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time.

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Nghi Vo’s debut novel The Chosen and the Beautiful reinvents this classic of the American canon as a coming-of-age story full of magic, mystery, and glittering excess, and introduces a major new literary voice.

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
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A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic. The problem is, she’s never been in love—she’ll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him.

Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of an exciting new historical mystery series set in 1920s Harlem featuring Louise Lloyd, a young black woman caught up in a series of murders way too close to home…

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne begins the powerful Burning Kingdoms trilogy, in which two women–a long-imprisoned princess and a maidservant in possession of forbidden magic–come together to rewrite the fate of an empire.

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Get Out meets The Devil Wears Prada in this electric debut about the tension that unfurls when two young Black women meet against the starkly white backdrop of New York City book publishing.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance.

Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling author of Her Last Flight returns with a gripping and profoundly human story of Cold War espionage and family devotion.

What 2021 book releases are you excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Most Anticipated 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Written by Blake Smith

The title of this novel directly reflects what the greater portion of the book entails. Mare Barrow is now Maven’s prisoner. She is either holed up in her cell, which is actually a very nice room furnished with all of Julian’s old books, or paraded around the kingdom as one of Maven’s pets. She is never without the power debilitating silent stone attached to her, and her guards never leave her side. Escape doesn’t seem possible at this point, as Mare is the spokesperson for Maven to draw in newbloods to join the Silver army.

Love Conflict With Maven

Mare is always trying to see something in Maven’s eyes that just isn’t there. I understand that a lot of readers believe that Maven is not as bad as he seems, that he is simply corrupted from his mother’s past mental torture. However, that doesn’t erase that fact that Maven is truly, truly evil. Behind those crystal blue eyes lies nothing but hate and malice. He does love Mare, he does. Mare knows this as well and tries to use this to her advantage and weave webs of guilt and sorrow into his brain. But, even as the two play off of each other’s emotions, there is still the underlying love interest between them. Mare’s remembrance of the boy she once knew and loved, and Maven’s still ever-growing love for Mare all while knowing she could never love him the same way.

New Character’s POV

An interesting and welcome change from the other books, King’s Cage features points of view from different characters. Starting with Cameron, we are able to get inside the minds of a few different characters and understand them from their own thoughts and not Mare’s. Cameron, we learn, is not the cold-hearted killer we have come to know and love over the last two novels. She fosters remorse in her heart for the things she has done and the killing that she has carried out. Throughout the novel, this is a theme that keeps recurring and an inner demon that she is constantly battling with.

Evangeline is also another character in which her point of view is expressed. I know we are supposed to hate her, but hearing the story from her view has made me fall in love with her. Evangeline isn’t as concerned with power and glory as we initially thought. She has a love interest with her friend from a different house, Elane Haven, and just wants them to live a peaceful and quiet life together back in the Samos home. We see her character transition quite drastically throughout the novel and help Mare out more than a couple of times.

War Ending/New Princess/Escape

Most of the first half of the novel is about Mare’s survival and loneliness in her cell, but we all knew that Maven was cooking up something sinister. During a trip to the middle of the war zone, the Lakelander king meets with Maven to discuss a truce, which they hope will bring an end to the Scarlet Guard. This is all under one condition, that Maven marry the Lakelander princess. A few words are exchanged along with more than a few awkward glances, and just like that, a 200-year-old war is over. The Lakelanders and Norta are now allies, battling to destroy the Scarlet Guard. However, with this marriage, Evangeline and the Samos family once again miss their chance to hold part of the crown.

Once the excitement has settled and everyone is back in Norta, we finally have a chance to meet Maven’s betrothed, Iris. Iris, seems to be extremely straightforward and honest, while also being profoundly mean and mocking to the entire Samos family – so, of course, we like her. She seems to already know that Maven is a monster and that she is just here to fulfill her duties. Iris only has a short section of the book focused on her, but something tells me she will play a significant role in War Storm.

Finally, of course with a wedding looming comes a perfect opportunity for an escape plan. With the help of the Scarlet Guard and the Samos family, Mare is finally rescued from Maven’s evil clutches. She is taken back to a Scarlet Guard base where she is reunited with all her friends and family, and most importantly, Cal.

The End Battle

Cal’s and his grandmother have been plotting against Maven and the Silver kingdom for quite some time now. A lot of people want to see Cal back on the throne and have matters return to the way they used to be. However, Cal has changed a lot now too, and his love interest with Mare could play a significant role in whether he takes his rightful crown back or not. But first, comes the battle. Thousands of Red, Silver, and Newblood soldiers attack Maven’s regime. Casualties abound; however, the Scarlet Guard takes victory, with the help of the Samos family. Once victory has been claimed, a roundtable discussion takes place about the rightful king and who should lead this new alliance. This duty is thrust upon Cal, which he eventually accepts. Mare is heartbroken, as she thought Cal was past this. The book ends with Mare and Cal discussing his crown acceptance and her turning down his offer to rule with him. This is not what she had planned.

I love you is a promise we both made, and we both broke. It should mean I choose you above all else. I want more. I need you always. I cannot live with you. I will do anything to keep our lives from parting. But he wouldn’t. And I won’t.

King’s Cage was thrilling and attention grabbing from the first lines. Telling the story from other characters’ point of views also added to the depth of the book. Readers were able to have empathy for Cameron, and hear the story from Evangeline’s side instead of Mare’s. King’s Cage deserves a final rating of 8.5/10. I cannot get my hands on War Storm soon enough!

What did you think of King’s Cage? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard’s bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl’s spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother’s web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare’s heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.

When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire—leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down.

The post Review: King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyard appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If I am a sword, I am a sword made of glass, and I feel myself beginning to shatter

Look guys, I get it…The Red Queen series is almost 4 years old now. There have been hundreds of book reviews covering the series and countless YouTube videos discussing the ins and outs of the book. However, I am just now reading through them, and I couldn’t not write about them! So, if you haven’t read them yet, I highly encourage you to go pick up the first book in the series, Red Queen. And, if you have read them, well I suppose you’ll have to suffer through yet another review with some spoilers ahead!

First Thoughts

A thrilling and page-turning follow-up from the first novel in the series Red Queen, Glass Sword begins with our beloved heroine, Mare Barrow and her on again off again love interest, Cal. They are both fleeing with the Red Guard from Maven, his mother, and all their Silver wrath. Glass Sword engulfs you from the very first words on the page, however, the pace of the rest of the novel is undulating. Starting off with a bang, levelling out for a while, and then picking back up again; Glass Sword is not as suspenseful as Red Queen, but is still a wonderfully written novel that proves to be a fantastic sequel.

Main Plot

In Red Queen, Julian Jacos leaves Mare with a list of names that will prove helpful to her and her conquest: newbloods. The only problem, Maven knows about this list as well, and will do anything in his power to keep the newbloods a secret (anything meaning killing innocent children and hanging newbloods in the street). It’s a race to find the most newbloods first, and most of Glass Sword revolves around Mare and her group of followers finding and recruiting newbloods before Maven can slaughter them. All this recruitment, introduces us to many new characters with some kick-ass powers to help fight.

New Characters

Shade: Throughout the entirety of this book, we come to know and love Mare’s brother, Shade. His power (teleportation) saves the group from many dire circumstances, and without him, many of the newbloods would have probably ended up murdered by Maven. Shade and Farley even have a cute little romance that may leave us with a little something to look forward to in King’s Cage! However, just as their romance is coming to fruition and after we have totally fallen in love with Shade, Aveyard takes him away from us. I’m guessing if you have made it this far in the review, then you know the death scene I am referring to. Let’s just take a moment to remember Shade, shall we?

Colonel Farley: We finally understand why Farley is such a hard-ass; because her dad is a jerk. He is introduced to us as one of the captains of the Red Guard, but as far as I can tell, he is just as bad as the Silver leaders. After locking Cal and Mare up in a silent stone jail cell, he gets what is coming to him from Kilorn and a needle in the neck; which gives them just enough time to escape on their recruiting mission. Colonel Farley is only incorporated into a small section of the book; however, his presence is quite significant toward then end of the novel and his actions may have just put him back in the readers’ good graces.

Newbloods: The most interesting and exciting part of Glass Sword for me was the introduction of SO many cool newbloods. From the power to control gravity to shape shifting to an insatiable wealth of knowledge, the abilities of these new characters are astounding.

Jon: He’s a creepy old man. With red eyes. And long gray hair. And… he’s a clairvoyant. He comes to us about halfway through the story, and predicts some outlandish but potentially true events. However, no one believes him except Mare, but she’s the leader so everyone else decides to follow along. Jon sets up the rest of the book by telling Mare to find another newblood (Cameron) and when and where to rescue other newbloods and Silvers who are imprisoned by Maven. Jon seems cool…until the end of the book and he’s standing side by side with Maven!!! Didn’t see that one coming (but I bet he did…get it?)

Cameron: Cameron is the newblood that Jon was referring to and most likely the most powerful newblood that we have encountered thus far. She can take an enemy’s power away and make them crumble (think dementor but a tad bit worse). However, she isn’t at all fond of Mare and is seemingly forced into joining the Red Guard. She has a few heated battles with Mare and Cal, but finally comes around and proves to be a valuable asset to the team. I expect and hope to see a lot more of her in King’s Cage.

Character Development

Cal – Cal bursts onto the scene in Red Queen as the stereotypical prince. He’s smart, charming, handsome, and wants nothing more than to be a noble leader for his people and to please his regal father. However, over the course of a few hundred pages and multiple deaths, we see Cal transform from prince to an emotional ghost and from an emotional ghost to a leader and recruiter of the rebellion. Cal is pulled between joining the girl he loves and fighting with the same people for the same cause that he was just trying to, stop or being an outcast entirely with no one to lean on. Just as Maven once said though, Cal will always choose Mare.

Mare – I have a love-hate relationship with Mare. Sure, she didn’t ask for anything of this and she has seen some crap over the course of the last year, but some of her decisions infuriate me! Mare grows the most significantly of all the characters in this book. Throughout the entirety of the novel, she goes from shy little lightning girl who only wants to be accepted by everyone to fearless leader and an adamant decision maker. The way other people treat her at the beginning of the book compared toward the end, is polar opposite. Although she has made some questionable decisions and treated the people she cares about the most, poorly, Mare has commanded and earned the respect she deserves.

Final Rating

One review I read described the Red Queen series as Game of Thrones meets X-Men with a little bit of The Hunger Games thrown in, and I could not agree more. Although not as page-turning as Red Queen, Glass Sword is an exciting and adventure laden sequel. Loaded with new characters and intriguing new powers made up for the lack of suspense Red Queen introduced us to. And that ending…

With one hand, he points at his feet. His fingers are whiter than I remember.

I do as he say.

I kneel.

I can’t imagine having to wait for the third book in the series to come out. Perks of reading a series four years too late, you don’t have to wait! I give this a book an 8/10, only because I gave Red Queen 9/10 and Glass Sword isn’t quite as good as RQ. Excited to see where the series goes from here! Check back soon for my review of King’s Cage!

Did you enjoy Glass Sword? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Review: Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Daughter of a Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

This duology follows Alosa, a seventeen year old pirate captain who’s on a mission to locate the missing piece of a treasure map. She lets herself be captured by the enemy in order to find it, and there might be some romance developing with Riden, her captor from the enemy ship. Described by several as a “female Jack Sparrow”, this duology will have readers on the edge of their seat as magic, mystery and adventure follow our leading kick-ass lady. Moreover, who wouldn’t want to follow the story of a young woman who is the daughter of a pirate king? This would make a great addition to shelves who are looking for smaller series, or find themselves short on shelf space.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

If you’ve ever wanted to read something like Game of Thrones, look no further. The Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard tells the tale of Mare Barrow, a young woman born with a very electrifying gift. However, in Mare’s world, only those who are born with silver blood are able to possess powers, and her blood bleeds red. Impoverished and in need, she finds herself working in the Silver palace, and after an incident with deadly consequences, she finds herself drawn into the world of the Silvers, hiding in plain sight so as not to cause suspicion or an uprising. She finds herself betrothed to a Silver prince, as well as working for the rebel cause. This series has romance, betrayal, death, lots of action, and fighting, which will keep you on your toes until the very end. It has four books in the series with War Storm, the final instalment, released last month. Also, these covers are just amazing, and fit in with the theme of the story so well. Perfect for any fantasy lover’s shelves.

The Heir Chronicles by Cinda Williams Chima
Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon

Follow Jack Swift, a “typical” 16 year old boy who is seemingly normal aside from the medicine he has to take on a daily basis and the scar above his heart. On the day he skips his medicine he begins to notice some physical changes, noting that he’s a lot stronger. All in all a great deal, that is, until he nearly kills a teammate at soccer tryouts. Suddenly he’s thrust upon the truth of his lineage, he’s a Weirlind—a magical people who live hidden among the rest of the world. Two feuding houses, the Red Rose and White Rose are needing to determine their power based on The Game, a tournament that pits warriors against each other to have control of the Weir. As if this wasn’t enough, he also finds out he seems to be the last of his kind, and both houses are currently searching for a warrior. This series follows several people, so the focus isn’t all on Jack, but the stories are intertwined in such a way that you build an elaborate world of magic. Add this to your shelves if you want a dose of reality alongside some magic!

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
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Lara Jean Song is a 16-year-old who loves to write letters. Specifically, she writes to the boys that she’s loved before, spilling her heart and soul into these letters. Her thoughts are everything that she would never really say to them in person, especially since one of those boys happens to be an ex-boyfriend of her sister’s. Keeping them safely tucked away in her mother’s hatbox, she thinks her secrets are safe..until they’re mailed off one day. Now she not only has to deal with the pandora’s box that’s been unleashed, but also with her relationship with her older sister. It’s a very good series for those who want to add a touch of drama into their lives. Moreover, this series is getting its own movie on Netflix, so if you haven’t read them, now is definitely the time! I also happen to be a fan of the gorgeous covers for this series.

Trylle by Amanda Hocking
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Although this definitely classifies as more of a contemporary fantasy, the romance elements are definitely central to this story. Wendy Everly is a seventeen year old girl with a haunted past. At six, her mother had seemingly tried to kill her for being a monster, and she’s starting to think her mother may have been right. On top of the cute boy drama, Wendy is finding out that everything she thought she knew was wrong. She’s a changeling, a faerie child switched at birth for a human baby. This series is super fun and spun in a world that is full of magic, illusions, and lots of scheming and romancing. Can’t say enough about this series!

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
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Get ready to have your heart wrenched out and handed to you, because this story is romantic and heartbreaking at the same time. Meet Mia, a girl who is stuck in limbo after a terrible car accident with her family as she’s in the midst of making some important choices in her life. Does she pursue her love of music, or ultimately stay with her family and boyfriend. Since this story is told from her point of view, you’ll be in for a world of feels. Follow her on this journey of self discovery, a beautiful and sad story that can be full of sorrow. Definitely pick this up if you’re wanting a sweet tearjerker.

These are only a few of the many excellent YA series out there! What are some others you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

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The category that is young adult is filled with so many different types of books and genres that nowadays it can be a bit tricky to find what to read since there are so many options. However, like most things, there are certain styles and genres that create a trend.

Many trends have emerged to worldwide acclaim this century and are part of (now) adults’ teenage reading favourites, including my own. Trends peak and fade with time and interest by readers and many new ones emerge every year, so let’s go down memory lane and see the biggest trends in the last decade or so, as well as the current trends and predictions for 2018 and beyond!

The Paranormal Band: Vampires, Werewolves & Witches

It would be an understatement to say that the paranormal trend took to young adults (and adults!) by storm. It was so hugely popular especially with the fast development of social media that it began a domino effect and crossover into Hollywood as YA book to movie adaptations smashed box offices around the world. Many consider Twilight as the pivotal origin of the paranormal hype as sparkling vampires became famous. More and more successful novels and series such as Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, The Southern Vampire Mysteries (True Blood), and House of Night series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, were consequently eaten up by readers, some adapted in movies and many remain current favourites for readers. This trend didn’t only apply to vampires but also to witches (Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia), ghosts (Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake) and werewolves (Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater).

Angels and Demons

There’s nothing more attractive to teen girls than the heavenly dream of finding the perfect boyfriend that is literally an angel or at least angel related, despite all the angst and probable family issues it brings. Angels and Demons was another huge trend, as a subcategory of the paranormal and fantasy genres. Angels were all the rage, with the building of backstories, describing those beautiful wings and the challenges of falling in love with an angel – an angel who might’ve literally fallen out of heaven and fallen for you too. Demons played their part too of course, and some might say the mixed elements of angel and demon drama in The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare and the entire Shadowhunter Chronicles it triggered is what continues to make it the most successful angel themed YA book series to date.

A Recipe for a Utopia with a Dash of Science Fiction

Dystopian and science fiction was another massively successful trend that created many book to movie adaptations and loyal fandoms worldwide. The concept of different worlds and societies in the future gone wrong was fresh and thought-provoking for young adults. It sparked discussion on themes of identity, society, class, politics, power and different versions of reality in a unique way. It even had teenagers taking personality tests for which faction you’d be in (Divergent by Veronica Roth). The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is the obvious game-changing novel that began this trend with many more that preceded it like Matched by Ally Condie adding to the fuel.

Fantastic Female Fronted High Fantasy

Any current YA reader would have heard of Sarah J Maas at least once, since her Throne of Glass series was among the great number of amazing female fronted high fantasy series to influence YA books in the last few years. These fantasy books are packed with action, intricate world-building, a bit of romance here and there, and a wide cast of characters to choose your favourite from. The protagonists aren’t delicate ladies either but are strong women who won’t back down or give up the fight and inspire other young women everywhere. Not only do these high fantasy books create an addiction for more but they have also popularised sub-genres of faeries, assassins and dragons which are all current trends of today. These high fantasy books had so much imagination to offer and are still cult favourites in the YA high fantasy genre since they brought so much to love. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder brought gorgeous magic, An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir and Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard brought spies in disguise and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo brought the most badass villain who likes to wear black. It is no wonder that this started a trend and is still successful to this day.

Retold Again and Again

Retellings have also become a trend in the last few years, with many more reaching beyond the usual Grimm Brothers fairy tales. While books based on these tales like Cinder by Marissa Meyer and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas, inspired by Cinderella and Beauty & The Beast respectively, are still extremely popular, there has been a great turnaround for alternatives. A unique and well-loved series by Rick Riordan is of course Percy Jackson & The Olympians series, which is based on Greek mythology. Other alternative inspiring retellings are The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh, a retelling of the Arabian Nights and Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff which is a retelling of Japanese mythology. These books have become quite popular and trending with readers because the innovation of having the same story retold in a different and new way that is fresh and well executed is very appealing. Let’s hope this trend doesn’t die out too fast and continues its minor reign within YA fantasy books.

The Diversity Movement

Diversity has become a huge issue with readers and within the publishing community as more people demanded and expressed their need for equal and widespread representations. Race, sexuality, disabilities and gender themes have been some of the issues young adults have been craving to read in YA Fiction so they can relate what they’re reading to who they are and their everyday lives. The huge push by readers for more diversity has been a slow and successful ongoing trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon and sure has gotten some incredible diverse novels out there for us to enjoy.

YA Trend Predictions for 2018

So, these are some of the trends that have occurred in the last decade, but what about what’s happening now? Currently many of the trends below are predicted to make it big and rise in popularity. The success of certain novels in these genres in the last year shows how future books in those same categories can truly boom.

Thrillers & Whodunnits

Novels like One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus and Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco in the last year has shown how powerful and addictive thrillers and mysteries can be, and this genre really seems like it’s about to take off especially because of the second rise in popularity of the book to TV adaptation of 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

2018 Book Recommendations:

• All of This is True by Lygia Day Penaflor
  Four teenagers obsessed with a novel called Undertow make a plan to befriend its author Fatima Ro, and they can’t believe their luck when she lets them into her life. Until they are shocked to discover that Fatima’s latest book unveils all their secrets and revelations with devastating effects.
• The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
  After the multiple consecutive deaths of cheerleaders, Sunnybrook High disbands its cheer squad. Yet 5 years later it seems that there is more to it and something is still going on as Monica, the sister of the last cheerleader killed, unravels secrets and suspicious activity. Some people in Sunnybrook may be hiding more than they’re willing to admit, and even though there are no more cheerleaders, it doesn’t mean everyone is safe.

Hi-Tech Worlds & Games

With the massive fandoms and widespread love for gaming, social media and new technology in this era, it makes sense that young adults would embrace these high tech sci-fi books that show the potential technology may have one day in the future. The thought of spaceships and virtual reality gaming The Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman and Warcross by Marie Lu have brought in the last year are pretty mind-blowing and interesting to read about. It seems logical that this YA genre and its themes will remain consistent in 2018.

2018 Book Recommendations:

• The Leveller by Julia Durango
  Nixy Bauer is a bounty hunter with the task of taking kids back to their parents in the real world from their virtual reality gaming world. However when the game’s rich developper loses track of his own kid, Nixy has the biggest challenge of her life finding him especially when it seems that he wasn’t trying to hide but is being held captive against his will within the game.
• Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston
  A space action-packed Anastasia retelling, this fun sci-fi novel depicts a girl named Ana, who was found aboard a pod with no recollection of her past. Desperate to help fix the android named D09 who was aboard with her, she tries to find the coordinates to the lost ship that may hold all her answers. Until a spoiled Ironblood boy beats her to it, yet events unfold that have them both running for their lives, marked as fugitives, and not everyone wants to capture them alive.

Shock! Horror!

Horror has always be a favourite genre for many people in fiction, however for young adult fiction it can be quite rare. Not all young people tend to want to be scared, however this genre might just be on the rise. With the popularity of Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco (Sequel to Stalking Jack the Ripper) and recent release The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert, many more older young adults may lean more towards this direction.

2018 Book Recommendations:

• Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
  The sequel to the its predecessor Scythe, Thunderhead follows the adventures, deadly tasks and dilemmas its protagonists must endure following the last event of Scythe. Scythe introduces a dystopia far in the future where humans are no longer affected by age, disease or war. Now scythes are the only ones who can and will end life to manage the world’s constant growing population. Rowan and Citra are two teenagers unwillingly chosen to apprentice for a Scythe. They must master the art of killing yet they must also understand learning the consequences of failing to take a life, as it may take their own.
• Contagion by Erin Bowman
  An urgent SOS is sent from a distant planet. A small crew is dispatched for search and rescue yet what they find is something best left uncovered as they try to piece together who or what decimated a whole operation on this planet.

For Realz

As mentioned above, the explosion of diversity in YA literature has created so many more representations and opportunities of expression. The diversity movement has also helped create another subgenre of Realistic Fiction. This genre is basically fiction that describes real life issues of today, more serious points of discussion everyone should be exposed to regardless of what format they’re influenced by including books. This subgenre is great and it seems like a major theme in 2018 for YA contemporaries and fantasies as well. There’s hope that more novels with themes such as mental illness, race, lgbtqia+, the effect of terrorism as well as teen depression and suicide are well read by teens to engage in discussion about important social and life issues we may all face.

2018 Book Recommendations:

• Not if I Save You First by Ally Carter
  Maddie’s best friend Logan is the President’s son, while her dad is a secret service agent. Unfortunately, life gets in the way and forces her to be dragged to the middle of nowhere in Alaska where she gets not word from Logan. Then he shows up, 6 years later, and an assailant gets in the way of Maddie killing him herself and she really wants to.
• The Place Between Breaths by An Na
  Grace is in a race against time and she doesn’t even know it. When her mother flees in fear of hurting their family due to the schizophrenia she’s been struggling with for years, her dad’s schizophrenia research continues in full force. Grace does her part by interning there, and they find what might be a breakthrough, but Grace starts to unravel and starts to question what’s real and what isn’t. Is her discovery real or a side effect of schizophrenia taking hold?

Under the Sea

While many mermaid novels and series have come out in the past decade such as Of Poseidon by Anna Banks, there hasn’t been a whole lotta love for them but there may be a change in the air. These book recommendations below could mean a massive turnaround for mermaid to come in the future.

2018 Book Recommendations:

• To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
  Princess Lira is a lethal siren royal, known for bringing prince’s hearts home to her collection until she’s forced to kill one of their own. As punishment, she’s made a human and has a year to bring home the heart of Prince Elian, a prince who’s siren killing hobby is peaked when a drowning woman he saves promises him the key to wiping out all sirenkind.
• Sea Witch by Sarah Henning
  Evie has become an outcast witch ever since her best friend Anna drowned, yet she’s convinced Anna survived as she meets another girl with limited time on land who resembles Anna. However, she’s got secrets of her own and Evie will try anything to keep her humanity as well as a prince’s heart with her magic until she discovers too late, the truth of the bargain she made.

Do you know any of these iconic novels and series in these older trends? What do you think of these trend predictions for 2018? Let us know in the comments!

The post YA Book Trend Report & The Trends of 2018 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Rise With The Dawn…

Back in 2015 Victoria Aveyard encapsulated her readers with Red Queen, sparking a new love for Young-Adult Fantasy. And now, in 2018, War Storm brings this series to its final curtain call.

First off, I want to establish that when I first started the Red Queen series, I wasn’t a fan. I did enjoy everything Red Queen had to offer, but Glass Sword was uninteresting and there was no urge for me to continue these books. Not until the beginning of this year. I’d been following Victoria on Instagram, and she was relatable, vocal, and used her position to voice issues of importance. This drove me to give her books another chance. Glass Sword, although having setbacks, had such a strong ending that I needed to know more. And while reading King’s Cage, I was in awe, and War Storm managed to top that. So, I came for the author and stayed for the books. And I think that’s something really amazing and worth sharing.

Secondly, it goes without saying that this review will have MAJOR SPOILERS. It’s the finale. Catch up.

Now, to actually discuss War Storm. What. A. Book. It’s clear that Victoria has clearly grown as a writer throughout the years, and it’s evident in this finale. Every moment, every scene, and every chapter were all eloquently written, and nothing felt irrelevant. Throughout the whole of War Storm, there is this sense of confidence in her writing, and it was magical to read. We’ve come to know these characters; their motivations, their strengths, their weaknesses, but this doesn’t prevent Victoria from challenging what we know and love. In saying that, this challenge never feels forced. There is this natural progression, and everything feels like a conscious, well thought-out decision on her part; not something done out of convenience to advance the plot.

War Storm starts right after the events of King’s Cage, about an hour after that heartbreaking ending. The continuation is seamless and as a reader, there isn’t a feeling of disconnect between one book and the next.

CHARACTERS

MAVEN
I think it’s fair to start off with my personal favourite. His descent into madness is breathtaking and extremely gut-wrenching. This poor human trapped in the hands of his mother, even after her death. Victoria has created my favourite villain/antagonist so far in the YA world. There isn’t a massive growth of his character in War Storm, it’s almost a regression and his narrative could be compared to an Azula (Avatar). Maven is a boy coming into his adulthood, and he’s been lost to this completely different person—one of his mother’s creation.

It’s also great that Victoria manages to continue sub-plots and themes, never forgetting to mention the little things. For example, Maven still hears his mother voice in his head.

His character has one of my favourite scenes in the book, given that it’s his final scene, but there is this poetic sense to his death. Mare and Maven are fighting one another, Mare taking her final blow:

I don’t think. I just swing wildly, blade ready, as his eyes fade. They seem sad and… Satisfied.

I don’t think that I’ve ever teared up for a villain’s death, but it’s almost depressing that Maven was happier in death than in life. There is this sense of relief in his death and no longer does Maven have to suffer under his mother’s influence.

MARE
Mare definitely had a stronger presence in War Storm. Her character experiences an increased level of maturity, which might be due to her separation from Cal. Mare grows into her own, developing new relationships and alliances with other characters. The dynamic between Mare and Farley, previously unimaginable, becomes one of my favourite aspects of the book. At a point early on in the novel, Mare acknowledges that she loves Farley, and would protect her at all costs—she essentially has become part of Mare’s family and out of that sparks this deep connection between the two characters.

But, back to Mare. She’s suffering from PTSD and the scars are physical, mental, and emotional; they are taking a toll on her well-being, and Victoria never forgets to mention this. For example, every time someone tries to hold Mare’s wrist, she retaliates—it’s only a natural response. In saying that, as the novel progresses Mare overcomes this drawback. And, the final scene between herself and Maven shows this progression. I liked Mare the most in this instalment—she’s not my favourite character, but she was really good in War Storm.

EVANGELINE
It’s impressive how her character played out, and not just in War Storm, but throughout the whole series. She isn’t the narcissistic rich girl anymore, she developed into this ‘I deserve to be happy and live a life with the woman I love’ character. Evangeline was and will always be a strong and take no prisoners character, except here, love wins. Her love for Elane, for Ptolemus and for herself. She fights this internal conflict of trying to make her parents happy, but never manages to think of her own happiness. As her arc progresses, the concept of her future becomes important to her. Her character is incredibly intriguing and it would be great to read more about what comes next for her.

CAL
Our beloved King. He’s passionate about saving those he loves, our resident protector, and clearly a true Gryffindor. Cal somehow manages to be a complete douche and a great character all at the same time. His position is very similar to Maven’s and that’s even said in the book. Both are influenced by one of their parents—Cal, his father, and Maven, his mother. But, as we reach the climax of his character arc, Cal’s mother shatters that influence. The strength of his mother’s love, extending beyond death, completely shifts Cal’s decisions.

It seems Cal is a lot like Harry Potter, which means he’s faced with all these responsibilities, but in the end, he has all this support from friends and some family. But Maven on the other hand is a lot like Draco—he has all these responsibilities, but he has no support, no love in his life, and becomes this shell of negativity. They are two sides of the same coin. Very poetic.

RELATIONSHIPS

MARE AND CAL
My OTP. There is this sense of denial between these two at the beginning of the novel except this completely shifts after a fight scene. The two are in the middle of a war and it’s so emotionally charged that you can feel a strong energy between the two characters.

“I can’t,” I bite out, looking anywhere but his face.

He responds quickly, with force. “Neither can I.”

“But I also can’t -”

Stay away. Keep doing this. Denying ourselves in the face of always-looming death.

That’s just a little snippet, but you can feel the want and need in the air, and here the dynamic between them shifts. Mare calls him Cal, not Tiberias. The significance behind that is too damn high and watching these two grow separately was nice, but seeing them grow together is even more rewarding.

KILORN AND MARE
Kilorn is like a brother to Mare and the two have such a special relationship that it kind of mirrors the whole concept of choosing your family. They’ve experienced a lot together and they have grown significantly throughout the series. A really emotional point for the two is when the other is close to death. Both witness each other on the brink of dying and you could feel the desperation in Mare’s voice as she watched Kilorn’s body be flung down a staircase. There’s just a lot to love about these two.

EVANGELINE AND PTOLEMUS
Evangeline loves her brother and nothing in the world is stronger than their relationship. I don’t think even Elane can replace the special place Ptolemus has in his sister’s heart.

MAVEN AND CAL
They have such a solid dynamic. Cal loves his brother and goes through this constant struggle of trying to save him. It takes time for Cal to acknowledge that his brother is no longer the person he knew and love. In the end it seems Maven and Cal still love each other as deep down they were still the same brothers who were there for each other, but unfortunately Maven was too far gone.

PLOT

The plot of War Storm felt very much like Game of Thrones as everyone wanted to be on that throne, and no one let anything stand in their way. Victoria talked recently mentioned that stakes should get higher every single chapter; there should always be this level of anticipation. She said that this doesn’t always mean that each chapter should have a bigger and better action scene, as there could be emotional stakes or stakes that have more meaning to a character. It felt that throughout the whole of War Storm the stakes were progressively getting bigger and bigger. For example, going back to the scene between Mare and Cal, the emotional stakes here were peaking. Overall the plot was incredibly enjoyable as nothing felt like an afterthought and it all had a purpose.

As a whole, War Storm was a perfect conclusion to the series. It had action, emotion, and one of the best final fight scenes. The ending was open, but the ending felt right for this quartet. It wrapped up the events of this story,and left room for future stories to grow and bloom.

And with that, till next time.

You can find War Storm at Book Depository, Amazon and all good book retailers.

What did you think of War Storm? Tell us your thoughts on the book in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

VICTORY COMES AT A PRICE.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive.

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