With a new (and hopefully better) year now in full swing, we are antsy to get our hands on so many books! Middle grade novels are upping their already strong game in 2021 with a plethora of diverse and inclusive plots. From thrilling sequels by household names such as Victoria Schwab and Hena Khan, to promising debut authors like Nicole Lesperance and Alyssa Colman, 2021 looks like a promising year for middle-grade novel lovers.

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

Read on to discover the out-of-this-world novels that are heading your (or your kids’) way in 2021!

JANUARY

The Nightmare Thief by Nicole Lesperance
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the tradition of Natalie Lloyd and Ingrid Law comes a whimsical debut about a girl, her family’s dream shop, and a nightmare thief determined to change the course of her life as she knows it.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
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Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this exhilarating debut middle grade fantasy, the first in a trilogy filled with #blackgirlmagic, about a young girl who must earn a spot at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs in order to find her missing brother—only to discover that her unprecedented levels of potential and power have marked her as a suspect in the ongoing fight against an evil magical threat.

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day
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In this evocative and heartwarming novel for readers who loved The Thing About Jellyfish, the author of I Can Make This Promise tells the story of a Native American girl struggling to find her joy again.

Clues to the Universe by Christina Li
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This #ownvoices debut about losing and finding family, forging unlikely friendships, and searching for answers to big questions will resonate with fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Rebecca Stead.

Unplugged by Gordon Korman
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From New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman comes a hilarious middle grade novel about a group of kids forced to “unplug” at a wellness camp—where they instead find intrigue, adventure, and a whole lot of chaos. Perfect for fans of Korman’s The Unteachables, the Masterminds series, and Carl Hiaasen’s eco mysteries.

Magic’s Most Wanted by Tyler Whitesides
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Magic is closer than you ever thought possible in this madcap middle grade adventure perfect for fans of James Riley and Chris Grabenstein.

FEBRUARY 

Red, White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
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A heartbreakingly hopeful #ownvoices novel in verse about an Indian American girl whose life is turned upside down when her mother is diagnosed with leukemia.

The Greatest Superpower by Alex Sanchez
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Fans of Alex Sanchez, the award-winning author of Rainbow Boys and the Lambda Award-winning novel So Hard to Say, will delight in his new middle-grade novel, which addresses the complexities of gender identity with honesty, humor, and heart. Readers will be encouraged to find their own superpowers thanks to Sanchez’s story, which gives face to a traditionally invisible minority and focuses on what it means to be yourself.

Ancestor Approved ed. By Cynthia Leitich Smith 
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Edited by award-winning and bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
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An enchanting fantasy adventure about the importance of bravery, resourcefulness, and following your heart from a debut author.

The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan
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An accessible and beautifully written middle grade novel-in-verse by award-winning Irish author Meg Grehan about Stevie, a young girl reckoning with anxiety about the many things she has yet to understand—including her feelings about her friend Chloe. Perfect for fans of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, Star Crossed, and George.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as Told by His Brother) by David Levithan
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New York Times bestselling author David Levithan takes young readers on twisting journey through truth, reality, and fantasy and belief.

MARCH

Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab
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Cassidy Blake takes on her most dangerous challenge yet in the latest book in this New York Times bestselling series.

The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
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A boy who accidentally bonds with a magical Beast must set off on an adventure in the mysterious Woods in this whimsical and cheeky middle grade fantasy debut that is perfect for fans of Nevermoor and How to Train Your Dragon.

Amina’s Song by Hena Khan
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In the companion novel to the beloved and award-winning Amina’s Voice, Amina once again uses her voice to bridge the places, people, and communities she loves – this time across continents.

Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen
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Breathing Underwater is a sparkly, moving middle grade novel from the author of What Stars Are Made of, and a big-hearted exploration of sisterhood, dreams, and what it means to be there for someone you love.

The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold
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National Book Award finalist and Printz Honoree Elana K. Arnold returns with a powerful, heartwarming, unforgettable story of the mysterious ways in which we’re all connected, and what those connections mean. 

The Girl Who Stole the Elephant by Nizrana Farook
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Own Voices debut author Nizrana Farook spins an exciting, page-turning tale in a lush, vibrant, fictional Sri Lankan setting and featuring themes of friendship and loyalty, risk and reward, and heroism. A great middle-grade escapist novel and readaloud! 

APRIL

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
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When a powerful desert spirit kidnaps her sister, Cece Rios must learn forbidden magic to get her back in this #ownvoices middle grade fantasy debut perfect for fans of Storm Runner and Aru Shah and the End of Time.

The Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam
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This delightfully classic middle grade fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and The Book of Boy, follows an unlikely young witch as she discovers that she is the key to saving her kingdom.

Sea of Kings by Melissa Hope
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When their island kingdom falls under siege, royal brothers Noa and Dagan must follow a magical map and confront the legendary one-eyed pirate before evil takes over their world.

The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
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Any child can spark magic, but only the elite are allowed to kindle it. Those denied access to the secrets of the kindling ritual will see their magic snuffed out before their thirteenth birthday. Heartfelt, fast-paced, and utterly absorbing, The Gilded Girl is Alyssa Colman’s sparkling debut novel about determination, spirit, and the magic of friendship.

The Last Shadow Warrior by Sam Subity
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Percy Jackson meets Thor in a laugh-out-loud, action-packed adventure inspired by Norse mythology.

Thornlight by Claire LeGrand
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Resourceful twin sisters and a desperate queen must find a new source of magic to stop their kingdom from being consumed by darkness. This classic fantasy-adventure from bestselling author Claire Legrand is full of twists, turns, and unforgettable moments. Thornlight is a must-have for fans of Tahereh Mafi and Diana Wynne Jones.

MAY

Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea by Ashley Herring Blake
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For fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Ali Benjamin comes a poignant yet hopeful novel about a girl navigating grief, trauma, and friendship, from the award-winning author of Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World.

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga
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An extraordinary new novel from the Newbery Honor–winning author of Other Words for Home about grief, loss—and how friendship can be magical.

Thanks a Lot, Universe by Chad Lucas
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A moving middle-grade #ownvoices debut for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong.

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi
Goodreads | Mango and Marigold Press

Rea Chettri is on a secret quest to find her missing twin brother Rohan and she only has a few days. The clock is ticking in this fast-paced, thrilling and exciting adventure rife with evil creatures, a ruthless villain, and unforgettable friendships.

The Mending Summer by Ali Standish
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Perfect for fans of Orphan Island and Wishtree, The Mending Summer is the next stunning middle grade novel from Ali Standish—author of the Carnegie Medal nominee The Ethan I Was Before and August Isle, Bad Bella, and How to Disappear Completely—about a girl who is struggling to deal with her father’s alcoholism when she discovers an enchanted lake.

Lily’s Promise by Kathryn Erskine
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From National Book Award–winning author Kathryn Erskine comes a heartfelt, poignant novel that tackles grief, change, and the struggle to let your voice be heard. Perfect for fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Erin Entrada Kelly, and Ali Benjamin.

JUNE

Almost Flying by Jake Maia Arlow
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In this unabashedly queer middle grade debut, a week-long amusement park road trip becomes a true roller coaster of emotion when Dalia realizes she has more-than-friend feelings for her new bestie.

Generation Misfits by Akemi Dawn Bowman
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A heartwarming Own Voices middle grade novel about an eleven-year-old Japanese-American girl who finds her true friends when she joins her school’s J-Pop club, from award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman.

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hamza
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The Best at It meets John David Anderson in this Indian Muslim #ownvoices debut about a champion underachiever who must start over in a new state with the help of three classic books.

The Double Life of Danny Day by Mike Thayer
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A boy who lives every day twice uses his ability to bring down bullies at his new school in Mike Thayer’s humor-filled middle grade novel.

The Stars of Whistling Ridge by Cindy Baldwin
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In this new novel from the author of Where the Watermelons Grow and Beginners Welcome, an almost-thirteen-year-old with an almost-complete sentence for a name embraces her destiny to search for a forever home.

Long Distance by Whitney Gardner
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From the creator of Fake Blood comes another exceptionally charming middle grade graphic novel about friendships both near and far, far away.

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

The post Incredible Middle Grade Book Releases To Look Out For In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The story follows Aria Blue, a guardian angel to be in a body of a 12-year-old. To earn her wings, she needs to follow the blue smoke, which leads her to people in need of her help. For every person she helps, she receives a feather charm for her bracelet and when she has collected three then she will receive her wings. As a magical being, she can dream things into existence and her shadow is actually a door or teleporter.

New Beginnings

In her first mission, Aria meets Gabby. Since her brother Marco got sick, she had to move to another city and has to go to a new school. At the new school, she has the chance to be someone else and not the “sister of the sportsman who lies in the hospital”. Aria offers her not only a friendship but helps her to open up to her mother and build new friendships, while giving her hope too.

Second Chances

At the all-girls school, Caroline is being bullied by her former best friend Lily. She is alone and does not tell anyone outside of school what is going on. When Aria arrives, she sees the blue smoke around Caroline and knows she has to help her, but Lily is surrounded by it as well. Aria knows that both girls are in need of her help and she has to find a way to get to the bottom of it.

Last Wishes

Due to financial problems, her family is pushing Mikayla to be an award-winning dancer. She loves to dance, but she cannot cope with the pressure of being responsible with her family’s well-being.

Magicians, angels, people walking through magical portals, and more! It seems that Victoria Schwab can write about anything and everything. Everyday Angel is a beautiful potpourri of everything that could happen in life and how we wish to have a guardian angel at our side to put all the bad away.

These three sweet stories will definitely keep your mind off everything that is bothering you and help you see the light even in the darkest places.

Everyday Angel is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be picking up Everyday Angel? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Schwab, here are 3 delightful novels about a quirky and clever guardian angel, and the girls she’s sent to help — all in one irresistible volume!
Meet a guardian angel like no other, from a writer like no other, in this whimsical, enchanting, and clever series.

At first glance, Aria seems like your average twelve-year-old girl. But there’s much more to her than meets the eye. Aria is a guardian angel, sent here to earn her wings. But to do that she’ll have to help three different girls: Gabby, Caroline, and Mikayla. Can Aria help the girls navigate friends, bullies, family, and the trials of middle school while keeping her magical identity a secret?

The post Review: Everyday Angel by Victoria Schwab appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Genre: Fantasy fiction

In the magical land of Ingary, people live their lives by fairy tale tropes. So unfortunate Sophie, the eldest of three sisters and destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate, has resigned herself to spending a dull lifetime running the family hat shop. But everything changes when she encounters the powerful Witch of the Waste and a spell turns her into an old crone. Her only chance at reversing the curse is the self-absorbed and freakish Wizard Howl. Sophie now must seek out Howl’s ever-moving castle in the hills, make a deal with the a demon and ultimately, face the Witch of the Waste.

Even though the 2004 Studio Ghibli adaptation of Howl’s Moving Castle (that everyone and their grandma has probably seen at least once) is more popular than the actual book, it’s definitely worth a shot because the story is whimsical and downright enchanting. It’s written in a simple yet elegant way, includes a wacky romance between a shallow, over-dramatic boy and a spirited girl who appears as a ninety year old lady, and yes it’s better than the movie.

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Genre: Fantasy fiction, mythological fiction

Aru Shah has a habit of stretching the truth a bit too far in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are flying off to family vacations in exotic locales, Aru will be spending a boring and lonely autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and culture. That changes when three of her classmates show up at her doorstep and dare her to light the cursed Lamp of Bharata. Aru accidentally frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon who freezes her mother and classmates in time. Now with the help of a long-lost half sister and a talking pigeon, Aru must find the Sleeper before he successfully wakes up the God of Destruction.

Hindu mythology and folklore blend seamlessly into the modern day world with Chokshi’s effortless, exquisite writing. The result is a bright, exhilarating and fast paced story crackling with humour that will leave you wanting more. Good thing the sequel is already out and book three comes out on April 7th!

Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Genre: Contemporary fiction

August Pullman was born with a facial difference. He has gone through quite a lot of surgeries since then. After years of being homeschooled, Auggie is now starting 5th grade at a mainstream school- and it just might be the greatest challenge he has ever had to face. He finds himself being bullied and unable to make friends, just as he had feared.

A soulful, compassionate and very special book, Wonder does a great job of letting the reader see August and the way he impacts the people around him from several perspectives. It’s one of those books that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. You might want to give the movie a try too, it’s one of the most honest book-to-screen adaptations out there.

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Genre: Paranormal fiction

Cassidy Blake’s parents are professional ghost hunters, but Cass is the one who can really see them. Ever since she almost drowned and was saved by her now best friend Jacob- who also happens to be a ghost, she has been able to enter the world of spirits. When her parents go to Edinburgh for their TV show, she and Jacob unwillingly follow. There Cass encounters Lara, a girl with the same abilities as herself. On a new mission to send spirits permanently beyond the Veil, Cass encounters the sinister Red Raven haunting the city, and gets involved in a fight that stretches through both of her worlds.

Victoria Schwab’s delicious and intriguing writing is reason enough to read her works. Pick this one up for the vivid world building, the chills that will inevitably run down your spine, and Jacob. He’s adorable, you’ll see.

Stargazing by Jen Wang
Genre: Graphic novel

Christine’s new next door neighbour Moon has gradually become her best friend. Impulsive, fearless, creative Moon is everything Christine isn’t, her ways of thinking and looking at the world amaze and inspire Christine. Moon even trusts Christine with her deepest secret- that she sometimes has visions from otherworldly beings who reassure her that earth isn’t where she really belongs. Their friendship is unexpectedly tested when jealousy, social expectations and Moon’s worsening medical condition threatens to push them apart. Can they get over all that to be there for each other?

Stargazing is a deeply personal story from Jen Wang’s own childhood. The genius storytelling, stunning and expressive art style, and the lovely tale of friendship will win you over.

The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Genre: Fantasy fiction

Isabella Riosse is forbidden to leave the island of Joya just like everyone else, but that never stopped her from dreaming of the lands beyond that her father once mapped. When her friend goes missing, she volunteers to lead the search. Armed with her father’s maps and her knowledge of the stars, Isabella sets out to bring back her friend. Soon she finds out that an ancient  fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Following her maps, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.

With her enchanting writing, Hargrave crafts a beautiful Moana-esque story of a dauntless young girl on a quest to find the truth behind the legends of her island. Read it for the lovely prose, the strong female protagonist, and the gorgeous maps.

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell
Genre: Adventure fiction, historical fiction

When Vita Marlowe’s grandfather gets cheated out of his mansion by a powerful realty tycoon with ties to the mob, Vita takes it upon herself to recover the house and make him happy again. She gathers a crew of her own- a pickpocket and two boys with extraordinary skills- and hatches a plan to outwit the enemy and steal back what’s rightfully her grandfather’s. 

This book is for you if you love a gripping, action packed adventure story with strong, quirky characters who embrace their individualities instead of trying to fit in.

The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Genre: Fantasy fiction

Arrietty Clock lives with her parents Pod and Homily Clock beneath the kitchen floor. They ‘borrow’ whatever they need from the humans who live above. Only Pod is allowed to do the ‘borrowing’ though, since the risk of being seen by the humans is too great. Arrietty is used to boredom, until the day Pod comes home from his latest expedition to tell them about the new boy. Her parents say Borrowers who are found by humans get lost forever, but desperate for a friend, Arrietty is determined to meet him.

Yet another book that has been adapted by Studio Ghibli (a lesser known movie, Arrietty is delightful nonetheless), once again with an altered story. If you love fairy tales, you’ll love this book as the writing is appropriately atmospheric and surreal.

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn
Genre: Contemporary fiction

Cat has been taking care of her brother Chicken for as long as she can remember. Chicken is autistic, and Cat is the only one who gets him. When their summer plans change unexpectedly, they end up having to spend their break at their grandparents- whom they have never met before. For the first time, Cat gets to be a kid too! Her journey takes her on the path to figure out why exactly their mother drifted apart from her parents.

Caterpillar Summer shows how strained, damaged relationships can be healed too- sometimes all we have to do is take the time to see things from others’ perspectives. If you are looking for a short, feel good read, this just might be the perfect book for you.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
Genre: Science fiction

Sal Vidón prides himself on being an excellent magician. So when a raw chicken appears out of nowhere in school bully Yasmany’s locker three days after Sal started at Culeco Academy of the Arts, student council president Gabi Reál is determined to prove that Sal is the one to blame. How did Sal do it though? Was it sleight of hand? Was it… actual magic? What happens when Gabi finds out Sal can conjure bigger, scarier things that might tear the universe apart?

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe tells a bizarrely original story that is hard to describe without explaining things like why Sal’s Mami Viva is now suddenly Mami Muerta. With Hernandez’s flowing, witty, and utterly unique writing, well developed characters, and the excellent handling of the sci-fi aspects of the book, this is bound to become a story you’d want to revisit.

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf
Genre: Contemporary fiction

The story begins with an empty chair, and the kid who comes to occupy it. Ahmet, the newest student in the class, is very quiet, he doesn’t talk to anyone and has an older lady help him with his lessons. Four of his classmates desperately want to befriend him. They find out Ahmet is a refugee, who had to leave his home and run away because of a war. A real one- where there are bombs and fire and people who hurt other people. Now, the kids start looking for a way to help their new friend.

Onjali Q. Rauf’s debut novel brings into light a glaring issue rarely acknowledged, in a way that will help children understand it well. The kids are determined to help Ahmet in any way they can once they realise what the term ‘refugee’ means, showing the non-judgemental, innocent mindset children possess. Written in an honest and heartwarming way, this one is a quick yet impactful read.

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Genre: Fantasy fiction

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III does not fit his name, or the rest of his Viking clan, the Hairy Hooligans. He is too weak to even capture a dragon, let alone train it- at least that’s what everyone thinks. This is the first installment in the story of the mighty Viking hero known throughout the Vikingdom as The Dragon Whisperer, of how he befriended the dragon Toothless and became a hero.

I know, I know, you have probably seen the movies, they are some of Dreamworks’ best to date! Don’t go into the book expecting it to be anything like them though, the stories are very different. However, in case the promise of Toothless and Hiccup’s incredible dynamic and the presence of dragons of every shape and size aren’t enough to convince you to read the book, the audiobook is narrated by David Tennant, in his Scottish accent! Just saying…

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

The post 12 Middle Grade Novels You Should Check Out appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Die For Me by Amy Plum (2011)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

After her parents died in a car accident, Kate and her sister move in with their grandparents. Not only do they have to settle in into their new home, but also in a new country, from the USA to Paris. Making herself at home, Kate explores the city and one day crosses paths with Vincent. Their friendship blooms to be something more and the closer she gets to him, the more of a mystery he and his family are to her.

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (2011)
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Josephine Angelini’s first novel in the Starcrossed series follows 16-year-old Helen who lives on a small Island in Nantucket. Dreaming of the same nightmare every night, Helen starts to hallucinate. When she meets Lucas she has no idea that fate will take their lives in their hands and to stop the pre-programmed disaster is impossible. A retelling of the Helen of Troy will bring you closer to Greek Mythology in the most adventurous way.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab (2013)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This book is amazing! Victoria Schwab could write about a bee sitting on a flower and it would be one of the best stories ever. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive. After her Granddad died, Mackenzie is taking his place as Keeper, a person who stops Histories from breaking free. Living in an old building, which was once a hotel, unfortunately does not leave a lot of time for school and first love.

Solitaire by Alice Oseman (2014)
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Alice Oseman’s debut novel from 2014 follows Tori who feels insecure around people and the world in general. Everything is much easier through the internet, so why meet people in real life when your best friend can be there for you 24/7 via social media and be halfway around the world? But, can you know someone truly? And is really everyone happy or are they all just trying to hold up a front that is not real? This book will change your perspective about the internet and real life.

My Kind of Crazy by Robin Reul (2016)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This is an example of “title = story”. In the eyes of others, someone might seem to be crazy, while they think of themselves as normal. Your normal can be someone else’s normal as well. Congratulations, you are my kind of crazy! Robin Reul’s book will show you that being yourself is the only way to live.

Warcross by Marie Lu (2017)
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For those who loved Ready Player One, the first book in the Warcross series by Marie Lu is definitely worth a read. Emika is one of the best hackers in the world and lives most of her time in Warcross. It is not just a game; it is a way of life. If you make it there, you have made it! But, you cannot escape your past.

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus (2017)
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Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing. Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher. And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app. Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, Karen M. McManus’s amazing story follows five students going into detention, but only four come out of it alive. Who killed one of them? Why? Let’s have a look at everyone’s dirty little secrets.

Bonfire by Krysten Ritter (2017)
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The debut thriller written by actress Krysten Ritter will remind you of Season 3 of Riverdale. Abby left her hometown and all its mystery behind her. Now, as an environmental lawyer, years after she left everything behind, she is forced to come and finds herself in a crime which goes beyond the case she originally came to investigate.

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed (2018)
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Maya is sitting between two futures. While her parents wish for her to marry a Muslim boy, Maya wants to dream big and move to NYC to become a filmmaker. But what happens thousands of miles away from her starts to affect her live, and now, people are judging her for crimes, she did not commit. Samira Ahmed’s books not only show a brave female protagonist, but shows how important it is to not judge people before you did not get to know them.

Any other 2010-2018 YA books you would recommend? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Reading Challenge Recommendations: YA Books appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Need some sci-fi? There’s Vox where women are only allowed 100 words a day, Alan Dean Foster’s Relic follows the last surviving man, and Stars Uncharted follows a ragtag band of explorers are looking to make the biggest score in the galaxy.

If fantasy is more your speed, Annie Sullivan’s debut novel A Touch of Gold focuses on King Midas’ daughter, The Tower of Living and Dying is the sequel to The Court of Broken Knives by Anna Smith Spark, or Rob J. Hayes City of Kings.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below which ones you are most excited for!

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cassidy Blake’s parents are The Inspectres, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But Cass herself can REALLY see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one. When The Inspectres head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass—and Jacob—come along. Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an In-betweener, their job is to send ghosts permanently beyond the Veil.

Heartbreaker by Claudia Dey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Seventeen years after falling from a stolen car into a remote northern town, Billie Jean Fontaine is still an outsider. When Billie Jean vanishes one cold October night in her bare feet and track suit with only her truck keys, those closest to her begin a frantic search. Her daughter, Pony, a girl struggling against being a teen in the middle of nowhere; her killer dog to whom she cannot tell a lie; her husband, The Heavy, a man haunted by his past; and the charismatic Supernatural, a teenage boy longing only to be average. Each holding a different piece of the puzzle, they must come together to understand the darkest secrets of their beloved, and lay bare the mysteries of the human heart.

The Stars Now Unclaimed by Drew Williams
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Jane Kamali is an agent for the Justified. Her mission: to recruit children with miraculous gifts in the hope that they might prevent the Pulse from once again sending countless worlds back to the dark ages. Hot on her trail is the Pax–a collection of fascist zealots who believe they are the rightful rulers of the galaxy and who remain untouched by the Pulse. Now Jane, a handful of comrades from her past, and a telekinetic girl called Esa must fight their way through a galaxy full of dangerous conflicts, remnants of ancient technology, and other hidden dangers. And that’s just the beginning . . .

Vox by Christina Dalcher
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

On the day the government decrees that women are no longer allowed more than 100 words daily, Dr. Jean McClellan is in denial–this can’t happen here. Not in America. Not to her. Soon women can no longer hold jobs. Girls are no longer taught to read or write. Females no longer have a voice. Before, the average person spoke sixteen thousand words a day, but now women only have one hundred to make themselves heard. For herself, her daughter, and every woman silenced, Jean will reclaim her voice.

A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan
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King Midas once had the ability to turn all he touched into gold, but after it almost killed his daughter, Midas relinquished The Touch forever. Ten years later, Princess Kora’s skin shines golden, rumours follow her everywhere she goes, and she harbours secret powers that are getting harder to hide. It isn’t until a charming young duke arrives that Kora realises there may be someone out there who doesn’t fear her or her curse. But their courtship is disrupted when a thief steals precious items from the kingdom, leaving the treasury depleted and King Midas vulnerable. Thanks to her unique ability to sense gold, Kora is the only one who can track the thief down.

City of Kings by Rob J. Hayes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

War makes monsters and corpses of us all. For generations the blooded have ruled the Wilds, cultivating a lawless frontier and bleeding the good folk dry. The Black Thorn, once the most wanted outlaw the world has ever seen, is set on stopping them, and bringing an end to the great game that oppresses them all. Crucible is the only blooded fortress left, but not for nothing is it called the City of Kings. Its defenses are unbreakable, its walls unassailable, all built so one hundred can hold back a thousand. Worse yet, the Black Thorn is running out of time and there are darker things hiding underground, looking to turn the city into a tomb.

The Fated Sky by Mary Robinette Kowal
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Continuing the grand sweep of alternate history laid out in The Calculating Stars, we head to 1961 where mankind is well-established on the moon and looking forward to its next step: journeying to, and eventually colonising, Mars. Of course the noted Lady Astronaut Elma York would like to go, but could the International Aerospace Coalition ever stand the thought of putting a woman on such a potentially dangerous mission? Could Elma knowingly take the place of other astronauts who have been overlooked because of their race? And could she really leave behind her husband and the chance to start a family?

Relic by Alan Dean Foster
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Once Homo sapiens reigned supreme, spreading from star system to star system in an empire that encountered no alien life and thus knew no enemy . . . save itself. When a genetically engineered smart virus wipes out humanity, the last known survivor is Ruslan. He spends his days as something of a cross between a research subject and a zoo attraction. The Myssari, an intelligent alien race, are determined to resurrect the human race, using Ruslan’s genetic material, all he wants for himself and his species is oblivion. But then the Myssari make Ruslan an extraordinary offer: In exchange for his cooperation, they will do everything in their considerable power to find the lost home world of his species–an all-but-mythical place called Earth–and, perhaps, another living human.

The Tower of Living and Dying by Anna Smith Spark
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In the sequel to The Court of Broken Knives, Marith has been a sellsword, a prince, a murderer, a demon, and dead. But something keeps bringing him back to life, and now there is nothing stopping him from taking back the throne that is rightfully his. Thalia, the former high priestess, remains Marith’s only tenuous grasp to whatever goodness he has left. His left hand and his last source of light, Thalia still believes that the power that lies within him can be used for better ends. But as more forces gather beneath Marith’s banner, she can feel her influence slipping.

Stars Uncharted by S.K. Dunstall
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Three people who are not who they claim to be: Nika Rik Terri, body modder extraordinaire, has devoted her life to redesigning people’s bodies right down to the molecular level. Josune Arriola is crew on the famous explorer ship the Hassim, whose memory banks contain records of unexplored worlds worth a fortune. Hammond Roystan, the captain of the rival explorer ship, The Road, has many secrets. Some believe one of them is the key to finding the lost world. Josune’s captain sends her to infiltrate Roystan’s ship, promising to follow. But when the Hassim exits nullspace close to Roystan’s ship, it’s out of control, the crew are dead, and unknown Company operatives are trying to take over. Narrowly escaping and wounded, Roystan and Josune come to Nika for treatment–and with problems of her own, she flees with them after the next Company attack.

The Fall of Gondolin by J.R.R. Tolkien
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In the Tale of The Fall of Gondolin are two of the greatest powers in the world. There is Morgoth of the uttermost evil, unseen in this story but ruling over a vast military power from his fortress of Angband. Deeply opposed to Morgoth is Ulmo, second in might only to Manwë, chief of the Valar: he is called the Lord of Waters, of all seas, lakes, and rivers under the sky. But he works in secret in Middle-earth to support the Noldor, the kindred of the Elves among whom were numbered Húrin and Túrin Turambar. Following his presentation of Beren and Lúthien Christopher Tolkien has used the same ‘history in sequence’ mode in the writing of this edition of The Fall of Gondolin.

These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch
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Lu is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work. Devereux is a pirate. After Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, he becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war. Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbours a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

Check out our other August book picks on our Goodreads list!

Any other releases you’re excited to read this month? Tell us in the comments below!

The post August Book Release: Fantasy + Sci-Fi appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

In case you missed it, Bloomsbury will be releasing another special house edition of Harry Potter this year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets! Just like the special edition for Sorcerer’s Stone, this new house edition will contain “new artwork, house colours, and additional illustrations and content”.

To celebrate the new edition, we are going to give you some book recommendations according to hogwarts houses virtue! These virtues can be seen on the cover of the houses edition, and corresponds to the house represented in the cover.

Tell us which Hogwarts house is yours in the comments below!

GRYFFINDOR
COURAGE – BRAVERY – DETERMINATION

The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden: Set in medieval Russia, where women must marry and live a secluded life apart from society and where the old gods of Russia are fading by the power of Christianity, our main character Vasya fights hard to save herself, her family, and her village from ancient evil even though it caused people to label her as a witch and disgrace her family.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee: The classic, Atticus Finch courage, bravery, and determination in defending Tom Robinson’s is the finest example of Gryffindor’s traits.

The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh: A 1001 Nights retelling, our main character, Sharzhad, volunteer as the next bride to Khalid, even though it is a guaranteed death sentence for her to avenge her best friend death’s by his hand.

SLYTHERIN
PRIDE – AMBITION – CUNNING

Vicious by VE Schwab: The whole problem of this book starts from the ambition of Victor and Eli, thinking they are better than the rest and playing God with themselves. This ambition and pride of them causing one of them to go into prison while the others become a serial killer.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: No spoilers, but the characters in this book are all very cunning, it’s scary to read.

Forest of A Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao: Retelling on the origin of the Evil Queen, Xifeng embodies the best and worst quality of Slytherin: pride and ambition that helps her reach what she wants but also cause her to be ruthless to people who are in her way, and cunning mind that help her strategize and think before making her move.

HUFFLEPUFF
DEDICATION – PATIENCE – LOYALTY

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: Even though Bod is a human, the graveyard ghosts are his family and their dedication, patience, and loyalty towards each other help set the tone of this book.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill: When Xan accidentally feed baby Luna moonlight, she decided to raise her together with the swamp monster Glerk and tiny dragon Fyrian. This family might look unusual, but they have a lot of love between them.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: 6 criminals working together to pull off an impossible heist… It seems impossible that this group could pull this off without killing each other but as the story goes, it became clear that this group has only loyalty towards each other.

RAVENCLAW
WIT – LEARNING – WISDOM

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: The well-known classic, Elizabeth and Darcy are both witty (a lot of verbal sparring here) and learned a lot about each other and the effect of first impressions.

Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub: Set after Romeo and Juliet, where Verona has plunged into chaos following the death of the famous lovers, Rosaline has to fend for herself to escape the feud and an arranged married using her mind only.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom: When Eddie was killed after saving a girl from a fallen ferris wheel, he learned that heaven is not a place, it’s where his life is explained by 5 people, revealing questions about his life. This is a book that definitely makes you think about your life and your connection with others.

Any books tickle your house pride? Tell us in the comments below!

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Check out our June YA picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be reading one of them!

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber | Goodreads
When the Delonese ice-planet arrived eleven years ago, Sofi’s dreams have been vivid. As an online gamer, Sofi helps with Earth’s Fantasy Fighting arena where her brother Shilo is forced to compete in a mix of real and virtual blood sport. When a bomb goes off, Sofi believes Shilo survived because she dreams of him and she’s convinced he’s been taken to Delonese. For Miguel, a charming young playboy and Ambassador to the Delonese, the tables have turned. Help the blackmailers, or lose more than anyone can fathom, or Earth can afford.

Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab | Goodreads
Nearly six months after Kate and August were first thrown together, the war between the monsters and the humans is a terrifying reality. In Verity, August has become the leader he never wished to be, and in Prosperity, Kate has become the ruthless hunter she knew she could be. When a new monster emerges from the shadows and lures Kate home, she finds more than she bargained for. She’ll face a monster she thought she killed, a boy she thought she knew, and a demon all her own.

Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali | Goodreads
Janna Yusuf knows a lot of people can’t figure out what to make of her…an Arab Indian-American hijabi teenager who is a Flannery O’Connor obsessed book nerd, aspiring photographer, and sometime graphic novelist is not exactly easy to put into a box. She suddenly finds herself caring what people think, or at least what a certain boy named Jeremy thinks. Janna is trying to decide what kind of person she wants to be, and what it means to be a saint, a misfit, or a monster.

Welcome To The Slipstream by Natalka Burian | Goodreads
With her mother, a brilliant businesswoman with fragile mental health, Van arrives in Las Vegas, where Alex, a college student, is assigned to “babysit” her. Van is used to having to land on her feet, because her mother and her surrogate grandmother move from city to city like corporate gypsies, but Alex introduces Van, a talented musician, to a group where her guitar skills may shine. Just as she’s about to play her first gig, her mother is lured in by a con man promising a “vision quest” in Arizona, and Van must go on the road to find and save her mom.

Obsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh | Goodreads
After surviving the chaotic battle, Mya looks ahead to her future with Kol. Announcing their betrothal, Mya’s brother reveals his plan to marry his youngest sister to his friend Morsk but to avoid this terrible turn of events, Morsk informs Mya she should marry him in place of her sister. Refusing to marry anyone other than her beloved, Mya runs away with her sister and soon realizes she’s been followed. Rivals from Mya’s past thirst for revenge so Mya must make a move before the enemies of her past become the undoing of her future.

The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. King | Goodreads
Eighteen-year-old Kalinda is destined for nothing more than a life of seclusion and prayer. When the tyrant Rajah Tarek disrupts Kalinda’s life, within hours she is ripped from the comfort of her home, set on a desert trek, and ordered to fight for her place among the rajah’s ninety-nine wives and numerous courtesans. Her only solace comes in the company of her guard, the stoic but kind Captain Deven Naik. Faced with the danger of a tournament to the death, Kalinda has only one hope for escape, and it lies in an arcane, forbidden power buried within her.

Haunted by Alexandra Adornetto | Goodreads
Alexander Reade turns up at Sycamore High not remembering how he got there. But worse, he doesn’t remember Chloe Kennedy and believes he has come back to search for his lost love Isobel. Chloe soon realizes that Alex needs her help surviving in the modern world since Alex has been dead for 157 years and when she begins to experiences dreams that take her to a past life, she realizes they are linked to Isobel. When Isobel appears to hunt Chloe, who is just as vengeful as ever, she is out to destroy any bond between Alex and Chloe.

Remind Me of How This Ends by Gabrielle Tozer | Goodreads
It’s the summer after high school ends and everyone is moving on, except Milo Dark. He feels like he’s stuck on pause until Layla Montgomery barrels back into his world after five years. As kids, Milo and Layla shared everything, but they haven’t spoken since her mum’s funeral and pushed away her dad, dropped out of school and recently followed her on-again-off-again boyfriend back to town. What begins as innocent banter soon draws them into a tangled mess with a guarantee that someone will get hurt.

Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau | Goodreads
Twins Carys and Andreus were never destined to rule Eden. With their older brother next in line to inherit the throne, the future of the kingdom was secure until the king and crown prince are killed by assassins. Now with the line of succession no longer clear, Carys and Andreus are faced with only one option: to take part in a Trial of Succession that will determine which one of them is worthy of ruling the kingdom. With their country and their hearts divided, Carys and Andreus will discover exactly what each will do to win the crown. 

The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee | Goodreads
Henry “Monty” Montague was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions, but as Monty embarks on his yearlong tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of ending. Nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and travelling companion, one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt and calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen | Goodreads
Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that’s why she’s cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm’s length. But Ambrose isn’t about to be discouraged, now that he’s met the one girl he really wants.

Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios | Goodreads
Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone. Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it’s too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she’s unable to escape.

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