We may be a few months into 2020, but as most of us have a ton of extra time on our hands (thanks, Corona), it’s the perfect time to look at some new releases and get some quality reading done! I had the hardest time narrowing down this batch of books; I could have easily written about 40 instead of 10! But let me just say I’m thrilled about this little group. I tried to draw from all genres– fantasy, contemporary, romance, sci-fi, history, social justice– and from a diverse author base (btw what’s up with the lack of male YA authors and male main characters??). Can’t wait to get my hands on these books, please enjoy!
Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez- January 7
Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything to the usurper, Atoc. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight. When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.
She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.
This book sounds like the perfect mix of history, enchantment, and awesome females for me! What a fantastic perspective on Bolivian mythology written by the daughter of Bolivian immigrants.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna- May 26
Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity–and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.
Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki–near-immortals with rare gifts. Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she’s ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be–not even Deka herself.
How GORGEOUS is this cover?? I’m so ready to read a book about outcasts-turned-warriors with a fantasy twist set with a rich African heritage. The early reviews claim The Gilded Ones has a wonderfully-built fantasy world, AKA the way to my heart. Can May 26th come sooner, please?
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed- Febrary 4
YES. Jamie Goldberg is cool with volunteering for his local state senate candidate—as long as he’s behind the scenes. When it comes to speaking to strangers, Jamie’s a choke artist. There’s no way he’d ever knock on doors to ask people for their votes…until he meets Maya.
NO. Maya Rehman’s having the worst Ramadan ever. Her best friend is too busy to hang out, her summer trip is canceled, and now her parents are separating. Why her mother thinks the solution to her problems is political canvassing—with some awkward dude she hardly knows—is beyond her.
MAYBE SO. Going door to door isn’t exactly glamorous, but maybe it’s not the worst thing in the world. After all, the polls are getting closer—and so are Maya and Jamie. Mastering local activism is one thing. Navigating the cross-cultural romance of the century is another thing entirely.
Okay, this book sounds so cute! Shy guy meets cool girl meets local activism?? Yes, please. I love to read about teens getting involved in politics; this is so important and timely as we approach election season!
Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles- January 21
Del has had a crush on Kiera Westing since kindergarten. And now, during their junior year, she’s finally available. So when Kiera volunteers for an opportunity at their church, Del’s right behind her. Though he quickly realizes he’s inadvertently signed up for a Purity Pledge.
His dad thinks his wires are crossed, and his best friend, Qwan, doesn’t believe any girl is worth the long game. But Del’s not about to lose his dream girl, and that’s where fellow pledger Jameer comes in. He can put in the good word. In exchange, Del just has to get answers to the Pledgers’ questions…about sex ed. With other boys circling Kiera like sharks, Del needs to make his move fast. But as he plots and plans, he neglects to ask the most important question: What does Kiera want? He can’t think about that too much, though, because once he gets the girl, it’ll all sort itself out. Right?
Not So Pure and Simple sounds like nothing I’ve ever read before. I’m so interested to see exactly how Giles writes on the topic of abstinence, but the reviews I’ve seen love how he deals with modern masculinity.
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu- March 3
Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish—to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she’ll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age—her tyrannical father has made that much clear.
And as Nannerl’s hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true—but his help may cost her everything.
Maybe it’s just me, but I love to read books where the main characters play instruments. (Shout out to The Name of the Wind and Wintersong!!) Like many of us who are not classical music aficionados, I did not know anything about Mozart’s sister. I can already tell this will be a tragic, but magically beautiful story.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson- June 2
Liz Lighty has always believed she’s too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor. But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz’s plans come crashing down . . . until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen.
There’s nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington. The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She’s smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?
Wow, I really resonate with this premise– living in small-town Indiana, waiting to be able to move on to bigger and better things. . . You Should See Me In a Crown sounds like such a cute, prom read with an awesome LGBT twist. Let’s fast forward to June so I can read this book.
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller- Febrary 25
Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power: 1) Woo the Shadow King. 2) Marry him. 3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.
No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.
But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?
I have to admit, when I started writing this post, I was so intrigued by this book that I went out and read it in record time and WOW. I’ve seen several sources call The Shadows Between Us essentially Slytherin, and all I’ll say is, very accurate, but in the best way possible!! (This coming from a Hufflepuff). Do yourself a favor and read this.
The Montague Twins: The Witch’s Hand by Nathan Page- July 14
Pete and Alastair Montague are just a couple of mystery-solving twins, living an ordinary life. Or so they thought. After a strange storm erupts on a visit to the beach, they discover there is more to their detective skills than they had thought. Their guardian, David Faber, a once prominent professor, has been keeping secrets about their parents and what the boys are truly capable of.
At the same time, three girls go missing after casting a mysterious spell, which sets in motion a chain of events that takes their small town down an unexpected path. With the help of David’s daughter, Charlie, they discover there are forces at work that they never could have imagined, which will impact their lives forever.
Middle grade mystery with a magical twist set in the 1960s? Love it. PLUS, it’s a graphic novel. If you were anything like me and grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, give in to the nostalgia and pick up this book.
The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper- February 4
As a successful social media journalist with half a million followers, seventeen-year-old Cal is used to sharing his life online. But when his pilot father is selected for a highly publicized NASA mission to Mars, Cal and his family relocate from Brooklyn to Houston and are thrust into a media circus.
Amidst the chaos, Cal meets sensitive and mysterious Leon, another “Astrokid,” and finds himself falling head over heels—fast. As the frenzy around the mission grows, so does their connection. But when secrets about the program are uncovered, Cal must find a way to reveal the truth without hurting the people who have become most important to him.
An LGBT romance that’s also about astronauts?? Could this get cuter?
The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner- September 8
Prince North’s home is in the sky, in a gleaming city held aloft by intricate engines powered by technology. Nimh is the living goddess of her people on the surface, responsible for providing answers, direction—hope.
Linked by a terrifying prophecy and caught between duty and fate, they must choose between saving their people or succumbing to the bond that is forbidden between them.
One last awesome sci-fi read, and by Amie Kaufman no less. Her Illuminae Files series is nothing short of a masterpiece, so you can believe me when I say, this is a must read for me. I’m beyond intrigued about this space technology–goddess–impossible decision premise. Catch me lining up for this book when September finally comes.
Will I ever outgrow YA books? Hopefully not. If the day ever comes where I prefer James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks to Sarah J. Maas and Angie Thomas, we’ll know the world has ended. Let me know what awesome 2020 releases you’re reading!
Elizabeth
One Page at a Time 