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The Most Anticipated YA Books of October
As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of young adult fiction. Every month our team looks at the books being published and how they're resonating with early readers. We use this information to put together a roundup of soon-to-be favorites.
New in October: Jewish immigrant kids track a serial killer at the 1893 World’s Fair in Aden Polydoros’ The City Beautiful. Jane Eyre meets Ethiopian exorcists in Lauren Blackwood’s Within These Wicked Walls. And China’s historic Xianxia fantasy genre gets an exciting update in June C.L. Tan’s Jade Fire Gold. Also this month: twin witches, desperate pirates, and rogue magicians.
Add the books that catch your eye to your Want to Read shelf, and let us know what you're reading and recommending in the comments!
New in October: Jewish immigrant kids track a serial killer at the 1893 World’s Fair in Aden Polydoros’ The City Beautiful. Jane Eyre meets Ethiopian exorcists in Lauren Blackwood’s Within These Wicked Walls. And China’s historic Xianxia fantasy genre gets an exciting update in June C.L. Tan’s Jade Fire Gold. Also this month: twin witches, desperate pirates, and rogue magicians.
Add the books that catch your eye to your Want to Read shelf, and let us know what you're reading and recommending in the comments!
Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s award-winning 2012 novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, broke new ground for YA queer fiction. This long-anticipated sequel continues the love story as the young men prepare for life in the wider world. Their relationship is severely tested when Ari is faced with a terrible loss. But you know what they say about love: It can conquer just about anything.
In her previous book in this series, Kingdom of the Wicked, author Kerri Maniscalco introduced readers to the streghe—witches who live secretly among humans. Book Two continues the story of Emilia, who lost her twin sister and subsequently sold her soul to become Queen of the Wicked. Looking for vengeance, Emilia descends into an underworld of treacherous demon-princes and seductive vice.
Vespertine is the first in an intriguing new series from author Margaret Rogerson (Sorcery of Thorns, An Enchantment of Ravens). Artemisia is in training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who prepares the bodies of the dead so that their spirits can pass on. When her convent is threatened by possessed soldiers, she’s forced to awaken a malevolent spirit known as a revenant. With friends like this, who needs evil spirits with an unquenchable thirst for souls of the living?
Author June C.L. Tan’s debut novel promises adventure and romance steeped in traditional Chinese mythology. Jade Fire Gold follows the adventures of two young people—the lost heir Altan and the mysterious Ahn—whose destinies are mysteriously intertwined. Tan’s work is squarely in the tradition of China’s popular Xianxia fantasy genre and is recommended for fans of Girls of Paper and Fire, The Tiger at Midnight, and The Bone Witch.
If you like your horror stories in the classic gothic mode, consider this innovative retelling of the Jane Eyre story, served with an Ethiopian twist. Debut author Lauren Blackwood brings us the twisty tale of Andromeda, an exorcist (or debtera) who specializes in cleansing households of evil spirits. But Andromeda finds more than she bargained for when she goes to work for the handsome young heir Magnus Rochester in his sprawling castle of horrors. Tough gig.
Pirate stories, it seems, have a higher-than-typical batting average in the action-adventure genre. Pirates are just cool on some archetypal level, and pirate book cover art always rocks. To wit: Kimberly Vale’s Crossbones features a lethal floating competition known as the Trials, at which three young pirates—Csilla, Lorelei and Kane—must fight not just to win but just to survive. Expect treachery above deck and below as the Blood Bell tolls…
Another remarkably cool-looking debut this month, Kylie Lee Baker’s The Keeper of Night mashes up historical fiction and urban fantasy with elements of both Japanese and European mythology. The new book follows supernatural heroine Ren Scarborough—half British Reaper and half Japanese Shinigami—who has been collecting souls in London for centuries. But trouble with the bosses sends her into the Japanese underworld to battle three dangerous Yokai demons. Don’t you hate traveling for work?
Margaret Owen (The Merciful Crow series) is back with an ingenious and decidedly irreverent retelling of an old Grimm fairy tale concerning theft, jewels, and naughty little girls. Humble servant Vanja has a secret. She’s actually the adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, and her otherworldly mothers occasionally make certain demands. In an effort to dodge fate, Vanja assumes the identity of her mistress Princess Gisele and proceeds to relieve adjacent nobility of their jewels and riches. But someone is on to her game…
The second installment of Janella Angeles’ Kingdom of Cards series follows three young magicians in the aftermath of the first book’s disastrous magical competition. Young Kallia awakens in a dangerous world where illusion reigns and mirrors show memories. Daron Demarco is willing to risk his life to save Kallia, even if it means undertaking the most dangerous journey imaginable. Then there’s the wild card, Jack, a magician who cannot be trusted. Let the cards fall where they may.
Chicago, 1893: In the shadow of the World’s Fair, young immigrant Alter Rosen is desperately trying to raise enough money to free his Romanian family from oppression. When his best friend Yakov is murdered, Alter is possessed by a kind of darkside spirit known as a dybbuk. His only hope is a boy from his past who means more to Alter than anyone knows. Part historical fantasy, part queer romance, part murder mystery, The City Beautiful is one of this season’s most interesting hybrids.
Which new releases are you looking forward to reading? Let's talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent articles, including:
Readers' Most Anticipated Books of October
The Sweetest October Romances (According to Goodreads Members)
Goodreads Members' Most Anticipated Fall Books
Check out more recent articles, including:
Readers' Most Anticipated Books of October
The Sweetest October Romances (According to Goodreads Members)
Goodreads Members' Most Anticipated Fall Books
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Sep 30, 2021 01:50AM
Nice selection of YA books. I still like reading these even though I am now well into my 60s.
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Lazy wrote: "Nice selection of YA books. I still like reading these even though I am now well into my 60s."YA is such a fun genre I don't think I'll ever stop reading them. Themes tend to focus on discovering yourself, a process that spans your entire life, and I think that's one reason why YA appeals to so many people.
Little thieves, maybe, will be added to my library. It seems very nice!
good list! but I'm excited for these ones: - The Heartbreak Bakery by AR Capetta
- Hometown Haunts: #LoveOzYA Horror Tales
- Stars in Their Eyes by Jessica Walton & Aśka
Kingdom of the cursed is a novel that i am waiting to read.. I adore Halloween, so can not wait to read some dark and delicious horrors!
These look too good! I clearly chose the right month to publish my own book, considering these incredible novels are coming out right alongside mine.
I can't wait for Ari and Dante's story to continue!!!
I have been eagerly waiting for Kingdom of the cursed. Finally , it’s going to be published this month!!
Lazy wrote: "Nice selection of YA books. I still like reading these even though I am now well into my 60s."Agreed. They often have an element of romance--and there are usually no awkwardly-written sex scenes.
So many good choices here. Looking forward to all of them, honestly.
