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Readers' Most Anticipated YA Books of October
Hey, YA readers! Heads up! We’ve found the hottest and most popular new book titles of the month!
As dedicated Goodreaders 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: Asha Ashanti Bromfield tells a Jamaican love story in Songs of Irie. Kate Pearsall explores Appalachian folk horror with Bittersweet in the Hollow. And Isabel Ibañez visits 19th century Cairo in What the River Knows. Also on tap this month: London bookstores, German witches, and Indian caravans.
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!
As dedicated Goodreaders 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: Asha Ashanti Bromfield tells a Jamaican love story in Songs of Irie. Kate Pearsall explores Appalachian folk horror with Bittersweet in the Hollow. And Isabel Ibañez visits 19th century Cairo in What the River Knows. Also on tap this month: London bookstores, German witches, and Indian caravans.
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!
The third and final book in the Once Upon a Broken Heart series concludes the epic saga of Evangeline Fox and her increasingly complicated problems. She’s got the Handsome Prince. She’s got the Beautiful Castle. But she still has to deal with an immortal – Jacks, the treacherous Prince of Hearts. Author Stephanie Garber (Caraval) wraps up her fantasy romance series by starting with the typical happy-ever-after ending, then making a series of hard swerves.
Bolivian American author Isabel Ibañez turns to her South American roots with some atmospheric historical adventure, 19th-century style. When her parents mysteriously disappear, young Buenos Aires noblewoman Inez Olivera inherits a fortune…and an enigmatic guardian. Determined to discover the truth, she sets out for Cairo to meet her new overseer, his handsome assistant, and a whole lot of magical intrigue. What the River Knows is recommended for fans of adrenalized romance and globe-trotting adventure.
Set in an alternate-universe version of 16th-century India, this one-off novel from author Rati Mehrotra (the Asiana series) introduces seventeen-year-old Irinya, born into the unforgiving life of desert caravans. On the upside, this version of India’s past is steeped in sorcery and Irinya has an innate knowledge of magical flowers. When her childhood friend acquires the powerful silver spider lily, the two find themselves in possession (briefly) of a force that can level mountains. Then it gets stolen. Then it gets wild.
This intriguing debut novel from author Kate Pearsall evokes the rich tradition of Appalachian folk tales and horror stories – rural legends, you might say. In the small town of Caball Hallow, deep in the shadows of a vast national forest, rumors tell of a terrifying entity known as the Moth-Winged Man. When a local girl disappears, four sisters investigate, relying on the strange magic that runs in their family. Bittersweet in the Hollow is recommended for fans of House of Hollow and Wilder Girls.
Teenage prodigy Zilan hopes that her talent for alchemy can provide a way out for her family, trapped in impoverished village in southern China. She’s pretty good already. She can resurrect the dead, for instance, although that’s technically against the law. When Zilan finally gets a chance to prove her mettle in the capital city, the crown prince takes a special interest in her talents. Author Kylie Lee Baker (The Keeper of the Night series) brings the monsters and magic.
Lithuania, 1943: Devastated by the death of his daughter, a Jewish father turns to the ancient and forbidden magic of his people. He creates a golem in her image, an indestructible magical construct hardwired with one purpose: Killing Nazis. Can’t argue with that. Wrath Becomes Her (great title!) mixes historical fiction with classic war story and horror novel traditions. In fact, the book is being billed as a cross between Frankenstein and Inglourious Basterds.
From the dark academia aisle, Curious Tides is the debut novel from French-Canadian author Pascale Lacelle. The setup: Young healer Emory was a so-so student at the prestigious Aldryn College for Lunar Magics – until one terrible night in the salty darkness of the Dovermere sea caves. Now possessed of fantastic powers, she must unravel the mystery of What Happened That Night. Also: What’s up with this sinister secret society? And why are all these dead students washing ashore?
Set in 1970s Jamaica, the queer love story Songs of Irie introduces two young women from opposite sides of the tracks. Irie grew up in the heart of Kingston, where political violence is an everyday reality. Jilly is from the posh mansions in the hills, where the wealthy can retreat behind their gated perimeters. Brought together by a deep connection – and a love of reggae music – the two teenagers find love amid the chaos.
The first installment of their new Witch and Hunter fantasy romance series, Night of the Witch is a collaborative novel from authors Sara Raasch (Snow Like Ashes) and Beth Revis (Across the Universe). Set in an alternative historical Europe, the story follows young Fritzi, the lone survivor of a savage attack on her coven. When she’s apprehended by Otto – ostensibly a high-ranking hexenjäger (witch hunter) – some very inconvenient sparks begin to fly. But then again, Otto is keeping a secret of his own.
It can’t be time for holiday-themed romance novels yet, can it? Yes. Yes, it can. The problem: Neighborhood gentrification is threatening the very existence of Wonderland, the beloved Black-owned bookshop in downtown London. The players: Handsome Trey Anderson, whose parents own the story, and quirky Ariel Spencer, the new hire with dreams of earning tuition for art school. The deadline: Christmas Eve. The Solution: Love! And some creative mischief.
This looks like good scary fun: Somewhere in the shadows between urban fantasy and horror, Beholder tells the strange story of the orphan Athanasios “Athan” Bakirtzis, who has inherited a magical family power. He can rewind the reflection in any mirror, spying into the recent past. When Athan survives a ritual mass murder at a New York City penthouse party, he inadvertently crosses paths with an occult secret society. Author Ryan La Sala (Reverie) contemplates the essential creepiness of mirrors.
Which new releases are you looking forward to reading? Let's talk books in the comments!
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bookishgrace
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Oct 03, 2023 07:18AM
I'm excited to read The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker. I have never read her books but I already love how this book is a YA asian fantasy book!
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It's like all fantasy except one romance and one horror. Where's the sci-fi? At least A Curse for True Love looks interesting but it might just be another romantasy.
Haha- yeah it’s just another romantasy- third in a series 😅
I can't wait to get my hands on The Songs Of Irie !
