I participated in the #18debutchat last week and realized I had like zero 2018 debuts shelved so I participated and created my 2018 debut shelf on Goodreads and then decided to show off my top 5 books! But! Then! I! Picked! Out! 15! Cause I have no chill.
So here are the 15 books I will be watching closely for their release (and two I have ARCs for!)! Make sure you add these beauties to Goodreads or preorder them if you have the funds or ask your library to bring them in!
LOVE HATE AND OTHER FILTERS
Author: Samira AhmedSeries: N/A
Publisher: Soho Teen
Publication Date: January 16, 2018
Summary:
A searing #OwnVoices coming-of-age debut in which an Indian-American Muslim teen confronts Islamophobia and a reality she can neither explain nor escape--perfect for fans of Angie Thomas, Jacqueline Woodson, and Adam Silvera.
Maya Aziz is torn between futures: the one her parents expect for their good Indian daughter (i.e.; staying nearby in Chicago and being matched with a "suitable" Muslim boy), and the one where she goes to film school in New York City--and maybe, just maybe, kisses a guy she's only known from afar. There's the also the fun stuff, like laughing with her best friend Violet, making on-the-spot documentaries, sneaking away for private swimming lessons at a secret pond in the woods. But her world is shattered when a suicide bomber strikes in the American heartland; by chance, he shares Maya's last name. What happens to the one Muslim family in town when their community is suddenly consumed with hatred and fear?
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Why I'm Excited For It
There is so much to love about this one. OwnVoices books are always something I try to read and promote so I was really excited about this one. I feel like it is going to confront so many important topics right now and I can't wait to read it! I have it preorderd on Kobo!
CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE
Author: Tomi AdeyemiSeries: N/A
Publisher: Henry Holt Books For Young Readers
Publication Date: March 6, 2018
Summary:
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.
But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.
Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.
Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy.
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Why I'm Excited For It
This one sounds fantastical! The boxes sent from the publishers have been really cool too! I love that it incorporates magic and fantasy with a mythos I've never read before. I can't wait to expand my knowledge of fantasy.
THE CALCULUS OF CHANGE
Author: Jessie HilbSeries: N/A
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Summary:
A poignant and empowering teen novel of grief, unrequited love, and finding comfort in one's own skin.
Aden isn't looking for love in her senior year. She's much more focused on things like getting a solo gig at Ike's and keeping her brother from illegal herbal recreation. But when Tate walks into Calculus class wearing a yarmulke and a grin, Aden's heart is gone in an instant.
The two are swept up in a tantalizingly warm friendship, complete with long drives with epic soundtracks and deep talks about life, love, and spirituality. With Tate, Aden feels closer to her mom and her mom's faith than she has since her mother died years ago. Everyone else even Aden's brother and her best friend can see their connection, but does Tate?
Navigating uncertain romance and the crises of those she loves, Aden must decide how she chooses to see herself and how to honor her mom s memory.
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Why I'm Excited For It
Reading this summary I was like "oh hey a book about my life." So HERE I AM putting it on my list. *shrugs*
I STOP SOMEWHERE
Series: N/A
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Summary:
Ellie Frias disappeared long before she vanished.
Tormented throughout middle school, Ellie begins her freshman year with a new look: she doesn't need to be popular; she just needs to blend in with the wallpaper.
But when the unthinkable happens, Ellie finds herself trapped after a brutal assault. She wasn't the first victim, and now she watches it happen again and again. She tries to hold on to her happier memories in order to get past the cold days, waiting for someone to find her.
The problem is, no one searches for a girl they never noticed in the first place.
TE Carter's stirring and visceral debut not only discusses and dismantles rape culture, but it also reminds us what it is to be human.
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Why I'm Excited For It
I have an ARC of this one and I am really excited to get to it. I like reading books about sexual assault that try to tear down the rape culture prevalent in society. But that means this one comes with a trigger warning.THE QUEEN'S RISING
Author: Rebecca RossSeries: Untitled Trilogy #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Summary:
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.
Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.
With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?
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Why I'm Excited For It
I have an ARC of this one because from the moment I heard about it - I knew I needed it. I was a little disappointed with fantasy last year so I have high hopes for this one! After the Prologue, I am already hooked so I am excited for the rest.AMERICAN PANDA
Author: Gloria ChaoSeries: N/A
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Summary:
An incisive, laugh-out-loud contemporary debut about a Taiwanese-American teen whose parents want her to be a doctor and marry a Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer despite her squeamishness with germs and crush on a Japanese classmate.
At seventeen, Mei should be in high school, but skipping fourth grade was part of her parents' master plan. Now a freshman at MIT, she is on track to fulfill the rest of this predetermined future: become a doctor, marry a preapproved Taiwanese Ivy Leaguer, produce a litter of babies.
With everything her parents have sacrificed to make her cushy life a reality, Mei can't bring herself to tell them the truth--that she (1) hates germs, (2) falls asleep in biology lectures, and (3) has a crush on her classmate Darren Takahashi, who is decidedly not Taiwanese.
But when Mei reconnects with her brother, Xing, who is estranged from the family for dating the wrong woman, Mei starts to wonder if all the secrets are truly worth it. Can she find a way to be herself, whoever that is, before her web of lies unravels?
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Why I'm Excited For It
I love contemporary novels and this one just spoke to me in a way a lot of them haven't in a while. There are so many layers to this one that I think everyone can relate to, especially regarding parental pressures, so I am looking forward to seeing this on page!
ASH PRINCESS
Series: Untitled Trilogy #1
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Summary:
Theodosia was six when her country was invaded and her mother, the Queen of Flame and Fury, was murdered before her eyes. Ten years later, Theo has learned to survive under the relentless abuse of the Kaiser and his court as the ridiculed “Ash Princess.” Pretending to be empty-headed and naive when she's not enduring brutal whippings, she pushes down all other thoughts but one: Keep the Kaiser happy and he will keep you safe.
When the Kaiser forces her to execute her last hope of rescue, Theo can't keep her feelings and memories pushed down any longer. She vows revenge, throwing herself into a plot to seduce and murder the Kaiser's warrior son with the help of a group of magically gifted and volatile rebels. But Theo doesn't expect to develop feelings for the Prinz. Or for her rebel allies to challenge her friendship with the one person who's been kind to her throughout the last hopeless decade: her heart's sister, Cress.
Cornered into impossible choices and unable to trust even those who are on her side, Theo will have to decide how far she's willing to go to save her people and how much of herself she's willing to sacrifice to become queen.
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Why I'm Excited For It
ZOMG THIS SUMMARY. This hits all the things I want out of a fantasy novel so I hope it lives up to the hype I have in my mind. I love these types of novels so I am really looking forward to how all the tropes are laid out in this book!
LOVE SONGS AND OTHER LIES
Author: Jessica PenningtonSeries: N/A
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: April 24, 2018
Summary:
It’s summer romance and second chances, the songs that stay in your head, and the boy you’ll never forget.
Two years after rock-song-worthy heartbreak, Virginia Miller is looking forward to a fun, carefree summer. Her friends just landed a spot on a battling bands reality show, and Vee is joining them for her dream internship on tour. Three months with future rockstars seems like an epic summer plan. Until she learns she’ll also be sharing the bus with Cam. Her first love, and her first heartbreak. Now Vee has more than just cameras to dodge, and Cam’s determination to win her forgiveness is causing TMZ-worthy problems for both of them. With cameras rolling, she’ll have to decide if her favorite breakup anthem deserves a new ending. And if she’s brave enough to expose her own secrets to keep Cam’s under wraps.
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Why I'm Excited For It
Just the fact that this is a summer romance book is giving me chills. I'm not usually one for second chances but I have HIGH HOPES for this one. I like that this is music focused but also has road trip aspects and a reality TV-based vibe. I'm so looking forward to reading this one!
TYLER JOHNSON WAS HERE
Author: Jay ColesSeries: N/A
Publisher: Little, Brown Books For Young Readers
Publication Date: March 20, 2018
Summary:
When Marvin Johnson's twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid.
The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it's up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean.
Purchase:
Why I'm Excited For It
I've been looking forward to this one since the moment I followed Jay Coles on Twitter. An important topic is covered in this book plus the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to purchase a copy of this one!
YOUR DESTINATION IS ON THE LEFT
Series: N/A
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Dessa Rhodes is torn between leaving her modern nomadic life and pursuing her dreams of becoming an artist in this fun, contemporary debut novel that’s perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Morgan Matson.
Dessa Rhodes is a modern day nomad. Her family travels in an RV, their lives defined by state lines, exit signs, and the small communal caravan they call home. Among them is Cyrus, her best friend and long-time crush, whom she knows she can never be with. When your families are perpetually linked, it’s too dangerous to take a risk on romance.
Instead, Dessa looks to the future. She wants to be a real artist and going to art school is her ticket to success and a new life. There’s just one problem: she hasn’t been accepted…anywhere. Suddenly her future is wide open, and it looks like she’s going to be stuck traveling forever.
Then an unexpected opportunity presents itself: an internship working with a local artist in Santa Fe. Dessa struggles to prove to her boss—and herself—that she belongs there, but just as she finally hits her stride, her family suffers an unexpected blow. Faced with losing everything that she has worked for, Dessa has a difficult decision to make. Will she say goodbye to her nomadic lifestyle and the boy she loves? Or will she choose to never stop moving?
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Why I'm Excited For It
Not only is this compared to my favourite author, Sarah Dessen, but this hits all the right boxes for me. I'm one of those people who can't stay still. I move around so much that I may as well not have any possessions. Even if I stay in a city, I move to different places of it so I can learn all about it. So I am excited to see how this MC behaves and acts because I already relate to her.
FAT GIRL ON A PLANE
Series: N/A
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: June 5, 2018
Summary:
Don’t miss this unforgettable debut novel, told in two timelines, about smart fashion, pursuing your dreams, and loving yourself!
FAT.
High school senior Cookie Vonn’s post-graduation dreams include getting out of Phoenix, attending Parsons and becoming the next great fashion designer. But in the world of fashion, being fat is a cardinal sin. It doesn’t help that she’s constantly compared to her supermodel mother—and named after a dessert.
Thanks to her job at a fashion blog, Cookie scores a trip to New York to pitch her portfolio and appeal for a scholarship, but her plans are put on standby when she’s declared too fat too fly. Forced to turn to her BFF for cash, Cookie buys a second seat on the plane. She arrives in the city to find that she’s been replaced by the boss’s daughter, a girl who’s everything she’s not—ultrathin and superrich. Bowing to society’s pressure, she vows to lose weight, get out of the friend zone with her crush, and put her life on track.
SKINNY.
Cookie expected sunshine and rainbows, but nothing about her new life is turning out like she planned. When the fashion designer of the moment offers her what she’s always wanted—an opportunity to live and study in New York—she finds herself in a world full of people more interested in putting women down than dressing them up. Her designs make waves, but her real dream of creating great clothes for people of all sizes seems to grow more distant by the day.
Will she realize that she’s always had the power to make her own dreams come true?
Purchase:
Why I'm Excited For It
I'm living for this trend of fat representation in YA books, so I was really excited when I read about this one in PW! Not only is it fat rep, but it is also fashion related!! Which is not often something you see. As a classified "fat girl" who loves fashion, I am really looking forward to reading this one! June cannot come fast enough!
BRIGHTLY BURNING
Author: Alexa DonneSeries: N/A
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Stella Ainsley wants just one thing: to go somewhere—anywhere—else. Her home is a floundering spaceship that offers few prospects, having been orbiting an ice-encased Earth for two hundred years. When a private ship hires her as a governess, Stella jumps at the chance. The captain of the Rochester, nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, is notorious throughout the fleet for being a moody recluse and a drunk. But with Stella he’s kind.
But the Rochester harbors secrets: Stella is certain someone is trying to kill Hugo, and the more she discovers, the more questions she has about his role in a conspiracy threatening the fleet.
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Why I'm Excited For It
This is a retelling of Jane Eyre and also I was told by the author that the term "Space Angst" would fit the description so I am sold. I love SciFi, retellings, and angst so really this is the perfect book for me.
NINE
Author: Zach HinesSeries: N/A
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Summary:
A dark, wholly original YA debut about one boy’s refusal to fit in to a society where everyone has nine lives.
In an alternate world startlingly close to our own, humans have nine lives—and they can’t wait to burn straight through them.
As you shed lives, you shed your awkward phases: one death is equal to one physical and mental upgrade. Julian’s friends are obsessed with the idea of burning lives, but Julian is determined to stay on his first for as long as he can. His mother, the ultimate cautionary tale, burned through her first eight in just a few years, and Julian has no intention of succumbing to the debilitating rebirth sickness that she inflicted on herself.
But the regime has death incentives aimed at controlling overpopulation, and Julian realizes that he’s going to have to burn at some point—especially when he becomes a target for Nicholas, the manipulative leader of the Burners, the school’s suicide club. And when Julian eventually succumbs, he uncovers suspicious gaps in the rebirth system that may explain exactly why his mother went so far down the rabbit hole years ago. Along with a group of student dissenters, Julian sets out to find answers and is soon on the verge of exposing the greatest conspiracy ever unleashed on the world.
He has just eight more lives to uncover the brutal truth.
Purchase:
Why I'm Excited For It
The premise of this sounds so good! Nine lives + rebirth system + CONSPIRACY = happy Jamie. This is too far away for me to be happy about how excited I am for this book. Oh chronic timeline, you frustrate me sometimes.
HERETICS ANONYMOUS
Author: Katie HenrySeries: N/A
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Summary:
The Breakfast Club meets Saved! in this hilarious and heartfelt YA debut by author Katie Henry about a nonbeliever in Catholic school who turns a secret support group, Heretics Anonymous, into a rebel group intent on exposing the school’s hypocrisies one stunt at a time.
Michael is an atheist. So as he walks through the doors at St. Clare’s—a strict Catholic school—sporting a plaid tie, things can’t get much worse. His dad has just made the family move again, and Michael needs a friend. When a girl challenges their teacher in class, Michael thinks he might have found one, and a fellow nonbeliever at that. Only this girl, Lucy, is not just Catholic . . . she wants to be a priest.
But Lucy introduces Michael to other St. Clare’s outcasts, and he officially joins Heretics Anonymous, where he can be an atheist, Lucy can be an outspoken feminist, Avi can be Jewish and gay, Max can wear whatever he wants, and Eden can practice paganism. After an incident in theology class, Michael encourages the Heretics to go from secret society to rebels intent on exposing the school’s hypocrisies. When Michael takes one mission too far—putting the other Heretics at risk—he must decide whether to fight for his own freedom, or rely on faith, whatever that means, in God, his friends, or himself.
Purchase:
Why I'm Excited For It
All I needed to see was "The Breakfast Club" and I was sold. But there is so much more to this novel and I am looking forward to seeing faith on page because I tend to shy away from that since I have a rough relationship with it in my own life. I think there are a lot of good aspects to this summary so I can't wait to see it on page.
TRAIL OF LIGHTNING
Author: Rebecca RoanhorseSeries: N/A
Publisher: Saga Press
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Summary:
While most of the world has drowned beneath the sudden rising waters of a climate apocalypse, Dinétah (formerly the Navajo reservation) has been reborn. The gods and heroes of legend walk the land, but so do monsters.
Maggie Hoskie is a Dinétah monster hunter, a supernaturally gifted killer. When a small town needs help finding a missing girl, Maggie is their last—and best—hope. But what Maggie uncovers about the monster is much larger and more terrifying than anything she could imagine.
Maggie reluctantly enlists the aid of Kai Arviso, an unconventional medicine man, and together they travel to the rez to unravel clues from ancient legends, trade favors with tricksters, and battle dark witchcraft in a patchwork world of deteriorating technology.
As Maggie discovers the truth behind the disappearances, she will have to confront her past—if she wants to survive.
Welcome to the Sixth World.
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Why I'm Excited For It
I am guilty of not searching out more native stories that are #ownvoices so when I saw this title, I was really excited. The mixture of Navajo mythos plus fantasy and just like literally every line of this summary has me really excited. Now if only there was a cover I could drool over!
I have 8 of those on my TBR as well. My co-blogger already read Love, Hate, and Other Filters and she loved it.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't already have these on my tbr, I do now! :)
ReplyDelete