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It's going to be a great year for young adult fiction! Here are a few of the books I'm most excited to read. These books are all coming out between January and July 2022. If you're looking for adult books, I have a post for those too.
2022 Young Adult Book Releases
Murder Of Crows by K. Ancrum
Mystery / Thriller
February 1, 2022
Lethal Lit follows Tig Torres, a Cuban American teen detective, in her hometown of Hollow Falls. In season one of the hit podcast, Tig used her smarts and fearlessness to track down the infamous "Lit Killer," a serial killer who staged his murders after death scenes from famous books. But there's no rest for courageous, mystery-solving teens in a place like Hollow Falls, and though the Lit Killer is now behind bars, his protégé, Tig's classmate and crush Oly, has disappeared!
And that's not the only game afoot. Tig has caught the attention of the town's local armchair detective group, the Murder of Crows. They're obsessed with Hollow Falls' dark past and fixated on a dangerous search for the missing body of the town's founder. There are rumors about what's buried with the body that could be life-changing for whoever finds it, and with a mission like that underway, it's not long before a member of the Murder of Crows turns up dead.
Tig, along with her friends Max and Wyn, steps in to help, but the stakes are getting higher and the hunt more deadly. Someone's willing to kill to keep the town's secrets buried, and if Tig's not careful, she'll be the Murder of Crows' next victim.
And that's not the only game afoot. Tig has caught the attention of the town's local armchair detective group, the Murder of Crows. They're obsessed with Hollow Falls' dark past and fixated on a dangerous search for the missing body of the town's founder. There are rumors about what's buried with the body that could be life-changing for whoever finds it, and with a mission like that underway, it's not long before a member of the Murder of Crows turns up dead.
Tig, along with her friends Max and Wyn, steps in to help, but the stakes are getting higher and the hunt more deadly. Someone's willing to kill to keep the town's secrets buried, and if Tig's not careful, she'll be the Murder of Crows' next victim.
Why I'm excited to read it: K. Ancrum's books are weird and creative with lightning-fast pacing. I don't usually read mysteries, especially when they're part of a series, but I'm confident that K. Ancrum can put a unique twist on any genre. If you haven't read her books, please pick one up!
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
Historical Fiction
February 1, 2022
Romania, 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren’t free to dream; they are bound by rules and force.
Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear, Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He’s left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves—or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe.
Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom?
Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom?
Why I'm excited to read it: If you love historical fiction, you need to read Ruta Sepetys' books. Her novel, Salt to the Sea, is one of my all-time favorites. It has memorable characters and so many plot twists. I'm hoping for more of the same with her newest book.
Only A Monster by Vanessa Len
Fantasy
February 22, 2022
But she soon learns the truth. Her family aren’t just eccentric: they’re monsters, with terrifying, hidden powers. And Nick isn’t just a cute boy: he’s a legendary monster slayer, who will do anything to bring them down.
As she battles Nick, Joan is forced to work with the beautiful and ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a monster family that hates her own. She’ll have to embrace her own monstrousness if she is to save herself, and her family. Because in this story . . . she is not the hero.
Why I'm excited to read it: Is this a monster love triangle book? It sounds like a monster love triangle book. Early reviewers are comparing it to V.E. Schwab's work. I love V.E. Schwab! Her books are usually dark and a bit creepy. Bring on the monsters!
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
Fantasy / Horror
March 1, 2022
Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home—to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.
Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.
Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?
Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.
Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?
Why I'm excited to read it: Well, it's V.E. Schwab. I'll read pretty much anything she writes. A few of my book friends got advanced copies of this novel and loved it. According to them, it's dark and magical. Supposedly, this is a crossover novel, so I wasn't sure if I should put it in my adult releases blog post or my YA releases blog post. It's a book for everybody!
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
Fantasy / Romance
March 8, 2022
When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, it may finally bring her mother home. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.
Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist—yet. Fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret and her bloodhound Trouble. Margaret begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.
Although they make an unlikely team, Wes is in awe of the girl who has endured alone on the outskirts of a town that doesn’t want her, in this creaking house of ghosts and sorrow. And even though Wes disrupts every aspect of her life, Margaret is drawn to him. He, too, knows what it's like to be an outsider. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt—if they survive that long.
Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist—yet. Fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret and her bloodhound Trouble. Margaret begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.
Although they make an unlikely team, Wes is in awe of the girl who has endured alone on the outskirts of a town that doesn’t want her, in this creaking house of ghosts and sorrow. And even though Wes disrupts every aspect of her life, Margaret is drawn to him. He, too, knows what it's like to be an outsider. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt—if they survive that long.
Why I'm excited to read it: Goodreads describes it as "an achingly tender love story set against a deadly hunt in an atmospheric, rich fantasy world that will sweep you away." I don't usually read love stories, but I would like to find more escapist literature. I read too much serious real-world stuff. I need to branch out. Find some magical happiness.
A Forgery Of Roses by Jessica S. Olson
Fantasy / Mystery
March 29, 2022
Myra Whitlock has a gift. One many would kill for.
She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.
But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.
Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.
Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.
She’s an artist whose portraits alter people’s real-life bodies, a talent she must hide from those who would kidnap, blackmail, and worse in order to control it. Guarding that secret is the only way to keep her younger sister safe now that their parents are gone.
But one frigid night, the governor’s wife discovers the truth and threatens to expose Myra if she does not complete a special portrait that would resurrect the governor's dead son. Desperate, Myra ventures to his legendary stone mansion.
Once she arrives, however, it becomes clear the boy’s death was no accident. Someone dangerous lurks within these glittering halls. Someone harboring a disturbing obsession with portrait magic.
Myra cannot do the painting until she knows what really happened, so she turns to the governor’s older son, a captivating redheaded poet. Together, they delve into the family’s most shadowed affairs, racing to uncover the truth before the secret Myra spent her life concealing makes her the killer’s next victim.
Why I'm excited to read it: One of my issues with fantasy is that most of it feels the same. You know: kings, queens, battles, chosen ones, 500 pages of tedious weapons training. This book sounds different. Goodreads describes it as "a gothic fantasy murder mystery." I'm curious enough to give it a try.
An Arrow To The Moon by Emily X.R. Pan
Fantasy / Romance
April 12, 2022
Hunter Yee has perfect aim with a bow and arrow, but all else in his life veers wrong. He’s sick of being haunted by his family’s past mistakes. The only things keeping him from running away are his little brother, a supernatural wind, and the bewitching girl at his new high school.
Luna Chang dreads the future. Graduation looms ahead, and her parents’ expectations are stifling. When she begins to break the rules, she finds her life upended by the strange new boy in her class, the arrival of unearthly fireflies, and an ominous crack spreading across the town of Fairbridge.
As Hunter and Luna navigate their families’ enmity and secrets, everything around them begins to fall apart. All they can depend on is their love . . . but time is running out, and fate will have its way.
Luna Chang dreads the future. Graduation looms ahead, and her parents’ expectations are stifling. When she begins to break the rules, she finds her life upended by the strange new boy in her class, the arrival of unearthly fireflies, and an ominous crack spreading across the town of Fairbridge.
As Hunter and Luna navigate their families’ enmity and secrets, everything around them begins to fall apart. All they can depend on is their love . . . but time is running out, and fate will have its way.
Why I'm excited to read it: Look at that cover! I think it's the best cover in this post. The author's other book, The Astonishing Color Of After, was scooping up all the awards a few years ago. I still haven't read it because my TBR mountain is out of control. I want to read something by this author. Maybe the library waitlist for her newest book will be shorter.
The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
Mystery / Thriller / Horror
August 2, 2022
Mars has always been the lesser twin, the shadow to his sister Caroline's radiance. But when Caroline dies under horrific circumstances, Mars is propelled to learn all he can about his once-inseparable sister who'd grown tragically distant.
Mars's genderfluidity means he's often excluded from the traditions—and expectations—of his politically-connected family. This includes attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister poured so much of her time. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on attending in her place.
What Mars finds is a bucolic fairytale not meant for him. Folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities camouflage old-fashioned gender roles and a toxic preparatory rigor. Mars seeks out his sister's old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. They are beautiful and terrifying—and Mars is certain they're connected to Caroline's death.
Mars's genderfluidity means he's often excluded from the traditions—and expectations—of his politically-connected family. This includes attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister poured so much of her time. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on attending in her place.
What Mars finds is a bucolic fairytale not meant for him. Folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities camouflage old-fashioned gender roles and a toxic preparatory rigor. Mars seeks out his sister's old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. They are beautiful and terrifying—and Mars is certain they're connected to Caroline's death.
But the longer he stays at Aspen, the more the sweet mountain breezes give way to hints of decay. Mars’s memories begin to falter, bleached beneath the relentless summer sun. Something is hunting him in broad daylight, toying with his mind. If Mars can't find it soon, it will eat him alive.
Why I'm excited to read it: It sounds delightfully creepy. Did the girls kill their friend? I want to know! Goodreads says it's a "twisted and tantalizing horror novel set amidst the bucolic splendor of a secluded summer retreat." So . . . beautiful places and creepy people. Seems promising.
Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert
Fantasy
June 28, 2022
The suburbs, right now . . .
Seventeen-year-old Ivy’s summer break kicks off with an accident, a punishment, and a mystery: a stranger whose appearance in the middle of the road, in the middle of the night, heralds a string of increasingly unsettling events. As the days pass, Ivy grapples with eerie offerings, corroded memories, and a secret she’s always known—that there's more to her mother than meets the eye.
The city, back then . . .
Dana has always been perceptive. And the summer she turns sixteen, with the help of her best friend and an ambitious older girl, her gifts bloom into a heady fling with the supernatural. As the trio’s aspirations darken, they find themselves speeding toward a violent breaking point.
Years after it began, Ivy and Dana's shared story will come down to a reckoning among a daughter, a mother, and the dark forces they never should’ve messed with.
Why I'm excited to read it: Melissa Albert is the author of The Hazel Wood, which is one of the few fantasy series I've actually managed to finish. I'm notorious for abandoning series after a book or two. Her novels are intense and bizarre. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Which young adult books are you looking forward to reading?
Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI see Schwab on so many blogs!
https://wordsandpeace.com/2022/01/11/top-ten-most-recent-additions-to-my-book-collection/
I need to read more from Ruta Sepetys!
ReplyDeleteI love Ruta Sepetys books, so I'm excited for I Must Betray You as well!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy reading these!
ReplyDeleteHere's my Top Ten Tuesday list this week.
Great list and so many gorgeous covers!
ReplyDeleteI'm especially excited about Gallant.
A new Ruta Sepetys. YAY! My TTT list
ReplyDeleteI thought you had read all of these books already 🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteOnly a Monster looks tempting! Thanks for the introduction!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my TTT
I have Pan's book on my TBR. It sounds really good, and I enjoyed her last book.
ReplyDeleteI don't read much YA, but these all sure look good. I love that cover for A Forgery of Roses.
ReplyDeleteSo many here that I'm excited for! I was lucky enough to read Gallant early and it's INCREDIBLE!
ReplyDeleteI've yet to read anything by Sepetys but I Must Betray You sounds amazing and intense.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Ruta Sepetys has a new novel? I am so excited! I love her novels.
ReplyDeleteI love these selections! (And I think I commented this on your other post too, but I'll say it again because it's true, I'm so behind on 2022 releases and these posts have been a godsend for catching up! :)) I had no idea that V. E. Schwab was coming out with another book, I definitely need to read it this year! I loved the Vicious and Darker Shade of Magic series -- anything she writes is an auto-read for me.
ReplyDeleteclaire @ clairefy
I must Betray You is on my TBR!!!I even wrote the editor but so far no luck!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hadn't heard of Gallant. Need to read that one for sure!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I had quite a few of these on my Goodreads TBR already, but I've now added Murder of Crows and The Honeys. They both sound intriguing and unique.
ReplyDeleteLots of fantasy on the list! An Arrow to the Moon does have a pretty cover. I hope these turn out to be great for you :-)
ReplyDeleteI need to get my hands on a copy of Our Crooked Hearts - it sounds SO good. And I know so many people are looking forward to the new VE Schwab!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to have found your blog! New follower :)