Looking Ahead: Two Can Keep a Secret

Who's excited about Karen McManus's upcoming book, Two Can Keep a Secret? For more information about the novel, please see below for the following release by Penguin Random House.

DELACORTE PRESS TO PUBLISH NEW YA NOVEL BY

KAREN M. McMANUS, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

OF 2017’s  BREAKOUT THRILLER ONE OF US IS LYING

TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET to be released on January 8, 2019, with 250,000-copy first printing

New York, NY (June 7, 2018)—A new stand-alone novel from Karen M. McManus, author of the breakout teen thriller of 2017 and New York Times bestseller One of Us Is Lying, will be published on January 8, 2019, with a first printing of 250,000 copies, it was announced today by Beverly Horowitz, Senior Vice President, Publisher, Delacorte Press.

McManus’s debut novel, One of Us Is Lying, has spent 46 weeks and counting on the New York Times bestseller list, has been sold in 37 foreign territories, and is currently being developed into a TV series by E! Network.

With TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET, McManus has penned a murder mystery set in Echo Ridge, a small New England town that’s hiding secrets. Seventeen-year-old Ellery’s aunt went missing there as a teenager, and recently, a popular homecoming queen was killed in a widely publicized murder. When Ellery and her twin brother, Ezra, move to Echo Ridge to live with a grandmother they barely know, things quickly take a dark turn. Another girl goes missing, and it becomes clear that mysterious threats are deadly serious. Ellery soon learns that everyone in Echo Ridge is hiding something, and some secrets have dangerous consequences.

One of Us Is Lying was named one of the best YA books of 2017 by BuzzFeed, Entertainment Weekly, and PopCrush, and was a New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age selection, a CBC Teen Choice Book Award nominee, a Goodreads Best Young Adult Book of the Year nominee, an ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee, and an ALA-YALSA Quick Pick.

“We were so excited about the success of One of Us Is Lying and to see how that book resonated with readers,” says Senior Executive Editor Krista Marino. “TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET further showcases Karen’s incredible talent for crafting thrilling mysteries with unexpected twists and compelling and relatable teen characters.”

Marino acquired North American rights from Rosemary Stimola with Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio. McManus is represented by Jason Dravis at the Dravis Agency for the TV series.

Karen M. McManus earned her BA in English from the College of the Holy Cross and her MA in journalism from Northeastern University. When she isn’t working or writing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, McManus loves to travel with her son. To learn more about her, visit karenmcmanus.com, or follow @writerkmc on Twitter or Instagram.

Join the conversation via #OneOfUsIsLying and #TwoCanKeepASecretBook

Looking Ahead: Meet Cute

On Monday, April 17, 2017, Entertainment Weekly released the cover and an excerpt to the upcoming anthology, Meet Cute. This anthology features short stories centered around two characters meeting. I am super excited to read Meet Cute, which will be published January 2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
All images are from Entertainment Weekly.

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

A celebration of “meet-cute” moments, this YA short story collection features when-they-first-met-stories from beloved YA authors, including Nicola Yoon, Sara Shepard, Katie Cotugno, and more.

What do you think of the Meet Cute's cover reveal? Are there certain authors' stories you look forward to reading the most?

Jenny Han's Upcoming Release

So during BookExpo America and Book Con, Simon & Schuster along with Jenny Han announced a third book in the To All the Boys I've Loved Before duology. Can I say OMG! YAY, the Song girls are returning!

I loved how Jenny surprised her readers with the book title on a cake! Always and Forever, Lara Jean will be released spring of next year! To celebrate the news, Jenny took photos with fans at the Simon & Schuster booth on Saturday, May 14th at Book Con. Sprinkled donuts were handed out as part of the celebration.

To all my fans who asked me for one more book about Lara Jean...this one's for you. #AlwaysAndForeverLaraJean #spring17

A photo posted by Jenny Han (@jennyhan) on May 13, 2016 at 1:02pm PDT

If you're at BookCon, come celebrate with me at the S&S booth! Because donuts. #AlwaysAndForeverLaraJean #getriveted

A photo posted by Jenny Han (@jennyhan) on May 14, 2016 at 7:55am PDT

Although I wasn't fortunate enough to attend BEA this year, I am excited to hear the amazing news about another Jenny Han book. I am a huge fan of the To All the Boys I've Loved Before series and I am super pumped for Spring 2017. Are you excited for the Always and Forever, Lara Jean?

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals #6

Lately cover art for Fall 2016 and Winter 2017 titles have been popping all over the internet. Last week Entertainment Weekly wowed us with cover art for Caraval and Wayfarer. This week there are four covers that were revealed. All four books are ones that I am looking forward to and the cover art  is absolutely gorgeous with the jewel tones and dark colors. I have to say that the following beauties look rather lovely next to each other.

On Wednesday, April 20th, Entertainment Weekly revealed the cover to Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco. All I can say is WOW! The cover definitely screams historical fiction and Gothic horror. The red and the green look stunning against the black background. Not only is the cover gorgeous but the excerpt is eerily satisfying and it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Stalking Jack the Ripper is the first YA title under James Patterson's JIMMY imprint. Also, Stalking Jack the Ripper's previous title was Of Blood and Shadow.

Title: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Publication date: September 20, 2016

On Thursday, April 21st, YA Interrobang revealed the cover art to Branded, which is the sequel to Inked by Eric Smith. The reds, oranges and purples are stunningly vibrant and they look fantastic next to Inked's sea of blues and greens. Graphic designer, Jenny Zemanek, did a fantastic job designing both covers. Click here to enter to win a e-book of Inked and some posters.

Title: Branded
Author: Eric Smith
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Publication date: September 6, 2016

On Thursday, April 21st, Mashable unveiled the cover to The Midnight Star which is the last book in The Young Elites trilogy by Marie Lu. Not only is this cover art my favorite out of all of the three in the series, but I cannot wait to see how the trilogy ends. The contrast of the coppery bronze lettering against the backdrop of blues is very pleasing to the eyes.  Check out what Lu has to say about The Midnight Star here.

Title: The Midnight Star
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young
Publication date: October 11, 2016

On Thursday, April 21st, YA Books Central wowed us with the cover art to Starfall which is the companion book in the Starflight duology by Melissa Landers. Not only is the cover art ravishing, but Starfall is one of my most anticipated book for 2017. The glowing pink and purple pop out of the page, highlighting the title text well. I love how the orb is a planet and the black background brings out the white, purple and pink. Also, I love the movement within space. It definitely screams sci-fi!

Title: Starfall
Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: February 7, 2017

 

What do you think of the cover art for the books listed above? Do you have a favorite?

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals #5

So lately Entertainment Weekly has been wowing us with gorgeous cover art for early 2017 front list titles. Not only am I am excited about these books based on the synopsis but the eye-catching cover art definitely makes me wish that it's 2017 already.

On Thursday, April 14th, Entertainment Weekly revealed the cover to Wayfarer, which is the sequel to Passenger by Alexandra Bracken. Warfarer's cover art is just as gorgeous as Passenger's. The color palette is pleasing to the eye. I am intrigued by the tree enclosed in a glass dome. The watercolor effect softens the look and the yellow brown has a nice contrast with the purple. I also like the use of white space. Thank you to Marci Senders and the marketing team at Disney-Hyperion for this ravishing cover art. Definitely check out this link for an exclusive interview and an excerpt.

Title: Wayfarer
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date: January 3, 2017

On Friday, April 15th, Entertainment Weekly revealed the cover to Caraval by Stephanie Garber. The colors are vibrant and the design is captivating! How stunning is the typography? I praise Erin Fitzsimmons and the marketing team for this exceptional cover! Also, Caraval has been chosen as a BEA buzz book and the rights for the film have been sold. Once titled Hearts Made of Black, Caraval is taking the YA community by a storm. This is definitely a fantasy novel to be on the lookout for by a debut author. Click here for an excerpt and more information about the novel.

Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication date: January 10, 2017

Are you looking forward to any of the books above? What other books are you looking forward to with fantastic cover designs?

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals #4

Although it's still winter, there has been many wonderful cover reveals this week for Fall 2016 titles. I am super excited to see such ravishing cover designs. I know we're not suppose to judge a book by it's cover but sometimes the cover helps draw in more readers. I also love to see covers that portray the books well in terms of plot, characterization and themes. I cannot wait to dive into these books based on their synopsis but I hope each title has a cover that correlate with the novel as a whole.

Entertainment Weekly revealed the cover to Lauren Oliver's Replica. I am definitely loving how there are two books in one. The covers are VIBRANT and the simple. Definitely check out the interview on the EW website. Also, Awesomness Films has acquired the movie rights to Replica earlier this month. You can check out more information on the Deadline site. Congrats to Ms. Oliver!

Title: Replica
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: October 4, 2016

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Replica, the first of the two books, tells the story of Lyra, known by the number 24, a replica – human model – who was born, raised, and observed in a clandestine research facility called the Haven Institute. When Lyra escapes from Haven and meets Gemma, a stranger on a quest of her own, earth-shattering secrets are revealed.

Epic Reads released many Fall 2016 cover reveals this week. On Monday, they revealed the cover to As I Descended by Robin Talley. This Shakespeare-inspired story of Macbeth is sure to please many this coming fall. Ready to see a book full of revenge and redemption? Also, how CREEPY is that cover?

Title: As I Descended
Author: Robin Talley
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: September 6, 2016

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Maria Lyon and Lily Boiten are their school’s ultimate power couple—even if no one knows it but them.

Only one thing stands between them and their perfect future: campus superstar Delilah Dufrey.

Golden child Delilah is a legend at the exclusive Acheron Academy, and the presumptive winner of the distinguished Cawdor Kingsley Prize. She runs the school, and if she chose, she could blow up Maria and Lily’s whole world with a pointed look, or a carefully placed word.

But what Delilah doesn’t know is that Lily and Maria are willing to do anything—absolutely anything—to make their dreams come true. And the first step is unseating Delilah for the Kingsley Prize. The full scholarship, awarded to Maria, will lock in her attendance at Stanford―and four more years in a shared dorm room with Lily.

Maria and Lily will stop at nothing to ensure their victory—including harnessing the dark power long rumored to be present on the former plantation that houses their school.

But when feuds turn to fatalities, and madness begins to blur the distinction between what’s real and what is imagined, the girls must decide where they draw the line.

From acclaimed author Robin Talley comes a Shakespeare-inspired story of revenge and redemption, where fair is foul, and foul is fair.

On the second day of Epic Reads cover reveal week, the cover to Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst was revealed! I cannot wait to read this debut fantasy novel and I am in love with the STUNNING cover design.

Title: Of Fire and Stars
Author: Audrey Coulthurst
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: November 22, 2016

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden.

Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine (called Mare), sister of her betrothed.

When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, each discovers there’s more to the other than she thought. Mare is surprised by Denna’s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare’s independent streak. Soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.

But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other. 

Looking Ahead: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child & Book News

Today has been a wonderful day in the bookish world. Not only do we find out that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is becoming the official 8th book but there is also more information about upcoming re-releases of Harry Potter books! Time to save up money for the Harry Potter book fund!

Siriusly, who would have thought Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will become a book and will be releasing this summer on July 31, 2016!!! This is HUGE NEWS for any Potterhead. Who's ready for the midnight release parties?

We’re thrilled to announce a new publishing programme from @jk_rowling #WizardingWorld: https://t.co/ffbBrlH3dz pic.twitter.com/b3Ks88WiZd

— Pottermore (@pottermore) February 10, 2016

Check out the following links about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as well as some new editions of previous printed books.

Mugglenet chats about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Publishers Weekly discusses about the two versions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as well as some future editions of previously released books. According to Publishers Weekly, The “special rehearsal edition” book arrives the day after the show formally opens in London’s West End on July 30, and will consist of the play’s script from the stage production’s early preview period. The “special rehearsal edition” will be available for a limited time, and will be replaced by a “definitive collector’s edition” at a date to be announced.

P R E - O R D E R   D E A L S

Lately there has been a good amount of cover reveals and pre-order campaigns spreading on social media. I highlighted some of the ones that are on my radar and I hope they are on yours as well.  

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury | Offer ends February 16, 2016
Submit your proof-of-order to receive a limited edition exclusive map of Zahra's world, signed bookplate and bookmarks! 

Glittering Court by Richelle Mead | While Supplies Last
Show your receipt to receive a welcome kit containing gemstone tattoos and a guide to The Glittering Court. You can also enter for a Glittering Court Grand Prize which includes a Skype call with Richelle Mead, a $500 American Express gift card, $100 Sephora gift card and Glittering Court necklaces.

When We Collided by Emery Lord | Offer ends April 4, 2016
Pre-order When We Collided and fill out the form to receive a set of frameable postcards featuring quotes from and sayings inspired by the book.

C O V E R   R E V E A L S

Mundie Moms revealed the cover art to Foxheart by Claire Legrand. According to goodreads.com, Foxheart is a stand-alone middle grade fantasy adventure about a 12-year-old orphan and thief named Quicksilver, who discovers she is a witch and, after joining forces with her cantankerous and magical older self, goes hurtling back in time with her dog, Fox.

Publication date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 336


According to TMI Source, The Tales of the Shadowhunter Academy will be released later on this fall. This is the print bind up of all the e-novellas published in 2015. According to Goodreads, the series follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, one of the stars of Cassandra Clare’s internationally bestselling series The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Throughout the course of Simon’s education, characters from the Mortal Instruments and the The Infernal Devices will make appearances, as will characters from the upcoming The Dark Artifices series and Last Hours series.

Publication date: November 15, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 528



What upcoming books are you looking forward to?

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals #3

This past week has definitely been a week full of fabulous cover reveals for spring and summer MG and YA novels. I am looking forward to the new year full of wonderful books and I am hoping the novels live up to their names, synopsis and gorgeous cover art.

Epic Reads surprised the world with a STUNNING cover for Ruined by Amy Tintera on Tuesday. I enjoyed reading the dystopian Reboot by Miss Tintera and I am quite interested about how Tintera handles fantasy.

Title: Ruined
Author: Amy Tintera
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date:  May 3, 2016

Synopsis (from goodreads): 
A revenge that will consume her.

A love that will ruin her.

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.

Epic Reads revealed the cover for The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye on Wednesday. I am very intrigued about this cover. It definitely screams fantasy and it borderlines a cover design for an Adult fantasy novel. The palace made into a crown is an interesting take.

Title: The Crown's Game
Author: Evelyn Skye
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date:  May 17, 2016

Synopsis (from goodreads):

Vika Andreyev can summon the snow and turn ash into gold. Nikolai Karimov can see through walls and conjure bridges out of thin air. They are enchanters—the only two in Russia—and with the Ottoman Empire and the Kazakhs threatening, the Tsar needs a powerful enchanter by his side.

And so he initiates the Crown’s Game, an ancient duel of magical skill—the greatest test an enchanter will ever know. The victor becomes the Imperial Enchanter and the Tsar’s most respected adviser. The defeated is sentenced to death.

Raised on tiny Ovchinin Island her whole life, Vika is eager for the chance to show off her talent in the grand capital of Saint Petersburg. But can she kill another enchanter—even when his magic calls to her like nothing else ever has?

For Nikolai, an orphan, the Crown’s Game is the chance of a lifetime. But his deadly opponent is a force to be reckoned with—beautiful, whip smart, imaginative—and he can’t stop thinking about her.

And when Pasha, Nikolai’s best friend and heir to the throne, also starts to fall for the mysterious enchantress, Nikolai must defeat the girl they both love . . . or be killed himself.

As long-buried secrets emerge, threatening the future of the empire, it becomes dangerously clear . . . the Crown’s Game is not one to lose.

Also on Wednesday, Hypable revealed the cover for the upcoming The School For Good and Evil: Ever Never Handbook by Soman Chainani. The cover art definitely has a handbook like look to it. The frame makes the cover look like an old fairy tale book along with the leather like texture in the background.


Title: The School For Good and Evil: Ever Never Handbook
Author: Soman Chainani
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: July 19, 2016

Synopsis (from goodreads):

Every four years, two Reader children are kidnapped and brought to the School for Good and Evil to be trained for a life in a fairy tale. There, Evers and Nevers take courses in Animal Communication and Uglification, among others. The highest ranked students become the heroes and villains of the fairy tales — while the lowest, well, we don’t want to talk about what becomes of them.

This handbook contains the scoop students need in order to get to the top of their class — the fairy tales you need to know, the myths it’s dangerous not to know, spells you won’t live without, Who’s Who and What’s What, and much more. And of course, it’s all in glorious color because in the School for Good and Evil, nothing is black and white.

Looking Ahead: What We Left Behind by Robin Talley

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley is definitely a book to look out for in the next couple of weeks. The novel will be released on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 by HarlequinTEEN.

I've read Talley's debut novel, Lies We've Tell Ourselves, and I was blown away! It is empowering! Talley writes compelling novels about ongoing, difficult issues. Lies We've Tell Ourselves is centered around two high school girls living in 1959 during the epoch of desegregation. Talley's sophomore book, What We Left Behind, is focused on two college girls during the modern age. I am currently reading What We Left Behind and I am loving it! Check the blog next week for a review of What We Left Behind.

About the Book:

From the critically acclaimed author of Lies We Tell Ourselves comes an emotional, empowering story of what happens when love isn't enough to conquer all.

Toni and Gretchen are the couple everyone envied in high school. They've been together forever. They never fight. They're deeply, hopelessly in love. When they separate for their first year at college—Toni to Harvard and Gretchen to NYU—they're sure they'll be fine. Where other long-distance relationships have fallen apart, their relationship will surely thrive.

The reality of being apart, however, is a lot different than they expected. As Toni, who identifies as genderqueer, falls in with a group of transgender upperclassmen and immediately finds a sense of belonging that has always been missing, Gretchen struggles to remember who she is outside their relationship.

While Toni worries that Gretchen, who is not trans, just won't understand what is going on, Gretchen begins to wonder where she fits in Toni's life. As distance and Toni's shifting gender identity begins to wear on their relationship, the couple must decide—have they grown apart for good, or is love enough to keep them together?

About the Author:

Robin Talley, author of Lies We Tell Ourselves (September 2014) and What We Left Behind (October 2015), grew up in Roanoke, Virginia. A Lambda Literary Fellow, Robin now lives in Washington, D.C., with her wife, plus an antisocial cat and a goofy hound dog. When Robin’s not writing, she’s often planning communication strategies at organizations fighting for equal rights and social justice. You can find her on the web at www.robintalley.com or on Twitter at @robin_talley.

Looking Ahead: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare Cover Reveal

If you don't know me by now, I am a HUGE Cassandra Clare fan. I have been following the writings of Miss Clare since the days of her Harry Potter fan fiction, The Draco Trilogy back in the early 2000's. I was fortunate enough to meet her three times in 2014, one being the day of the City of Heavenly Fire launch at my former middle school. I am ecstatic that Harry Shum Jr, Magnus Bane in the new Shadowhunters TV Show, revealed the cover for Lady Midnight not too long ago today at New York Comic Con. Can I say the cover is absolutely STUNNING! It's INTRIGUING and I want to know more!

.@HarryShumJr just joined @cassieclare on stage to reveal the cover of LADY MIDNIGHT! pic.twitter.com/pIINbQzmVs

— simonteen (@simonteen) October 9, 2015

Now revealed! The cover of Lady Midnight, first in the forthcoming Dark Artifices series, companion to The Mortal Instruments! Out March 8, 2016!

A photo posted by Cassie Clare (@cassieclare1) on Oct 9, 2015 at 10:15am PDT

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Los Angeles. It’s been five years since the events of the Mortal Instruments when Nephilim stood poised on the brink of oblivion and Shadowhunter Emma Carstairs lost her parents. After the blood and violence she witnessed as a child, Emma has dedicated her life to to discovering exactly what it was that killed her parents and getting her revenge.

Raised in the Los Angeles Institute with the Blackthorn family, Emma is paired as a parabatai with her best friend, Julian Blackthorn. A series of murders in the city catch her attention — they seem to have the same characteristics as the deaths of her parents. Could the murderer be the same person? And her attention isn’t the only one caught: someone has been murdering Downworlders as well. The Fair Folk make a deal with the Institute: if the Blackthorns and Emma will investigate the killings, they’ll return Mark Blackthorn to his home. The catch: they have only two weeks to find the killers. Otherwise it’s open war between faeries and Nephilim.

The Shadowhunters of the Institute must race against time to catch the killers, even as they begin to suspect the involvement of those closest to them. At the same time, Emma is falling in love with the one person in the world she’s absolutely forbidden by Shadowhunter Law to love. Set against the glittering backdrop of present-day Los Angeles, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches from the warlock-run nightclubs of the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica.

I am soooo stoked for March 8, 2016! Are you? What are you looking forward to in Lady Midnight?

Looking Ahead: Summer Days & Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories Cover Reveal

Jim Tierney illustrated the cover to My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories, a wonderful winter anthology edited by Stephanie Perkins. Yesterday, he revealed his cover art for Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories, also by Stephanie Perkins. I love how he illustrated Summer Days and Summer Nights similarly to My True Love Gave To Me. They look fabulous next to each other and the colors contrast nicely. In terms of design, Olga Grlic did a wonderful job with the typography. Both anthologies complement each other nicely. The deciduous trees, valley and lake is perfect next to the coniferous trees, mountains and frozen lake.

Check out some of Tierney's art work on his website. I cannot wait to match up the couples on the cover of Summer Days and Summer Nights with the characters in the anthology. I hope someone makes an animated version of the cover just like My True Love Gave To Me and I hope there is a lovely UK version because I love my UK version of My True Love Gave To Me.

The author line up for Summer Days and Summer Nights is fantastic. I am looking forward to reading stories by Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Stephanie Perkins, Veronica Roth and Jennifer E. Smith. Ms. Perkins revealed Marigold and North will be back which I am ecstatic about because "It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown" is my favorite story in My True Love Gave To Me. Check out more information about Summer Days and Summer Nights here!

North and Marigold from Stephanie Perkins's website

The anthology will be released June 14, 2016. It's perfect timing to start next summer! What do you think about the cover art? Will you be picking up Summer Days and Summer Nights next June?

Looking Ahead: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

For those who missed it, Entertainment Weekly revealed a book trailer for Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Summer Sword by Rick Riordan. I love the visuals and I am excited to read The Summer Sword. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard is Riordan's latest series centered around a boy named Magnus who finds out he has Norse blood. Riordan merges Norse mythology with Boston to create this new Middle Grade Series.

I currently live right outside of Boston and was technically born in one of the neighborhoods of Boston so I am super amped about The Summer Sword, the first book in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. The book will be available Tuesday, October 6, 2015.

Synopsis (from goodreads):

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

Also, check out where Riordan will be visiting this year for The Sword of Summer Tour. Fortunately, Riordan will be speaking in Boston on Monday, October 5, 2015. If you would like to attend the event at the Back Bay Events Center, definitely purchase tickets through Harvard Book Store. Not only will you hear the wonderful Rick Riordan speak, but you will have the chance to pick up a signed copy one day early.

Check out Entertainment Weekly for the book trailer. What do you think of it? Also, are you planning to attend one of Riordan's events this year?

Looking Ahead: The Rose Society by Marie Lu

I fell in love with The Young Elites by Marie Lu last fall and I am amped about the sequel, The Rose Society. I enjoy reading a good dark fantasy and this one is super intriguing. The series has a bit of sci-fi and wonderful world building. It is chock full of action, adventure, betrayal and love. The Rose Society is the second book in The Young Elites trilogy and will be available from retailers on October 13, 2015 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes the second book in the exhilarating Young Elites series

Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.

Adelina Amouteru’s heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers that murdered her love, the Crown Prince Enzo Valenciano.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?

Lu received a lovely finished copy yesterday. Take a look below at her wonderful display for her new novel!

Guess what came in the mail today? My copy of The Rose Society hardcover, aaaah!! 🌹😈💀 *pets it* #Oct13 #TheRoseSociety

A photo posted by Marie Lu (@marieluthewriter) on Sep 4, 2015 at 11:06am PDT

Also, don't forget to check out the tour dates Marie Lu posted last week. I know everyone is excited to see where she is touring. The following list of locations is from Marie Lu's Tumblr.

Fall is here! That means that Fall 2015 tour season is almost here, too–and yes, I will be touring for the release of The Rose Society (Oct. 13). Dates and locations below. I’ll update the details as they become available:

Saturday, October 10th – 12th
Anderson’s YA Conference
Naperville, IL

Tuesday, October 13th
Books & Greetings
Northvale, NJ

Wednesday, October 14th
Avid Bookshop
Athens, GA

Thursday, October 15th
Little Shop of Stories
Decatur, GA

Saturday, October 17th
Texas Book Festival
Austin, TX

Wednesday, October 21st
A Great Good Place for Books
Oakland, CA

Friday, October 30th
Vroman’s Bookstore
Pasadena, CA

Friday & Saturday, November 13 - 14th
YALLFest 2015
Charleston, SC

Looking Ahead: A Tyranny of Petticoats Cover Reveal

So yesterday USA Today Life revealed the cover to A Tyranny of Petticoats: 15 Stories of Belles, Bank Robbers & Other Badass Girls. I am so ecstatic about this anthology not only because there are some amazing authors contributing but the anthology is a collection of historical fiction and fantasy featuring some fierce females. I love historical fiction and fantasy so this anthology is definitely right up my alley.

FROM USA TODAY LIFE

From an impressive sisterhood of YA writers comes an edge-of-your-seat anthology of historical fiction and fantasy featuring a diverse array of daring heroines.

Criss-cross America — on dogsleds and ships, stagecoaches and trains — from pirate ships off the coast of the Carolinas to the peace, love, and protests of 1960s Chicago. Join fifteen of today’s most talented writers of young adult literature on a thrill ride through history with American girls charting their own course. They are monsters and mediums, bodyguards and barkeeps, screenwriters and schoolteachers, heiresses and hobos. They're making their own way in often-hostile lands, using every weapon in their arsenals, facing down murderers and marriage proposals. And they all have a story to tell.

With stories by:

J. Anderson Coats
Andrea Cremer
Y. S. Lee
Katherine Longshore
Marie Lu
Kekla Magoon
Marissa Meyer
Saundra Mitchell
Beth Revis
Caroline Richmond
Lindsay Smith
Jessica Spotswood
Robin Talley
Leslye Walton
Elizabeth Wein

Are you looking forward to reading A Tyranny of Petticoats? What authors are you most excited about?

Looking Ahead: Anticipated Pre-orders

It's the middle of August and everyone seems to be talking about about Fall 2015 and Winter 2016 upcoming releases. I have a good amount of books on my list that I am looking forward to. There are some books I already pre-ordered or I plan to pre-order. Let's check out some of my most anticipated pre-orders.

The Sword of Summer of the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series by Rick Riordan is my #1 Middle Grade anticipated book for the fall! Norse Mythology and Boston? Yes, please! And look at the stunning cover art! If you are in the Boston area, you are in luck because Rick Riordan will be speaking at the Back Bay Events Center on October 5. Check out this link for more information.

The Rose Society by Marie Lu is the sequel to The Young Elites and has been on my radar for quite some while. I am excited for this release and I pre-ordered it when Amazon had a deal for it under $10.00.









Lady Midnight of The Dark Artifices series by Cassandra Clare has been on my list forever. Originally, it's suppose to be published sometime in 2015 but the publication date got bumped to March 2016. I love me some Shadowhunters so there is no doubt that I am looking forward to this beauty.

Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett is being released at the end of September and I am so psyched to get my hands on a finished copy. I already read an ARC of it and fell in love! It was probably one of my top 3 anticipated books I wanted to obtain at BEA. If you plan to be around the Boston area on Saturday, September 26, 2015, make sure to stop by the Boston Teen Author Festival at the Cambridge Public Library. Liggett will be there!!! Check out this debut author! You won't regret it!

Drift and Dagger by Kendall Kulper is the companion novel to Salt & Storm and will be released the beginning of September. Definitely pick this up if you love historical fiction, fantasy and magic! Kulper will also be attending the Boston Teen Author Festival. She also has a e-novella coming out soon called Saltwater Heart.

Starflight by Melissa Landers has been on my list since I found out about it. I enjoyed Landers' Alientated series and cannot wait to read this sci-fi novel. The cover is stunning and the synopsis is intriguing. I wish it's February 2016 so I can pick up this wonderful book.

Looking Ahead: Drift & Dagger by Kendall Kulper

I am a big fan of Kendall Kulper's Salt & Storm and I was ecstatic when I heard about the companion novel, Drift & Dagger. And to add the cherry on top, Kulper mentioned her novella Saltwater Heart will be hitting the interwebs the same day as Drift & Dagger on September 8th. If you enjoy historical fantasy with a dash of magic, definitely check out Salt & Storm, Drift & Dagger and Saltwater Heart!

Drift & Dagger Synopsis (from Goodreads):

As a boy in the late nineteenth century, Mal's only friend was Essie, daughter of the Roe witch, and it was she who discovered that he is a "blank," not affected by magic, setting him on a career as a con artist, traveling the globe in search of a legendary magical dagger that can steal a witch's power.

As a boy in the late nineteenth century, Mal's only friend was Essie, daughter of the Roe witch, and it was she who discovered that he is a "blank," not affected by magic, setting him on a career as a con artist, traveling the globe in search of a legendary magical dagger that can steal a witch's power.

Saltwater Heart Synopsis (from goodreads):

The summer James lost his heart to Alice, Alice lost her heart to the sea. The confident and charming daughter of the town's most accomplished whaling captain, Alice changes James's life the moment she teaches him how to sail. But when her father needs to fill a spot on his ship, it's James who is offered the position, and the day he returns from his expedition, he discovers Alice has disappeared.

In this companion novella to Salt & Storm and Drift & Dagger, James must search the world for his heart's desire, a journey that takes him from the strange and mysterious world of the infamous Roe witch to the deepest and most dangerous reaches of the ocean itself.

If you plan to be around the Boston area on Saturday, September 26, 2015, make sure to stop by the Boston Teen Author Festival at the Cambridge Public Library. Not only will you be able to enjoy all the amazing panels but Kulper will be there! This is a great opportunity to meet Kulper and to share your love for her books and the line up for the Boston Teen Author Festival is fabulous!

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals #2

This week has been a week full of MG and YA cover reveals. Not only are the covers pretty amazing but the covers definitely gives readers something to look forward to while they wait for these fantastic upcoming releases. Which cover reveal is your favorite and why?

On Monday YA Books Central released the cover art for Ravenous by MarcyKate Connolly. This stunning cover compliments companion novel, Monstrous, well. This beautiful cover art has the perfect color palette and a lovely hand drawn illustration.

Title: Ravenous
Author: MarcyKate Connolly
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date:  February 9, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A witch has come to the city of Bryre. She travels in a hut that has chicken feet, and is ravenous for children. And once she gets what she desires, she never lets it go. 

But when the witch captures Hans, Greta’s little brother, Greta refuses to let her have him. The two strike up a bargain. Greta will retrieve something the witch desires in exchange for her brother’s freedom. 

To get the prize Greta must travel to Belladoma—a city where she was once held captive—which brings back terrible memories. With the help of a new friend, Dalen, a magical half-boy and half-horse, Greta embarks on the journey and tries to overcome both foes and her own weaknesses.

For fans of Monstrous and new readers alike comes the story of an epic quest and a heroine who will stop at nothing to save the one she loves most. 

On Thursday USA Today revealed somewhat of the cover art for Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan and illustrated by John Rocco. I love the colors John Rocco chose and I am very curious about the plot to the new series. I know very little of Norse mythology and I am to join Magnus Chase's journey. The gradient in the background is perfect!

Title: The Sword of Summer
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date:  October 6, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

So this cover reveal was from last Friday but it's still worth mentioning. USA Today revealed the cover for Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner which is the third book in the Starbound trilogy. The cover is gorgeous! I have not read the first two books in the trilogy but I have heard good things about both novels.

Title: Their Fractured Light
Authors: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date:  December 1, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.

Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.

When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.

On Tuesday Publishers Weekly revealed the cover for Pax by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Jon Klassen. The color scheme of muted tones works well with the synopsis of the book and the book is meant to be a timeless classic.

Title: Pax
Author: Pennypacker
Publisher: Balzer and Bray
Publication date:  February 2, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Pax was only a kit when his family was killed, and “his boy” Peter rescued him from abandonment and certain death. Now the war front approaches, and when Peter’s father enlists, Peter has to move in with his grandpa. Far worse than being forced to leave home is the fact that Pax can’t go. Peter listens to his stern father—as he usually does—and throws Pax’s favorite toy soldier into the woods. When the fox runs to retrieve it, Peter and his dad get back in the car and leave him there—alone. But before Peter makes it through even one night under his grandfather’s roof, regret and duty spur him to action; he packs for a trek to get his best friend back and sneaks into the night. This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their independent struggles to return to one another against all odds. 

Told from the alternating viewpoints of Peter and Pax, this story truly showcases Sara’s mastery of characterization and her fluent ability to pay off small yet beautiful details. The conflicts that Peter faces are mostly internal and center around the anger that has affected both him and his father in the wake of his mother’s unexpected death. Peter can’t shake his grandfather’s claim that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” when he wants so badly to distinguish himself from his closed-off father. Pax’s hardships, on the other hand, are more external; his domestication has left him an unskilled hunter and misled him as to the true nature of men. However, it is the beautifully-crafted characters that Peter and Pax encounter on their separate journeys who ultimately help the protagonists find what they are looking for, in addition to each other. These distinctive and multi-dimensional individuals leave a rare kind of impression on the reader while subtly infusing it with themes of loyalty, self-worth, denial, and truth. 

PAX is ready to become a universal and timeless classic, like CHARLOTTE’S WEB, to be read and discussed by whole communities and generations to come.

On Monday Penguin Teen revealed the cover art to The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury. It's interesting that pastels were chosen. I do like the cover art overall but I expected richer and bolder colors on the cover.

Title: The Forbidden Wish
Author: Jessica Khoury
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date:  February 23, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years -- a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Arabian Nights from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

On Wednesday Barnes & Noble revealed the cover to What We Left Behind by Robin Talley. The cover definitely screams contemporary and I am looking forward to reading this novel.

Title: What We Left Behind
Author: Robin Talley
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication date:  October 27, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

What We Left Behind follows a teen couple—Gretchen, who identifies as a lesbian, and Toni, who identifies as genderqueer—as they struggle to stay together during their first year in college, despite the growing rift caused by distance and Toni's shifting gender identity.

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals

Can I say this week has been an AMAZING cover reveal week? All of the covers are absolutely stunning and I cannot wait to get my hands on following books to see the beautiful covers in person. Of course the books won't be released for awhile but I can't contain my excitement!

Image from twitter.com/josieangelini

Title: Fire Walker
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:  September 1, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Worlds divide, magic slays, and love lies in the second book of Josephine Angelini’s The Worldwalker Trilogy.

"You think I’m a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified."

Lily is back in her own universe, and she's ready to start a new life with Rowan by her side. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape from New Salem, and must hide her magic for the safety of everyone she cares about, but compared to fighting the Woven, the monstrous creatures inhabiting the alternate Salem, life is looking pretty good.

Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she will force her to come back by doing away with the ones she loves.

Picking up right where Trial By Fire left off, Firewalker is another sexy, fast-paced, heartbreaking thrill ride from internationally bestselling author Josephine Angelini!

These covers are pretty amazing. The Trial by Fire cover has been redesigned. As of now, I am not sure if it's just for the paperback or if it's for the paperback and the hardcover versions. I love the redesign and I love the Fire Walker cover design. They are electrifying and gorgeous!

Title: The Rose Society
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication date:  October 6, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes the second book in the exhilarating Young Elites series

Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.
Adelina Amouteru’s heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she and her sister flee Kenettra to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers that murdered her love, the Crown Prince Enzo Valenciano.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good, when her very existence depends on darkness?

I love this cover design more than The Young Elites cover. It's more mysterious and I love how the wolf is on the cover. Very Adelina-like!

Title: Soundless
Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date:  November 17, 2015
Pages: 368

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

From Richelle Mead, the #1 internationally bestselling author of Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, comes a breathtaking new fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore.

For as long as Fei can remember, there has been no sound in her village, where rocky terrain and frequent avalanches prevent residents from self-sustaining. Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, deliveries from the zipline shrink and many go hungry. Fei’s home, the people she loves, and her entire existence is plunged into crisis, under threat of darkness and starvation.

But soon Fei is awoken in the night by a searing noise, and sound becomes her weapon.

Richelle Mead takes readers on a triumphant journey from the peak of Fei’s jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiugo, where a startling truth and an unlikely romance will change her life forever...

The cover design to this book is STRIKING! I am very intrigued and I cannot wait to read this standalone!

Title: Wandering Star
Author: Romina Russell
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date:  December 2015

Synopsis and exact date are not provided by Goodreads at this time but how gorgeous is this cover? 

I love the gradient of vibrant colors. I assume the horoscopes like Taurus will play a big part in the plot of the novel.

The Mortal Instruments UK books will have new covers! I love the new cover redesigns for all six of the books in the series. I need to get my hands on them when they hit the shelves in the UK! Thank goodness for Book Depository. 

The release date is scheduled for July 2015.

For more information about the new covers, check out the Female First website. 

The website mentioned how "each of the six titles in the series features gorgeous cover illustrations by Mila Furstova, the artist who created the album artwork for Coldplay's Ghost Stories."