New YA Spec Fic April-June 2018

A little late to the April party, I know, and my only excuse is that it’s been a helluva month. Anyway, here’s a comprehensive guide to all the young adult speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror) and adjacent being published from April-June 2018. Up first is a short list of the books I highly recommend, followed by a long list of basically every book being published. Did I miss a book? Lemme know in the comments.

Also, if you’re an author/agent/publicist/editor/etc with an upcoming YA spec fic book by or about a marginalized community, drop me a line for a possible review.

Get your library cards and indie bookstore pre-orders ready, y’all.

Recommended Reads

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland (April 3)
Dread Nation #1: YA Historical Fantasy, Balzer + Bray – Read my review at Tor.com.
“Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.” (Goodreads)

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier (April 10)
Isle of Blood and Stone #1: YA Fantasy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

“Nineteen-year-old Elias is a royal explorer, a skilled mapmaker, and the new king of del Mar’s oldest friend. Soon he will embark on the adventure of a lifetime, an expedition past the Strait of Cain and into uncharted waters. Nothing stands in his way…until a long-ago tragedy creeps back into the light, threatening all he holds dear.

The people of St. John del Mar have never recovered from the loss of their boy princes, kidnapped eighteen years ago, both presumed dead. But when two maps surface, each bearing the same hidden riddle, troubling questions arise. What really happened to the young heirs? And why do the maps appear to be drawn by Lord Antoni, Elias’s father, who vanished on that same fateful day? With the king’s beautiful cousin by his side—whether he wants her there or not—Elias will race to solve the riddle of the princes. He will have to use his wits and guard his back. Because some truths are better left buried…and an unknown enemy stalks his every turn.” (Goodreads)

 

Inferno by Julie Kagawa (April 24)
Talon Saga #5: YA Fantasy, Harlequin Teen

“From the New York Times, USA TODAY and international bestselling author of The Iron Fey and the Blood of Eden series comes the fiery, hugely anticipated finale of The Talon Saga…

INFERNO

What if dragons walked among us in human form? Enter a modern fantasy of heroes, sacrifice, forbidden love and enemies turned allies who have no choice but to fight side by side… Don’t miss the epic conclusion as Ember, Riley and Garrett face off against Dante and the Talon dragon clones. Join them…or burn.” (Goodreads)

 

Ship It by Britta Lundin (May 1)
YA Contemporary, Freeform

“Claire is a sixteen-year-old fangirl obsessed with the show Demon Heart. Forest is an actor on Demon Heart who dreams of bigger roles. When the two meet at a local Comic-Con panel, it’s a dream come true for Claire. Until the Q&A, that is, when Forest laughs off Claire’s assertion that his character is gay. Claire is devastated. After all, every last word of her super-popular fanfic revolves around the romance between Forest’s character and his male frenemy. She can’t believe her hero turned out to be a closed-minded jerk. Forest is mostly confused that anyone would think his character is gay. Because he’s not. Definitely not.

Unfortunately for Demon Heart, when the video of the disastrous Q&A goes viral, the producers have a PR nightmare on their hands. In order to help bolster their image within the LGBTQ+ community-as well as with their fans-they hire Claire to join the cast for the rest of their publicity tour. What ensues is a series of colourful Comic-Con clashes between the fans and the show that lead Forest to question his assumptions about sexuality and help Claire come out of her shell. But how far will Claire go to make her ship canon? To what lengths will Forest go to stop her and protect his career? And will Claire ever get the guts to make a move on Tess, the very cute, extremely cool fanartist she keeps running into?” (Goodreads)

 

Cross Fire by Fonda Lee (May 29)
Exo #2: YA Science Fiction, Scholastic

“Earth’s century of peace as a colony of an alien race has been shattered. As the alien-run government navigates peace talks with the human terrorist group Sapience, Donovan tries to put his life back together and return to his duty as a member of the security forces. But a new order comes from the alien home planet: withdraw. Earth has proven too costly and unstable to maintain as a colony, so the aliens, along with a small selection of humans, begin to make plans to leave. As word of the withdrawal spreads through the galaxy, suddenly Earth becomes vulnerable to a takeover from other aliens races. Aliens who do not seek to live in harmony with humans, but will ravage and destroy the planet.

As a galactic invasion threatens, Donovan realizes that Sapience holds the key that could stop the pending war. Yet in order to save humankind, all species on Earth will have to work together, and Donovan might just have to make the ultimate sacrifice to convince them.” (Goodreads)

 

Magic at Midnight: A YA Fairy Tale Anthology edited by Lyssa Chiavari and Amy McNulty (May 29)
YA Anthology, Snowy Wings

“A girl with long, long hair is trapped in an attic, ensnared by promises of immortality, the radio her only companion. An android wants to believe in her life, that the feelings she has are real—and that she might be just as beautiful as her famous stepsister. A gamer must save her true love from the mysterious, dark entity that has ensnared him in their MMORPG. A modern teen is lured to the fantastical Land of the Dolls, and only her own cunning can help her escape. These are just a few of the bewitching tales found within Magic at Midnight.

From sci-fi to fantasy, contemporary to historical, paranormal and more, there’s a fairy tale retelling in this collection for every reader. Featuring stories from bestselling and award-winning YA authors as well as emerging voices, this anthology will take you to distant worlds and back again—all just familiar enough to make you feel at home.” (Goodreads)

 

Smoke in the Sun by Renée Ahdieh (June 5)
Flame in the Mist #2: YA Fantasy, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Children

“After Okami is captured in the Jukai forest, Mariko has no choice–to rescue him, she must return to Inako and face the dangers that have been waiting for her in the Heian Castle. She tricks her brother, Kenshin, and betrothed, Raiden, into thinking she was being held by the Black Clan against her will, playing the part of the dutiful bride-to-be to infiltrate the emperor’s ranks and uncover the truth behind the betrayal that almost left her dead.

With the wedding plans already underway, Mariko pretends to be consumed with her upcoming nuptials, all the while using her royal standing to peel back the layers of lies and deception surrounding the imperial court. But each secret she unfurls gives way to the next, ensnaring Mariko and Okami in a political scheme that threatens their honor, their love and the very safety of the empire.” (Goodreads)

 

Sweet Black Waves by Kristina Pérez (June 5, 2018)
Sweet Black Waves #1: YA Fantasy, Imprint

“Two proud kingdoms stand on opposite shores, with only a bloody history between them.

As best friend and lady-in-waiting to the princess, Branwen is guided by two principles: devotion to her homeland and hatred for the raiders who killed her parents. When she unknowingly saves the life of her enemy, he awakens her ancient healing magic and opens her heart. Branwen begins to dream of peace, but the princess she serves is not so easily convinced. Fighting for what’s right, even as her powers grow beyond her control, will set Branwen against both her best friend and the only man she’s ever loved.

Inspired by the star-crossed tale of Tristan and Eseult, this is the story of the legend’s true heroine: Branwen. For fans of Graceling and The Mists of Avalon, this is the first book of a lush fantasy trilogy about warring countries, family secrets, and forbidden romance.” (Goodreads)

 

Whisper of the Tide by Sarah Tolcser (June 5)
Song of the Current #2: YA Fantasy, Bloomsbury YA

“Caro Oresteia spent her life waiting to be called by the river god, as those in her family had been for generations. But when she’s swept away on an adventure to save the Akhaian royal prince, Markos, her destiny is sealed by the sea god instead.

For now, Caro is landlocked, helping Markos reclaim his throne after nearly his entire family was assassinated in a political coup. Without any financial or military support, Markos is desperate for allies, and Caro has fought off more than one attempt on his life. When a powerful Archon offers his army in exchange for Markos’s marriage to his daughter, Caro must choose: Her love for Markos, or the fate of Akhaia? And more importantly: How much is she willing to risk to defy the sea god’s wishes and chart her own course?” (Goodreads)

 

The Unbinding of Mary Reade by Miriam McNamara (June 19)
YA Historical Fantasy, Sky Pony

“There’s no place for a girl in Mary’s world. Not in the home of her mum, desperately drunk and poor. Not in the household of her wealthy granny, where no girl can be named an heir. And certainly not in the arms of Nat, her childhood love who never knew her for who she was. As a sailor aboard a Caribbean merchant ship, Mary’s livelihood—and her safety—depends on her ability to disguise her gender.

At least, that’s what she thinks is true. But then pirates attack the ship, and in the midst of the gang of cutthroats, Mary spots something she never could have imagined: a girl pirate.

The sight of a girl standing unafraid upon the deck, gun and sword in hand, changes everything. In a split-second decision, Mary turns her gun on her own captain, earning herself the chance to join the account and become a pirate alongside Calico Jack and Anne Bonny.

For the first time, Mary has a shot at freedom. But imagining living as her true self is easier, it seems, than actually doing it. And when Mary finds herself falling for the captain’s mistress, she risks everything—her childhood love, her place among the crew, and even her life.” (Goodreads)

 

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman (June 26)
YA Historical Fantasy – Anthology, Greenwillow

“Star-crossed lovers, meddling immortals, feigned identities, battles of wits, and dire warnings. These are the stuff of fairy tale, myth, and folklore that have drawn us in for centuries.

Fifteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate.

Compiled by We Need Diverse Books’s Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman, the authors included in this exquisite collection are: Renee Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, and Alyssa Wong.

A mountain loses her heart. Two sisters transform into birds to escape captivity. A young man learns the true meaning of sacrifice. A young woman takes up her mother’s mantle and leads the dead to their final resting place. From fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, from romance to tales of revenge, these stories will beguile readers from start to finish.” (Goodreads)

 

All YA Spec Fic

April

Future Lost by Elizabeth Brigg (April 3)
Future Shock #3: YA Science Fiction, Albert Whittman
“This future is nothing like they’ve seen before. Someone has weaponized Adam’s cure and created a dangerous pandemic, leading to the destruction of civilization. If Elena can’t find Adam and stop this, everyone is at risk. And someone will do anything to keep her from succeeding.” (Goodreads)

Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray (April 3)
Defy the Stars #2: YA Science Fiction, Little, Brown
“In this thrilling and romantic sequel to Defy the Stars, bestselling author Claudia Gray asks us all to consider where–and with whom–we truly belong.” (Goodreads)

Queens of Fennbirn by Kendare Blake (April 3)
Three Dark Crowns #.5: YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“Uncover the sisters’ origins, dive deep into the catastrophic reign of the Oracle Queen, and reveal layers of Fennbirn’s past, hidden until now.” (Goodreads)

Stormcaster by Cinda Williams Chima (April 3)
Shattered Realms #3: YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“Multiple intricately interwoven storylines converge in this gripping novel about a brave, coordinated effort to undermine a horrific tyrant.“ (Goodreads)

Zombie Abbey by Lauren Baratz-Logsted (April 3)
YA Fantasy, Entangled Teen
“Upstairs! Downstairs! Toss in some farmers and villagers!

None of them ever expected to work together for any reason

But none of them had ever seen anything like this.“ (Goodreads)

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody (April 10)
The Shadow Game Series #1: YA Fantasy, Harlequin Teen
“Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…and secrets hide in every shadow.“ (Goodreads)

Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leake (April 10)
YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.“ (Goodreads)

Bound To You by Alyssa Brandon (April 10)
YA Paranormal Romance, Swoon Reads
“A teen werewolf finally meets her destined soulmate only to discover that he’s not quite what she expected in this steamy debut romance.“ (Goodreads)

Devils Into Dust by Emma Berquist (April 10)
YA Horror, Greenwillow
“With two hunters, including the gruff and handsome Ben, to accompany her, she sets out across the desert in search of her father. But the desert is not kind to travelers, and not everyone will pass through alive.“ (Goodreads)

Dreamer by L.E. DeLano (April 10)
Traveler #2: YA Science Fiction, Swoon Reads
“She may be destined to help save an infinite multitude of worlds… but in the end, all Jessa really wants to do is save her friends.“ (Goodreads)

Given to the Earth by Mindy McGinnis (April 10)
Given Duet #2: YA Fantasy, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Children
“As the waves crash ever closer to Stille, secrets are revealed, hearts are won and lost, and allegiances change like the shifting sand.“ (Goodreads)

The Diminished by Kaitlyn Sage Patterson (April 10)
Untitled Duology #1: YA Fantasy, Harlequin Teen
“In the Alskad Empire, nearly all are born with a twin, two halves to form one whole…yet some face the world alone.“ (Goodreads)

Winter Glass by Lexa Hillyer (April 10)
Spindle Fire #2: YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“Devoted half-sisters Isabelle and Aurora will grapple with their understanding of love and loyalty as they face a threat even greater than that of the evil queen—the threat of losing each other forever.“ (Goodreads)

Shadow Call by AdriAnne Strickland and Michael Miller (April 17)
Kaitan Chronicles #2: YA Science Fiction, Delacorte
“His throne. Her rebellion. Their war.“ (Goodreads)

Traitor Born by Amy A. Bartol (April 17)
Secondborn #2: YA Science Fiction, 47North
“Targeted by assassins and torn between allies, Roselle’s loyalty, love, and honor will be tested in the greatest battle of—and for—her life.“ (Goodreads)

Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian (April 24)
Ash Princess #1: YA Fantasy, Delacorte
“For ten years, the Ash Princess has seen her land pillaged and her people enslaved. That all ends here.“ (Goodreads)

From the Earth to the Shadows by Amanda Hocking (April 24)
Valkyrie #2: YA Fantasy, Wednesday
“With new allies at her side and new enemies ahead, Malin will face terrible choices. She’ll have to keep her head – or be ruled by her heart.“ (Goodreads)

Ozland by Wendy Spinale (April 24)
Everland #3: YA Fantasy, Scholastic
“But is one girl enough to find a long-dead king, kill the wicked queen, and save the world?“ (Goodreads)

Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young (April 24)
YA Fantasy, Wednesday
“Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.“ (Goodreads)

The Complication by Suzanne Young (April 24)
The Program #6: YA Dystopia, Simon Pulse
“Now, with no one left to trust, Tatum must find out what really happened last summer. And with the help of the boyfriend she lost, Tatum will have to dig into the past and future of The Program and its handlers.“ (Goodreads)

 

 

May

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas (May 1)
A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1: YA Fantasy, Bloomsbury
“The Winter Solstice. In a week. I was still new enough to being High Lady that I had no idea what my formal role was to be. “ (Goodreads)

Allied by Amy Tintera (May 1)
Ruined #3: YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“In the final book in the New York Times bestselling Ruined series, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.“ (Goodreads)

Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne (May 1)
YA Science Fiction, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
“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.“ (Goodreads)

Fangs and Fins by Amy McNulty (May 1)
Blood, Bloom, & Water #1: YA Fantasy, Snowy Wings
“A dapper vampire. A sullen merman. Two heirs to a great conflict—and each needs to claim a beloved to become his kindred’s champion.“ (Goodreads)

The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan (May 1)
The Trials of Apollo #3: YA Fantasy, Disney-Hyperion
“The formerly glorious god Apollo, cast down to earth in punishment by Zeus, is now an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos.“ (Goodreads)

The Outcast by Taran Matharu (May 1)
Summoner #4: YA Fantasy, Fiewel and Friends
“Enter an immersive world where the chosen few have the ability to summon demons…“ (Goodreads)

The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green (May 1)
The Smoke Thieves #1: YA Fantasy, Viking
“A princess, a traitor, a hunter and a thief. Four teenagers with the fate of the world in their hands. Four nations destined for conflict.“ (Goodreads)

Unbreakable by Sara Ella (May 1)
Unblemished #3: YA Fantasy, Thomas Nelson
“The Void must be annihilated. And only the Verity—the light which birthed the darkness—can put an end to that which seeks to kill and destroy.“ (Goodreads)

Whisper by Lynette Noni (May 1)
Whisper #1: YA Fantasy, KCP Loft
“Lengard is a secret government facility for extraordinary people,” they told me. I believed them. That was my mistake. There isn’t anyone else in the world like me. I’m different. I’m an anomaly. I’m a monster.“ (Goodreads)

Strange New World by Rachel Vincent (May 8)
Brave New Girl #2: YA Science Fiction, Delacorte
“One deadly secret. Two genetic sisters. And a world that isn’t big enough for both of them.“ (Goodreads)

The Queen Underneath by Stacey Filak (May 8)
YA Fantasy, Page Street
“Challenging gender roles and the expectation that every prince must have a princess, Tollan discovers love with Elam—a young man, a sex worker, and one of Gemma’s closest friends.“ (Goodreads)

Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson (May 8)
YA Fantasy, Razorbill
“Now, with only seven days until the spell wears off and the girls return to their graves, Mila must wrangle the distracted group of undead teens and work fast to discover their murderer…before the killer strikes again.“ (Goodreads)

Mayfly by Jeff Sweat (May 8)
YA Dystopia, Fiewel and Friends
“The world is crumbling around them, and their time is running out. Is this truly the End?“ (Goodreads)

Onyx and Ivory by Mindee Arnett (May 15)
YA Fantasy, Balzer + Bray
“The threat of drakes who attack in the daylight is only the beginning of a darker menace stirring in the kingdom—one whose origins have dire implications for Kate’s father’s attack upon the king and will thrust them into the middle of a brewing civil war in the kingdom of Rime.“ (Goodreads)

Out of the Blue by Sophie Cameron (May 15)
YA Fantasy, Roaring Brook
“Ten days after Jaya Mackenzie’s mum dies, angels start falling from the sky. Smashing down to earth at extraordinary speeds, wings bent, faces contorted, not a single one has survived.“ (Goodreads)

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard (May 15)
Red Queen #4: YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive.“ (Goodreads)

Furyborn by Claire Legrand (May 22)
Empirium #1: YA Fantasy, Sourcebooks Fire
“Follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world…or doom it.” (Goodreads)

Bright Burns the Night by Sara B. Larson (May 29)
Untitled Duology #2: YA Fantasy, Scholastic
“Lorcan and Evelayn become partners in a desperate quest to return the balance of power to Lachalonia. How far will this partnership go? Can friendship — perhaps even love — bloom where hatred has taken root?“ (Goodreads)

Legendary by Stephanie Garber (May 29)
Caraval #2: YA Fantasy, Flatiron Books
“Welcome, welcome to Caraval…the games have only just begun.“ (Goodreads)

LIFE1K3 by Jay Kristoff (May 29)
Lifelike #1: YA Science Fiction, Knopf
“On a floating junkyard beneath a radiation sky, a deadly secret lies buried in the scrap.“ (Goodreads)

 

June

Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf (June 5)
Heartless #1: YA Fantasy, Entangled: Teen
“So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all. Winner takes the loser’s heart. Literally.“ (Goodreads)

City of Bastards by Andrew Shwarts (June 5)
Royal Bastards #2: YA Fantasy, Disney-Hyperion
“Nothing is as it seems in the glorious capital, and Tilla’s presence might just be the spark that sets the Kingdom aflame.“ (Goodreads)

Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno (June 5)
YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“Over the course of her last summer on the island—a summer of storms, of love, of salt—Georgina will learn the truth about magic, in all its many forms.“ (Goodreads)

The Bird and the Blade Megan Bannen (June 5)
YA Fantasy, Balzer + Bray
“As a slave in the Kipchak Khanate, Jinghua has lost everything: her home, her family, her freedom … until she finds herself an unlikely conspirator in the escape of Prince Khalaf and his irascible father as they flee from their enemies across the vast Mongol Empire.“ (Goodreads)

Eden Conquered by Joelle Charbonneau (June 5)
Dividing Eden #2: YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“The Kingdom of Eden is growing darker with each passing day. Brother and sister, former foes, must decide whether some betrayals cut too deep to be forgiven—and whether one will wear the crown or both will lose everything.“ (Goodreads)

Supermoon by H. A. Swain (June 12)
YA Science Fiction, Fiewel and Friends
“Will Uma be the cause of a pandemic? Whom can she trust, and moreover, whom does she love?“ (Goodreads)

The Merciless IV: Last Rites by Danielle Vega (June 12)
The Merciless #4: YA Horror, Razorbill
“As she’s forced to face her wicked past, she learns that the devil is always watching, and no one is coming to save her.“ (Goodreads)

Dawn of Legends by Eleanor Herman (June 26)
Blood of Gods and Royals #4: YA Historical Fantasy, Harlequin Teen
“Prince Alexander of Macedon has battled both men and monsters, but his final war will determine his fate…and the future of mankind.“ (Goodreads)

My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand (June 26)
The Lady Janies #2: YA Historical Fantasy, HarperTeen
“Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Brontë, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.“ (Goodreads)

The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead (June 26)
The Glittering Court #3: YA Fantasy, Razorbill
“Meet Tamsin, the Glittering Court’s hard-angled emerald. Her outsized aspirations make her a fierce competitor, rising to the top of the ranks. But when the ship she boards for the New World is tragically lost at sea, she is quite literally thrown off-course.“ (Goodreads)

The Life and Death Parade by Eliza Wass (June 26)
YA Fantasy, Quercus Childrens
“One year ago, Kitty’s boyfriend Nikki Bramley visited a psychic who told him he had no future. Now, he’s dead.“ (Goodreads)

Court of Shadows by Madeleine Roux (June 26)
House of Furies #2: YA Gothic Horror, HarperTeen
“The conflicts will eventually come to a head on the grounds of Coldthistle House—and the stakes include Louisa’s very soul.“ (Goodreads)