I come bearing gifts of great reading! Here’s a comprehensive guide to all the young adult speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror) and adjacent being published from July-August 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
Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Chokshi (August 7)
YA Fantasy/Anthology, St. Martin’s Press
“Three lush and adventurous stories in the Star-Touched world.
Death and Night
He was Lord of Death, cursed never to love. She was Night incarnate, destined to stay alone. After a chance meeting, they wonder if, perhaps, they could be meant for more. But danger crouches in their paths, and the choices they make will set them on a journey that will span lifetimes.
Poison and Gold
Now that her wish for a choice has come true, Aasha struggles to control her powers. But when an opportunity to help Queen Gauri and King Vikram’s new reign presents itself, she is thrown into the path of the fearsome yet enchanting Spy Mistress. To help her friends, Aasha will have to battle her insecurities and perhaps, along the way, find love.
Rose and Sword
There is a tale whispered in the dark of the Empire of Bharat-Jain. A tale of a bride who loses her bridegroom on the eve of her wedding. But is it a tale or a truth?” (via Goodreads)
Mirage by Somaiya Daud (August 28)
Mirage #1 – YA Science Fiction, Flatiron Books
“In a star system dominated by the brutal Vathek empire, eighteen-year-old Amani is a dreamer. She dreams of what life was like before the occupation; she dreams of writing poetry like the old-world poems she adores; she dreams of receiving a sign from Dihya that one day, she, too, will have adventure, and travel beyond her isolated moon.
But when adventure comes for Amani, it is not what she expects: she is kidnapped by the regime and taken in secret to the royal palace, where she discovers that she is nearly identical to the cruel half-Vathek Princess Maram. The princess is so hated by her conquered people that she requires a body double, someone to appear in public as Maram, ready to die in her place.
As Amani is forced into her new role, she can’t help but enjoy the palace’s beauty—and her time with the princess’ fiancé, Idris. But the glitter of the royal court belies a world of violence and fear. If Amani ever wishes to see her family again, she must play the princess to perfection…because one wrong move could lead to her death.” (via Goodreads)
All YA Spec Fic
July
Copycat by Hannah Jayne (July 3)
YA Mystery, Sourcebooks Fire
“Everyone is dying to read the latest book in the popular Gap Lake mystery series, and Addison is no exception. As the novels biggest fan, Addison is flattered when the infamously reclusive author, R.J. Rosen, contacts her, granting her inside information others would kill for. ” (Goodreads)
Dark Days by Kate Ormand (July 3)
YA Dystopia, Sky Pony Press
“Just when Sia feels more alone than ever, she meets Mace, a mysterious boy. There is something that draws Sia to him, despite his dangerousness, and together, they join a group of rebels and embark on an epic journey to destroy the new world and its machines, and to put an end to the slaughter of innocent people.” (Goodreads)
Game of Secrets by Kim Foster (July 3)
YA Historical Fiction, Sky Pony Press
“Felicity Cole sells flowers in the streets of Victorian London to feed herself and her young brother. But she has a close-guarded secret–her brother is a Tainted, born with special abilities that society fears and a shadowy organization called the Hunstsman scours the country to eliminate. When Felicity becomes the target of one of these individuals, she discovers something horrible: she’s Tainted, too.” (Goodreads)
Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga (July 3)
YA Fantasy, Entangled Teen
“In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. Princess Ivy is determined to end this centuries-long conflict once and for all, so her new battle partner must succeed where the others failed. Prince Zach’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic Kiss, should make them an unstoppable pair—but try convincing Zach of that.” (Goodreads)
The Brink of Darkness by Jeff Giles (July 3)
The Edge of Everything #2 -YA Fantasy, Bloomsbury
“Things have changed for seventeen-year-old Zoe ever since the otherworldly events that brought her together with the mysterious bounty hunter she calls X. In order to save Zoe and her family, X has done the unthinkable – he’s given up his freedom and returned to captivity in the Lowlands.” (Goodreads)
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James (July 3)
YA Science Fiction, Walker Books
“Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never met, never even spoken to – someone who is light years away?” (Goodreads)
The Soul Keepers by Devon Taylor (July 3)
YA Fantasy, Swoon Reads
“Rhett and his new friends have a hard enough time fighting back the monsters that grow bolder and more ferocious every day. But then a new threat emerges, a demon who wants something that Rhett has. And if she gets it, it could mean the end of everything… for both the living and the dead.” (Goodreads)
Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl (July 5)
YA Mystery, Delacorte
“Once upon a time, back at Darrow-Harker School, Beatrice Hartley and her six best friends were the cool kids, the beautiful ones. Then the shocking death of Jim—their creative genius and Beatrice’s boyfriend—changed everything.” (Goodreads)
All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth (July 10)
YA Mystery, William Morrow
“As the dark events of past and present converge, Charlie begins to fear that she may not survive the terrible truth about her family, her school, and her own life.” (Goodreads)
Beast: A Tale of Love and Revenge by Lisa Jensen (July 10)
YA Fantasy, Candlewick Press
“Filled with magic and fierce emotion, Lisa Jensen’s multilayered novel will make you question all you think you know about beauty, beastliness, and happily ever after.” (Goodreads)
Bright We Burn by Kiersten White (July 10)
The Conqueror’s Saga #3 – YA Fantasy, Delacorte
“Haunted by the sacrifices he made in Constantinople, Radu is called back to the new capital. Mehmed is building an empire, becoming the sultan his people need. But Mehmed has a secret: as emperor, he is more powerful than ever . . . and desperately lonely. Does this mean Radu can finally have more with Mehmed . . . and would he even want it? ” (Goodreads)
The Supervillain and Me by Danielle Banas (July 10)
Morriston Superheroes #1 – YA Superheroes, Swoon Reads
“As witty as it is heartpounding, this fresh take on the beloved superhero genre is all about finding your own way to shine even when it seems everyone else around you is, well… super.” (Goodreads)
The Traitor’s Ruin by Erin Beaty (July 10)
The Traitor’s Circle #2 – YA Fantasy, Imprint
“During a skirmish, Sage and Alex are separated. She watches him die before he can deliver important military intel—or so she thinks. She escapes from the enemy and makes an unlikely alliance with a mysterious soldier from a third nation. As Sage tries to rally their support against a common foe, the important political alliance is plagued by secrets and betrayal. ” (Goodreads)
The Unfortunates by Kim Liggett (July 10)
YA Horror, Tor Teen
“When seventeen-year-old senator’s son Grant Tavish is involved in a fatal accident, all he wants to do is face the consequences of what he’s done, but the consequences never come, even if headlines of “affluenza” do. The truth soon becomes clear: Due to his father’s connections, not only will Grant not be held accountable for his actions, he’s going to get away with murder.” (Goodreads)
Campfire by Shawn Sarles and James Patterson (July 17)
YA Horror, Jimmy Patterson
“Now Maddie and her family are lost in the deep woods–with no way out–being stalked by their worst nightmares. Because there were other, more horrifying stories told that night–and Maddie’s about to find out just how they end…” (Goodreads)
Hullmetal Girls by Emily Skrutskie (July 17)
YA Science Fiction, Delacorte
“With violence brewing and dark secrets surfacing, Aisha and Key find themselves questioning their loyalties. They will have to put aside their differences, though, if they want to keep humanity from tearing itself apart.” (Goodreads)
Dark Days by Kate Ormand (July 17)
The Nyxia Triad #2 – YA Science Fiction, Crown Books for Young Readers
“Getting to Eden brought Emmett and his crewmates one step closer to their promised fortune. But surviving Eden may be the biggest reward of all.” (Goodreads)
When Life Gives You Demons by Jennifer Honeybourn (July 17)
YA Paranormal, Swoon Reads
“Sixteen-year-old Shelby Black has spent the past year training to be an exorcist. Her great-uncle Roy—a Catholic priest and Shelby’s guardian—believes she has a gift for expelling demons, and he’s put her through exorcist boot camp hell, but he still doesn’t trust her to do an exorcism on her own.” (Goodreads)
Contagion by Erin Bowman (July 24)
Contagion #1 – YA Science Fiction, HarperTeen
“As they try to piece together who—or what—could have decimated an entire operation, they discover that some things are best left buried—and some monsters are only too ready to awaken.” (Goodreads)
Endless Water, Starless Sky by Rosamund Hodge (July 24)
Bright Smoke, Cold Fire #2 – YA Fantasy, Balzer + Bray
“When Romeo’s and Juliet’s paths converge once again, only a journey into Death will offer answers and the key to saving them all—but is it a journey either of them will survive?” (Goodreads)
Sanctuary by Caryn Lix (July 24)
YA Science Fiction, Simon Pulse
“Alien meets Alexandra Bracken’s The Darkest Minds in this thrilling debut novel about prison-guard-in-training, Kenzie, who is taken hostage by the superpowered criminal teens of the Sanctuary space station—only to have to band together with them when the station is attacked by mysterious creatures.” (Goodreads)
Scream All Night by Derek Milman (July 24)
YA Horror, Balzer + Bray
“Dario Heyward knows one thing: He’s never going back to Moldavia Studios, the iconic castle that served as the set, studio, and home to the cast and crew of dozens of cult classic B-horror movies. It’s been three years since Dario’s even seen the place, after getting legally emancipated from his father, the infamous director of Moldavia’s creature features.” (Goodreads)
The Future Will Be BS-Free by Will McIntosh (July 24)
YA Dystopia, Delacorte
“In this terrifyingly timely tale for fans of The Eye of Minds, a teen and his group of friends find themselves on the run after using a genius lie-detector contraption to expose their corrupt government.” (Goodreads)
You May Now Kill the Bride by R.L. Stine (July 24)
YA Horror, HarperTeen
“Two sisters, divided by time. Each with a terrible resentment she can barely contain. Two Fear family weddings, decades apart… Each bride will find that the ancient curse that haunts the Fears LIVES ON. It feeds off the evil that courses through their blood. It takes its toll in unexpected ways, and allows dark history to repeat itself.” (Goodreads)
Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart (July 31)
YA Fantasy, Little, Brown
“In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi Tessaro face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other in prison.” (Goodreads)
Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton (July 31)
Heart of Thorns #1 – YA Fantasy, Katherine Tegen
“In the ancient river kingdom, touch is a battlefield, bodies the instruments of war. Seventeen-year-old Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood.” (Goodreads)
Sea Witch by Sarah Henning (July 31)
YA Fantasy, Katherine Tegen
“Everyone knows what happens in the end. A mermaid, a prince, a true love’s kiss. But before that young siren’s tale, there were three friends. One feared, one royal, and one already dead.” (Goodreads)
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas (July 31)
YA Mystery, Delacorte
“First there was the car accident—two girls gone after hitting a tree on a rainy night. Not long after, the murders happened. Those two girls were killed by the man next door. The police shot him, so no one will ever know why he did it. Monica’s sister was the last cheerleader to die. After her suicide, Sunnybrook High disbanded the cheer squad. No one wanted to be reminded of the girls they lost.” (Goodreads)
The Darkest Legacy by Alexandra Bracken (July 31)
The Darkest Minds #4 – YA Dystopia, Disney-Hyperion
“Five years after the destruction of the so-called rehabilitation camps that imprisoned her and countless other Psi kids, seventeen-year-old Suzume “Zu” Kimura has assumed the role of spokesperson for the interim government, fighting for the rights of Psi kids against a growing tide of misinformation and prejudice. But when she is accused of committing a horrifying act, she is forced to go on the run once more in order to stay alive.“ (Goodreads)
August
The Dark Beneath the Ice by Amelinda Bérubé (August 1)
YA Paranormal, Sourcebooks Fire
“Something is after her. But a first attempt at an exorcism calls down the full force of the thing’s rage. It demands Marianne give back what she stole. And Marianne must uncover the truth that lies beneath it all before the nightmare can take what it think it’s owed, leaving Marianne trapped in the darkness of the other side.“ (Goodreads)
Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas (August 7)
DC Icons #3 – YA Superheroes, Random House
“Meanwhile, Luke Fox wants to prove he has what it takes to help people in his role as Batwing. He targets a new thief on the prowl who seems cleverer than most. She has teamed up with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, and together they are wreaking havoc. This Catwoman may be Batwing’s undoing.“ (Goodreads)
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson (August 7)
Dance of Thieves #1 – YA Fantasy, Henry Holt
“A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.“ (Goodreads)
Echoes by Alice Reeds (August 7)
YA Mystery, Entangled Teed
“Echoes is a thrilling adventure about confronting the impossible, discovering love in the most unexpected places, and, above all, finding hope in the face of the unknown.“ (Goodreads)
Girl at the Grave by Teri Bailey Black (August 7)
YA Historical Fantasy, Tor Teen
“Valentine has spent years trying to outrun her mother’s legacy. But small towns have long memories, and when a new string of murders occurs, all signs point to the daughter of a murderer.“ (Goodreads)
Neverwake by Amy Plum (August 7)
Dreamfall #2 – YA Science Fiction, HarperTeen
“For most people, nightmares always come to an end. But for Cata, Ant, and the others, there may be no escape from theirs. After an experimental treatment meant to cure their insomnia went horribly wrong, the teens were dragged into a shared dreamworld where their most terrifying fears became reality.“ (Goodreads)
Nine by Zach Hines (August 7)
YA Dystopia, HarperTeen
“But the regime has death incentives aimed at controlling overpopulation, and Julian realizes that he’s going to have to burn at some point—especially when he becomes a target for Nicholas, the manipulative leader of the Burners, the school’s suicide club. And when Julian eventually succumbs, he uncovers suspicious gaps in the rebirth system that may explain exactly why his mother went so far down the rabbit hole years ago. Along with a group of student dissenters, Julian sets out to find answers and is soon on the verge of exposing the greatest conspiracy ever unleashed on the world.“ (Goodreads)
Ruin of Stars by Linsey Miller (August 7)
YA Fantasy, Sourcebooks Fire
“As Opal, Sal finally has the power, prestige, and most importantly the ability to hunt the lords who killed their family. But Sal has to figure out who the culprits are before putting them down. Which means trying to ignore the fact that Elise is being kept a virtual prisoner, and that the queen may have ulterior motives.“ (Goodreads)
The Forest Queen by Betsy Cornwell (August 7)
Mechanica .5 – YA Fantasy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
“When sixteen-year-old Sylvie’s brother takes over management of their family’s vast estates, Sylvie feels powerless to stop his abuse of the local commoners. Her dearest friend asks her to run away to the woods with him, and soon a host of other villagers join them. Together, they form their own community and fight to right the wrongs perpetrated by the king and his noblemen.“ (Goodreads)
These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch (August 7)
Stream Raiders #1 – YA Historical Fantasy, Balzer + Bray
“As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are…and what they are willing to become for peace.“ (Goodreads)
Freak ‘N’ Gorgeous by Sebastian J. Plata (August 14)
YA Science Fiction, Sky Pony Press
“In a world not unlike our own, there is a phenomenon called the INEXPLICABLE DEVELOPMENT—a rare occurrence with permanent consequences. Average-looking, under-the-radar sixteen-year-old Konrad Wolnik’s life is turned upside down when, one morning, he wakes up stunningly attractive. “ (Goodreads)
A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan (August 14)
YA Fantasy, Blink
“Thanks to her unique ability to sense gold, Kora is the only one who can track the thief down. As she sails off on her quest, Kora learns that not everything is what it seems—not thieves, not pirates, and not even curses. She quickly discovers that gold—and the power it brings—is more dangerous than she’d ever believed.“ (Goodreads)
Julia Unbound by Catherine Egan (August 14)
The Witch’s Child – YA Fantasy, Knopf Books for Young Readers
“With every move she makes, Julia finds herself tangled ever tighter. Should she try to save her country? Her brother? A beloved child? Can she even save herself?“ (Goodreads)
The Raging Ones by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie (August 14)
YA Fantasy, Wednesday Books
“With the threat of people learning they’ve dodged their deathdays, they must flee their planet to survive. But to do so, all three will have to hide their shared bond as they vie for a highly sought after spot in the newest mission to space. Against thousands of people far smarter, who’ll live longer, and never fear death the way that they do.“ (Goodreads)
Nightblood by Elly Blake (August 21)
YA Fantasy, Little, Brown
“In this heart-pounding finale of Elly Blake’s gorgeously written and action-packed Frostblood Saga, the fate of Frostbloods, Firebloods, and all of humanity is at stake.“ (Goodreads)
Fierce Like a Firestorm by Lana Popović (August 21)
Hibiscus Daughter #2 – YA Fantasy, Katherine Tegen
“Twin sisters Iris and Malina thought they knew how to reverse the ancient curse that haunts their line, the spell that destines them to use their gleams—unique forms of beauty-manipulating magic—to entice and enchant none other than Death himself. But both sisters thought wrong.“ (Goodreads)
The Cursed Heir by Morgan Rhodes (August 21)
Spirits and Thieves #3 – YA Fantasy, Razorbill
(Goodreads)
The Truth Lies Here by Lindsey Klingele (August 21)
YA Science Fiction, HarperTeen
“The deeper she digs, the weirder things start to get. Townspeople repeat the same phrases—verbatim. Men in black suits stroll around Main Street. Chunks of her memory go missing. Pretty soon, Penny’s research leads her to the long-ago meteorite crash in Bone Lake’s woods, and she’s going to have to reconsider her definition of “real” if she wants answers.“ (Goodreads)
Seafire by Natalie C. Parker (August 28)
Seafire #1 – YA Fantasy, Razorbill
“After her family is killed by corrupt warlord Aric Athair and his bloodthirsty army of Bullets, Caledonia Styx is left to chart her own course on the dangerous and deadly seas. She captains her ship, the Mors Navis, with a crew of girls and women just like her, whose lives have been turned upside down by Aric and his men. The crew has one misson: stay alive, and take down Aric’s armed and armored fleet.“ (Goodreads)
The Towering Sky by Katharine McGee (August 28)
Thousands Floor #3 – YA Dystopian, HarperCollins
“In Manhattan’s glamorous thousand-story supertower, millions of people are living scandalous lives. Leda, Watt, Rylin, Avery, and Calliope are all struggling to hide the biggest secrets of all, secrets that could destroy everything, and send their perfect worlds toppling over the edge.“ (Goodreads)
Toil and Trouble: 15 Tales of Women and Witchcraft edited by Tess Sharpe and Jessica Spotswood (August 28)
YA Fantasy,/Anthology Harlequin Teen
“A young adult fiction anthology of 15 stories featuring contemporary, historical, and futuristic stories featuring witchy heroines who are diverse in race, class, sexuality, religion, geography, and era.“ (Goodreads)
Punk-Ass Book Jockey 