I come bearing gifts of great reading! Here’s a comprehensive guide to all the young adult speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, horror) being published in December 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 one? 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
The Disasters by M.K. England (December 18)
YA Science Fiction, HarperCollins
“Hotshot pilot Nax Hall has a history of making poor life choices. So it’s not exactly a surprise when he’s kicked out of the elite Ellis Station Academy in less than twenty-four hours.
But Nax’s one-way trip back to Earth is cut short when a terrorist group attacks the Academy. Nax and three other washouts escape—barely—but they’re also the sole witnesses to the biggest crime in the history of space colonization. And the perfect scapegoats.
On the run and framed for atrocities they didn’t commit, Nax and his fellow failures execute a dangerous heist to spread the truth about what happened at the Academy.
They may not be “Academy material,” and they may not get along, but they’re the only ones left to step up and fight.” (via Goodreads)
All YA Spec Fic
The Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare (December 4)
Dark Artifices #3 – YA Fantasy, Margaret K. McElderry
“Caught in a race against time, Emma and Julian must save the world of Shadowhunters before the deadly power of the parabatai curse destroys them and everyone they love.“ (Goodreads)
All the Wandering Light by Heather Fawcett (December 4)
Even the Darkest Stars #2 – YA Fantasy, Balzer + Bray
“Facing dark magic, a perilous journey, and a standoff against the witches, can Kamzin, Lusha, and Tem find the star and save their Empire?“ (Goodreads)
Once a King by Erin Summerill (December 4)
Clash of Kingdoms #3 – YA Fantasy, HMH
“Lirra has every reason to distrust Aodren. Yet when he asks for help to discover the truth behind the rumors, she can’t say no. With Lirra by his side, Aodren sees a way forward for his people. But can he rewrite the mistakes of the past before his enemies destroy the world he’s working so hard to rebuild?“ (Goodreads)
Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst (December 4)
YA Fantasy, Crown
“With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows she has everything she needs to complete her first heist, and get her boyfriend and mother back in the process. But then she uncovers a dark truth about were-dragon society–a truth more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be.“ (Goodreads)
Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful by Arwen Elys Dayton (December 4)
YA Science Fiction, Delacorte
“This extraordinary work explores the amazing possibilities of genetic manipulation and life extension, as well as the ethical quandaries that will arise with these advances. The results range from the heavenly to the monstrous.“ (Goodreads)
Strange Days by Constantine J. Singer (December 4)
YA Science Fiction, G.P. Putnam’s Sons
“Guided by Sabazios, befriended by his fellow time travelers, and maybe even falling in love, Alex begins to find a new home at the compound — until a rogue glide shows him the dangerous truth about his new situation. Now in a race against time, Alex must make a terrible choice: save the people he loves or save the world instead.“ (Goodreads)
The Fade by Demitria Lunetta (December 11)
YA Paranormal Fantasy, Delacorte
“Four girls went missing several years ago, and the police never solved the case. But Haley know the missing girls were murdered. How else can she explain the hostile presence in her house? The ghostly girls need something from her. And unless Haley can figure out what they want…she might be next.“ (Goodreads)
Broken Lands by Jonathan Maberry (December 11)
Broken Lands #1 – YA Science Fiction, Simon & Schuster
“After what they went through in the Rot and Ruin, they think they’ve seen it all, but as they venture into new and unexplored territory, they soon learn that the zombies they fought before were nothing compared to what they’ll face in the wild beyond the peace and safety of their fortified town.“ (Goodreads)
The Cursed Sea by Laren DeStefano (December 18)
The Glass Spare #2 – YA Fantasy, Balzer + Bray
“Traveling across cursed seas and treacherous kingdoms, Wil and Loom must make peace with their pasts if they hope to secure the future of their world. But when their plans lead them right back to evil marveler Pahn, and to Baren—who is more dangerous than ever—can Wil and her friends outsmart their enemies, this time for good?“ (Goodreads)
Evermore by Sara Holland (December 31)
Everless #2 – YA Fantasy, HarperTeen
“The whole kingdom believes that Jules is responsible for the murders, and a hefty bounty has been placed on her head. And Caro is intent on destroying Jules, who stole her heart twelve lifetimes ago. Now Jules must piece together the stories of her past lives to save the person who has captured her heart in this one.“ (Goodreads)
Punk-Ass Book Jockey 