Highly Anticipated Book Releases for the First Half of 2020

I'm a little late on this post because, well, it was so hard to decide what books to include. January, especially, had so many great books coming out that it was such a challenge to limit it to five. Somehow I managed, and here we are with the my most highly anticipated releases for the first half of 2020.

Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire
Every January I look forward to the newest Wayward Children book. I love how Seanan McGuire takes us to so many fantastical worlds. 

One of Us is Next by Karen M. McManus
This book is a sequel to One of Us is Lying, which I really enjoyed. I'm just about finished with this book, and it's a nice follow-up. 

The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson
The final book in the Truly Devious series. I can't wait to see how it all plays out. (first book in the series featured here)

The Night Country by Melissa Albert
And, speaking of sequels, I loved The Hazel Wood, and I'm eager to see where the story goes. (series featured here)

The Map from Here to There by Emery Lord
Well, at this point, it's clear that January is all sequels. I wasn't expecting to get a sequel to The Start of Me and You, but I am not complaining. Not one bit. (series featured here)

Deathless Divide by Justine Ireland
The first book in this series, Dread Nation, was so good. I love a well-done alternate history, and this one has zombies and zombie hunters. (series featured here)

The Life Below by Alexandra Monir
I was so surprised by how much I liked The Final Six. I need to know what happens now that the six are off to space.

The Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith
This book is the first of the World War II books on this list. There are several YA World War II stories coming out this year that look especially good. This one is about a kamikaze pilot and the girl he loves. (Sherri Smith's Flygirl featured here)

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
Station Eleven is one of my favorite books of all time, and I'm ready to give Emily St. John Mandel another go. 

Anna K.: A Love Story by Jenny Lee
This book is a retelling of Anna Karenina that's been described as a mix between Crazy Rich Asians and Gossip Girl. I'm intrigued. 

Moment of Truth by Kasie West
Now that I'm all caught up on Kasie West's backlist, I need her next book. 

They Went Left by Monica Hesse
The second World War II book on this list, and Monica Hesse's third foray into WWII historical fiction. I'm a huge fan of Girl in the Blue Coat, and I'm eager to go back to the WWII era with her.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
It's Elizabeth Acevedo. That's all that needs to be said. But, if you need more convincing, this book involves two sister who didn't know the other existed until their father's death.

The Enigma Game by Elizabeth Wein
Elizabeth Wein is a master of historical fiction, and I can't wait to be back in her capable hands. Also, it looks like we'll be seeing some familiar characters from the Code Name Verity series in her new book. (series featured here, here, and here)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Returns to long-ended series make me just a bit nervous, but I'll admit that I am ready to go back to the world of The Hunger Games.

Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett
I love Jenn Bennett's contemporaries (featured here and here). They always make for the perfect summer read, and I'm thrilled to have one to put on my summer reading this again this year. 

Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles
I don't know much about this one except that it revolves around a magical circus, and that's enough to get me interested. (Circus setting here and here)

My Calamity Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows
I love the Lady Janies, and I'm ready to head to the wild west with this crew. I'm sure this book will be just as endearing and hilarious as the previous two installments. (series featured here and here)

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee
I'm ending the list with another World War II book. Traci Chee's book takes us to the U.S. Internment camps. (World War II Wednesday here)

Highly Anticipated Book Releases for the Second Half of 2019

The year is half over, which means we can start looking forward to all the fall releases. I have a hefty list of highly anticipated new books this time around. I'm looking forward to the next book in several series. I'm eager to read new books by several authors who I absolutely adore. I've also got a few new to me authors on this list, and I can't wait to give their books a go. What books are you eagerly awaiting?

The Philosopher's War by Tom Miller
The first book in this series, The Philosopher's Flight, was such a surprising delight. It was one of my favorite books of 2018, and I'm so excited for the sequel. (series featured here)

Maybe This Time by Kasie West
I've read nearly all of Kasie West's books, and this one about a girl who works for a local florist sounds delightful. (Kasie West's books featured here)

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
I've never read any of Stacey Lee's books, which is a real shame because I love historical fiction. I'm going dive into her oeuvre with her newest book about a girl who works as a lady's maid in turn-of-the-century Atlanta.

House of Salt and Sorrow by Erin Craig
This debut novel is a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale. It's been too long since I've read a good fairy tale retelling.

Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake
The conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series. Need I say more? (series featured here, here, and here)

Bid My Soul Farewell by Beth Revis
Earlier this year I read the first book in this series, and I loved it. I'm excited to find out what happens next. (series featured here)

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
I wasn't expecting to love Carry On as much as I did. I really, really loved it. I'm up for more Simon, Baz, and Penny. (series featured here)

The Tyrant's Tomb by Rick Riordan
I love the Trials of Apollo series. Now that we know who the three emperors are that make up the evil Triumvirate (which I successfully guessed, by the way), what's going to happen? (series featured here)

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett
I love Jenn Bennett's contemporaries, and I love historical fiction. I'm excited to journey to the Carpathian Mountains with these characters. (Jenn Bennett's books featured here)

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Ruta Sepetys is a master of historical fiction. Her newest book is set in General Francisco Franco's fascist Spain in 1957. (Ruta Sepetys's books featured here)

Our Year in Love and Parties by Karen Hattrup
I adored Karen Hattrup's debut novel. I read it in one sitting, and it was one of my favorite books of 2016. I'm so excited to read her sophomore book. (Frannie and Tru featured here)

Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All by Laura Ruby
Bone Gap was my favorite book of 2015. A World War II novel by Laura Ruby is almost too good to be true. (Bone Gap featured here)

In the Hall with the Knife by Diana Peterfreund
I've been a big fan of Diana Peterfreund's books for years now. This new book sounds like so much fun. It's a mystery based on the board game Clue. Basically, it sounds like the perfect Halloween read. (Diana Peterfreund's books featured here)

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
This books takes place during Christmas, and I love the idea of reading it during December. It's about Sophie who, after a bad breakup, gets set-up on a series of blind dates by extended family members.

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
Kiersten White is taking on the Arthurian legends, and I am here for it. (Kiersten White's books featured here)

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Like so many people, I am so excited that the author of The Night Circus has a new book out this November. 

Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater
I will never not be excited for a new Maggie Stiefvater book. She's returning to the world of The Raven Boys with this series about Ronan Lynch and his family. (Maggie Stiefvater's books featured here)

Supernova by Marissa Meyer
The conclusion to the Renegades series! (series featured here)

Highly Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2019

I really try to keep these highly anticipated releases posts to a reasonable number because once I put a book on this list I feel a lot of pressure to read it. But...there are just so many great books coming out in the first few months of 2019. It was hard to limit this list even this much.

A Thousand Sisters by Elizabeth Wein:
A book about World War II female pilots is something that I will always read. (Books about women aviators here, here, and here.)

The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson:
I might have to listen to the first book in the series again before I begin this one to remind myself of all the details--a must for a mystery.

In An Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire:
I'm always eager for the next addition to the Wayward Children series.

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner:
I've loved everything Jeff Zentner has written, and this book about two girls who run a public access TV show sounds so great. (Jeff Zentner's other books featured here and here.)

Early Riser by Jasper Fforde:
Massive Jasper Fforde fan. He is one of my most read authors, after all.

Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers:
Sybella is my favorite character from the His Fair Assassin series, and I'm looking forward to this add-on series about her family. (Series featured here, here, and here.)

Bloodwitch by Susan Denard:
Windwitch knocked my socks off. I'm eager to diving back into this world. (Series featured here and here.)

Killing November by Adriana Mather:
I really loved Adriana Mather's How to Hang a Witch series, and I'm excited to see what else she can do.

The Queen's Resistance by Rebecca Ross:
I really liked the first book in Rebecca Ross's debut series. It was probably the biggest surprise of 2018. Yes please, to the sequel.

The Lovely War by Julie Berry:
Julie Berry and World War I. I really don't need any more convincing. (More books by Julie Berry featured here.)

The Shadow Glass by Rin Chupeco:
I've been dying to read this ever since I finished the astonishing second book in The Bone Witch series. (Series featured here and here.)

The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton:
Again, I really enjoyed the first book, and I want to know what is going to happen next.

The Raven's Tale by Cat Winters:
This book is inspired by the life of Edgar Allen Poe, and I live near Baltimore where you can tour Poe's house and visit his grave. So no convincing needed.

Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly:
Lilac Girls was one of my favorite books of 2016. This new book follows Caroline Ferriday's mother and is set during World War I.

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett:
Alex Approximately and Starry Eyes topped my summer reading last year, and I'm eager for another Jenn Bennett romance.

Defy the Fates by Claudia Gray:
I'm ready to finish off this series about space travel, wars, disease, and artificial intelligence. (Series featured here.)

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff:
We all know how much I love their Illuminae trilogy. I'm thrilled we get more space books from this duo. (Series Salute here.)

Finale by Stephanie Garber:
The final book in the Caraval trilogy. I liked the second book even more than the first one, so I have high expectations. (Series featured here and here.)

The Language of Fire by Stephanie Hemphill:
I read Ms. Hemphill's verse novel about Mary Shelley in the fall. This new book is a verse novel about Joan of Arc.

Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer:
Huge fan of Letters to the Lost. I'm looking forward to another contemporary from Ms Kemmerer. (More books by Brigid Kemmerer here.)

Highly Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of 2018

2018 is halfway over, which means it's time for a look at the books coming out from July to December. What books are you itching to get your hands on?

Bright We Burn by Kiersten White:
The Conqueror's Saga has been one of my favorite series over the last couple of years. I'm eager to read the final installment in this gender-swapped retelling of Vlad the Impaler. (Series featured here and here.)

Contagion by Erin Bowman:
I really enjoyed Erin Bowman's westerns. I'm excited to see what she does in space. Also, I feel like I'm drawn to books about plagues. Is that weird?

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik:
Uprooted is an absolutely gorgeous original fairy tale. I loved it, and now I'm up for any fairy tale setting from Naomi Novik.

Seafire by Natalie C. Parker:
Have you noticed all the pirate books that are coming out in the next few months? That's a theme I'm willing to jump on.

In Another Time by Caroline Leech:
I loved Caroline Leech's debut, Wait for Me, and you know that there has to be a World War II book on my anticipated list.

Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake:
I need to know what Katharine, Arsinoe, and Mirabella are going to do next in this dark fantastic series. (Series featured here and here.)

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White:
I love the original Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I love Kiersten White. I love retellings. There's no way I'm missing this one.

The War Outside by Monica Hesse:
I fell so hard for Monica Hesse's The Girl in the Blue Coat. It made my favorite's list in 2016, and there is no way I would miss another WWII story written by her capable hands. 

The Delphi Revolution by Rysa Walker:
Rysa Walker's Chronos Files is one of my favorite series ever. I'm really enjoying her conspiracy-filled second series too. (Series featured here and here.)

An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason by Virgina Boecker:
Shakespeare, Tudor England, girls disguised as boys, spies. This book sounds like a whole lot of fun.

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzie Lee:
Remember the aforementioned pirate theme? Of course this book must be on the list as well.

The Light Between Worlds by Laura E Weymouth:
This book is a story about children who slipped into another world and found the return to our world jarring. It gives me Wayward Children vibes.

Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor:
Strange the Dreamer was one of my favorite books of 2017. It's pure magic. I adore everything about Laini Taylor's writing. (Series featured here.)

Archenemies by Marissa Meyer:
Marissa Meyer writes such fun books. This superhero series is full of fascinating powers, secret identities, and spying. (Series featured here.)

Highly Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2018

Over the past few years, these highly anticipated releases posts have become a bit more difficult for me to do. This one took some serious thought. The reason is that when I put books on these lists, I feel a bit of pressure to, you know, actually read them.

Iron Gold by Pierce Brown:
I loved the Red Rising Trilogy, and I've already heard good things about the newest addition to the world from some trusted friends. (Series Salute to the trilogy here.)

Purple Hearts by Michael Grant:
Honestly Silver Stars was a bit of a slog for me, but I've heard this is a great conclusion to the series, and I would like to finish it off. (series featured here and here)

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce:
All the love for Tamora Piece over here at Intellectual Recreation. And as we are such big Emperor Mage fans and intrigued by Ozorne, we are all in for a Numair series that will get us up close and personal with the ambitious prince. (Much Tamora Pierce love here)

Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman:
Seraphina is one of my all-time favorite books. I'm so thrilled that I get to go back to her world. (series featured here)

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer:
Letters to the Lost was one of my favorite books of the year last year. I'm definitely up for anything new by Ms. Kemmerer.

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff:
The conclusion to the Illuminae series is probably (no most certainly) my most highly anticipated book of the year. (series featured here and here)

The Beauty that Remains by Ashley Woodfolk:
I'm all in for sad books these days. This one looks heart-breaking.

Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray:
The first in the series, Defy the Stars, was one of my favorite reads of 2017. I'm so excited that this story is continuing. (But, ick, I do not like the new covers.) (series featured here)

Trouble Never Sleeps by Stephanie Tromly:
I'm such a big fan of Trouble is a Friend of Mine and Trouble Makes a Comeback. (series featured here and here)

The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hynotik by David Arnold:
I really enjoyed Kids of Appetite, and I've heard marvelous things about David Arnold's forthcoming novel.

Legendary by Stephanie Garber:
The sequel to the intriguing Caraval.

Only Human by Sylvain Neuvel:
Gotta find out what happens next ASAP after that cliffhanger. (series featured here)

The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan:
I will never tire of Apollo as narrator. I wonder if my guess as to who the next emperor is is correct.

A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir:
A Torch Against the Night was so good. Bring on book 3. (series featured here and here)

Invisible Ghosts by Robyn Schneider:
Extraordinary Means was a favorite a couple of years ago. I'm ready for another book from Ms. Schneider. 

My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows:
So excited to see what the Lady Janies do next. This is one is a very close second behind Obsidio. (series featured here)

Highly Anticipated Books for the Second Half of 2017

These Highly Anticipated posts (more here) are always really fun for me to do. I like digging into the lists of what's coming out in the next few months and determining what I really am excited about with no strings or obligations attached. So here we go, the second half of 2017. Any of these on your list?

Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab:
Technically this one is not a second half of the year book, but I didn't read the first book in the series before I wrote my first Highly Anticipated post of the year, and it's definitely highly anticipated.

Lucky in Love by Kasie West:
If I'm completely honest, Kasie West's books have a lost a bit of their shine for me, but I'm still looking forward to reading this one. (Kasie West's other books here, here, here, here, here, and here.)

Arabella and the Battle of Venus by David D. Levine:
Arabella of Mars was such a fun steampunk space adventure. I'm looking forward to the second in the series.

The Dire King by William Ritter:
The conclusion of Will Ritter's marvelous debut series that began with Jackaby. I hate to see it end! (series featured here, here, and here.)

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins:
I've loved all things Stephanie Perkins, and I'm curious to see how she tackles a new genre: horror. (Stephanie Perkins other books featured here, here, and here.)

Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore:
A new Kristin Cashore!! I love the Graceling Trilogy with a fervor, and I feel like I've been waiting forever for Ms. Cashore's next book. So thrilled it's almost here. (Graceling featured here and here.)

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake:
The sequel to the fantastic Three Dark Crowns.

The Empty Grave by Jonathan Stroud:
Of course the next Jonathan Stroud is on this list. I think it's the series finale. Sob. (The many mentions here.)

Among the Red Stars by Gwen C. Katz:
Another book about the Russian Night Witches! How lucky am I to get two in one year. (See here.)

That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston:
Set in a near-future world where the British Empire never fell. I'm intrigued.

All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater:
A new Maggie Stiefvater. And it's set in my home state of Colorado! (All my love for Maggie Stiefvater here. All my love for The Raven Cycle here.)

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway:
After the gloriousness of Emmy & Oliver, I am completely sold on anything by Robin Benway. (Emmy & Oliver here and here.)

The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan:
I adore the Magnus Chase series.

Renegades by Marissa Meyer:
A new Marissa Meyer with super heroes and secret identities. (All my love for the Lunar Chronicles here. Heartless here.)

Lock & Mori: Final Fall by Heather W. Petty
I flew through the second book in this trilogy. And this one's the final book in the series. (The rest in the series here and here.)

Highly Anticipacted Books for the First Half of 2017

With the calendar switching over to 2017 in just a couple of days, it is time once again for a look at my most highly anticipated upcoming releases. I always love hearing what people are dying to get their hands on, so let me know in the comments which books you need ASAP.

 Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder:
The recent additions to The Poison Study series have all been fantastic. I'm sure this one will be too. (Series featured here and here.)

Silver Stars by Michael Grant:
This is the sequel to the fabulous WWII alternate history, Front Lines. And guess what? I already read it. I think fans of the first book will be quite happy with this one. (Series featured here.)

Wayfarer by Alexandra Bracken:
You know I'm always up for a good time travel novel, and Passenger had such a horrible cliffhanger! We all need to know what happens. (Series featured here.)

Caraval of Stephanie Garber:
This debut novel sounds so mysterious, and I'm always up for a good circus setting.

By Your Side by Kasie West:
We are huge Kasie West fans at Intellectual Recreation. For me, the synopsis causes flashbacks to Help! I'm a Prisoner in the Library! Did anyone else read that book as a kid? (Kasie West's other books here, here, here, here, here, and here.)

The Last of August by Brittany Cavallaro:
I loved the first book in this series about the great-great grandchildren of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. I'm so excited for the sequel. (Series featured here.)

The Ship Beyond Time by Heidi Heilig:
This is another time travel book and another sequel. I just love the whole ship and hand-drawn map aspect of time travel in Heidi Heilig's series. (Series featured here.)

Gilded Cage by Vic James:
I'm so intrigued by this start of a new series set in an alternate England with magic and a very strict class structure.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor:
I just loved The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy. I'm excited to see what Ms. Taylor has in store for us now.

Night Witches by Kathryn Lasky:
I'm excited for this book because I've long thought that the Russian Night Witches of World War II would make for an excellent YA novel.

Goodbye Days by Jeff Zenter:
Jeff Zenter's debut, The Serpent King, was such an incredible first book. I'm excited to see where he takes us next.

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer:
I heard that this contemporary about a grieving daughter is set in Baltimore. And that detail, along with the stunning cover, is enough for me.

The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan:
I loved the first book in The Trials of Apollo series. Rick Riordan is the master.

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han:
More Lara Jean. Yes, please. (Series featured here and here.)

The Crown's Fate by Evelyn Skye:
The first book in this series was so much fun and hit a bunch of my sweet spots.

The Next Together by Lauren James:
This book was published in the UK a couple of years ago, and we are finally going to get to read it in the US come June.

Now I Rise by Kiersten White:
And I Darken was so incredible. Words fail me. I need the sequel. (Series featured here.)

Highly Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of 2016

We're linking up with The Broke and the Bookish for Top Ten Tuesday. Today is a freebie day, so we took the opportunity to caught up on a topic we missed.

Aack! It is going to be a busy few months of reading. (But really when is it not?) Putting together this list was in some ways really easy because I've been dying to get my hands on some of these books for a long, long time now. But, at the same time, it was so hard to narrow it down! What books are you itching to get your hands on?

The big one that is missing from this list is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I debated whether or not I wanted to include it. It seems like an obvious pick, but I feel a little nervous about the addition to the Harry Potter Universe. Am I the only one?

UPDATE: The publication date for Laini Taylor's Strange the Dreamer has been pushed back to March 28, 2017. You can bet it'll be in my Highly Anticipated Releases for the first half of 2017.

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West:
A new YA contemporary by my current book crush. Yes, please. P.S. I love you, Kasie West.

Girl in the Shadows by Gwenda Bond:
This is a companion novel to Girl on a Wire, a book I quite liked. I'm eager to revisit Cirque American.

Ghostly Echoes by William Ritter:
I think people may be getting tired of me talking about this book already, and I haven't even read it yet. Ghostly Echoes is the sequel to Jackaby and Beastly Bones. It's my most anticipated book of the summer.

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir:
An Ember in the Ashes was just crying out for a sequel. Here's hoping it's great.

Witch's Pyre by Josephine Angelini:
I find this series so addicting. I'm counting down the days until I can download the audio book.

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas:
It wouldn't be September without the next installment in Celaena's story.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo:
I finally read Six of Crows in April. And that means I haven't had to wait quite as long for the sequel.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor:
The Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy is one of my favorite fantasy series. I'm so excited to see what Ms. Taylor does next.

Creeping Shadows by Jonathan Stroud:
If you've been around the blog for awhile (or if you know me at all) you know that I am obsessed with the Lockwood & Co. series. I've foisted this series on a number of well-meaning friends.

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff:
Illuminae is another book that I could not stop talking about. I've been pining for the sequel.

My Unscripted Life by Lauren Morrill:
There is a shocking lack of contemporary novels on this list, but I'm always up for a celebrity/ normal person romance.

Replica by Lauren Oliver:
I'm always impressed by Lauren Oliver's writing. I'm intrigued by this book that you can read three different ways.

Trouble Makes a Comeback by Stephanie Tromly:
I read Trouble is a Friend of Mine earlier this year and fell in love. I'm so happy that there is a sequel!

Blood for Blood by Ryan Graudin:
I read Wolf by Wolf in one day last year and have been dying to find out what happens next ever since.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer:
After my deep and abiding love for The Lunar Chronicles I'd try anything by Marissa Meyer. Like maybe her grocery list?

A Million Worlds With You by Claudia Gray:
How is it that each of these covers is more beautiful than the last?  

Highly Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2016

So it's February already, but I still want to get this post out there. 2016 promises to be another great year for YA. Here are fifteen books releasing in the first half of the year that we are eagerly awaiting.

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard:
This book came out on January 5th. I've been seeing loads of 5-star reviews. I'm about halfway through this book, and I'm finding it to be pretty enjoyable.

Front Lines by Michael Grant:
Grant reimagines a World War II where women are eligible for the draft. I already read this one. It's great.

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard:
Red Queen took the YA world by storm last year. What will happen next!?

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer:
I just finished Winter, and I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters. A collection of short stories may be just the thing. (Out today! February 2nd, 2016)

Morning Star by Pierce Brown:
Golden Son absolutely wrecked me. How are the characters to pick up the pieces?

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys:
Ruta Sepetys is one of the best historical fiction writers out there. In this book she once again puts her hand to the World War II period. (Out today! February 2nd, 2016)

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro:
Who doesn't love Sherlock Holmes right now?

Into the Dim by Janet B. Taylor:
You know I can never resist a blue time travel novel. And Eleanor of Aquitaine? Sold.

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch:
Italy is always a good choice.

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater:
This book is probably my most anticipated book of the whole year! I love The Raven Boys. I'm so eager to see how Maggie finishes out this series.

When We Collided by Emery Lord: 
Huge Emery Lord fan here.

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan:
We are back in the Greek mythos with this one. Back with Percy and the gang. How can I not read it?

Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes:
I've been super pleased with everything I've read by Paula Stokes.

The Crown's Game by Evelyn Sky:
Russian history. Magical duels. I am intrigued.

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab:
I've never read a book by Victoria Schwab. I know. I'm going to fix that this year.

And I Darken by Kiersten White:
The Ottoman Empire. Vlad the Impaler recast as a girl. I love all these twists on history.

Highly Anticipated Releases for the Rest of 2015

The year is more than halfway over, but there are so many great books coming out in the second half of the year. Here are fifteen that we are excited about:

Beastly Bones by William Ritter:

I'm so excited for the sequel to the fabulous Jackaby.

Time's Divide by Rysa Walker: 

Time's Edge was crazy amazing. I'm itching to get my hands on the sequel.

The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow: 

I've loved everything that Erin Bow has written.

The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle: 

The synopsis and cover are very intriguing.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon: 

 I've heard this book is absolutely lovely.

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas: 

By September 1st, I'll be all caught up and ready to read book four in the Throne of Glass series.

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson: 

The alternate wild west, gold rush setting has me hooked.

Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray: 

How did they manage to make this cover even more beautiful than the first in the series?

Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins: 

You know I love time travel books.

Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin: 

I'm really curious about this alternate history where Hitler won.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell:

Rainbow Rowell. Simon and Baz. Enough said.

The Hollow Boy by Jonathan Stroud: 

I'll be pulling out this ghost story come Halloween.

Winter by Marissa Meyer: 

The conclusion of the Lunar Chronicles!

The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas: 

It's the conclusion of the Elemental Trilogy!

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan: 

I was just thinking about how I'm ready to listen to another of Rick Riordan's tales.

Top Ten Sequels I'm Eagerly Awaiting

I've read and loved The Broke and the Bookish's Top Ten Tuesday for some time now, but this is my first time participating. I've been introduced to so many fabulous series this year, and I couldn't resist contributing my top ten picks this week. 

The Raven Cycle #4
For a lot of these books I have a long wait in store. Raven Cycle #3 just barely came out.
(featured here)

Lockwood & Co. #3
I just barely finished #2. I need more Lucy, Lockwood, and George. And more ghosts.

The Elemental Trilogy #3
This is a series that I discovered this year, and it hits all my fantasy novel sweet spots.
(featured here)

The Lunar Chronicles #4
Good thing I have Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles #3.5) to ease the wait.

Shades of London #3
Come February I can finally find out what happened to Stephen. Maybe?
(featured here)

Seraphina #2
I adore Seraphina. I am so thrilled there's another book set in this fascinating world.

Red Rising #2
Red Rising blew my mind. I am itching to get my hands on Golden Son.
(featured here)

Chronicles of Kazam #4
Jasper Fforde is weird in the best possible way.
(featured here and here)

To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2
I'm eagerly anticipating many contemporary novels, but apparently this is the only sequel.

Dissonance #2
Bring on the parallel worlds and alternate dimensions. I could read about them all day.
(featured here)