So we're well into 2016 now, and there have been some truly outstanding young adult books released so far. However, it's that time of the year when we cast our gaze forward and contemplate the most anticipated reads of the upcoming fall/winter period. With releases across all genres, from fantasy to romance, there's bound to be something to suit you being released later this year. But, as this is the top 10, we had to cut it down to the 10 most anticipated reads of the latter part of 2016 (with one honorable mention) - did your favourite make the cut? Find out below!
10. The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
At the number 10 spot on this most anticipated reads countdown, comes the third in the Tearling series, by Erika Johansen. Following the popular and acclaimed The Invasion of the Tearling, this instalment follows Kelsea Glynn in her rise to the throne, as Queen of the Tearling, and the struggles she faces as the newly appointed monarch. Notably, her biggest challenge comes from the evil Red Queen, who delights in torture, violence, and cruelty. Can Kelsea save her people from an unthinkable fate? Find out in The Fate of the Tearling, the conclusion to the New York Times bestselling trilogy.
Our Verdict:
Having read and enjoyed both The Queen of the Tearling and The Invasion of the Tearling (the former being one of my favourite reads of 2014), we are very keen to get my hands on this book, and we expect great things. The second book took a bit of an unexpected turn, and we are sure this final installment will be a roller-coaster of a read.
Release dates & Further Information
US & UK
Paperback: 29th November
Hardcover: 1st December
Taking up the number 9 spot on this countdown is A Shadow Bright and Burning by relatively new author Jessica Cluess. The book follows Henrietta Howel, a girl who can burst into flames. When she is forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers. Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorising humanity (yikes!). She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight her. One will betray her. It's all very mysterious.
However, all is not how it seems as Henrietta Howel is not the chosen one. As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to the save the city - and the one she loves?
Our Verdict:
The book promises spellbinding fantasy, a powerful, unforgettable heroine, and an entertaining world filled with magic, monsters, and mayhem. We're sold. Anyone who knows us, knows we love a kick-ass female lead who can hold her own among the guys, and that expertly crafted fantasy is our jam. Seriously, there's a lot of potential here for this to be a standout read of 2016, so keep your eyes peeled come September.
Release dates & Further Information
US & UK
Hardcover: 20th September
Amazon US
Amazon UK
At number 8 comes The Reader by Traci Chee. The book will mark her YA debut, and kick-start the Sea of Ink and Gold series. The novel follows Sefia, a girl no stranger to hardship and suffering. After her father is brutally murdered, she flees into the wilderness with her aunt Nin, who teaches her to hunt, track, and steal. But when Nin is kidnapped, leaving Sefia completely alone, none of her survival skills can help her discover where Nin's been taken, or if she's even alive. The only clue to both her aunt's disappearance and her father's murder is the odd rectangular object her father left behind, and object she comes to realise is a book - a marvelous item unheard of in her otherwise illiterate society. With the help of this book, and the aid of mysterious stranger with dark secrets of his own, Sefia sets out to rescue her aunt and find out what really happened the day her father was killed - and punish the people responsible.
Our Verdict:
The book combines our two great loves - reading, and mysterious strangers. Okay, okay we're kidding (~maybe~). However, this sounds like a seriously good book, and already has a lot of buzz surrounding it. Promising rich prose, an enthralling setting and engaging characters, this is certain to be one to watch in the fall.
Release dates & Further Information
US & UK
Hardcover: 13th September
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Hot in at number 7 is the highly anticipated finale to the New York Times bestselling Young Elites series from acclaimed author Marie Lu. This book follows Adelina Amouteru who is, at best, of questionable moral character. Calling her an anti-hero would be an understatement. She is one of the very, very few ~evil~ female characters who occupy a lead role in ya literature. She is done suffering. She's turned her back on those who have betrayed her, and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all that she's achieved. Adelina's forced to revisit old wounds when a new danger appears, putting not only Adelina at risk, but every Elite and the very world they live in. In order to save herself and preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest - thought this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger.
Our Verdict:
Here at SceneSisters, we are big fans of Marie Lu, having previously read her dystopian Legend series, we were blown away by the gripping story-line, engaging setting and strong characters. It was no surprise, then, that we started reading her Young Elites series and are well and truly hooked. Adelina is such a rare lead; Lu allows her character to truly shine, and she's not afraid to visit some truly dark places when exploring her character, and her limits. If the previous two instalments are anything to go by, The Midnight Star is set to be another smash-hit for Lu.
Release dates & Further Information
US & UK
Hardcover: 11th October
Paperback: 13th October (UK only)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Making an appearance at number 6 is Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge. Billed as Romeo and Juliet with necromancers, this boasts and intriguing and novel concept, which is sure to have readers hooked. The book follows the characters after a mysterious fog has crept over the world, causing the living to die and the dead to rise, and in this universe, only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched. The heirs of the city's most powerful - and warring - families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan - and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt, which means he must die.
Our Verdict:
The book promises love, friendships, secrets, danger and death, all key buzzwords when marketing your upcoming YA release. Having read previous novels by Rosamund Hodge, such as Cruel Beauty and Crimson Bound, and awarding 5 and 4 star reviews respectively, it's safe to say we're eager to get our hands on this novel!
Release dates & Further Information
US & UK
Hardcover: 27th September
Amazon US
Amazon UK
In at spot 5 on our countdown is the sequel to the An Ember in the Ashes series, A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir. The former marked Sabaa Tahir's debut in YA literature, and was critically acclaimed, being named one of the best books of the year by several publications such as Barnes & Noble and The Wall Street Journal. Her follow-up, A Torch Against the Night is highly anticipated, and will pick up the events of the previous book, following Laia and Elias as they fight their way north to liberate Laia's borther from the horrors of Kauf Prison. Hunted by Empire soldiers, manipulated by the Commandant, and haunted by their pasts, Laia and Elias must outfox their enemies and confront the treacherousness of their own hearts. The book also promises to follow the storylines of Helene Aquilla and Marcus, as the latter takes up his position as the Empire's new leader.
Our Verdict:
An Ember in the Ashes was one of our favourite books in 2015, and therefore, we cannot wait for the release of its sequel. Lovers of rich, immersive fantasy will surely enjoy this read, and if its prequel is anything to go by, it's sure to be a critical and commercial success.
Release dates & Further Information
US
Hardcover: 30th August
UK
Hardcover: 8th September
Paperback: 23rd March 2017
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Blazing in at number 4 is a new novel by acclaimed author Marissa Meyer. Most well known for her Cinder series offering a blend of fairytales and sci-fi, Heartless is her latest foray into the world of storybooks, only this time the novel promises an Alice in Wonderland adaptation. The story follows the Queen of Hearts before she was terrorising the inhabitants of Wonderland, when she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love. Catherine (who she is known by at the time) is one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favourite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but all Catherine wants to do is open a shop and bake delectable pastries and confections for the whole kingdom. At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the King's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.
Our Verdict:
Alice in Wonderland is one of our favourite fairy-tales, and Wonderland is such an intriguing, colourful, and exciting backdrop for a story. This book offers a perspective on classic themes such as destiny and love, intertwined with more troubling themes such as madness, monsters and magic. This is a heavily anticipated title with a lot of buzz, and the plot promises a spell-binding journey, with a novel take on the classic Wonderland villain.
Release dates & Further Information
US & UK
Hardcover: 8th November
Amazon US
Amazon UK
We're getting close to the end of our countdown now, and in at number 3 is Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Previously known for her hugely popular Daughter of Smoke and Bone series, Taylor is back with an enticing and mysterious tale about mythology, monsters, treachery and carnage. Taking place in the aftermath of a war between gods and men in a city stripped of its name, Strange the Dreamer follows a mythic hero with blood on his hands, a young librarian with a singular dream, and a girl every bit as perilous as she is imperiled. Exciting stuff.
Our Verdict:
Taylor's previous series Daughter of Smoke and Bone was one of the first fantasy books we ever came across, and is definitely at least partially responsible for peaking our interest. Her upcoming title Strange the Dreamer looks to follow her distinct style, encompassing aspects of mystery, mythology and religion, and we for one, cannot wait.
Release dates & Further Information
US
Hardcover: 27th September
UK
Hardcover: 29th September
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Just missing out on the number one spot is Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo, the follow up to her highly critically acclaimed book Six of Crows. Bardugo is no stranger to fantasy fiction, having already penned the commercially successful Shadow and Bone series. Crooked Kingdom is set in the same universe - the Grisha universe - as Shadow and Bone, and follows the adventures of Kaz Brekker and his rag-tag group of criminals. Crooked Kingdom will pick up where the previous novel left off, with Kaz and his crew having just pulled off a heist so daring, even they didn't think they'd survive. However, instead of splitting a fantastic reward, they're thrust back into anarchy and are forced to fight for their lives. They're weakened, and must work to recover their lost team member, gain back their resources, their allies, and their hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of a dangerous drug, old rivals and new enemies will emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets - a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.
Our Verdict:
Disclaimer: Shadow and Bone remains one of our top series, and when we heard Bardugo was releasing another novel set in the same universe, boy, were we excited. Six of Crows was probably our favourite book of 2015, and we found ourselves utterly engrossed with the characters, and the setting of Ketterdam, with its winding streets, murky docks and bitter past. Bardugo weaves the multiple story-lines effortlessly, and despite being a multiple POV book, the reader never feels lost, or disoriented. Crooked Kingdom is heavily anticipated by fans and critics alike, and if the previous book is anything to go by, it's sure to be one thrilling read (be still, our beating hearts).
Release dates & Further Information
US
Hardcover: 27th September
UK
Paperback: 22nd September
Amazon US
Amazon UK
And finally... *drum roll* - claiming the top spot on this countdown of the upcoming most anticipated young adult books is Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas. Did you guess it? Yes, the 5th (and penultimate) installment in Maas' ever-popular Throne of Glass series, is the buzz-worthy book of 2016. Picking up where the previous left off, Empire of Storms follows the trials and tribulations of Aelin Galathynius, whose journey from ruthless assassin, to equally ruthless queen has been a troubled path. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't. As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.
Our Verdict:
The Throne of Glass series has millions of fans all across the globe - us included! In classic fashion, Maas knows exactly how to write to keep readers hooked, especially in a series that spans multiple books (well over the classic 3-book-trilogy amount). Her writing style, combined with her diverse range of engaging and interesting characters, and a truly epic plot, is a winning combination, resulting in not only critical, but commercial success. We cannot wait to get our hands on this book come September, and look forward to finding out what dear Aelin will get up to next. If her past antics are anything to go by, there's sure to be bucket loads of plot twists, assassinations, adventure, intrigue, and romance. Sign us up.
Release dates & Further Information
US
Hardcover: 6th September
UK
Paperback: 6th September
Hardcover: 8th September
Amazon US
Amazon UK
But that's not all, we're truly givers here at SceneSisters, so if the top 10 list wasn't enough for you, here's a extra bonus title with a fair amount of buzz, that you might want to pick up...
11. Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson
As our bonus mention, is Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson. Second in her Gold Seer trilogy, this book follows Leah Westfall and her friends after their harrowing journey across the country. They are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush, and Lee has a special advantage over the new arrivals in California - she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson, and her murdering uncle Hiram. Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn't given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidnapping are the least of what he'll do to make sure Lee is his own. His mine is the deepest and darkest in the territory, and there Lee learns the full extent of her magical gift, the worst of her uncle, and the true strength of her friendships. To save everyone, she vows to destroy her uncle and the empire he is building - even at the cost of her own freedom.
Our Verdict:
Carson's historical fantasy series is definitely one to watch, although not as well-known as some of the other heavy hitters on our list, it is definitely not lacking in style or substance. Carson has an excellent ability to weave stories seamlessly, and the premise of a girl having an ability to sense gold in the gold rush era, is one that truly captivates interest. If you're a fan of historical fiction (or even just fiction in general), you should definitely look out to add this to your bookshelf this September.
Release dates & Further Information
US & UK
Hardcover: 27th September
Amazon US
Amazon UK
And there we have it! We've reached the end of our countdown. Did you predict the most anticipated titles? What reads are you most looking forward to this year? Did your favourite make the list? Let us know & be sure to keep a keen eye on bookstores this coming fall/winter period, and don't miss out on some of the excellent literary titles releasing this season.
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