Oh, summer’s over. Is it bad if I respond with a hallejuhah? As much as I love the summer season, it goes by in a blur. While many people have a chance to catch up on their to-read lists, it just never seems to work out that way for me. So, it is with much anticipation that I look forward to the falling leaves, the falling temperatures, and most of all, the great books that are dropping in the next few months. There are some highly anticipated titles that are scheduled to be released in the coming weeks, and here are a few that I’m especially looking forward to.
Crossed by Ally Condie
I’m a big Ally Condie fan. I really enjoyed Matched, and I’ve been looking forward to the second in the series since last fall. She came to the library this summer to visit with our teens and read a little from the new book, and now I’m even more anxious to read it. I look forward to hearing Ky’s point of view and discovering the outer provinces along with Cassia. I’m preordering my copy now.
The Death Cure by James Dashner
Anybody need a heart-pounding action fix? I think this will do. The finale to The Maze Runner trilogy will be hitting bookshelves near you in less than a month. The summer action movie season may be over, but there are thrills to be had at your local library or bookstore(and I think you might find that they are better thrills than any you saw on the silver screen). Look under D, for Dashner.
Variant by Robison Wells
When you read the last line of The Death Cure, don’t despair. When one adrenaline pumping series ends, another one opens, and Wells’ debut novel is likely to fill the gap quite nicely. 17 year-old Benton Fisher is hoping for a new start at Maxfield Academy, but finds a nightmare instead—a sinister boarding school where gangs of teenagers are in a fight for their lives. Great for reluctant male readers—if they can tear it out of your hands, of course.
Girls Don’t Fly by Kristen Chandler
I loved Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me. I stayed up all night a couple of summers ago reading the whole dang thing because I just couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to Chandler’s new novel, due out on the 13th of October. I don’t know much about it, but on the strength of her debut alone I am intrigued.
Slayers by C.J. Hill (aka Janette Rallison)
I have expressed my affection for Rallison’s books before. She’s tops on my teen rom-com reads list. Now, after dabbling with fantastical elements in My Fair Godmother and My Unfair Godmother, Rallison’s making a foray into YA Fantasy. From the reviews I’ve read, this one is about a group of dangerous, dormant dragon eggs that have fallen into the wrong hands, and the teenagers who can save the world by stopping the dragons.
Supernaturally by Kiersten White
Okay, so this follow up to Paranormalcy is not really a fall release. It’s been out for a month and a half. I told you—I didn’t get to read anything I wanted this summer! I’m playing catch-up! I really liked Paranormalcy, which was odd because I usually don’t really like that sort of thing. I thought it was a strong, clever addition to the contemporary paranormal teen romance field, and I’m interested in the further adventures of Evie and Lend.
As usual, there is no shortage of really great reads from LDS YA authors. However, I will probably continue to have a shortage of time to read them all! I sincerely hope there are libraries in the afterlife, and at least a little time to read just for fun. Because I know I’m not going to make it through my to-read list in just one lifetime. What fall releases are you awaiting with eager anticipation?
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George.
I, too, am hoping for libraries in the afterlife. I was privileged to receive a t-shirt from Tristi Pinkston that perfectly expresses my own view on this. It says, “So many books, so little time.” Every time I wear it (which is quite often), people tell me that they feel the same frustration.
Thanks again, Tristi.
I’m reeling slightly, after looking up Kristen Chandler…recognized her photo, so it’s the same Kristen Chandler; I went to high school with her. We were both in Mr. Rutter’s Creative Writing class. I’m very excited to find out that someone from that class has gotten published. :~)