Being more active in the book social media world in the last year has opened my eyes to how many great books are being released this year; and some of them, I’ve already gotten to read! (Mostly thanks to NetGalley). As you’re creating your TBR lists for the new year, these are books that you might want to add to the list! Or, maybe you’ll add them to the list and get to them years from now, as what usually happens to me when I add books to my to-read list on Goodreads. I’m working on it!
One thing I have noticed is that I’ve definitely gotten back into the fantasy game lately. I used to exclusively read fantasy books when I was younger, and I kind of drifted away from that as I’ve gotten older. Contemporary books have been kinda more my jam. With getting into Throne of Glass last year and a number of other YA fantasy series, these books have definitely been more on my radar, as reflected here!
Without further ado, in no particular order, here are some of my most anticipated releases for 2019!
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
While I’m purposefully trying not to buy books in January (except for using my B&N giftcards from Christmas!), I did pre-order this book last month, so it doesn’t count, right? A retelling of Beauty and the Beast that you won’t want to miss.
Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner
Ever since I read The Serpent King, Jeff Zentner has 100% been on my radar. I’ve been trying (and failing) to get an ARC of this particular book, but I don’t think that’s going to happen before it’s released. But a girl can hope!
The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried by Shaun David Hutchinson
I just got approved for an ARC of this one on NetGalley, and I’m so, so excited! I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Shaun David Hutchinson, and I’m sure this one won’t be any different.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
After the release date got pushed back from last year, I’ve been waiting in anticipation to read Angie Thomas’s new book. It’s sure to be just as moving and powerful as her first book, and I think it’s going to get a lot of buzz as well!
Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi
The latest book in the Shatter Me series is also being released this year, and even though I only got into the series last year, I’m super excited to see where she takes the series next! This is one of those YA fantasy series that I got into in 2018 that has helped me ease back into the genre.
The Toll by Neal Shusterman
And, speaking of series, we also get the next book in the Arc of Scythe series which we need ASAP! After the ending of Thunderhead, I am shook and need to know what happens next. Is everyone dead? Did they survive? Where will we go from here??
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
Obviously, if Rainbow Rowell is releasing a new book, it’s going to make it on all my lists. It’s been awhile since she released a novel (but she has been working on the comic series Runaways which I need to pick up one of these days). What I think is going to be an extension to Carry On is sure to be a hit, as are all her books.
Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
Mindy McGinnis is also releasing a new book next year, which I’ve seen glimpses of on Twitter. I’ve only read one or two of her other books, but the premise of this one sounds intriguing, so I’m excited to give it a try!
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
I first saw the announcement for this book on Twitter (I guess I see a lot of books on Twitter), and I absolutely need it now! I don’t think Laurie Halse Anderson has published a book in awhile either (correct me if I’m wrong), and it’ll be interesting to see how this one connects to Speak, as I think they’re along similar subject lines.
Dig by A.S. King
Last, but certainly not least, I heard a friend talking about this one because she got an early copy at ALAN, and I’m so jealous! It sounds like an important read, and it’ll definitely make its way into my 2019 reads.