April 1
Sekret—Lindsay Smith
What it’s about: Yulia's father always taught her to hide
her thoughts and control her emotions to survive the harsh realities of Soviet
Russia. But when she's captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic
spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she's thrust
into a world of suspicion, deceit and horrifying power. Yulia quickly realizes
she can trust no one and must rely on her own wits and skills to survive
in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.
Why I’m excited: Soviet Russia. KGB. Psychic spy. U.S. space
program. From the description (even just those key words) I can tell this has potential
to be a great historical and political thriller. Yulia sounds like a strong girl
and I’m excited to dive into her unique story.
April 8
Dreams of Gods and
Monsters—Laini Taylor
What it’s about: In the conclusion to the Daughter of
Smoke & Bone trilogy, Karou is still not ready to forgive Akiva for killing
the only family she's ever known. When a brutal angel army trespasses into the
human world, Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the
threat--and against larger dangers that loom on the horizon. They begin to hope
that it might forge a way forward for their people. And, perhaps, for
themselves--maybe even toward love.
Why I’m excited: This series is one of the most imaginative
modern-day YA fantasies I’ve read. I’ve been impatiently waiting for the third and
final book in the series for over a year, and I can’t wait to revisit Karou and
Akiva’s exhilarating yet tortured romance. Plus, angels. And monsters.
The Summer I Saved
the World… in 65 Days—Michele Weber Hurwitz
What it’s about: It's summertime and thirteen-year-old Nina
Ross is feeling lost. Her beloved grandma died last year, her parents work all
the time, her brother's busy and her best friend’s into clothes, makeup and
boys. Nina doesn't know what "her thing" is yet so she decides to mix
things up. Every day this summer, she'll anonymously do one small but
remarkable good deed for someone in her neighborhood in an effort to find out:
does doing good actually make a difference?
Why I’m excited: Because every now and then I need a
feel-good summer tale. Hopefully with a heartfelt, light romance and an
abundance of inspiration. This release sounds like it will fit perfectly, so I'm excited to relax a little with Nina's story and breathe in the scent of summer.
April 22
The Inventor’s
Secret—Andrea Cremer
What it’s about: In an alternate nineteenth-century North
America, sixteen-year-old Charlotte and her fellow refugees have scraped out an
existence on the edge of Britain’s industrial empire. Though they live by the
skin of their teeth, they have their health (when they can find enough food)
and each other. When a new exile with no memory of his escape or even his own
name seeks shelter in their camp, he brings new dangers with him.
Why I’m excited: Steampunk. By Andrea Cremer. That pretty
much sums up my excitement, but the concept is fantastic as well. The setting
is an alternate nineteenth-century North America where there was no Revolutionary
War and the British Empire is a global force of majestic and horrible machinery.
WHOA.
She is Not
Invisible—Marcus Sedgwick
What it’s about: Laureth Peak's father has taught her to
look for recurring events, patterns, and numbers—a skill at which she's
remarkably talented. Her secret: She is blind. But when her father goes
missing, Laureth and her 7-year-old brother Benjamin are thrust into a mystery
that takes them to New York City where surviving will take all her skill at
spotting the amazing, shocking, and sometimes dangerous connections in a world
full of darkness.
Why I’m excited: Because Sedgwick just won the Printz Award
for Midwinterblood (which is on my
to-read shortlist), and this is his first release since that honor. The
description is vague but intriguing, and I imagine this book will be a
mysterious, intelligent read with an interesting perspective.
May 6
The One—Kiera Cass
What it’s about: The Selection changed America Singer's life
in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to
become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for
her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's
made her choice and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.
Why I’m excited: Because I need to know if America picks
Aspen or Maxon! (Sometimes I’m such a fangirl.) Anyway, this series is an
interesting mix of dystopia and The Bachelor,
which is why it’s so intriguing. The first two books in the series tugged my
heart strings and were an unexpected surprise, so I’m hoping for the same from
the conclusion of the trilogy.
May 27
Allies &
Assassins—Justin Somper
What it’s about: Prince Anders, the ruler of
Archenfield, has been murdered, leaving his younger brother, Jared, to ascend
the throne. Sixteen-year-old Jared feels unprepared to rule the kingdom and its
powerful and dangerous court, yet he knows he can rely on the twelve officers
of the court to advise him. He also knows he can be at their mercy-especially
when one of them may be responsible for his brother's death. Unable to trust
anyone, Jared takes it upon himself to hunt down his brother's killer-but the
killer may be hunting him, as well.
Why I’m excited: Because high fantasy YA with princes and
assassins and uncertain loyalties? That basically screams my name. In the
interest of full disclosure, I am currently in possession of the DRC (digital
review copy) of this novel. I just started it, but am already intrigued by the
multiple perspectives and the intricate mystery.
June 17
Ruin and Rising—Leigh
Bardugo
What it’s about: The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules
Ravka from his shadow throne. Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun
Summoner, a disgraced tracker and the shattered remnants of a once-great
magical army. A weakened Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside
old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. As
she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will
forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she
wields.
Why I’m excited: Because this series is expertly written and
plotted. I read the first two last summer, and they were simply
unputdownable. I imagine this series finale will be the same, if not better.
And I’m not at all worried that my high expectations will go unmet.
Are any of these spring releases on your to-read list?
*Book
descriptions were adapted from those on BN.com.
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