It looks like it’s shaping up to be an incredible year in the book world! There are a lot of minorities being represented and unique plots. Without further ado, here are some of the 2018 book releases I’m most excited for:
Fantasy/Sci – Fi
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (released January 2)
Dark fairy tales are one of my favorite genres. I have seen some amazing reviews since it came out (Cait called it “the ultimate Slytherin book”), so I’m very much looking forward to reading it. I’m also long overdue to read a Holly Black book.
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (release date: January 30)
Even more dark fairy tales? Count me in. I also love the cover. I don’t know that much about it, but I’m excited for it to be released.
Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman (release date: February 27)
DRAGONSDRAGONSDRAGONSDRAGONSDRAGONSDRAGONSDRAGONS
I really, really like dragons, okay? From a few reviews I’ve read, this book seems to have both dragons and a rebellious feminist girl. It sounds like my dream book. I’ve head some mixed reviews, so I’m crossing my fingers that this is good!
Also, can we talk about how pretty that cover is?
Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno (release date: June 5)
Can we appreciate that cover for a minute? It looks like it has some good female friendships, which I am 100% here for. Plus, magical realism? I can’t wait.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green (release date: September 25)
Hank Green is writing a book? My life is complete.
I’ve read the summary and I still have no idea what this is about or what genre this should be. Yay. I guess I’ll just have to be surprised when I come out.
The Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor (release date: October 2)
Strange the Dreamer was one of my favorite books last year. There’s such vivid imagery and the writing is absolutely gorgeous. I’m so happy that we get to read more about Lazlo and Sarai, especially after that cliffhanger of an ending!
Historical Fiction
They Come in All Colours by Malcolm Hansen (release date: May 29)
They Come in All Colors takes place in the 1960s/70s, deals with the Civil Rights movement, and has a biracial MC. *cue me screaming* I haven’t heard much hype about this book yet, which I’m kind of surprised by. You can be sure I’ll read it as soon I can, though.
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee (release date: October 2)
I’m currently reading Gentleman’s Guide, and I adore the humor and wit. The shenanigans that Monty gets into have left me dying of laughter (in the middle of a bookstore, no less). This second book is told from the POV of Felicity, and, according to the Goodreads blurb, is about piracy, more world travel, and a science girl gang. Needless to say, I can’t wait for October.
Contemporary
Escape from Aleppo by N. H. Senzai (released January 2)
I have a vague memory of reading one of N. H. Senzai’s other books and liking them. That’s pretty much the extent of my memories, however. When I heard she was writing a book about the Syrian Civil War, I immediately added it to my TBR list. I think it’ll also be helpful to have a MG (middle grade) book about the Syrian Civil War for younger readers.
Love, Hate, and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed (released January 16)
An aspiring filmmaker? Indian – American? #OwnVoices? Compared to Angie Thomas and Jacqueline Woodson’s books? Count me in!
I would say that this is definitely one of my most anticipated books of 2018 (Probably top three? Top four at least) and I can’t wait to read it.
Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles (release date: March 20)
First off, that cover. How can you not love it?
Like a lot of YA readers, I’ve been anticipating this book for months. I heard this pitched as a cross between The Hate U Give and All – American Boys, which are two of my favorite books. Like Love, Hate, and Other Filters, this is another of my top three most-aniticpated releases.
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan (release date: March 20)
This book has a lot of themes that I love to read about, like magical realism, art, travel, and diversity. I’m especially excited to read about Taiwanese culture. There have been great reviews this year and I’m looking forward to March.
Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert (release date: April 10)
Have I screamed yet about the diversity in 2018 releases? Because if I haven’t, I’m thrilled about it.
I don’t know much about this one (only what’s in the summary), but I have heard some pretty great reviews. I love how colorful the cover is and the fact that the MC likes art. I like the amount of diversity that will be in the story (judging from the summary).
Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian (release date: April 24)
I’ve never read a Siobhan Vivian book. Shocking, I know. However, when I saw the words “feminism” and “ice cream” and noticed how much it seemed to be about female friendships, I thought I would give it a try. The cover gives me Waitress (the musical) vibes, which is another plus.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas (release date: May 1)
This book is: a) by Angie Thomas; b) takes place in the same neighborhood as The Hate U Give; and c) is about an aspiring teen rapper (I assume inspired by Angie Thomas’ own rapper days). I can’t wait to read another book by her!
The Great Unknowable End by Kathryn Ormsbee (release date: Summer 2018)
There doesn’t seem to be much info out about this yet, but we do know that it is about a NASA – loving girl in the 70s. I’m quite happy about the large number of 2018 releases that include girls who are interested in STEM.
Mystery
The Case for Jamie by Brittany Cavallaro (release date: March 6)
A Study in Charlotte was the book that got me out of my “Great 6 – Month Reading Slump of 2017”, and for good reason. It features a female Sherlock and includes all the wit and plot – twists of the original. I feel that many books/movies with a character whose gender is different than the original don’t deal with the fact that different genders run into different issues, so I liked that some of the things that Charlotte dealt with are very feminine issues. I would say it reminds me most of the Sherlock BBC TV show.
Jolly Foul Play by Robin Stevens (release date: March 24)
Wells and Wong is a series about two British 1930s tween detectives. Think Nancy Drew, but British, more diverse, and precocious tweens instead of 16 – year – olds. Amazing, right? I’ve loved the three former books in the series and I can’t wait for this one.
The Jigsaw Jungle by Kristin Levine (release date: June 19)
This book sounds really cute. It’s a middle grade mystery about a girl trying to solve her father’s disappearance. I’m pretty excited to read it and it sounds like yet another book that will turn me into an emotional wreck.
The Looking Glass by Janet McNally (release date: August 14)
As both a ballet dancer and avid book dragon*, I’m always disappointed in the small amount of books I’ve read about ballet. This one involves both, as well as being a mystery/thriller. I also love how pretty the cover is.
Honorary Mentions:
THERE ARE TOO MANY BOOKS I’M EXCITED ABOUT. I HAD TO ADD SOME HONORARY MENTIONS.
First off, I’m shocked by how many contemporary books and how few fantasy and sci-fi books are on here. I’ve always been a fantasy person. Maybe my tastes are changing.
Second of all, I’m thrilled about all of the diversity in this year’s releases. I think I’ve spent a good 50% of my time so far in 2018 screaming about it.
Third, my current TBR pile is going to fall over and crush me. Send help.
What are the books you’re most looking forward to this year?
Kathleen
*I hoard books. I love dragons. Therefore, book dragon.
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