2016 is definitely shaping up to be one where YA is once again pushing the boundaries and featuring stories that are sure to appeal to every type of reader. I know I can't wait to get my hands on these releases, so here's a list of some of the books I'm most looking forward to! Because there are so many, I've split this edition into January-May, and round two will cover the rest of the year.
My Top Picks
My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbelestier (February) #OzYA
The last book I read from Justine Larbalestier was
Razorhurst, which I really enjoyed, so to see that she's releasing another YA novel is definitely a good thing. This time it's a psychological thriller that looks completely gripping, and there's no doubt that I need it on my shelf.
Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar (February) #OzYA
A book which seems to tackle the 'transition stage' of YA where university culture comes into play, I'm definitely curious to read Kirsty Eagar's upcoming release.
The Yearbook Committee by Sarah Ayoub #OzYA (March)
I'm pretty sure I've mentioned my anticipation for this book in another post, but it definitely deserves another mention. So far the plot seems to consist of a group of diverse teens navigating year 12, and as someone who recently completed that final year, I'll no doubt be able to relate to it.
This is Where the World Ends by Amy Zhang (March)
Falling Into Place both broke and wowed me in terms of a debut novel, so Amy Zhang has been on my auto-read list since then.
Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes (May)
This one was originally released in ebook form back in 2014, but it's coming out in hardcover in May this year. There have been some hits and misses in terms of taking a spin on Wonderland, though I think that
Queen of Hearts definitely looks promising.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas (May)
A Court of Thorns and Roses left me both impressed and reeling at where the characters could possibly find themselves next. Basically,
A Court of Mist and Fury can't come fast enough!
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (February)
Red Queen ended on a pretty major cliffhanger, so reading this sequel is an absolute must! I can't wait to see how
Glass Sword continues with Mare's character development and still intertwines the dystopian/fantasy elements.
The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (March)
I'm definitely hoping to see more Kestrel/Arin interaction in this finale and of course a riveting plot overall to complete this series. I've loved the first two books, and the wait is on to see how it all ends!
Firstlife by Gena Showalter (February)
Taking the concept of this realm and the 'Everlife', this book certainly appears to offer an intricate and multilayered concept. Count me intrigued...
The Love That Split The World by Emily Henry (January)
Contemporaries with a hint of something out of the ordinary make for captivating reads if executed well, so I'm definitely looking forward to this earth-splitting release.
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken (January)
A few pages in and I can't put it down. Enough said.
The Siren by Kiera Cass (January)
Mermaids have had their time in the spotlight, and sirens are the new creatures of the sea to be worried about. Though I haven't read
The Selection (yet), I'm hoping that
The Siren will pave the way for me to read more Kiera Cass books in future.
The Square Root of Summer by Harriet Reuter Hapgood (May)
'Time travel, quantum physics, and romance' all in the one book? Now that is something which I think could be a really interesting combination. And I want in.
Unrivaled by Alyson Noel (May)
Fun fact: To do the photoshoot with that strawberry, real gold was used (and that makes for the most expensive piece of fruit on a book cover). Aside from that though,
Unrivaled truly does look like a unique and edgy read featuring LA nightclubs, a competition, and a diverse cast of characters.
The Way Back to You by Michelle Andreani and Mindi Scott (May)
You might be thinking 'Oh not another road-trip story', but
The Way Back to You looks genuinely heartfelt and witty. There aren't many YA novels which I've come across that mention organ donation either, so this sounds interesting.
The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry (April)
As a historical fiction fan, this book set in medieval France immediately caught my eye. If done well, this could well be one of my favourite reads of 2016.
Books by Book Bloggers!
Now I couldn't go past writing this review without featuring novels by two Australian book bloggers who are writers too!
The Bureau of Time by Brett Michael Orr
While technically this was released in December last year, I'm definitely hoping to read it ASAP! YA needs more time travel novels, and so I am extra excited to read this one.
Frayed by Kara Terzis
Kara is a talented blogger at Diary of a Teen Writer, and I'm so looking forward to reading her YA mystery/thriller when it is released!
What 2016 releases are you most excited for?
