YA Novels of 2016 I Need In My Life (Part 1)

Saturday, 16 January 2016

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?

16 comments :

  1. omg REAL GOLD??!!? Okay Unrivalled doesn't really sound like a me book but...omg the design dedication makes me want to read it. XDXD And yesss, I'm so looking forward to Frayed! SQUEE. And Passenger and First Life and The Winner's Kiss. Freaking out about the Winner's Kiss basically. I'm noooot sure it'll have a happy ending. *sweats nervously*

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    1. I know! That's a lot of effort for a book cover but it really does look good! The Winner's Kiss could definitely go either way, though I'm hoping it does all work out :)

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  2. Sooo many books D= I was apprehensive to even read this, because I've discovered far more books on blogs this week than I could read in a lifetime!!!! Oh maaan. Great post. =]

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    1. There are SOO many to keep track of! It may not be possible to read *everything*, but at least we have a lot to choose from :)

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  3. YAAAAS MY SISTER ROSA IS INCREDIBLE. Highly, highly recommend. OH but how hadn't I heard of Queen of Hearts?? *runs to Goodreads* Awesome list, Eugenia xx

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    1. It's great to hear that you loved it Emily! I can't wait to read it :) Thanks!

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  4. YAAAAAY! Thank you so, so, SO much for including FRAYED on your list!! Completely made my day :) And oh my gosh, there are so many great-looking books coming out this year; how will we have time to read them all!?

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    1. You're so welcome Kara - seriously it sounds amazing and I'm so happy for you!

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  5. Ooh some excellent choices here! I gotta say I pretty much second all your choices - though I've already read This Is Where the World Ends and... it was kinda disappointing tbh :(

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    1. Oh no! I guess Falling Into Place set the bar high, I'm keeping my fingers crossed I enjoy it...

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  6. I haven't heard of most of these... BUT THAT IS OKAY because now I have! I have heard of The Bureau of Time, though, and I hope to read that very soon! :D

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    1. Yay for discovering new books! (I swear I keep adding to my TBR every day with shiny new books I hope to read...)

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  7. Ahhh, I need so many of those!! I really want Passenger 57. A Court of Mist and Fury comes out on my birthday!! So excited about that birthday gift,

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    1. That's a fantastic birthday gift Cynthia!

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  8. I'm so excited for almost all of these! Espeically Glass Sword, The Love that Split the World, and ACOMAF! 2016 is going to be a great year for YA!

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    1. It definitely is Sam - YA just keeps getting better! Thanks for stopping by :)

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