Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone has a fantastic year and reads all the books they want and have a ton of 5 star reads! Since it’s the start of a new year, it is time to talk about my most anticipated releases for January, February and March! I want to point out that even though I’m calling this my most anticipated list, it’s really all the books that have caught my eye and might want to read! Since this will be pretty long, I’ll just give a brief synopsis of the books.

*Books with an asterisk are ones that are at the very top of my most anticipated of 2019!

January

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Genre: Thriller

Release Date: January 8th

Jessica makes ends meet as a freelance makeup artist, so when an opportunity arrives to earn some extra money doing a psychology study, she jumps at the chance. But soon the questions get more intense and invasive and Jessica starts to think that maybe the mysterious Dr. Shields knows what she is thinking. Soon it becomes clear she can’t trust what is real and what is part of the study.

I got this early through Book of the Month and it is so deeply disturbing and messed up, and it’s so fantastic!

The Girl King by Mimi Yu

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: January 8th

Princesses Lu and Min know their destiny: Lu is to become the first female ruler of the dynasty, while Min is resigned to her life in the shadow. But then their father betrays the sisters and declares his nephew is his heir. Lu then turns to the last surviving wolf shapeshifter to build an army and take back her throne. Meanwhile, Min finds that she has hidden magic that could either secure their cousin’s reign, or put Min herself on the throne.

I saw a lot of hype about this one during Book Con and BEA, and I can’t wait to read it!

*White Stag by Kara Barbieri

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: January 8th

The last child in a family of daughters, Janneke was raise to be the male heir of her family. That meant while her sisters were being married off, she was learning to hunt and fight. Janneke becomes the sole survivor when her village is burned to the ground and is taken captive. Janneke has to survive in a court of monsters, which comes at the cost of her connection to the human world. Through every battle, Janneke becomes more and more loyal to her captor, and when the Goblin Kin is killed and the hunt starts for the next king, her captor finds an opportunity to use Janneke and get her to accept the ways of her new world.

The cover of this one drew me in, and the synopsis quickly put this book in my most anticipated of 2019!

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: January 8th

A young girl who would rather study and dream than live up to the expectations of the world around her finds a doorway to a world that is founded on logic and reason, but in the Goblin Market everything comes at a cost…

I fell in love with this novella series and I cannot wait to get my hands on this newest installment!

*The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi

Genre: YA Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 15th

It’s Paris in 1889, and the world is just entering into the industrial revolution. Treasure hunter Severin is approached by the all-powerful society known as the Order of Babel for help and is offered the one treasure he wants most: his true inheritance. Severin needs to band together with an engineer, historian, a dancer and a brother in all but blood to find the ancient artifact that the Order seeks.

Everyone has been talking about this book, and the synopsis just sounds like a lot of fun!

The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

Genre: YA Mystery

Release Date: January 22nd

Synopsis for Truly Devious: Stevie Bell just wants to solve the mystery of the Ellingham Academy, a famous private school for the brightest thinkers, inventors and artists. Not long after the school opened, the founder’s wife and daughter were kidnapped with the only clue being a riddle signed by Truly Devious. In present time, Stevie’s main goal of going to the academy is to solve this cold case. Then Truly Devious makes a surprise return and death returns to the academy. Can Stevie solve both mysteries?

This is book 2 in a mystery series, which we don’t get very often! That’s why I provided the synopsis for book 1 so no spoilers will be given.

*Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: January 22nd

Sora and Daemon are apprentice warriors of the Society of Taigas – people marked by the gods to be trained in magic and the fighting arts to protect the kingdom of Kichona. As the day of their graduation approaches, the two look forward to proving themselves worthy which isn’t all that easy in a kingdom free of violence. But when Sora and Daemon find a camp of mysterious soldiers while on a scouting mission, they decide the only way to figure out who they are is to infiltrate the group. Doing so will change Sora’s life forever and her deception may fool everyone she’s ever loved.

Evelyn Skye is the author of The Crown’s Game (which I haven’t read yet) but everything sounds so interesting that I added this to my TBR as well!

The Wolf in the Whale by Jordanna Max Brodsky

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 29th

A young Inuit named Omat is born with the soul of a hunter and the language of the gods, and is destined to become a shaman like her grandfather before her. To protect her people, she must call on the spirits of the sky, sea and air. The only problem? The gods have stopped listening and her family is staving. Desperate to save her family, Omat travels across the icy wastes fighting for survival. Then she meets a Viking and his strange gods, and together they could start a conflict that could save their world or destroy it.

Jes from Jes Reads Books on YouTube loved this book so much it made me want to pick it up!

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Genre: YA Fantasy/Retelling

Release Date: January 29th

The prince of Emberfall, Rhen, is cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his 18th year over and over. There is only one way to end the curse, and that is to find a girl to love him. But that was before he turned into a beast hell-bent on destruction. Then there is Harper, who has never had an easy life: her father is gone, her mother is dying and her brother is barely keeping the family together. She is constantly underestimated because of her cerebral palsy but when she tries to save someone, she’s pulled into Rhen’s cursed world.

A character with cerebral palsy is a rare find in a fantasy! Plus it’s a modern day, through a door into another world kind of fantasy.

February

Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers

Genre: YA Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 5th

Sybella has always been the darkest of Death’s daughters, but now she has a new mission: keeping her two youngest sisters safe. Sybella takes them to France, where they find themselves surrounded by enemies. The onl hope she has is a fellow novitiate of Sybella who is disguised and hidden in the French court. The only problem? Finding her. Genevieve has been a spy for so long she is close to forgetting who she is and what she is fighting for. The only thing that keeps her going is a hidden prisoner. But then tragedy strikes and she has to take matters into her own hands. Sybella and Gen’s paths get closer, but will they find each other in time?

I read and loved the first two books in LaFever’s His Fair Assassin Trilogy and this follows one of my favorite characters!

*The Cerulean by Amy Ewing

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 5th

Sera never really felt like she belonged with her people: she can’t stop questioning her three mothers, her best friend, and the High Priestess. She can’t wait for the day that the connection between her city and the world below it finally is severed and sends them to a new planet. But then Sera is chosen to be the sacrifice that will break the bond, and she doesn’t know if it’s what she really wants. Then something goes wrong with the sacrifice and she survives the fall, landing in a place where the dangers her mothers warned her about are real.

I’m not sure what it is about this book that draws me in, but it sounds so unique and is LGBT, which I don’t read a lot of and I want to change that!

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Release Date: February 5th

Tracker, known for his skills as a hunter, is asked to track down a boy who disappeared years ago. To do so, he breaks his rule of working alone by joining up with a group who is searching for the missing boy. This groups is full of unusual characters, including a shapeshifter known as Leopard. As the group follows the boy’s trail, they are attacked by creatures hell-bent on destroying them. Tracker starts to wonder who the boy really is and why he has been missing for so long, and most importantly, who is telling the truth and who is lying?

I’ve never read anything by this author but I’ve heard fantastic things and this book sounds like it’s right up my alley!

The Winter Sister by Megan Collins

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Release Date: February 5th

Sixteen years ago, Sylvie’s sister Persephone never cam home after being out too late with her forbidden boyfriend. She was missing for three days before her body was found and her murder remains unsolved. Now, Sylvie is returning home to care for her mother as she goes through cancer treatment. To make things worse, Persephone’s old boyfriend Ben is a nurse at the center where her mother is being treated. She has always believed that Ben was responsible for her sisters murder, but also has her own guilt about that night. Soon, she begins to uncover the secrets surrounding her family and what really happened the night Persephone died.

I don’t read a lot of murder mysteries, but when I do I always love them! This one sounds so interesting!

*The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 5th

Kihrin grew up listening to tales about long-lost princes and grand quests, but never believed that it would happen to him. Then one day, he is claimed as the long lost son of a treasonous prince, and Kihrin discovers that being a long-lost prince isn’t what he thought it would be. Kihrin finds that he is at the mercy of his family’s power plays and that the storybooks also lied about other things: dragons, demons, gods, prophecies, and how the hero always wins. But that isn’t an issue for Kihrin, because he isn’t destined to save the empire….he’s destined to destroy it.

Ever since I heard about this book I knew that I wanted to read it. The chosen one trope but instead of saving the world, destroying it? Sign me up!

Bloodwitch (Witchlands #3) by Susan Dennard

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 12th

“High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets. The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.”

The Goodreads synopsis was the best way to describe this book, and I cannot WAIT to read Aeduan’s story!

*Crown of feathers by Nicki Pau Preto

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 12th

In a world ruled by warrior queens, where Phoenix Riders fly through the skies was a grand empire. That is, until a war between two sisters destroyed it all. Sixteen years later, Veronyka dreams of becoming one of the legendary Phoenix Riders. After a betrayal from her sister, she sets off to find the Riders, even if she needs to go undercover as a boy to find them. Just when she starts to feel like she belongs, her sister returns and reveals a web of lies that will change everything. Meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders’ return and plans to destroy them…once and for all.

People riding on freaking phoenixes?!?! Yes please!!

The Blood Spell by C.J. Redwine

Genre: YA Fantasy/Retelling

Release Date: February 12th

Blue has her life all planned out: continue to hid her magic that can turn metal into gold, which she uses to help the city’s homeless. But then her father is murdered and a cruel and powerful woman claims custody of Blue. If she makes one wrong move, her forbidden magic could be exposed and doom her. But there is one person who can help her, and is also the one person she truly hates: Prince Kellan. Kellan, newly returned from boarding school is searching from a bride, but tension among the nobility is making his search almost impossible. Then he realizes that the only girl who makes him feel alive is Blue. Soon people start disappearing throughout the kingdom and the two have to work together to uncover the truth. Can Blue save those she loves, even if it costs her everything?

All the books in this companion series have been really interesting takes on fairy tales, and this one is a retelling of Cinderella!

*Gates of Stone by Angus Macallan

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 19th

Right before her 16th birthday, Katerina is refused her rightful place as the heir to the empire, soley based on the fact that she is a woman. Determined to regain her place, she murders the lord she was ordered to marry and heads off on a journey in search of the wealth and power she needs to claim the empire for herself. Meanwhile, on a small island kingdom, Prince Arjun’s life is shattered when a sorcerer invades and slaughters his people and steals a sacred sword. With his father dead and palace in ruins, he sets off to hunt down the sorcerer. The sorcerer is intent on unleashing catastrophe upon the land using the powerful relics known as the Seven Keys. With the first key in hand – the sword – he sets off to finish his mission. If he cannot be stopped , the world itself will be unmade.

I love multiple perspectives in fantasy, and it sounds like this one has a perspective from the enemy which is super exciting! Plus the cover is GORGEOUS!

*The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Release Date: February 26th

For centuries, the kingdom of Iraden has been protected by the god known as the Raven. He watches over his territory from atop a tower in the powerful port of Vastai. His will is enacted through the Raven’s Lease, a human ruler chosen by the god himself. But the power of the Raven is weakening. A usurper has claimed the throne. The kingdom borders are tested by invaders who want the kingdom’s wealth for themselves. Then the warrior Eolo, aide to the true Lease, arrives and discovers that the Raven’s Tower holds a secret. Its foundations conceal a dark history that has been waiting to reveal itself…and to set in motion a chain of events that could destroy Iraden forever.

This author has won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C Clarke Awards which made me really curious about her books, and this one sounds so good!

Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 26th

As her father’s chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: to win back her honour, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year or die trying.

I loved Tricia’s Daughter of the Pirate King series, and I’m really excited to see what she does with this book! *Synopsis straight from Goodreads*

*The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Release Date: February 26th

.The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction–but assassins are getting closer to her door. Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic. Across the dark sea, Tané has trained all her life to be a dragonrider, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel. Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.

I am so extremely excited for this book!! It’s probably my #1! Dragons, Queendoms with warrior queens, ancient enemies? I’m down for it! *Synopsis straight from Goodreads*

*Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 26th

Keralie seems harmless, but in reality she is one of Quadara’s thieves. In comparison, Varin is an honest, upstanding citizen, but runs into Keralie when she steals a package from him, putting his life in danger. When he goes to retrieve the package, both he and Keralie become involbed in a conspiracy that leaves all four of Quadara’s queens dead. With no other choice, the two decide to join forces to discover who killed the queens and save themselves.

Alright, a fantastical murder mystery? Sounds so interesting!

March

The Shadow Glass by Rin Chupeco

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: March 1st

Synopsis for The Bone Witch: Tea accidentally raises her brother from the dead, which sets her apart from the other witches in her family. Being a bone witch means that she is feared by everyone else around her, but she finds comfort in an older bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother away to train them. In this new place, Tea focuses on becoming an asha, which is a witch who can wield elemental magic. But soon danger approaches her and she needs to make a powerful choice.

Is it wrong to have book 3 of a series I haven’t read on my most anticipated list? I just know I will love this whole series!

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: March 5th

Daisy Jones & the Six were a popular rock band, but no one knows the reason why they broke up just when they were getting popular. Daisy Jones is an up and coming singer in LA in the late sixties and is really starting to get some notice. Also being noticed is The Six, a band led by a man named Billy. Just before they go on tour, his girlfriend finds out she’s pregnant. The two cross paths when a producer recognizes the success they would achieve if the two were put together. What happens next will become the stuff of legend.

TJR wrote The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!

*The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: March 5th

Synopsis for The Queen’s Rising: Growing up at the prestigious Magnalia House should be preparing Brienna for the future: mastering her passion and being chosen by a patron. But Brienna struggles to find her passion, but after finally choosing one, she fails to secure a patron. Months after, a disgraced lord offers her patronage, and with no other options, she accepts. What follows is a plot to overthrow the King of the neighboring kingdom and restore the rightful queen to her throne. Brienna has to decide what side of the coming war she is on. But the ultimate decision she needs to make is this: Who will be the queen to sit on the throne?

Book one was so interesting and I loved the romance, so I’m excited to see where this story goes!

Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: March 12th

Princess Aurelia is a prisoner to her crown and the heir that nobody wants. She is banned from using her blood-magic, but Aurelia manages to flee after an assassination attempt. To escape the fate awaiting her, she disguises herself as a commoner in a new land and finds happiness. Soon, she begins to fall for a man who is forbidden to rule beside her if she reclaims her throne. But soon she will be forced to choose between the weight of her crown and the freedom of her new life.

I’m a sucker for a trope filled YA fantasy, and this sounds like it will fit that description!

Sherwood by Megan Spooner

Genre: YA Fantasy/Retelling

Release Date: March 19th

With the news that Robin is dead, Maid Marian doesn’t know how she’ll go on. With Robin, she was free to be herself and had an equal voice with him when it came to taking care of their own. Now the people of Locksley are being persecuted by the Sheriff of Nottingham and are doomed to live in poverty or face the gallows. Marian decides to take up Robin’s sword and bow, but never intended for people to mistake her for Robin himself. She never intended to become a legend. But all of Nottingham is crying out for a savior. So Marian must choose to make her own fate and become her own hero…

I adore retellings, and Hunted by Megan Spooner was really fun so I’m excited for this Robin Hood retelling!

*Killing November by Adriana Mather

Genre: YA

Release Date: March 26th

It’s a school completely off the grid, hidden by dense forest and surrounded by traps. There’s no electricity, no internet, and an eye-for-an-eye punishment system. Classes include everything from Knife-Throwing and Poisons to the Art of Deception and Historical Analysis. And all of the students are children of the world’s most elite strategists—training to become assassins, counselors, spies, and master impersonators. Into this world walks November Adley, who quickly discovers that friends are few in a school where personal revelations are discouraged and competition is everything. When another student is murdered, all eyes turn to November, who must figure out exactly how she fits into the school’s bizarre strategy games before she is found guilty of the crime…or becomes the killer’s next victim.

This sounds like a creepy, mysterious read and I’m very interested in reading it.

What are your most anticipated releases for January, February and March? Do I need to add any to my lists?

 

Let’s chat in the comments!