“Carnival” by Stephanie Garber

Release Date: 01/31/17
In her debut novel, Stephanie Garber tells the tale of two sisters, Tella and Scarlett, who escape their tyrannical father to attend an infamous Carnival. Upon arrival, Tella is kidnapped, leaving Scarlett alone in an unfamiliar world. Above all, this novel promises adventure, romance and mystery. It is one of the most hyped releases of 2017 on social media, so I was ecstatic to read only positive early reviews on Amazon.

“Wintersong” by S. Jae-Jones

Release Date: 02/07/17
Similarly, another debut author in the YA Fantasy genre, S. Jae-Jones, also writes about two sisters. Set in the 19th century, Wintersong begins when Kathe is stolen by the Goblin King. As a result, Liesl is forced to journey Underground to look for her sister. Intrigued by the Goblin King, and enraptured with the strange, musical world around her, Liesl faces the realization of who she truly is. Moreover, one of my favorite authors, Marie Lu (“The Young Elites”) posted an early review on Goodreads describing “Wintersong” as “a maze of beauty and darkness”.

“Gilded Cage” by Vic James

Release Date: 02/14/17
“Gilded Cage” is told from the perspectives of a brother and sister, Abi and Luke. Both are servants in modern England with dreams of escape. While Abi falls in love with a nobleman’s son, and is forced to choose between her freedom and her heart, Luke has his heart set on rebellion. I love books told from multiple points of view, as well as books about rebellion. Similarly, I am extremely happy to report that I am fortunate enough to get an advanced reading copy of the novel. I look forward to reading and reviewing James’ debut novel.

“The Wish Granter” by C.J. Redwine

Release Date: 02/14/17
As “The Shadow Queen” was my first 5 star review of 2017, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that its sequel is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. While “The Shadow Queen” was a retelling of Snow White’s story (sans dwarfs), “The Wish Granter” appears to be a tale based on The Brothers Grimm’s Rupelstiltskin. When Ari realizes that her brother, Thad, gained his place on the throne by making a deal with a Wish Granter, she teams up with a weapons master to learn how to fight for her brother’s life. Unfortunately, there are only a few early reviews of this novel so far most, but not all, are positive. That being said, I adore Redwine’s writing style in “The Shadow Queen,” and am sure that I will feel the same way about “The Wish Granter.”

“Dating You, Hating You” by Christina Lauren

Release Date: 06/06/17
Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, the authors who brought us The Beautiful Bastard series, reprise their role as Christina Lauren to bring readers a new contemporary romance novel. When Evie and Carter, a couple still in their honeymoon phase, realize that they’re competing for the same job, all hell breaks loose. Ultimately, Hobbs and Billings always manage to write fun, witty characters with off-the-chart chemistry.Their books are full of hot-as-sin sex scenes and humor. This is another ARC that I can’t wait to get my hands on.

“The Lost Platoon Series” by Monica McCarty

Tentative Release: September 2017
When the Highland Guard series ended I was in literal tears. Monica McCarty is the author that introduced me to the historical romance genre. Unsurprisingly, I could not contain my excitement when I learned that she was releasing a new series. She recently described it on her Facebook as “a modern day version of Rome’s lost legion, a 14-man SEAL platoon goes on a mission and vanishes without a trace.” In the Lost Platoon series, McCarty promises the return of the band of brothers dynamic her books are known for. I already consider this romance series a must read.

“Wonder Woman: Warbringer” by Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo is writing a Wonder Woman origin story. Let me repeat that for the hard of hearing: Leigh Bardugo, author of the incredible “Six of Crows” Duology, is writing a coming-of-age story about Wonder Woman. I cannot contain my excitement for this book. Firstly, we are introduced us to Diana, a Princess of the Amazons who only wants to impress her sisters. Consequently, when she makes the choice to save a mortal and breaks Amazon law, she sets in motion a chain of events that puts her world in danger. Although I am more of a Marvel girl, I am thrilled to hear that Bardugo joined DC’s team. I’m sure she will do Wonder Woman’s story justice.

Sequels:

With 2016 being such an incredible year, especially for the YA Fantasy genre, there are quite a few sequels that I am looking forward to:

“Wicked Abyss” by Kresley Cole
Release Day: 04/25/17
“A Court of Wings and Ruin” by Sarah J Maas
Release Day: 05/02/17
“Lord of Shadows” by Cassandra Clare
Release Day: 05/23/17

“The Warrior of Clan Kincaid” by Lily Blackwood
Release Date: 05/30/17
“One Dark Throne” by Kendare Blake
Release Day: 09/19/17