Most anticipated UKYA in 2015

I am so excited for so many books being published in 2015, I really am. It sounds like (and I think I say this every single year!) that 2015 is going to be the most amazing year for YA fiction. And especially for UKYA which has continued to grow and hopefully will catch a bigger spotlight.

Here is the very top of my list of most anticipated titles coming in the new year.

The Last Leaves Falling by Sarah Benwell

I'm not even sure when or how I first heard about The Last Leaves Falling but I think it sounds incredible. I'm so excited for this book. This book is being published by Definitions, an imprint of Random House, on the 29th of January. Definitely add it to your wish lists!  Here is the summary...

And these are they. My final moments. They say a warrior must always be mindful of death, but I never imagined that it would find me like this . . .

Japanese teenager, Sora, is diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Lonely and isolated, Sora turns to the ancient wisdom of the samurai for guidance and comfort. But he also finds hope in the present; through the internet he finds friends that see him, not just his illness. This is a story of friendship and acceptance, and testing strength in an uncertain future.

Othergirl by Nicole Burstein

I absolutely adore the cover and product description for this one. And I've found it really interesting witnessing Nicole's journey towards publication as I've followed her on Twitter for a very long time.  I really can't wait to get my hands on this one. It's being published by Andersen on the 2nd of April.  Here is the summary to tempt you further...

Louise and Erica have been best friends since forever. They're closer than sisters and depend on each other for almost everything. Just one problem: Erica has superpowers.

When Erica isn't doing loop-the-loops in the sky or burning things with her heat pulse powers, she needs Louise to hold her non-super life together. After all, the girls still have homework, parents and boys to figure out. But being a superhero's BFF is not easy, especially as trouble has a way of seeking them out. Soon Louise discovers that Erica might be able to survive explosions and fly faster than a speeding bullet, but she can't win every fight by herself.

Life isn't a comic book - it's even crazier than that.

The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson

I loved seeing the #WhatisNormalFlashmob last week as the cover was revealed. And what a stunning, stand-out cover it is. I absolutely adore it.  Luckily, I do have a review copy of this book and by the time this post is published, I'll probably have already read and loved this one. But I still want to highlight this title here.  Already I've heard such amazing things about this book and I feel like it'll be the one to read in 2015. It's being published by David Fickling Books on 1st January. Here's more about it...

Two boys. Two secrets.

David Piper has always been an outsider. His parents think he’s gay. The school bully thinks he’s a freak. Only his two best friends know the real truth – David wants to be a girl. 

On the first day at his new school Leo Denton has one goal – to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in year eleven is definitely not part of that plan. 

When Leo stands up for David in a fight, an unlikely friendship forms. But things are about to get messy. Because at Eden Park School secrets have a funny habit of not staying secret for long…

Under My Skin by James Dawson

Don't Hot Key Books produce some absolutely stunning covers? Look how amazing and eye-catching this latest from James Dawson is? It's published by Hot Key Books on the 5th of March and I'm really looking forward to it. I love the sound of a book involving a sinister pin-up tattoo.

Seventeen-year-old Sally Feather is not exactly a rebel. Her super-conservative parents and her treatment at the hands of high school bullies means that Sally’s about as shy and retiring as they come – but all that’s about to change. Accidentally ending up in the seedier side of town one day, Sally finds herself mysteriously lured to an almost-hidden tattoo parlour – and once inside, Sally is quickly seduced by its charming owner, Rosita, and her talk of how having a secret tattoo can be as empowering as it is thrilling. Almost before she knows what she is doing, Sally selects sexy pin-up Molly Sue, and has her tattooed on her back – hoping that Molly Sue will inspire her to be as confident and popular as she is in her dreams.

But things quickly take a nightmareish turn. Almost immediately, Sally begins to hear voices in her head – or rather, one voice in particular: Molly Sue’s. And she has no interest in staying quiet and being a good girl – in fact, she’s mighty delighted to have a body to take charge of again. Sally slowly realises that she is unable to control Molly Sue… and before long she’s going to find out the hard way what it truly means to have somebody ‘under your skin’

The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury

And last but absolutely not least is this lovely looking book! Again, no idea when or how I first heard about this book but everything about it from the gorgeous cover to the book summary make me slightly desperate to read this one. This fab sounding fantasy book will be published the 5th of March from Scholastic. More about the book...

A startling, seductive, deliciously dark debut that will shatter your definition of YA fantasy.

16-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she's engaged to the prince, no one speaks to her. No one even looks at her. Because Twylla isn't a member of the court. She's the executioner.

As the goddess-embodied, Twylla kills with a single touch. So each week, she's taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love her. Who could care for a girl with murder in her veins? Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to her touch, avoids her.

But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose playful smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he's able to look past Twylla's executioner robes and see the girl, not the goddess. Yet a treasonous romance is the least of Twylla's problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies-a plan that requires an unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?

---------------------------------------

...Obviously this is just a small portion of the titles I'm excited for. Others include new books by Tanya Byrne, Non Pratt, Patrick Ness, Keris Stainton, Helen Grant, Zoe Marriott and Cat Clarke.

What books are you most excited to read in 2015?

Waiting On Wednesday and Cover Reveal: The 100 Society by Carla Spradbery

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

 Today's Waiting On Wednesday pick is extra special as it is also a cover reveal for a debut UKYA book being published this September by Hodder Books. I met Carla recently the Books With Bite event and she was lovely. I think The 100 Society sounds fantastic and I really love this cover. It has such great texture to it, don't you think?

The 100 Society by Carla Spradbery

For sixth-form student Grace Becker, The 100 Society is more than just a game; it's an obsession. Having convinced her five friends at Clifton Academy to see it through to the end, Grace will stop at nothing to carry out the rules of the game: tagging 100 locations around the city. With each step closer to the 100-mark they get, the higher the stakes become. But when the group catches the attention of a menacing stalker - the Reaper - he seems intent on exposing their illegal game, tormenting Grace with anonymous threats and branding their dormitory doors with his ominous tag.

As the once tight-knit group slowly unravels; torn apart by doubt and the death of a student, they no longer know who to trust.

With time running out, Grace must unmask the Reaper before he destroys everything she cares about for ever...

Add The 100 Society to Goodreads ... Carla Spradbery ... Follow Carla on Twitter

What do you think of the cover?!  

Waiting on Wedneday (16)

Hello, Wednesday! I decided to take part in Waiting on Wednesday again this year.  I've decided to spotlight plenty of UKYA books that are being published this year... This meme is hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine. What book are you waiting on Wednesday?

Dead Silent by Sharon Jones 

When Poppy Sinclair and her boyfriend visit snowy Cambridge, she doesn't expect to discover the body of a student - arms outstretched in the act of smearing bloody angel wings on the chapel's floor.

Suddenly, Poppy is faced with the possibility that the one closest to her heart might be the one committing the most malicious of crimes.

Dodging porters and police, dreading what she might find, Poppy follows the clues left by a murderer bent on revenge...

Long-hidden secrets are chillingly revealed, an avenging angel seeks forgiveness and red-hot vengeance must be quelled in the amazing new Poppy Sinclair thriller.


Dead Jealous, the first book in the Poppy Sinclair was one of my favourite books that I read in 2013 and I am incredibly excited to get back to these characters.  I'm really loving this crime thrillers and I can't wait to see what this new Poppy story will bring! Orchard Books are publishing this one on the 6th of February. Mark your calendars, I already have!

Which book are you waiting on today?

Waiting on Wednesday (15)

Hello, Wednesday! I decided to take part in Waiting on Wednesday again this year.  I've decided to spotlight plenty of UKYA books that are being published this year... This meme is hosted weekly by Breaking the Spine. What book are you waiting on Wednesday?

 Banished by Liz de Jager

Sworn to protect, honour and slay. Because chaos won’t banish itself…

Kit is proud to be a Blackhart, now she’s encountered her unorthodox cousins and their strange lives. And her home-schooling now includes spells, fighting enemy fae and using ancient weapons. But it’s not until she rescues a rather handsome fae prince, fighting for his life on the edge of Blackhart Manor, that her training really kicks in. With her family away on various missions, Kit must protect Prince Thorn, rely on new friends and use her own unfamiliar magic to stay ahead of Thorn’s enemies. As things go from bad to apocalyptic, fae battle fae in a war that threatens to spill into the human world. Then Kit pits herself against the Elder Gods themselves – it’s that or lose everyone she’s learnt to love.

And why am I looking forward to this one so much? Let me count the ways:

1) I really love the cover.

2) I've been following Liz's journey from book blogger to published author for awhile now and I'm utterly and completely excited for her!

3) Banished sounds kick-ass!

Roll on the 27th of February when this book is being published by Tor!

What are you waiting on today?

Waiting on Wednesday (14)

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I've fallen in love with this cover of The Elites by Natasha Ngan! Isn't it wonderful?  I've followed Natasha on Twitter for awhile now and I'm very much looking forward to this, her debut book.  Plus, I think Hot Key Books have an amazing selection of books that they publish!  The Elites is published in September, mark your calendars or add this one to your wishlists etc!

The Elites by Natasha Ngan (5th September, Hot Key Books)

'There is a rumour that the Elites don't bleed.'

Hundreds of years into the future, wars, riots, resource crises and rising sea-levels have destroyed the old civilisations. Only one city has survived: Neo-Babel, a city full of cultures - and racial tension. Fifteen-year-old Silver is an Elite, a citizen of Neo-Babel chosen to guard the city due to her superior DNA. She'd never dream of leaving - but then she fails to prevent the assassination of Neo Babel's president, setting off a chain of events more shocking and devastating than she could ever have imagined. Forced to flee the city with her best friend Butterfly (a boy with genetically-enhanced wings), Silver will have to fight to find her family, uncover the truth about Neo-Babel and come to terms with her complicated feelings for Butterfly.

Packed full of adventure, romance, exoticism and the power of friendship, THE ELITES is a highly compelling and beautifully written novel from a supremely talented debut author.

The Elites on Goodreads
Natasha Ngan
Natasha Ngan on Twitter

What are you waiting on today?

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Night School series by CJ Daugherty is one of my favourite recent series! I love many things about it from the boarding school setting, the unexpected twists and surprises in the storyline, the great characters. But maybe the biggest thing I love about this series is that the 2nd was only just published in January of this year. Hurrah for such a short wait between books! :)

August isn't too far away, mark your calendars!

Night School Fracture by CJ Daugherty (15th August, Atom)


Devastated by the loss of her friend and under constant threat from an unknown spy at Cimmeria Academy, Allie Sheridan is finding it hard to cope.

In Fracture, the third book in the Night School series, she’s not the only one losing it – everything is falling apart. And when Nathaniel begins to reveal his game plan, Isabelle starts to lose control.

As the school slides into a deadly morass of paranoia and suspicion, everyone is guilty until proved innocent. Anyone can be held without proof, and convicted without a trial. No one is safe.

This time Nathaniel doesn’t need to hurt them. This time they’re hurting themselves.

Night School: Fracture on Goodreads
CJ Daugherty
CJ Daugherty on Twitter

What are you waiting on today?

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I have yet to read Katie Dale's previous book, Someone Else's Life, but even so I'm still incredibly curious to read her new book, Little White Lies. I really like the sound of it.  Full of secrets and surprises. And with it being published next month by Simon and Schuster, at least there isn't that long to wait!

Little White Lies by Katie Dale (1st August, Simon and Schuster Children's Books)


Lucy can't help but be drawn to the mysterious Christian, but the more time they spend together the more she realises that Christian has a secret past that he's not keen to share, clamming up every time she tries to get him to talk to her. Lucy isn't someone who takes no for an answer, and as the two grow closer she's determined to find out the truth about Christian and the past he wants to keep hidden ...but even if she does, will Lucy like what she discovers? And with secrets of her own to hide, is Lucy playing a dangerous game...Full of family secrets, surprising twists and unexpected revelations, Katie Dale's second novel will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Little White Lies on Goodreads
Katie Dale 
Katie Dale on Twitter 

What are you waiting on today?

Waiting on Wednesday (10)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I do love Jonathan Stroud! Especially his Bartimaeus series which was hilarious as well as adventurous and exciting.  And the sound of this new series of teenage ghost hunters makes me hugely excited indeed. It's coming out in hardback by Random House on the 29th of August. Mark your calendars!

The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood and Co) by Jonathan Stroud (29th August, Random House)


When the dead come back to haunt the living, Lockwood & Co. step in . . .


For more than fifty years, the country has been affected by a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy the dangerous apparitions.


Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping for a notable career. Instead she finds herself joining the smallest most ramshackle agency in the city, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. have one last chance of redemption. Unfortunately this involves spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England, and trying to escape alive.


Set in a city stalked by spectres, The Screaming Staircase is the first in a chilling new series full of suspense, humour and truly terrifying ghosts. Your nights will never be the same again . . .

Jonathan Stroud
Jonathan Stroud on Twitter
Jonathan Stroud on Facebook

How amazing does this sound?! What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting On Wednesday (9)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I'm a big fan of Tabitha Suzuma's.  After reading the incredible and utterly surprising and emotional Forbidden, I set off to read as many books in her backlist as possible. I'm still working on that but I am also really excited about her latest offering... Hurt is being published by Random house on the 5th of September and I'm expecting good things from it.  What do you think?

Hurt by Tabitha Suzuma (Random House, 5th September) 


Why? is the burning question on everyone’s lips. Why would a guy like Mathéo Walsh want to die? At seventeen, he is Britain’s most promising diving champion. He is a heartthrob, a straight A student and lives in one of the wealthiest areas of London. He has great mates and is the envy of everyone around him. And most importantly of all, he is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Lola. He has always been a stable, well-adjusted guy...

Until one weekend. A weekend he cannot seem to remember. All he knows is that he has come back a changed person. One who no longer knows how to have fun, no longer wants to spend time with his friends, no longer enjoys diving. Something terrible happened that weekend – something violent and bloody and twisted. He no longer knows who he is. He no longer trusts himself around people: he only wants to hurt, wound and destroy. Slowly, he begins to piece back the buried, fragmented memories, and finds himself staring at the reflection of a monster.

Tormented, Mathéo suddenly finds himself faced with the most devastating choice of his life. Keep his secret, and put those closest to him in terrible danger. Or confess, and lose Lola forever...

Tabitha Suzuma
Tabitha Suzuma on Twitter
Tabitha Suzuma on Facebook

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I'm such a huge fan of Hayley Long's! I absolutely adored her Lottie Biggs series and especially What's Up with Jody Barton? so I'm thrilled and excited for the publication of her new book, Downside Up, which is coming to us on the 4th of July from Macmillan. Exciting!

Ronnie is totally bored. She lives in a crap, boring town with her crap, boring family, and all she wants is to escape and have the kind of life she reads about in magazines. Sometimes Ronnie makes stuff up, just to keep things interesting. Not lies, exactly, more like massive, outrageous, whopping great fibs. The thing is, people have stopped believing anything she says - she's turning into The Girl Who Cried 'Beyonce is Totally My Cousin's Best Friend'. Then one day Ronnie gets knocked out in a head to head dodgem collision. When she wakes up, her life has been turned uʍop әp!sdn and nothing will ever be the same again . . .

Hayley Long
Hayley on Twitter
Hayley's blog  

What are you waiting on today? What do you think of Downside Up?

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Yay! I absolutely loved James Dawson's previous book, Hollow Pike, so I'm very excited to see what I make of James' second book.  Cruel Summer is being published the 1st of August by Indigo and I really cannot wait. Nothing says 'summer is here' like murder, right?

A year after Janey’s suicide, her friends reunite at a remote Spanish villa, desperate to put the past behind them. However, an unwelcome guest arrives claiming to have evidence that Jane was murdered. When she is found floating in the pool, it becomes clear one of them is a killer. Only one thing is for certain, surviving this holiday is going to be murder…

A compelling and psychological thriller - with a dash of romance.

 James Dawson
James on Twitter

Did you read and love Hollow Pike? Are you looking forward to Cruel Summer as well?

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Ooh. I'll have to admit, I've not read anything yet by Lucy Christopher. I've had Stolen on my TBR pile for far longer than I'd care to admit.  But still, I'm very much looking forward to reading this her latest book. Psychological thrillers are one of my favourite things to read.

The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher is being published by Chicken House in October 2013!

Emily’s dad is accused of murdering a teenage girl. Emily is sure he is innocent, but what happened that night in the woods behind their house where she used to play as a child? Determined to find out, she seeks out Damon Hillary the enigmatic boyfriend of the murdered girl. He also knows these woods. Maybe they could help each other. But he’s got secrets of his own about games that are played in the dark.

A new psychological thriller from the award-winning and bestselling author of STOLEN and FLYAWAY.

Lucy Christopher
Lucy on Twitter
Lucy on Facebook

What book are you waiting for today? What do you think of The Killing Woods? Does October feel too far away?

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 I've only read the one book by Rachel Ward (the first Numbers book) and it destroyed me.  I read it just after a close family member died and it made me confront the grief that I was feeling but that I was trying to deny.  In short, the book destroyed me.  I haven't yet read the rest of the books in the series, but I have them on my shelves waiting for the perfect time to dip back into them.

And Rachel Ward's latest, The Drowning, sounds incredible.  I'm really looking forward to reading it.  It is being published by Chicken House on the 2nd of May.

The Drowning by Rachel Ward


What happens if you've done something terrible? But you can't remember what. And you don't know how to put it right ...

When Carl opens his eyes on the banks of a lake, his brother is being zipped into a body bag. What happened in the water? He can't remember And when he glimpses a beautiful girl he thinks he recognises, she runs away.Suddenly he knows he must find her - because together they must face the truth before it drowns them.

Rachel Ward
Rachel on Twitter

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
  
I'm a really big fan of Sophia Bennett. I absolutely loved Threads and especially The Look.  I've been really looking forward to reading more by her.  And doesn't You Don't Know Me sound wonderful?  

You Don't Know Me is being published by Chicken House on 2nd May, look out for it, will you?

You Don't Know Me by Sophia Bennett


It was all so good. Sasha and Rose. Best friends in a band, singing together. Right up to the finals of Killer Act when the judges tell them one of them must go. Suddenly their friendship is put to the ultimate test. On TV in front of millions. 

Two girls. One huge mistake. Can they ever forgive each other?

Sophia Bennett
Sophia on Twitter 
Sophia on Facebook  

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Hello! Another Wednesday, and today I have another UKYA book to highlight.  Sara Grant is the author of Dark Parties, which I read and enjoyed awhile back.  Her new book, Half Lives, is being published the 2nd of May by Indigo and it sounds quite interesting!

Half Lives by Sara Grant 

Present day: Icie is a typical high school teenager - until disaster strikes and her parents send her to find shelter inside a mountain near Las Vegas.


The future: Beckett lives on The Mountain - a sacred place devoted to the Great I AM. He must soon become the leader of his people. But Beckett is forced to break one of the sacred laws, and when the Great I AM does not strike him down, Beckett finds himself starting to question his beliefs.


As Beckett investigates The Mountain's history, Icie's story is revealed - along with the terrifying truth of what lies at the heart of The Mountain.

Sara Grant
Sara on Twitter
Sara on Facebook 
 

Waiting on Wednesday (2)

I can't quite recall how I first came to know about ACID or Emma Pass, but somewhere along the lines I did hear of it and I have to say, I'm EXCITED. I think the cover is very eye-catching and I really love the sound of the main character and this new world. 

Luckily, we won't have to wait that much longer, as ACID is being published by Random House Children's Books on the 25th April.

ACID by Emma Pass

2113. In Jenna Strong’s world, ACID – the most brutal, controlling police force in history – rule supreme. No throwaway comment or muttered dissent goes unnoticed – or unpunished. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a bloody crime she struggles to remember.

The only female inmate in a violent high-security prison, Jenna has learned to survive by any means necessary. And when a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed and skill to stay one step ahead of ACID – and to uncover the truth about what really happened on that dark night two years ago.

Emma Pass
Emma's Blog
Emma on Twitter
Emma on Facebook

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

This is my first ever Waiting on Wednesday post!  *waves happily* I like to do what I can to promote British authors and my intentions for joining WoW is to highlight (further) some amazing UKYA...   For my first pick...

Last year I read and absolutely LOVED Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt, so I'm hugely excited to read Laura's second YA book, By Any Other Name. Happily, you and I won't have to wait that long, as this book is being published by Electric Monkey on the 1st of April, and that's no joke!

 By Any Other Name by Laura Jarratt 

Nobody can know the truth - her life depends on it. I picked up the book and thumbed through the pages. Names in alphabetical order, names with meanings, names I knew, names I'd never heard of. How to pick? Nothing that would stand out, nothing that would link me to the past - those were the instructions. The past. As if everything that had gone before this moment was buried already. Holly is fifteen years old, but she's only been "Holly" for a matter of months. Because of something that happened, she and her family have had to enter witness protection and have all assumed new identities. All, that is, except her sister Katie, who is autistic. Starting at a new school mid-term is hard enough at the best of times, and Holly has no clue who she is any more. Lonely and angry, she reaches out to friends - new and old. But one wrong move will put all their lives in danger...

Laura Jarratt
Laura on Twitter
Laura's blog