MY MOST ANTICIPATED UPCOMING BOOK RELEASES

My love for reading is no secret and it’s about time I share my excitement on my blog as well. Finishing a brilliant novel and having to wait almost a year for its sequel is a special kind of agony. To cope with the suspense and misery of waiting, I have managed to narrow down my most anticipated upcoming books to my top five. If any catch your eye and you do decide to give it a chance, do let me know so we can experience the agony of waiting together!

1. Our Violent Ends 

Author: Chloe Gong

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Series: These Violent Delights #2

Expected publication date: 16th November 2021

Set in 1920s gangster-run Shanghai, the These Violent Delights duology is a captivating, dynamic and utterly refreshing Romeo and Juliet retelling. Packed with action and entangled in the webs of gang politics, Chloe Gong’s debut novel has been an immense success that has left everybody wanting more.

Juliette Cai and Roma Montogov, heirs to rival, feuding gangs, are star-crossed exes forced to put aside the blood feud between them to prevent a monster from terrorizing their city.

Our Violent Ends is the conclusion of the duology that fans simply cannot wait for, especially after the heart-stopping cliffhanger the first book ended with.

What I loved about this series: the POC and LGBTQ+ representation, the gun-to-throat romance, the lovers to enemies to lovers trope, the complex and engaging characters, and so much more.

Goodreads links:

1. These Violent Delights 

2. Our Violent Ends 

2. Kingdom of the Cursed 

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Genre: New Adult Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Series: Kingdom of the Wicked #2

Expected publication date: 5th October 2021

Kerri Maniscalco’s new fantasy series, Kingdom of the Wicked is set in 1800s Italy and follows the twin sisters Emilia and Vittoria, who are streghe - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. When Vittoria is murdered, a devastated Emilia sets out on a path of vengeance to find her twin sister’s killer, where she meets Wrath, one of the Wicked- princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. With an engaging plot and an intoxicating romance, Kingdom of the Wicked was an immediate success. 

Kingdom of the Cursed, the second book in the trilogy is highly anticipated after the twists, turns and conclusion of the first one.

What I loved about this series: the slow-burn romance, the enemies to lovers trope, the unique magical practices, and more.

Goodreads links: 

1. Kingdom of the Wicked

2. Kingdom of the Cursed

3. Gods & Monsters 

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Series: Serpent & Dove #3

Expected publication date: 27th July 2021

The first book was a gigantic success and the second one a bit of a disappointment, thus naturally, the conclusion of the Serpent & Dove trilogy has been very highly anticipated although mixed with a bit of trepidation.

Serpent & Dove is a dual perspective narrative following Lou le Blanc, a witch, and Reid Diggory, a Chasseur, or witch-hunter. Circumstances lead them to be forced into a marriage, each battling their prejudices and notions about the other. With an engaging and entertaining plot, captivating characters, brilliant twists and turns, this series is definitely worth giving a shot.

Although the second book did not match up to readers’ expectations, it ended on a heart-wrenching cliff-hanger that needs resolving as soon as possible in Gods & Monsters.

What I loved about this series: the enemies to lovers trope, the marriage of convenience trope, witch/witch hunter romance, the intricate magical setting, and more.

Goodreads links: 

1. Serpent & Dove

2. Blood & Honey

3. Gods & Monsters

4. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World  

Author:  Benjamin Alire Sáenz 

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary, Queer Romance

Series: Aristotle and Dante #2

Expected publication date: 12th October 2021

After the publication of the critically acclaimed Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe in 2012, it would be an understatement to say that this sequel has been highly anticipated and eagerly awaited. 

A queer coming-of-age story finally done right!

Sáenz tells the story of two young men, Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana growing up in El Paso, Texas during the 1980s. We follow their lives from age fifteen to seventeen, watching their relationship slowly grow, change and strengthen. Told from Ari’s point of view, the novel is crafted in short, lyrical chapters. The story is quiet and gentle, but it pulls the reader through the narrative beautifully. Readers are more than excited to dive back into Ari and Dante’s world and find out where their journey leads them in this sequel.

What I loved about this series: the enchanting writing style, the characters and their unique relationships, and so much more. 

Goodreads links:

1. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

2. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

5. How We Fall Apart 

Author: Katie Zhao

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller

Series: How We Fall Apart #1

Expected publication date: 3rd August 2021

In a YA thriller that is Crazy Rich Asians meets One of Us is Lying, students at an elite prep school are forced to confront their secrets when their ex-best friend turns up dead.

I don’t read thrillers very often, but this plot is quite intriguing (it’s like Elite but Asian-American) and the author’s promotion on her social media platforms have me fully captivated. I can hardly wait to delve into this eagerly awaited murder mystery!

What I’m excited about: the dark academia aesthetic, Asian-American representation and intense academic rivalry.

Goodreads link: How We Fall Apart