Author News: Richelle Mead's New Book

News in the fandom! News in the fandom!
If you're looking forward to The Ruby Circle (which you probably are), but wondering what you'll do when it's over, worry not. Publishers Weekly published an article yesterday all about Richelle's new book, titled Soundless, that will be out November 17th.

According to PW, "Soundless centers on Fei, a girl whose isolated village has heard no sound for decades. Like the other villagers, Fei can neither hear nor speak, until she is suddenly awakened one night by a searing noise, and sound becomes a weapon she can use to save her people from an oppressive regime," and it is Mead's first fantasy novel.

For myself, I'm intrigued by the premise, and look forward to finding out how Fei's world works. What about you? Are you excited for Richelle's new book?

Ignite

Title: Ignite (Defy #2)
Author: Sara B. Larson
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 10/10

"Murder, abductions, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, DEFY.

Alexa remains by the newly crowned King Damian’s side as his guard, ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people, despite continuing to harbor a secret love for him. However, when another threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on their newly forged allies from Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. With the fate of her nation hanging in the balance once again, will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?"

**

Books like this are why I find myself more and more drawn to fantasy novels these days: good plot, good characters, amazing world construction and badass protagonists.

Alexa was as awesome as expected; I fell in love with her loyalty and perseverance in Defy, and she took it to a whole new level in Ignite. Larson has given us a true gift in Alexa - she's real, raw and believable. She loves with all her heart, but if you get on her wrong side, she'll hand you your ass on a platter first, and ask questions later.

As usual, all the kudos to Damian, who managed to make me giggle like a schoolgirl. The ending did piss me off, because experience tells me that keeping secrets (especially big ones like that) from each other is never a good idea, but I trust that things will turn out ok in the end... right? *sweats nervously*

I remember my lecturer telling us that, for a good story, you need to present the characters, make the reader fall in love with them and their cause, and then stack the odds against them in such a way that makes it seem impossible to overcome. And I have to say, Larson did that pretty early on, and she just keeps on adding to the pile, to the point where I can't see how they're plausibly going to get out of this - and in only one more book, too!

Basically, go read it now. You won't be disappointed.

Waiting on Wednesday #2: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.


Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1)
Author: Sarah J Maas
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Publication Date: May 5th

"A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!"

The buzz about ACOTAR is already starting, with people getting ARCs, and personally I cannot wait to meet Rhys myself!

What book are you looking forward to reading this year?

All Fall Down

Title: All Fall Down (Embassy Row #1)
Author: Ally Carter
Genre: YA
Rating: 4.5/5
Cover: 10/10
Release Date: February 5th

I was given an egalley of this book by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Grace can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.

Now, at age sixteen, she's come back to stay - in order to solve the mystery of her mother's death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved."

**

Stunning, as usual. I had truly missed Carter's specific brand of storytelling; because while the book was in no way thin, it simply flew by in a flash.
Carter is an expert storyteller; she has complete control over the narrative, and it shows very clearly here. We are only allowed to see what she wants us to see, when we want her to see it. As such, everyone becomes a possible suspect, and we end up just as paranoid as Grace. It is a delight to read, making us feel connected to Grace through our confusion and shared mistrust of everyone - and even of Grace, the very unreliable narrator.
And the plot twist at the end (well, one many in a quick succession - this book isn't for the faint of heart, I'll tell you that much!) left me breathless, and desperately wanting to find out more.

That it, ultimately, the one problem I had with All Fall Down: the ending felt a bit rushed. After all the shocks of the last few pages, to have that just dumped on us halfway, and not explained in full, left the ending lacking somewhat compared to the brilliance of the rest of the novel. However, knowing that there will be sequels does help with that, as I'm sure it will all be explained in due course.

Title Reveal: Queen of Shadows

Sarah J. Maas just released today the name of the fourth Throne of Glass novel:

What do you guys think? It sounds like Celaena is going to forge ahead with her decision from the end of Heir of Fire, and is going to claim her birthright.

Sacrificed

Title: Sacrificed (The Last Oracle #1)
Author: Emily Wibberley
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5
Cover: 10/10
Release Date: February 13th

I was given an egalley of this novel by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Fifteen-year-old Clio should have never been the Oracle of Sheehan. That power is passed from mother to eldest daughter, and Clio is the youngest of four sisters. But when her entire family is murdered by Mannix, the king's adviser, Clio is left all alone and heir to a power she never wanted and doesn't understand.

Hunted by Mannix, Clio seeks refuge in a foreign city where oracles are absolutely forbidden. If she's found out, she will be sacrificed atop its great pyramid.  

Clio has no choice but to win the trust of Riece, an enemy warrior. Despite the growing feelings between them, Clio knows that if he finds out who she really is, he won't hesitate to kill her.

Clio tries to hide her budding powers, but the visions she has of Mannix bringing a barbarian army into Sheehan torture her conscience. She alone has the strength and foresight to stop him, but only if she can embrace her destiny and sacrifice everything."

**

Not going to lie, it took me a while to get into this. I think the main problem was that it's told in third person, when the narrative (at least, so far - it might change in book 2) so clearly, desperately pleaded for a first person narrative. I even started playing a game while reading, seeing if I could substitute all the 'her's and 'she's by 'I's, and it went perfectly. It's a delicate balance, choosing the narrative perspective of a novel, and sometimes the wrong one can take so much away from the story.

Luckily, even though it seemed like this might happen here, the characters and plot pulled through in the end, and thank the deities, too. Because if I had stopped back then, I never would have met my new husband, Riece.
He'll get a section all his own, but later.

For now, let me say that the world built here is really quite something. It's intricate and planned, and with all the pyramids and different gods speaking through people, and emperors, I just kept picturing ancient Egypt in my mind; not sure if that was the point or not, but it was quite a cool image to have.
Clio was a delight. I think at some point around 15% my mind just accepted that it was a first person narration told via the third person, and just automatically substituted all the pronouns, which is why I can say that being in her head was loads of fun. She's one spunky girl, and her compassion and overwhelming love for people - even complete strangers - really made her a brilliant narrator (??).
I was quite puzzled by the first mention of Derik, he seemed to just pop up out of the woodwork, but in the end he was quite a nice addition. I can't even begin to fathom a marriage there, though.

And now, on to the new apple of my eye (I wish I could say this was uncommon, for me to leave a book with a new beloved, but alas... well, as my profile says, I'm a bit of a fictional character slut. I've honestly given up even trying), Riece. Nothing adds that extra something to a story like the kind of banter between him and Clio; I swear, that kind of dialogue and relationship is my real drug. It also explains why, after he's introduced, I barely put the book down at all.
And no, that ending was not fun. Please can I have #2 now? I promise to start reading it as soon as I've stopped sobbing.

All in all, definitely worth a read for any fantasy nuts out there! This series is not to be missed.

Model Spy: Code Red Lipstick

Title: Model Spy: Code Red Lipstick (Model Spy #1)
Author: Sarah Sky
Genre: YA
Rating: 4/5
Cover: 8/10

"Models, spies and lipstick gadgets... When Jessica's father, a former spy, vanishes mysteriously, Jessica takes matters into her own hands. 
She's not just a daddy's girl who's good at striking a pose; she's a trained spook who knows how to take on MI6 and beat them at their own game."

**

More on the younger side of YA, Code Red Lipstick was an enjoyable, quirky and funny ride the whole way through.
Jessica did show her age at times, but the mix of fashion with espionage worked weirdly well together, and made for a truly good ride. The reason why it's a 4/5 was that it felt like we were just skimming the top of the characters.
The villain was intriguing, if predictable, and the mole inside MI6 was pretty clear from almost the get-go. 
And despite the good plot and neatness of the story, I felt like there was so much more that could have been explored. Jessica's relationship with Becky and the PFB would have been a treat if they'd been more fleshed out.
Overall, a very enjoyable read. It's easy, it's fun and flows wonderfully. And who knows, maybe book #2 will give me all of that and more!

Spotlight Wednesdays: Foolish Games

Info:
Title: Foolish Games
Author: Leah Spiegel
Genre: NA contemporary
Rating: 5/5

Why you should read it

It's funny how some books just stick with you, you know? And no matter what, someone will say something, years later, and you'll think of that book again.

I think for me, Foolish Games did that because Joie reminded me so much of myself. She's the geeky girl that takes her kindle to concerts and reads if she's not interested in the band. And while I've never actually done that (because I only actually pay money to go see stuff I actually like), it's the kind of thing I could definitely see me doing if I were ever in her position.
And, because you're all readers too, I'm sure that her character will resonate with you guys too.

Besides, I spent over half the book shaking with laughter. The kindle scene results in the reason I can never listen to Aerosmith's Love in an Elevator again without sighing wistfully. And for all you lovers of slow burn relationships, this one is definitely for you - Hawkins and Joie most definitely do not hit it off instantly, and hilarity ensues from their ever escalating antics.

Handy hint and tip, though: don't bother with books #2 & #3. I found them to be severely lacking, especially when compared to how amazing Foolish Games is. And it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, so I prefer to see it as a standalone.

UKYA Book Blogger Awards: Nominate!

Hey Guys!

BookWorm is proud to be a host for the UKYA Book Blogger Awards to celebrate all the awesome book bloggers we have around here, and I've got exciting news:

Today I am proud to announce that the UKYA Book Blogger Awards Nominations are open! The Awards are hosted by a few blogs, but the original idea is Faye's from A Daydreamer's Thoughts.

Use the form below to nominate the bloggers that you love!

You can nominate up to three bloggers per category – so choose wisely.

Nominations will stay open until 26th January. (Two weeks)

Then the shortlist will be sorted and voting will begin on the 1st February. Posts will go up here updating you on the process, so stay tuned!

Good luck to all the lovely bloggers out there - and remember, even if your favourite blog is from outside the UK, there is still one category they could win, so don't despair!

Girls Will be Girls

Title: Girls Will be Girls
Author: Emer O'Toole
Genre: Non Fiction
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 10/10

I was given an egalley of this book by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

"The fiercest new voice of feminism - Emer O'Toole is the perfect mix of Caitlin Moran, Germaine Greer and Lena Dunham.

Emer O'Toole once caused a media sensation by growing her body hair and singing 'Get Your Pits Out For The Lads' on national TV. You might think she's crazy - but she has lessons for us all. Protesting against the 'makey-uppy-bulls**t' of gender conditioning, Emer takes us on a hilarious, honest and probing journey through her life - from cross-dressing and head shaving, to pube growing and full-body waxing - exploring the performance of femininity to which we are confined.

Funny, provocative and underpinned with rigorous academic intelligence, this book shows us why and how we should all begin gently to break out of gender stereotypes. Read this book, open up your mind and, hopefully, free your body. GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS is a must-read wake-up call for all young women (and men)."

**

Very different from my usual stuff, but this deserves a mention.
Absolutely loved it! Truthful, funny, witty and yet biting.
Pointed out many truths of society, and made for a very entertaining read. The only reason why it took me so long to read was that I kept having to put it down and take some days to think about the views O'Toole presented. Girls Will be Girls is a truly thought-provoking delight to read.
As a student of gender and it's portrayal in literature and how it affects our society, this was not only very interesting to me on an academic level, but also on a more personal level. O'Toole puts into practice what theorists like de Beauvoir and du Plessis talk about, and the resulting stories are both hilarious in the way they are told, and illuminating in what they reveal about society.
Definitely worth a read.

Blog Tour: Model Spy Fashion Assassin

Author: Sarah Sky

Title: Fashion Assassin (Jessica Cole: Model Spy #2)

Genre: Contemporary / Crime YA

Publisher: Scholastic

Format: Paperback

Pages: 300

Published: 1^st January 2015

Goodreads Link * Amazon Link

This is for all you disgruntled Ally Carter fans out there, who are still not over the end of Gallagher Girls (a group that most emphatically includes me!). Model Spy: Fashion Assassin and its' predecessor, Model Spy: Code Red Lipstick, give you the chance to dive back into the world of sassy girl-spies headfirst - not a series to be missed!

"Models, spies and lipstick gadgets in this fast-paced teen series. Supermodel Jessica Cole has no intention of ever spying again after she was nearly killed by an embittered ex-model and a rogue MI6 agent. That is until she's blackmailed into posing undercover as bodyguard to a very rich fellow model. What seems like a simple job aboard a luxurious yacht in Monaco soon turns into a deadly mission to stop the most dangerous weapon in the world falling into the wrong hands. Jessica will need every gadget in her make-up bag if she wants to get out of this one alive."

Expect my review of book 1 to be up sometime this week, but what I can tell you so far is that Jessica is one spunky, funny teenager. And while she's no Cammie, her adventures have been very entertaining so far; if only I didn't have a mountain of paperwork to wade through this last week, I'd be done with #1 and #2 probably, they're just that easy a read! Definitely worth your time.

Snow Like Ashes

Title: Snow Like Ashes (Snow Like Ashes #1)
Author: Sara Raasch
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 10/10

Happy New Year! Here's the first review of 2015, and it's a very worthy book to be kicking off the new year. A slight warning: there is one considerably big spoiler at the end of the review, but it's very well signposted, so feel free to read the rest of it without any spoilers!

"A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.

Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.

So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own."

**

There literally aren't enough words to explain my love for Snow Like Ashes. I knew from the get go that, with a cover that pretty, there was no way it could be a bad book. And, I have to say, for my first book of 2015, it sets the bar so high, I can only hope all the other books I read this year are this amazing.

Let me start by talking about Meira. Because, oh wow. Characterisation done right, right here. 

She's so determined, so passionate, and, like most of my favourite ladies, she's completely unapologetic of who she is - and she has no qualms about punching (or, in her specific case, throwing weapons) first, and asking questions later. 

I won't say too much because there is a massive spoiler, but I will say that I started having suspicions around halfway through, and was so, so happy when I turned out to be true.

Mather. Oh, Mather. I do love you, you labrador puppy, you. But, I have to agree with Meira - his 'inscrutable' face got old really, really fast. I do admire him, and I think he has all the qualities of a good leader. I guess we'll see how that pans out in the end. Hmm. 

While I wouldn't be angry to see him end up with Meira, I have bigger plans in mind for my girl ;)

Which brings me to my adorable nerd-Prince, Theron. Picture a guy with slightly more social skills than Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, and put that guy in a smoking hot body. There you have Theron. The best thing about him, though, is how he isn't pushed on us in any way. We're very much left to sort of slowly fall in love with him, always teased by the uncertainty if he's there to stay or not (I'm not telling!). I really loved his character development, and I think that, given time, if things pan out, he'll be a great King.

Spoiler Section:

I am very interested in seeing how that relationship will work out, though. Would they merge the kingdoms, or...? And where would they live? I mean, I love them to death, but strategically it's a little tricky.

End of Spoiler

I do wonder about the title, though. I get the cover, but the title confuses me. Ashes? I don't quite get it.
Conclusion? Read it!

The 10 Books You'll Need in 2015!

Well, that's it folks! One more year gone, and with the new one coming up, comes a whole new exciting batch of books for us. And with that in mind, I've compiled my Top 10 books coming out next year that most definitely need to go on your TBR pile.

Ready?

10. Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins - April 7th

This is book #2 in the Rebel Belle series, and it promises a great deal!

"Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life: school, canoodling with David, her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie, and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or connect her to David for life."

9. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - May 5th

You most likely know about Sarah's books if you follow the blog, because I'm slightly obsessed with her Throne of Glass series. And this new one promises to be just as good.

"When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!"

8. Thoughtful by S. C. Stephens - February 24th

Loved Thoughtless, Effortless and Reckless? Hold on to your seats, because it's time to revisit the pain of Thoughtless... through Kellan's eyes. Prepare the Ben & Jerry's, stock up on the Kleenex and jump in!

"Every story has two sides, and in this new book, the epic love story between Kiera and Kellan is shown through his eyes. 

All Kellan Kyle needs is his guitar, and some clean sheets of paper. Growing up in a house that was far from a home, he learned a hard lesson: You're worthless. Now his life is comfortably filled with passionate music, loyal band mates, and fast women...until he meets her. 

Kiera makes him ache for more. Makes him feel for the first time that he's worth more. But there's one problem - she's his best friend's girl. 

Just when Kellan thought his emotional defenses were rock solid, Kiera's indecisive heart wreaks havoc on his soul, changing him forever. Losing Kiera is not an option."

7. The Heir by Kiera Cass - May 5th

I've spoken about this one before, but it's never too much... plus, look at the pretty cover!

"Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. 

Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought."

6. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - February 10th

"The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?"

5. The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski - March 12th

Now, I've actually read this, but I'm not allowed to put the review up until closer to publication (sorry, you guys!) - but let me tell you: it is good.

"Lady Kestrel's engagement to Valoria's crown prince calls for great celebration: balls and performances, fireworks and revelry. But to Kestrel it means a cage of her own making. Embedded in the imperial court as a spy, she lives and breathes deceit and cannot confide in the one person she really longs to trust ...

While Arin fights to keep his country's freedom from the hands of his enemy, he suspects that Kestrel knows more than she shows. As Kestrel comes closer to uncovering a shocking secret, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth.

Lies will come undone, and Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them in this second book in the breathtaking Winner's trilogy."

4. Soulbroken by Heather Brewer - July

Now, if you read the first book, Soulbound, you may have known about the drama that happened surrounding Soulbroken. Thing is, Soulbound ended on a ginormous cliffhanger, and the author declared she was going to cancel the release of the second one indefinitely (with a very strong chance of it never coming out... ever) to work on other stuff. I was a horrible person to be around for almost a full week. 

But, good news! The second book is being released and it's this year!

"Sometimes you have to break the rules to discover the truth. 

In this follow up to LEGACY OF TRIL: SOULBOUND, Kaya has learned that she is Soulbound to Darius, the Barron she secretly trained with at Shadow Academy. But he's been sent away, leaving Kaya with questions about how he could be Soulbound to her and another Healer. Determined to find answers and prove herself worthy of fighting in the war against King Darrek and the Graplars, Kaya sneaks away, encountering a mysterious Barron named Gage in her travels.

But Darius has shocking information about Gage--information that changes everything Kaya thought she knew about what it means to be Bound."

3. Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven - April 28th

You probably all remember my gushy review of Bad Romeo right? 

This is the sequel. Yes. I know *squees*.

"Despite destroying Cassie Taylor twice before, Ethan Holt now wants another chance, but how can she possibly take him back knowing it could all go to hell again? And yet, knowing how much she still loves him, how can she not?

Second chances are hard to come by. Third chances, even more so.

Shakespeare once wrote, "The course of true love never did run smooth." Next to that quote, he should have included a picture of Cassie and Ethan."

2. Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot - June 2nd

Genovians, rejoice! Princess Mia is back! I still have vivid memories of my mum screaming at me that she hated that "bloody Meg woman" because she wrote "too many damn books". That was around the time the Princess Diaries ended, and I discovered her adult books; fun times for me, less so for my parents' bank account - hence the screaming (well, in all honesty, it was more like frustrated grumbling than screaming per se. I don't remember my mum actually screaming at me, ever. I figure if it was ever going to happen, Cabot would've been the reason though).

But, even though Mia is back, this is aimed at us pre-teens and teens that grew up with her, because her 11th and last (maybe?) book is, in fact, an adult book. You know what that means, right?

Michael/Mia sexytimes!

"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding--but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone--especially herself--that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?"

1. The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows - March 10th

I can hear the groans of "not this again" in the background, but trust me: this is the book I want out of 2015; and no matter how excited I am for all the other 9 on this list (and extra 40 on my goodreads shelf!), this is the one book I might actually cry if if I don't get on release day. I may need to buy a navy cloak and dress up as Wil.

Or, you know, not, because that might be weird.

"Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world."