Early February 2017

February 13, 2017

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Book Love is in the Air!

Happy almost-Valentine’s Day! Although February is the shortest month of the year, it brings some of my all-time favorite holidays: Valentine's Day, when stuffing my face with chocolate and sobbing over romance novels is not only excused, but encouraged; and Library Lover’s Month, when we can celebrate one of the best places for bookworms to learn about new releases.

Of course, I’m not the only one celebrating this month. For their February question, our Teen Board members answered some juicy questions about book boyfriends/girlfriends, OTPs and dream dates pulled from their favorite reads. Click here to read some of their answers --- let’s just say that many of us at Teenreads (myself included) are fangirling over Levi from Rainbow Rowell’s FANGIRL.

If that’s not enough to make you swoon, we also have a new bookshelf titled Love at First Page. On this shelf, we’ve pulled together all of the best romance releases from January through March so you can top off your TBR with some cozy reads. Don’t worry if Cupid hasn’t quite struck you yet --- each of our featured titles has rich storytelling and plenty of other themes, from mental disorders, grief and action-packed thrills to keep you reading all month long. Click here to check it out.

Looking for another way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Check out this gorgeous cake inspired by Victoria Aveyard's KING'S CAGE, the third book in her Red Queen series, which is now in stores. If any of you try to make these, feel free to send me a slice or seven --- or just a picture or two, whichever's easiest.

Another title we're really excited about this month is GILDED CAGE, an adult crossover book with terrific young adult characters living in a darkly magical dystopian world. I read this book just before Christmas and loved all of it, from the gritty realism to the amazing world-building and incredible magic. To learn more, check out this video of the author, Vic James, discussing her earliest writing attempts and literary hero.

Now for a quick roundup of all the bookish news we’ve gathered since our last newsletter. Up first, Maggie Stiefvater took to her Twitter at the end of last month to announce the title of her next YA book, ALL THE CROOKED SAINTS. This book will release on October 10th. You can see the teaser image she shared above.

Leigh Bardugo has also announced her next book, THE LANGUAGE OF THORNS. Releasing on September 26th, this collection of stories will take place in Bardugo’s Grishaverse. To celebrate, Bardugo took to the Fierce Reads Facebook page for a live video where she answered questions about THE LANGUAGE OF THORNS, the Grishaverse and, of course, herself. Click here to read more about the book and click here to watch the Facebook Live video.

Adam Silvera --- whose latest book, HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME, is reviewed by Teen Board member, Reanna H. below --- also shared some exciting news when he revealed the cover of his next book, THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END. You can see the cover above and read a great interview with Silvera here.

I have been absolutely drooling over these amazing photos from Netflix’s THIRTEEN REASONS WHY adaptation. Click here to get your first look at the series.

Last, but certainly not least, be sure to let us know how you feel about libraries in this month’s poll, where we ask how often you visit your local library.

Happy reading,

--- Rebecca Munro (rebecca@bookreporter.com)
 

Now in Stores: KING'S CAGE by Victoria Aveyard

Click here to read more about the book.

Featured Review: STARFALL by Melissa Landers

Click here to read the review.

Featured Review: SILVER STARS by Michael Grant

Click here to read the review.

On the Teenreads Blog

Thoughts for Teenagers Who Have Big Dreams --- Guest Post by Stephanie Morrill, Author of THE LOST GIRL OF ASTOR STREET --- In this post, author Stephanie Morrill --- whose latest book, THE LOST GIRL OF ASTOR STREET, releases this February --- explains how she got on the early track to publishing and offers helpful advice for young authors hoping to make it in the book world.

Strengthening the Themes in Your Book --- Guest Post by Merrie Destefano, Author of LOST GIRLS --- In this post, Merrie Destefano, author of LOST GIRLS --- a gritty and unpredictable thriller about a normal girl who wakes up in a ditch, missing a year of her life --- discusses how she worked several popular themes into her book.

Sculpting a Book Through Editing --- Guest Post by Erica Cameron, Author of ISLAND OF EXILES --- In this post, Erica Cameron, author of ISLAND OF EXILES, explains what she loves about editing, and how she was able to strengthen and improve her richly detailed fantasy so that it could become the book it is today.

Meet Nick D’Marco from the Library Jumpers Series --- Guest Post by Brenda Drake, Author of GUARDIAN OF SECRETS --- In this post, author Brenda Drake gives us the lowdown on Nick D'Marco, the carefree yet protective best friend of the main character of her Library Jumpers series. Although the main characters Gia and Arik may take the center stage of THIEF OF LIES and GUARDIAN OF SECRETS, you'll be eager to see more Nick after reading this post.

Click here to visit the Teenreads.com Blog

Love at First Page --- A Valentine's Day Bookshelf

Love is in the air here at Teenreads. With Valentine's Day this month, we are in the mood to read as many romance novels as we can get our hands on. A great romance novel gives you all of the best warm and fuzzy feelings that you definitely need during the winter. Even if you're not the biggest fan of romance novels, we feel this list has something for everyone as all of these books are way more than just a love story. On our Love at First Page Bookshelf, we've put together a list of the newest young adult contemporary romances releasing from January to March that we highly recommend you check out and add to your romance TBR. Happy Valentine's Day and happy reading!

Books to Add to Your Guy-Brary Bookshelf

We're bringing you Part 5 of our Guy-Brary feature, which focuses on boy-friendly books releasing in November and December. Whether you're looking for a fun winter read, a hard-hitting story full of drama, or yes, even a romance, you're sure to find something great on our "Books to Add to Your Guy-brary, Part 5" Bookshelf.

Teen Board Update

Monthly Question: February is in full swing and we’re in a lovey-dovey mood here at Teenreads. To get in the spirit of things, we asked our Teen Board members a few questions about book boyfriends & girlfriends, dream dates, romance novels and OTPs. Since we have 50 Teen Board members, we have split up their answers into two parts. Click here to see Part 1 and check back next time for Part 2!

Blog: TEEN HYDE vs. Jekyll and Hyde the Musical --- Guest Post by Teen Board Member Ashley D. --- Teen Board member Ashley D. recently reviewed a retelling of DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE called TEEN HYDE: High School Horror for Teenreads. Read this post to learn the special reason this topic appealed to Ashley. 

ALA Midwinter --- Guest Post by Teen Board Member Grace P. --- Every year, librarians, authors, publishing professionals, educators and students convene at ALA Midwinter, a conference held by the American Library Association. This year, Teen Board member Grace P. had the opportunity to attend and participate in a teen feedback panel. Read this post to learn about her experience!

More New Reviews

HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME by Adam Silvera (Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Tom Picasso.
When Griffin’s first love and ex-boyfriend, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, his universe implodes. Even though Theo had moved to California for college and started seeing Jackson, Griffin never doubted Theo would come back to him when the time was right. But now, the future he’s been imagining for himself has gone far off course. Reviewed by Reanna H., Teen Board Member.

GILDED CAGE by Vic James (Fantasy)
Audiobook available, narrated by Avita Jay.
Our world belongs to the Equals --- aristocrats with magical gifts --- and all commoners must serve them for 10 years. But behind the gates of England’s grandest estate lies a power that could break the world. Abi is a servant to England’s most powerful family, but when she falls for one of their noble-born sons, she faces a terrible choice. Uncovering the family’s secrets might win her liberty --- but will her heart pay the price? Abi’s brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town and makes friends whose ideals could cost him everything. Now he has discovered there may be a power even greater than magic: revolution. Luke is a shadow in the glittering world of the Equals, with mysterious powers no one else understands. But will he liberate --- or destroy? Reviewed by Catherine Rubino.

BLOOD OF WONDERLAND by Colleen Oakes (Fantasy)
Audiobook available, narrated by Moira Quirk
Dinah has been exiled from Wonderland. The vicious father she always feared has framed her for the brutal murder of her brother and turned the kingdom against her. Now hiding in the lush and mysterious Twisted Wood with only her war steed at her side, Dinah is faced with a choice --- to leave Wonderland forever, or stay and fight her father for the throne. Reviewed by Mikenzie R., Teen Board Member.

THE CAREFUL UNDRESSING OF LOVE by Corey Ann Haydu (Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Julia Whelan.
The girls of Devonairre Street have always been told they’re cursed. Any boy they love is certain to die too soon. But this is Brooklyn in 2008, and the curse is less a terror and more a lifestyle accessory --- something funky and quaint that makes the girls from the shortest street in Brooklyn special. They wear their hair long and keys around their necks. People give them a second look and whisper “Devonairre” to their friends. But it’s not real. It won’t affect their futures. Reviewed by Bryn D., Teen Board Member.

THE YOU I'VE NEVER KNOWN by Ellen Hopkins (Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Candace Thaxton.
For as long as she can remember, it’s been just Ariel and Dad. Ariel’s mom disappeared when she was a baby. Dad says home is wherever the two of them are, but Ariel is now 17 and after years of new apartments, new schools, and new faces, all she wants is to put down some roots. Complicating things are Monica and Gabe, both of whom have stirred a different kind of desire. Reviewed by Emily G., Teen Board Member.

THE WITCH'S VACUUM CLEANER AND OTHER STORIES by Terry Pratchett (Fantasy)
Audiobook available, narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt.
WITCH’S VACUUM CLEARNER is the second fabulously funny short-story collection from the late acclaimed storyteller Terry Pratchett. A follow-up to DRAGONS AT CRUMBLING CASTLE, this second batch of storytelling gems features stories written when Sir Terry was just 17-years-old and working as a junior reporter. In these pages, new Pratchett fans will find wonder, mayhem, sorcery, and delight --- and loyal readers will recognize the seeds of ideas that went on to influence his most beloved tales later in life. Reviewed by Eden Temple.

AFTER THE FALL by Kate Hart (Fiction)
Seventeen-year-old Raychel is sleeping with two boys: her overachieving best friend Matt...and his slacker brother, Andrew. Raychel sneaks into Matt’s bed after nightmares, but nothing ever happens. He doesn’t even seem to realize she’s a girl, except when he decides she needs rescuing. But Raychel doesn't want to be his girl anyway. She just needs his support as she deals with the classmate who assaulted her, the constant threat of her family’s eviction, and the dream of college slipping quickly out of reach. Reviewed by Niraja S., Teen Board Member.

THE MURDERER'S APE by Jakob Wegelius (Fiction)
Sally Jones is not only a loyal friend, she’s an extraordinary individual. In overalls or in a maharaja’s turban, this unique gorilla moves among humans without speaking but understanding everything. She and the Chief are devoted comrades who operate a cargo boat. A job they are offered pays big bucks, but the deal ends badly, and the Chief is falsely convicted of murder. Reviewed by Matthew Burbridge.

OUR OWN PRIVATE UNIVERSE by Robin Talley (Romance)
No, it isn't that kind of theory. Aki already knows she's bisexual --- even if, until now, it's mostly been in the hypothetical sense. Aki has dated only guys so far, and her best friend, Lori, is the only person who knows she likes girls, too.  Actually, Aki's theory is that she's got only one shot at living an interesting life—and that means she's got to stop sitting around and thinking so much. It's time for her to actually do something. Or at least try. Reviewed by Emma B., Teen Board Member.

WAIT FOR ME by Caroline Leech (Historical Fiction)
It’s 1945, and Lorna Anderson’s life on her father’s farm in Scotland consists of endless chores and rationing, knitting Red Cross scarves, and praying for an Allied victory. So when Paul Vogel, a German prisoner of war, is assigned as the new farmhand, Lorna is appalled. How can she possibly work alongside the enemy when her own brothers are risking their lives for their country? Reviewed by Erin Siu.

FIRE COLOR ONE by Jenny Valentine (Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Gemma Dawson.
Iris’s father is dying, and her self-interested mother is determined to claim his life’s fortune, including his priceless art collection. Forced to live with him as part of an exploitive scheme, Iris quickly realizes her father is far different from the man she’s been schooled to hate, and everything she thought she knew --- about her father and herself --- is suddenly unclear. But there may be hidden beauty in Iris’s uncertain past and hopeful future, if only she can see beyond the flames. Reviewed by Grace P., Teen Board Member.

February Poll

Click here to take our poll.