A couple of weeks ago I read Cecil Castellucci‘s August 2010 release, Rose Sees Red (review to come), so when I knew that she would be coming to Montreal for a reading last weekend, I made sure I was there. While I normally focus on new releases, I couldn’t help but pick up copies of her older books Boy Proof, The Queen Of Cool, and Beige. Can I tell you a secret?…I’ve already read all three of them! (yes, more reviews coming!) If you haven’t read any of these backlist titles, then I have to say that not only am I excited about sharing my thoughts on what the author considers her Los Angeles Trilogy, but also I’m thinking that you’ll love these coming-of-age tales too.
Now, there are still four other books that I’m excited to have received literally in my mailbox last week, and I hope that you’re just as excited about hearing what books you’re going to be hearing more about on YABookShelf.com. First is a book that I’ve been anticipating all summer long, and I’m sure that many of you have been too if we’re being honest. Last Tuesday, the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins made it’s way into my mailbox. If you read my site at all last week, then you’ll know that I’ve already read and reviewed Mockingjay, but if you haven’t stopped by, then you can still check it out. All that I can say is that if you haven’t read this series yet, then it kind of is a must read whether you’re a YA reader or an adult who has never been into the YA novel scene.
When it comes to September 2010 releases, I received a couple that you might want to check out for yourself. If you haven’t heard of Nancy Werlin‘s previous novels, then now is the time to check out the latest one, Extraordinary. This novel is about a girl named Phoebe, who finds herself drawn to the new girl Mallory until they’re almost like sisters, but when Mallory’s older brother Ryland puts an exciting and dangerous hold on Phoebe, things begin to change. Do you think Phoebe will be able to resist the age-old debt that these siblings expect her to pay? Pick up this book yourself on September 7th or read my review to find out more. Another September 7th release is the new middle grade novel by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson called The Familiars follows the adventures of three wizards-in-training’s familiars, Aldwyn the cat, Skyler the blue jay and Gilbert a tree frog, who need to save their loyals from the clutches of the evil queen of Vastia. I’m looking forward to being drawn into the mix of heart, action and humor as these familiars find out the power of themselves and their friendship. Looking forward to any of these September titles?
Pamela Keyes‘ The Jumbee is an October, 2010 YA release that re-tells the Phantom of the Opera with a Caribbean twist. If you’re like me, then you aren’t familiar with the original tale, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get seduced by the lush scenery of the West Indies and the eerie mystery that shrouds Esti Legard, who starts theater school on Cariba with the hopes of stepping out from the shadows of her famous acting father. As she struggles between the alluring voice and drama teacher who speaks to her from the dark recesses of the theater and her attraction to the local bad boy Rafe, a number of unexplainable accidents begin happening on the set of Romeo and Juliet. Are the islanders right and could Esti’s secret mentor be a wicked ghost, or jumbee?
Whether you’re interested in realistic YA novels about identity, the stunning conclusion to a Dystopian series, a trip into the faerie realm, an adventure with talking animals or a suspenseful romance, you’ll have a lot to be excited about the books in my mailbox. Have you read any of these novels before? Are you looking forward to any of these new or soon-to-be-released novels? I’d love to know what ones you’re most excited about…who knows another giveaway might be in your future!
Melissa has always been a voracious reader of fiction and has an M.A. in English Literature to prove it. Like many other adults, she got caught up in the young adult crossover fiction phenomenon. Now, one of her great joys comes from sharing her love of YA lit on this popular review site. Come with expectations of intellect, magic, and honest reviews, and you won’t be disappointed.
