September 16: "The Infinite Sea" —
Rick Yancey returns to the world of his critically acclaimed novel "The Fifth Wave" with its sequel, "The Infinite Sea." In this sci-fi thriller series, Yancey's young characters explore a post-apocalyptic world where aliens inhabit the Earth and resemble humans. Booklist calls it "a breathless, grueling survival story kicked off by a gut-wrenching concept." Click through our gallery to see 39 other young adult books coming out in September and October.
September 16: 'Made For You' —
Melissa Marr, author of the bestselling Wicked Lovely series, returns with a thriller. Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital trying to remember why someone tried to kill her. When she discovers that she can foresee people's deaths when they touch her, the mystery deepens. Booklist says readers will enjoy how "this twisted modern southern gothic tale unfolds through the multiple perspectives."
September 16: 'I'll Give You the Sun' —
Jandy Nelson, author of "The Sky is Everywhere," returns with "I'll Give You the Sun." Twins Jude and Noah each tell half of this story. They were close until their lives went in different directions. Now, an unpredictable force will bring them back together. "Nelson's novel brims with emotion (grief, longing, and love in particular) as Noah, Jude, and the broken individuals in their lives find ways to heal," according to Publishers Weekly.
September 16: 'Get Even' —
Four high school girls team up to anonymously get their revenge on bullies in Gretchen McNeil's "Get Even." Billed as "The Breakfast Club" meets "Pretty Little Liars," "Get Even" centers on members of the Don't Get Mad club. When one of their targets ends up dead, it seems that someone wants revenge on the revenge-takers themselves. "The suspense that McNeil builds should keep readers curious to discover what happens next in this planned series," says Publishers Weekly.
September 16: 'Jackaby' —
Fans of "Sherlock Holmes" might enjoy "Jackaby" by William Ritter. Abigail Rook serves as an ordinary but invaluable assistant to supernatural investigator R.F. Jackaby. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a magical mystery tour de force with a high body count and a list of unusual suspects" that "demands sequels."
September 16: 'Sway' —
The classic tale of Cyrano de Bergerac gets a new twist in Kat Spears' "Sway." Jesse, known as "Sway," can get you anything you want for the right price or a favor. While trying to help a bully get a date with nice girl, Jesse finds himself falling for her. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a compelling debut told with swagger and real depth."
September 16: 'Blackbird' —
Sunny wakes up to face a train hurtling toward her on the subway track with no memory of her identity. But everyone she encounters seems eager to kill her. She has few clues about her past, including a blackbird tattoo and dreams of a mysterious young man. Kirkus Reviews says "this edgy, action-packed thriller gives future genre offerings something to aspire to."
September 23: 'Afterworlds' —
Scott Westerfeld's latest is a story within a story featuring high-schooler Darcy Patel, whose novel "Afterworlds" is about a girl who escapes a terrorist attack.
September 23: 'Tabula Rasa' —
Kristen Lippert-Martin's debut novel, "Tabula Rasa," has been described as "The Bourne Identity" meets "Divergent." Sarah has the chance to undergo a new procedure that will give her troubled memory a blank slate. But her surgery is interrupted by a team of soldiers and Pierce, a teen computer hacker, giving Sarah a chance to figure out her past and her future at the same time. Publishers Weekly says "both Sarah and Pierce are layered and appealing characters."
September 23: 'On a Clear Day' —
"On a Clear Day" is the first of three books by beloved author Walter Dean Myers to be published posthumously. It follows a diverse group of young activists trying to make a difference and fight injustice in 2035. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a clarion call from a beloved, much-missed master."
September 23: 'Firebug' —
In a world of vampires, "werefoxes" and "dryads," Ava is a firebug who can set fires with her mind. She's also an indentured assassin, but things change when she refuses to do her job. Author Lish McBride's heroine presents "a refreshing change from the endless parade of naive heroines found elsewhere," according to Kirkus Reviews.
September 23: 'Unmade' —
Sarah Rees Brennan's Lynburn Legacy trilogy comes to an end in "Unmade." Magic comes to life when Kami must stop a powerful member of an old family from destroying her sleepy little English town. The Horn Book likened Kami to a "British Veronica Mars."
September 23: 'Skink -- No Surrender' —
Carl Hiaasen returns to the wilds of Florida swamps with a beloved character for his first young adult, "Skink -- No Surrender." Skink, former-governor-turned-reprobate from previous Hiaasen novels, teams up with fatherless Richard to help the young man find his cousin, who ran off with someone she met on the Internet. Skink and Richard bond over the bizarre shenanigans that ensue. Booklist says "Reluctant readers (especially guys) will surrender themselves to this page-turner."
September 30: 'Party Games' —
R.L. Stine returns to his wildly popular Fear Street series with the first original title in 15 years. When Shadyside High School senior Brendan Fear has a birthday party at his parents' summer house on Fear Island, things go from bad to worse. "The author's instinct for creative kills remains strong," according to Kirkus Reviews.
September 30: 'Unmarked' —
Bestselling "Beautiful Creatures" co-author Kami Garcia returns with the second installment of her Legion series in "Unmarked." In a world of ghosts and demons, Kennedy Waters and her fellow Legion members have to hunt down a demon she accidentally set free, revealing more about the Legion's history. Kirkus Reviews says "Fans hungry for more Legion tales will be left waiting breathlessly for Garcia's next installment."
September 30: 'Schizo' —
In Nic Sheff's "Schizo," Miles is on a chemical cocktail meant to keep his schizophrenia under control. But the only way to rid himself of grief over his missing younger brother, Teddy, is to go on a journey in search of him. "Given the grim reality of medical management of schizophrenia (and the bleakness of depictions of it in teen fiction), the cautious optimism of Miles' life is most welcome," according to Kirkus Reviews.
September 30: 'Love is the Drug' —
Emily Bird might be privy to one of the biggest government scandals in Alaya Dawn Johnson's "Love is the Drug." The only person she can trust with her secrets is Coffee, a drug-dealing conspiracy theorist. "Johnson blends high school drama, cloak-and-dagger intrigue, race and class inequities, coming of age, and a passionate love story," according to Publishers Weekly.
Septrember 30: 'Belzhar' —
Celebrated author Meg Wolitzer makes her young adult debut with "Belzhar." After her boyfriend's death, Jam Gallahue is sent to a boarding school for fragile teens. But one class offers Jam and her classmates a chance to slip into an alternate reality. Readers will enjoy the allusions to Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar." Kirkus Reviews calls it "an enticing blend of tragedy, poetry, surrealism and redemption."
October 7: 'The Fall' —
Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" is reimagined in Bethany Griffin's "The Fall." The Ushers are cursed to live and die within the House of Usher, but when Madeline Usher fights to detach herself from its entrapment, the eerie home begins to drive her mad. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a standout take on the classic haunted-house tale replete with surprises around every shadowy corner."
October 7: 'Black Ice' —
"Hush, Hush" author Becca Fitzpatrick returns with "Black Ice," a novel packed with romance and suspense. When their car breaks down in a blizzard, two friends take shelter in a nearby cabin, only to find that they are not alone. There are three young men and the dead body of a missing girl, but which one is the killer? "Plenty of thrills and some kissing too," says Kirkus Reviews.
October 7: 'The Young Elites' —
Marie Lu's "The Young Elites" has been described as a blend of video game "Assassin's Creed" and "X-Men." It follows Adelina, who acquired both scars and rare gifts during a deadly plague, making her and other survivors powerful and feared. "Lu's story explores the idea that what damages you gives you strength, but often with a price," according to Booklist.
October 7: 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' —
"If You Could Be Mine" author Sara Farizan returns with a coming-out story in "Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel." At the center of a multilayered story of subplots, love triangles and quirky characters is the simple tale of how Leila falls for Saskia. The hard part is keeping it a secret from her conservative Persian family and the rest of the school. Publishers Weekly calls it "a welcome addition to the coming-out/coming-of-age genre."
October 7: 'The Blood of Olympus' —
Rick Riordan's "The Heroes of Olympus" series concludes with "The Blood of Olympus." Percy Jackson and his band of young demigod friends will fight with giants to protect the world in this exciting final installment. No advance praise was available, but fans are eagerly anticipating the book's release.
October 7: 'The Perfectionists' —
"Pretty Little Liars" author Sara Shepard returns with another gossip-laden thriller in "The Perfectionists." Nolan is the most popular guy in school until he ends up dead at his own party. It appears that five girls were at the party to seek revenge, and each one has their own dark story arc. Kirkus Reviews calls it "suspenseful and juicy."
October 8: 'Sweet Unrest' —
In "Sweet Unrest," Lucy Aimes bounces between dreams and reality after her family moves into an old Louisiana plantation. Lisa Maxwell's southern Gothic is full of voodoo and forbidden romance. Kirkus Reviews says "debut author Maxwell tackles slavery, segregation and racial tensions admirably and offers a time-transcending romance."
October 9: 'Althea and Oliver' —
Fans of Rainbow Rowell's "Eleanor and Park" will enjoy debut author Cristina Moracho's trip back to the 1990s in "Althea and Oliver." The lifelong best friends begin to fall for each other until Oliver is diagnosed with "Sleeping Beauty syndrome," causing him to sleep for weeks and remember nothing. Nothing is ever the same after he does something during an "episode" to obliterate their friendship. Booklist calls it "an older, edgier read-alike to Rainbow Rowell's 'Eleanor & Park.' "
October 14: 'The Cure for Dreaming' —
In "The Cure for Dreaming," Cat Winters returns to the Gothic flavor of her Morris Award finalist novel "In the Shadow of Blackbirds." Olivia Mead is a suffragist in 1900, and her father decides to have the independence hypnotized out of her. Instead, she acquires the ability to see the true nature of people without being able to speak of it. Kirkus Reviews calls it a "gripping, atmospheric story of mind control and self-determination."
October 14: 'Clariel' —
"Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen" is the long-awaited prequel to Garth Nix's bestselling Old Kingdom epic fantasy series. While Clariel's parents are trying to marry her off to a killer, a dangerous Free Magic creature is on the loose, and a plot brews against the king. She must try to solve everything through sorcery she finds within herself. Publishers Weekly says "this superb tale is exactly the book fans of the series have been awaiting."
October 14: 'Snow Like Ashes' —
Sarah Raasch's debut fantasy novel will appeal to fans of "Game of Thrones" and Kristin Cashore's Graceling series. The Kingdom of Winter was conquered 16 years ago and its citizens enslaved. Their fate rests on eight escapees including Meira, who trains to be a warrior and is willing to do anything to win back Winter's freedom. Kirkus Reviews says "this heavy high fantasy manages moments of humor and beauty for a satisfying read."
October 14: 'Mortal Gods' —
Kendare Blake returns to her Goddess War series with "Mortal Gods." Greek gods and goddesses are fighting one another in modern-day renderings of battles they had in ancient times, and well-known characters of Troy are teenagers. But now, all of the gods and goddesses are dying. Blake is considered one of the "best up-and-coming horror/suspense writers around" by Kirkus Reviews.
October 14: 'Stitching Snow' —
R.C. Lewis reimagines the tale of Snow White in sci-fi setting in "Stitching Snow." Essie is the long-lost Princess Snow, who hides out in a mining settlement with her seven drones and codes machines until Dane crash-lands into her world and discovers her true identity. Kirkus Reviews calls it "a fine addition to the ever popular subgenre of fairy-tale adaptations."
October 14: 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' —
The con artist in Mary Elizabeth Summer's "Trust Me, I'm Lying" is only 15, but Julep is already practiced in the art thanks to her father. She's a fixer for her classmates to pay her tuition, but it becomes more of a struggle when her father goes missing. Kirkus Reviews says "a memorable debut; here's hoping for a lot more from Summer."
October 14: 'My True Love Gave to Me' —
October isn't too early to embrace the holiday spirit, especially in a collection of Christmas and Hannukah-themed stories from some of the biggest names in the business. "My True Love Gave to Me" includes stories by David Leviathan, Matt de la Peña, Kelly Link, Holly Black, Gayle Forman, Ally Carter, Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor, Kiersten White, Jenny Han and Myra McEntire. Kirkus Reviews says "it's that rarest of short story collections: There's not a single lump of coal."
October 14: 'Redeemed' —
Mother-daughter writing duo P.C. and Kristin Cast deliver the final installment in their bestselling "House of Night" series with "Redeemed." The vampire series comes to a close in a classic battle of light versus dark to determine who is redeemed and who is lost forever. The main character "Zoey's strength comes from her difference—a theme that has been consistent throughout the series," according to Kirkus Reviews.
October 21: 'How It Went Down' —
When 16-year-old Tariq is shot and killed by a white man everyone has a perspective on what actually happened. The incident divides the community in a way that bears eery similarities to the situation in Ferguson, Missouri. School Library Journal calls it "an important book about perception and race."
October 28: 'Talon' —
Julie Kagawa, author of "Iron Fey" and "Blood of Immortals" series, starts from scratch with the first book in the "Talon" saga. In this world, dragons can disguise themselves as humans, but an order of warriors tries to track them down. When two of these sworn enemies become friends, everything changes. "Kagawa knows just how to end a first volume for maximum cliff-hanger drama," according to Booklist.
October 28: "Atlantia" —
Ally Condie, known for her popular "Matched" trilogy, goes underwater for "Atlantia." Siren Rio wants to explore life beyond her underwater city, but when her sister, Bay, is snatched away from her, Rio has to embrace who she is and learn more about the strange city where she lives. The story leads up to "an unexpected finale that brings in bewildering new elements," according to Publisher's Weekly.
October 28: "Eternal" —
"Eternal" is the second book in C.C. Hunter's spin-off series "Shadow Falls: After Dark" of her popular "Shadow Falls" quintet. Shadow Falls is a camp where supernatural teens can learn how to harness their powers. In this installment, Della embraces the feeling of belonging at Shadow Falls, hoping to prove herself as a paranormal investigator. Reviewers consistently call the "Shadow Falls" books "action-packed" and full of romance.
October 28: "UnDivided" —
Neal Shusterman's "Unwind Dystology" comes to an end with the fourth volume, "UnDivided." The series has evolved from teens being on the run, after a Second Civil War gave parents the right to retroactively get rid of children by transplanting their organs into new bodies, to teens controlling the fate of America. Kirkus Reviews says "everything culminates in an action-packed, heart-wrenching conclusion guaranteed to chill readers to the bone."
October 28: "Blue Lily, Lily Blue" —
"Blue Lily, Lily Blue" is the third installment in Maggie Stiefvater's popular "The Raven Cycle" series. Blue Sargent, who has always been told that kissing her true love will cause his death, once stayed away from the rich boys at the academy. Now, those Raven Boys are the only people she can trust. But when they share their problems, everything could fall apart and betrayal is on the horizon. "The tone, at once mysterious and foreboding, is a perfect match for the material. 'Blue Lily, Lily Blue' is, simply, a triumph," according to Booklist.
