Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: Selection #2
Genre: Teen Fiction
Release Date: April 23, 2013
The first book in this series (The Selection) caught my eye the moment it came in. The storyline is an interesting combination of futuristic ideals found in the Matched trilogy and the classic story of rags to riches… with a twist. I will definitely be reading this series before the year is out.
Title: Blackshore
Author: Tracy & Laura Hickman
Series: Tales of the Dragon’s Bard #2
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: April 9, 2013
As a big fan of anything Tracy Hickman produced with Margaret Weis, I am forced to admit I haven’t read anything he’s done independently or with his wife, Laura. This is double ultimate shame for me because he lives in my hometown. In any case, I really like the concept behind this particular series: a bard earns his freedom from a dragon by promising him a bunch of new stories… he’s just has to go discover them first. Each book is a compilation of the tales the bard discovers in different places: the first place, Eventide, the second, Blackshore.
Title: The Rising
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising #3
Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance
Release Date: April 9, 2013
I have had loads of great feedback on other books by this author, but have yet to get any definitive opinions on this series. Near as I can tell, if you liked the Darkest Powers trilogy, you’ll probably like these, as they’re meant to be a companion series.
I’ve made it a personal goal to read at least one book by this author by the end of the year. Who knows, maybe it will turn up as a nomination in the Your Pick for Nik! book club…
Title: Dead Silence
Author: Kimberly Derting
Series: Body Finder #3
Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance
Release Date: April 16, 2013
With a rather unique idea for a series, the “Body Finder” books have an incredibly interesting concept: 16 year-old Violet Ambrose has the ability to sense dead bodies, or rather, the negative energy and emotion that’s left behind when someone is murdered. I’ve been meaning to pick this series up for a while now because both of my go-to girls for teen book recommends really enjoyed them. Because of this, I can say with confidence that they’re worth reading!
Title: Blood of Dragons
Author: Robin Hobb
Series: Rain Wilds Chronicles #4
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: April 9, 2013
I have to say this is one of the few books I’ll probably drop everything to read as soon as it comes out. As I’ve said before in my review of Assassin’s Apprentice, Robin Hobb is my favorite go-to author when I need a guaranteed good read! The ending of one of her books is partially what inspired me to start this book blog, and I simply can’t praise her works enough! Her writing is effortless and beautiful, her characters are real and compelling, and her story-lines are totally fulfilling. If you like fantasy and haven’t read her yet, you are sorely missing out!
Title: Emblaze
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Series: Embrace #3
Genre: Teen Fantasy
Release Date: March 1, 2013
As one of the 10 nominations in February’s Your Pick for Nik! feature, the first book in this series has been one that I’ve wanted to read for ages now! Its a book about a fallen angel who is faced with some tough choices as she is thrust into a conflict between good and evil. Seeing new books out in series I’ve got my eye on always gets me more excited to read them. Hopefully by the time book #3 comes out, I will be more than ready for it!
Here’s some information about book #1 of this series:
Title: Embrace
Overview: It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…” On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice. Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It’s a battle Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden.
*Images and overview taken from bn.com
The Obsessive Bookseller 