There’s nothing I love more than looking ahead at the many amazing new speculative fiction book titles on the horizon. Many of the books I’ve chosen for this list are continuations of some of my all-time favorite series and are worth some attention for sure.
“Apex” by Mercedes Lackey, No. 3 in the Hunter series: Sept. 5
Mercedes Lackey strikes again! “Hunter” and “Elite” are easily my favorite young adult fiction releases from the last couple of years. They have interesting characters, great action, awesome fantasy elements (with a slight dystopian twist), and a storyline revolving in no small part around competition. I totally devoured them and have been waiting impatiently all year for the next book.
“Oathbringer” by Brandon Sanderson, No. 3 in the Stormlight Archive series: Nov. 14
I imagine “Oathbringer” is No. 1 on most people’s list of most anticipated releases of 2017. “The Way of Kings” and “Words of Radiance” are two of the best books I’ve ever read, and I consider them must-reads for the genre. Having read everything Sanderson has on the market, I’m justifiably confident that this third Stormlight Archive book is going to be amazing! I can’t wait!
“Into the Bright Unknown” by Rae Carson, No. 3 in the Goldseer series: Oct. 10
Carson’s Girl of Fire and Thorns Trilogy is my all-time favorite teen fantasy series, and I have to say that even though “Walk on Earth a Stranger” and “Like a River Glorious” leaned more towards historical fiction than fantasy, I enjoyed them immensely. This author writes amazing characters and compelling plot lines and completely immerses her readers into her stories. I have no doubt “Into the Bright Unknown” will be a stellar conclusion to this great series.
![[May 16, 2017] Assassin's Fate by Robin Hobb](https://nikihawkes.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/assassins-fate-by-robin-hobb.jpg?w=105)
“Assassin’s Fate” by Robin Hobb, No. 3 in the Fitz and the Fool series: May 16
I’m very passionate about Hobb’s epic Fitz and the Fool saga. There have been so many profound moments throughout it, and it only seems to get more poignant with each book. I’m especially excited for “Assassin’s Fate” because it’s likely going to incorporate characters from The Rain Wilds series (which focused heavily on dragons), so I couldn’t be more excited. This is the sort of armchair adventure series that’s guaranteed to be a good read every time. I can’t wait!
“Midnight Jewel” by Richelle Mead, No. 2 in the Glittering Court series: June 27
Mead has long been one of my top authors. “The Glittering Court” was the perfect cure for my Selection (the series by Kiera Cass) hangover. It had smart writing, girls in pretty dresses, and a fun dynamic between all the characters. Even though the story took an odd turn (for my tastes, anyway), I’m still eager to see where things go in “Midnight Jewel.”
“Iron Gold” by Pierce Brown, No. 1 in the Iron Gold series: Oct. 31
If you haven’t yet read “Red Rising” (check out my trilogy review), chances are good that you’ve at least heard of it. And let me assure you that it’s worth every bit of the hype it receives. “Iron Gold” is a next-generation continuation of the story, and you’d better believe I’m excited to read it. Brown created such a cool framework for his society, and I am most eager to see how it has evolved after the events of “Morning Star.” October can’t come too soon!
“Stone Sky” by N.K. Jemisin: Aug. 15
I raved about this series in my reviews of “Fifth Season” and “Obelisk Gate” and can’t imagine “Stone Sky” being any less brilliant. It’s such a unique story. Maybe it’s a little hokey on occasion, but I guarantee you’ve never read anything quite like it. I’m mostly looking forward to having all of my questions answered … there are so many layers of mystery in this series that will hopefully come together with a bang.
“Persepolis Rising” by James S.A. Corey, No. 7 in the Expanse series: Nov. 7
The Expanse series is easily my favorite space-opera science fiction on the market. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book so far and hope “Persepolis Rising” regains some of that awesome momentum that “Babylon’s Ashes” was missing. The series has a lot of action, great characters, and tons of memorable moments. If you haven’t picked it up yet, what are you waiting for? It’s awesome!
“Legion of Flame” by Anthony Ryan, No. 2 in the Draconis Memoria series: June 27
“The Waking Fire” is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It felt like it was written just for me! From dragons and adventure to steampunk and so much more, it was awesome! “Sandrunners: A Draconis Memoria Short Story” was pretty good, but it didn’t do much to hold me over. I’m so excited for “Legion of Flame” that I can hardly stand it. Is it June yet?
“Obsidian and Stars” by Julie Eshbaugh, No. 2 in the Ivory and Bone series: June 13
If you caught my recent review of “Ivory and Bone,” you’ll remember me saying that I really enjoyed the book but had a few issues with the logistics feeling a bit forced. Eshbaugh was modeling the story after “Pride and Prejudice,” trying to follow the same basic storyline. I am really hopeful that this sequel will feel a little more organic and free-flowing. I’m anticipating liking it even more. “Ivory and Bone” had such a cool prehistoric setting that I find myself already eager for more!
With so many great upcoming releases, I feel I still have the best of 2017 to look forward to. Please note that release dates are subject to change at any moment (and do), so don’t take my word as final. Happy reading!
Want more book reviews? Check out my website at nikihawkes.com.
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