The Roaring 20s: Books to keep an eye out for in 2020

As the year wraps up, there’s excitement in the air. A new crop of books is waiting to be read in the new year. With so many coming out, it’s hard to know which ones to read. Of course, you could read them all, but here are some of my favorites taht will be released in 2020.

WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT by Isabel Ibañez

January 7th

“Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.

When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.

She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.”

This book is on the top of my TBR list. It’s a gorgeous Bolivian-inspired fantasy and with the politics happening in Bolivia, this book could not come out at a better time. If you’re interested in rich world building, this is a book for you.

ALL THE STARS AND TEETH by Adalyn Grace

February 4th

“As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.”

This is one of my favorite books of not only next year, but of all time. It’s witty and bloody and captivating. The world drips with magic that you can practically taste (you can also practically taste all the food!) and the crew of the Keel Haul welcomes the reader in to their adventure. If you’re a fan of pirates, magic, and tough princesses, I highly suggest you pick up ATSAT.

THE WITCHES OF WILLOW COVE by Josh Roberts

May 26th

“It’s not easy being a teenage witch. Seventh grader Abby Shepherd is just getting the hang of it when weird stuff starts happening all around her hometown of Willow Cove. Green slime bubbling to life in science class. Giant snakes slithering around the middle school gym. Her best friend suddenly keeping secrets and telling lies.

Things only begin to make sense when a stranger named Miss Winters reveals that Abby isn’t the only young witch in town—and that Willow Cove is home to a secret past that connects them all. Miss Winters, herself a witch, even offers to teach Abby and the others everything she knows about witchcraft.

But as Abby learns more about Miss Winters’ past, she begins to suspect her new mentor is keeping secrets of her own. Can Abby trust her, or does Miss Winters have something wicked planned for the young witches of Willow Cove?”

When I first read this book, I exclaimed that I’d forgotten how much fun Middle Grade novels are, for this is what this book is. It’s fun and captivating with a group of girls learning to not only be witches, but friends. You can read an interview with the author, Josh Roberts here. If you like light-hearted adventures with a magic that seeps into your bones, pick up THE WITCHES OF WILLOW COVE.

FOREST OF SOULS by Lori M. Lee

June 23rd

“Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she’s intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen’s next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo.

And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life.

Unveiled as the first lightwender in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood—an ancient forest possessed by souls—to enforce peace between the kingdoms. Now, with the trees growing wild and untamed, only a lightwender can restrain them. As war looms, Sirscha must master her newly awakened abilities before the trees shatter the brittle peace, or worse, claim Saengo, the friend she would die for. ”

It’s been awhile since I’ve read an assassin book that captivated me. This did so much more. There are drakes and arrogant princes, best friends and hidden pasts. If you’re a fan of heroes struggling to find their way and excellent sword fighting, I highly suggest FOREST OF SOULS.

What other books are you looking forward to in 2020?