Welcome to May 2022, bookworms! Just look at this awesome list of new young adult reads—of the fantasy and sci-fi variety, of course!
Check out the list below (organized by release date)!
May 3rd
By Maggie Stiefvater
What if you had one year to save everything you loved?
ONE PRINCESS. Merida of DunBroch needs a change. She loves her family—jovial King Fergus, proper Queen Elinor, the mischievous triplets—and her peaceful kingdom. But she's frustrated by its sluggishness; each day, the same. Merida longs for adventure, purpose, challenge—maybe even, someday, love.
TWO GODS. But the fiery Princess never expects her disquiet to manifest by way of Feradach, an uncanny supernatural being tasked with rooting out rot and stagnation, who appears in DunBroch on Christmas Eve with the intent to demolish the realm - and everyone within. Only the intervention of the Cailleach, an ancient entity of creation, gives Merida a shred of hope: convince her family to change within the year - or suffer the eternal consequences.
THREE VOYAGES. Under the watchful eyes of the gods, Merida leads a series of epic journeys to kingdoms near and far in an attempt to inspire revolution within her family. But in her efforts to save those she loves from ruin, has Merida lost sight of the Clan member grown most stagnant of all—herself?
FOUR SEASONS TO SAVE DUNBROCH—OR SEE IT DESTROYED, FOREVER.
By Rin Chupeco
The second book in the A Hundred Names for Magic trilogy, an unforgettable alternative history fairy-tale series from the author of The Bone Witch about found family, modern day magic, and finding the place you belong.
Tala, Alex, and the rest of their friends are safe for now, but know the Snow Queen is still out there. They have to be prepared for when she eventually attacks—and all decide to do so in their own way.
When Ryker comes out of the woodwork, showing himself when he starts attacking American detention facilities and freeing refugees. And the Nameless Sword, a legendary weapon that according to Avalon legend, will make its wielder the most powerful warrior of their time turns up with her name on it, Tala's life gets messier...But when the Snow Queen arrives with an unlikely ally, the group will have to work together.
By Daniel José Older
Almost sixteen years ago, Mateo Matisse's island homeland disappeared into the sea. Weary and hopeless, the survivors of San Madrigal's sinking escaped to New York.
While the rest of his tight-knit Brooklyn diaspora community dreams of someday finding a way back home, Mateo—now a high school junior and piano prodigy living with his two aunts (one who's alive, the other not so much)—is focused on one thing: getting the attention of locally-grown musical legend Gerval. Mateo finally gets his chance on the night of the Grand Fete, an annual party celebrating the blended culture of pirates, Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews that created San Madrigal all those centuries ago.
But the evil that sank their island has finally caught up with them, and on the night of the celebration, Mateo's life is forever changed when he witnesses a brutal murder by a person he thought he knew.
Suddenly Mateo is thrust into an ancient battle that spans years and oceans. Deadly secrets are unraveled and Mateo awakens a power within himself—a power that not only links him to the killer but could also hold the key to unlocking the dark mystery behind his lost homeland.
By Bryan Davis
This fast-paced YA space opera (reminiscent of Star Wars) follows a strong female protagonist, Megan, on an interplanetary search for her mother. On her journey, Megan witnesses the horrors of child trafficking and slavery and joins with a group of other teens to fight against corrupt systems and stand up for the vulnerable.
Full of unusual characters and daring escapes, Search for the Astral Dragon draws readers into a world of snarky spaceship computer systems, a variety of different sentient species, spaceship tech, and magical elements. Megan is smart and quick-thinking, competent with spacecraft technology, and a person of strong character who’s experiences give readers difficult questions to consider.
May 4th
By various authors
Be careful what you wish for...it just might come true... Join the authors of Wicked Wishes as they explore all the ways a simple wish can go horribly wrong! Will these characters be able to set things right again? Or is that just wishful thinking? 100% of proceeds from his anthology will benefit The World Literacy Foundation, a global not-for-profit that works to lift young people out of poverty through literacy. Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2003, the World Literacy Foundation operates on the principle that education is a basic human right.
May 10th
By Sarah M. Cradit
This book is upper YA/NA and may contain adult themes.
Marry your enemy. Dare to survive. Yesenia Warwick artfully dodges her father’s talks of marriage, set on proving she is just as capable as her brothers. Her three loves—kin, homeland, and independence—are all she needs. Corin Quinlanden suffers under the cruel contempt of his ruthless father and brother as they scheme and plot from their castle in the trees. He’s given up wishing for happiness. A strategic marriage, far from home, is as high as he dare dream. But the king of this realm has his own plan. Everything the gilded Quinlandens have “earned” was stolen from the Warwicks. So when all the leaders of the realm are summoned to a celebration with the king, both houses approach this fete balancing on a sharp blade’s edge. But the king’s celebration quickly turns to horror. The lords and ladies can only watch, helpless, as the devious king masterminds a series of marriages between their children, spinning the kingdom into chaos. Brash, fearless Yesenia Warwick is now the unwilling bride of tender-hearted Corin Quinlanden. Neither her silver-tongued wit, nor her unmatched skill with daggers, can erase what has been done. The choice ahead of her is simple, but impossible. Embrace her dangerous new life in the den of her enemy, or send the kingdom to war.
By Kelsey Kicklighter
A fae girl with a human heart. A Seelie Queen with a penchant for stealing mortals. And an Unseelie King who will have to give up his throne. On the coast of Georgia, there's a small southern town where faeries still take changelings. Faye lost her mother to the Folk, but has spent her whole life longing for a glimpse - however brief - behind the veil. When Faye finds her way in, she also finds the truth of why the dark and alluring world of the Folk has always called to her: she's half-faerie, and heir to the Dark Court's throne.
When the rival court steals her best friend, she'll have to claim her crown to get her back. But that means learning how to use her glamour so she can face three deadly trials - and not falling for the dark and brooding king she's meant to be replacing, or the nymph-turned-knight teaching her to fight.
May 17th
By Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber
A high-stakes fantasy rom-com about twin princesses separated at birth—one raised as the crown princess, and the other taken as an infant and raised to kidnap her sister, steal the crown, and avenge the parents' murders—the first novel in a new YA duology from bestselling UK authors Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber. Perfect for fans of The Selection, My Lady Jane, and Caraval.
Wren Greenrock has always known that one day she would steal her sister’s place in the palace. Trained from birth to return to the place of her parents’ murder and usurp the only survivor, she will do anything to rise to power and protect the community of witches she loves. Or she would, if only a certain palace guard wasn’t quite so distractingly attractive, and if her reckless magic didn’t have a habit of causing trouble…
Princess Rose Valhart knows that with power comes responsibility. Marriage into a brutal kingdom awaits, and she will not let a small matter like waking up in the middle of the desert in the company of an extremely impertinent (and handsome) kidnapper get in the way of her royal duty. But life outside the palace walls is wilder and more beautiful than she ever imagined, and the witches she has long feared might turn out to be the family she never knew she was missing.
Two sisters separated at birth and raised into entirely different worlds are about to get to know each other’s lives a whole lot better. But as coronation day looms closer and they each strive to claim their birthright, the sinister Kingsbreath, Willem Rathborne, becomes increasingly determined that neither will succeed. Who will ultimately rise to power and wear the crown?
May 18th
By Ben Green
In Shadows of Silver returns you to the same wondrous world of book 1, deep beneath the Rocky Mountains filled with metalcraft, mystical settings, goofy friend groups, family drama, and everyday magic.
It's been a long winter for Clayson Brightstorm. After months of searching for a solution to his curse, he still cannot sleep restfully in the Loamin world. Nor can he rid himself of a single reoccurring dream—a snapshot from his grandfather’s memories fixated on a dark and haunting mineshaft.
Meanwhile, Rugnus and Andalynn are preoccupied, working feverishly, night and day, to prepare for the StoneYoke Festival. For the first time in centuries, the citizens of Whurrimduum and Tungsten City will gather for an unprecedented celebration of unity.
Despite his restlessness, Clayson agrees to attend the celebration. But as Andalynn begins the opening ceremony, terror strikes the central amphitheater. Unable to budge or access bluelink, millions of Loamin watch horrified as the very preparations for the festival turn against them.
When the dust settles, suspicion falls on Clayson. The council enlists a beautiful and clever paladin to investigate the origin of the attack. Despite the risk, Clayson finds himself drawn to the paladin’s intelligence and mystery. He’ll need to keep his friends and family close—as well as a good shield—for mortal danger is only a dungeon away.
By Cait Marie
A prophecy foretold by the stars. A fragile treaty between two kingdoms. A web of lies to unweave.
Growing up, Princess Adalina loved nothing more than to read her fairy tales and play out her favorite stories with her older brother, Shane, and best friend, Phillip. Now, with their kingdom on the brink of war, those tales might be the only hope of saving their people.
And it starts with finding the Nihryst—a group of legendary immortal warriors, supposedly cursed by the royal siblings’ ancestors over a century earlier.
In a world full of love and betrayal, curses, witches, and pirates, Ada and Shane must decide how much they’re willing to give for their kingdom and a future with those they love.
Because the stars foretold their story long before their time, and if they stray from their fates, the dire consequences will be the destruction of all they know.
May 24th
By Ashley Shuttleworth
Half-fae Arlo becomes entangled in the courtly intrigue at the Seelie Summer palace as danger for ironborns mounts in this gripping sequel to A Dark and Hollow Star that’s The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones.
After thwarting the man behind the gruesome ironborn murders—and breaking several fae laws to do so—all Arlo wants is a quiet summer. As the deity of luck’s Hollow Star, capable of bringing about endless possibilities, this shouldn’t be too much to ask, right?
But someone is still trying to summon the mythical Seven Deadly Sins. All signs point to immortal meddling, and if this is the gods’ attempt at returning to the Mortal Realm, it’s Arlo they’re going to use to do it.
When Queen Riadne offers to host Arlo at the Seelie Summer palace, she jumps at the chance. She’ll get to see more of Vehan and Aurelian and perhaps even work out her complicated feelings for the gorgeous ex-Fury, Nausicaä. But no one trusts the infamous Queen of Light, even as Arlo wonders if she’s just been greatly misunderstood. With the Summer Solstice quickly approaching, everyone expects Riadne to finally challenge the High King for his crown. And as Arlo struggles to get control of her powers and take charge of her destiny, she’ll soon be faced with a choice that won’t only change the fate of the Mortal Realm forever but could condemn it to a cruelty the likes of which the Courts have never known.
By Rachel Morgan
Return to a beloved fantasy realm with a brand new series set in Rachel Morgan's bestselling World of Guardians.
When Silver's parents are murdered in front of her by the people she's trusted for years, she flees the fae realm and begins a new life pretending to be human.
More than two years later, she's almost allowed herself to believe she's safe—until the night someone from the Guild shows up.
Ash.
The boy who was once her best friend. The boy who tried to kill her.
He's on the run now as well, after discovering the same secret that led to Silver's parents' deaths. Or so he says.
The forest they grew up in has become a dangerous place, crawling with fae monsters, and Ash claims he needs Silver's help. The discovery her parents made years ago could be the only thing to save their home.
Silver knows Ash is only using her—he's a guardian, after all, and they're the ones who took everything from her—but she can't turn her back on the home she still loves.
And so she forms a fragile truce with the boy who broke her heart. She steps back into the world she swore never to return to and sets out on a dangerous path to unlock the secrets of the past.
But neither Silver nor Ash are prepared for the true horror of what they will find lurking in the shadows of Stormsdrift.
May 27th
By Clare Littlemore
A bitter betrayal. An unwilling hostage. An impossible choice.
Kidnapped in the aftermath of the explosion which rocked Bellator, Faith is a prisoner in the rebel community of Eremus. As she plots her next move, she struggles to come to terms with Noah’s betrayal. He proved what she was always taught – men can’t be trusted.
But in this harsh environment, Noah may be her only ally. Bitterly regretting his actions, he does everything he can to regain Faith’s trust. And when he defends her from the ruthless rebel leader, she finds herself falling for him.
Then Faith learns that Bellator wants her back - for all the wrong reasons. Caught in the middle, she doesn’t know who to turn to. As the reckless actions of the leaders on both sides endanger someone she loves, Faith realises she has become a pawn in a much bigger game.
Can she save her best friend without playing into the enemy’s hands? And, if she succeeds, will it mean leaving Noah behind?
May 31st
By Angelina J. Steffort
Saving her king gave her one more thing to lose.
While Gandrett and Nehelon are struggling to fit into their new role at the Fae court and secure alliances, Valyn is making his own dangerous alliances.
Addie is left to face the aftermath of a battle that redefines her relationship with the Dragon King, while in the west Brax Brenheran is presented with unexpected support and a theory that could change the course of the war.
In the meantime, Mckenzie is fighting for a way to free the Prince of Phornes of his obligations that would tumble three young royals into misery. To find military support she embarks on a journey which unearths more than just a potential ally.
By Isabel Ibañez
Isabel Ibañez's Together We Burn is a lush, enchanting standalone fantasy inspired by medieval Spain, filled with romance, adventure and just the right amount of danger. An ancient city plagued by dragons. Eighteen-year-old Zarela Zalvidar is a talented flamenco dancer and daughter of the most famous Dragonador in Hispalia. People come for miles to see him fight in their arena, which will one day be hers. But disaster strikes during one celebratory show, and in the carnage, Zarela’s life changes in an instant. A flamenco dancer who must become a dragon hunter to save her family legacy. With the Dragon Guild trying to wrest control of her inheritance from her, Zarela has no choice but to train to become a Dragonador. But when the most talented dragon hunter left in the land—the infuriatingly handsome Arturo Díaz de Montserrat—withholds his help, Zarela cannot take no for an answer. Without him, her world will burn.
By Namina Forna
The epic, hotly anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Gilded Ones about a girl with the power to remake her world—or destroy it. It's been six months since Deka freed the goddesses in the ancient kingdom of Otera and discovered who she really is... but war is waging across the kingdom, and the real battle has only just begun. For there is a dark force growing in Otera—a merciless power that Deka and her army must stop. Yet hidden secrets threaten to destroy everything Deka has known. And with her own gifts changing, Deka must discover if she holds the key to saving Otera... or if she might be its greatest threat. The Merciless Ones is the second thrilling installment of the epic fantasy series in which a young heroine fights against a world that would dare tame her.
By H.E. Edgmon
In the heart-stopping sequel to The Witch King, Wyatt and Emyr attempt to rebuild Asalin despite unexpected new enemies within their kingdom. Two weeks after the door to Faery closed once more, Asalin is still in turmoil. Emyr and Wyatt are hunting Derek and Clarke themselves after having abolished the corrupt Guard, and are trying to convince the other kingdoms to follow their lead. But when they uncover the hidden truth about the witches' real place in fae society, it becomes clear the problems run much deeper than anyone knew. And this may be more than the two of them can fix. As Wyatt struggles to learn control of his magic and balance his own needs with the needs of a kingdom, he must finally decide on the future he wants—before he loses the future he and Emyr are building…
This article was written by Allison Rose.
Allison Rose writes YA fantasy featuring magic and otherworldly beings. Her current series feature a truly unique world of Faerie. Click the covers below to check them out.
