This fall promises a whole new selection of new books, and TBR is crying at the new additions to my Goodreads “2020-releases” shelf.
But how can I resist?
Books from various genres, but mostly contemporary and fantasy, are included in this list. Books that have gorgeous covers and intriguing storylines that I just can’t wait to read!
Let’s start:
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
I don’t know why the quality of the picture is so bad, but that’s what Goodreads had. It unfortunate because the cover is gorgeous 😍
Anyways, when I found out about Punching the Air I knew I had to read it. I watched When They See Us last year on Netflix, which is a show about the Exonerated Five (watch it if you haven’t!). This book is also written in verse, and I’ve been really enjoying verse novels. Here’s the synopsis:
“The story that I thought
was my life
didn’t start on the day
I was born
Amal Shahid has always been an artist and a poet. But even in a diverse art school, he’s seen as disruptive and unmotivated by a biased system. Then one fateful night, an altercation in a gentrifying neighborhood escalates into tragedy. “Boys just being boys” turns out to be true only when those boys are white.
The story that I think
will be my life
starts today
Suddenly, at just sixteen years old, Amal’s bright future is upended: he is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to prison. Despair and rage almost sink him until he turns to the refuge of his words, his art. This never should have been his story. But can he change it?
With spellbinding lyricism, award-winning author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam tell a moving and deeply profound story about how one boy is able to maintain his humanity and fight for the truth, in a system designed to strip him of both.” Synopsis copied from Goodreads.
I can’t wait to read it!
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2020
Let me start with the synopsis:
“The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal. But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.” Synopsis copied from Goodreads.
If a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in this world doesn’t make you scream “WANT”, then I’m sorry for you. Everything about this book screams “new favourite”—the cover, the premise, the characters. I can’t wait to read it!
Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
Some contemporary to soothe the soul in between all the heavy fantasy. Here’s the synopsis:
Can’t wait!
Synopsis:
“Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his wealthy New York City neighbors. But his easy smiles mask a burning ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University. There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense” classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself. Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for. . . . This is a sharply funny and insightful novel about the countless hustles we have to keep from doing the hardest thing: being ourselves.” Synopsis copied from Goodreads.
The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
After the masterpiece that was The Gilded Wolves, how could I know be excited for the sequel? Here’s the synopsis, beware of spoilers though:
I miss my favourites so much 😦
I couldn’t add the synopsis for this one, unfortunately.
Majesty by Katharine McGee
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
American Royals was one plot twist after another, a huge rollercoaster of emotions and drama. I couldn’t catch a break, and I’m sure Majesty will be just as action packed!
Synopsis, but beware of spoilers:
“Power is intoxicating. Like first love, it can leave you breathless. Princess Beatrice was born with it. Princess Samantha was born with less. Some, like Nina Gonzalez, are pulled into it. And a few will claw their way in. Ahem, we’re looking at you Daphne Deighton. As America adjusts to the idea of a queen on the throne, Beatrice grapples with everything she lost when she gained the ultimate crown. Samantha is busy living up to her “party princess” persona…and maybe adding a party prince by her side. Nina is trying to avoid the palace–and Prince Jefferson–at all costs. And a dangerous secret threatens to undo all of Daphne’s carefully laid “marry Prince Jefferson” plans. A new reign has begun….” Synopsis copied from Goodreads.
Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
I didn’t read Serpent & Dove at the right time, which is why I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to. But I’m so excited for the sequel, and a re-read is in order (since I can’t remember anything that happened).
Synopsis, but beware of spoilers:
“After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide. To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.” Synopsis copied from Goodreads.
A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 1, 2020
*A Reaper at the Gates sits glaring at me from its position on my bookshelf for the past two years*
In my defence I was waiting for the fourth book to be announced because I heard there’s a major cliffhanger at the end and I’m scared, okay? I will re-read the whole series before the release of the finale, because again, I don’t remember anything.
I won’t include the synopsis, since I haven’t read Reaper yet.
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
Tiffany D. Jackson quickly became a favourite author of mine, so of course I’m excited for her newest release. Also this cover? Gorgeous.
Synopsis:
“Korey Fields is dead. When Enchanted Jones wakes with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night, no one—the police and Korey’s fans included—has more questions than she does. All she really knows is that this isn’t how things are supposed to be. Korey was Enchanted’s ticket to stardom. Before there was a dead body, Enchanted was an aspiring singer, struggling with her tight knit family’s recent move to the suburbs while trying to find her place as the lone Black girl in high school. But then legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots her at an audition. And suddenly her dream of being a professional singer takes flight. Enchanted is dazzled by Korey’s luxurious life but soon her dream turns into a nightmare. Behind Korey’s charm and star power hides a dark side, one that wants to control her every move, with rage and consequences. Except now he’s dead and the police are at the door. Who killed Korey Fields? All signs point to Enchanted.” Synopsis copied from Goodreads.
Rent a Boyfriend by Gloria Chao
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Fake dating? Sign me up. No other words needed. I don’t need much convincing beyond that.
Synopsis:
“Chloe Wang is nervous to introduce her parents to her boyfriend, because the truth is, she hasn’t met him yet either. She hired him from Rent for Your ’Rents, a company specializing in providing fake boyfriends trained to impress even the most traditional Asian parents. Drew Chan’s passion is art, but after his parents cut him off for dropping out of college to pursue his dreams, he became a Rent for Your ’Rents employee to keep a roof over his head. Luckily, learning protocols like “Type C parents prefer quiet, kind, zero-PDA gestures” comes naturally to him. When Chloe rents Drew, the mission is simple: convince her parents fake Drew is worthy of their approval so they’ll stop pressuring her to accept a proposal from Hongbo, the wealthiest (and slimiest) young bachelor in their tight-knit Asian American community. But when Chloe starts to fall for the real Drew—who, unlike his fake persona, is definitely not ’rent-worthy—her carefully curated life begins to unravel. Can she figure out what she wants before she loses everything?” Synopsis from Goodreads.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 27, 2020
Stalking Jack the Ripper is a favourite series of mine, so the chance to read another Kerri Maniscalco series with her writing style, romance, and characters? Sign me up!
Synopsis:
“Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…” Synopsis copied from Goodreads.
Thank you for reading and see you next time ❤
booksandpurls 