1. The "Grishaverse" novels by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo's fantasy novels, consisting of the "Grisha Trilogy" and "Six of Crows" duology, are filled with magic and folklore inspired by Bardugo's own heritage. In the "Grisha Trilogy," protagonist Alina Starkov discovers in the middle of her military service that she is a Grisha—one of the mystical, elite beings of Ravka—but not just any Grisha. Alina becomes the Sun Summoner, dubbed for her abilities to control light. Hailed as a legend and saint, Alina is rushed to Ravka's capital where she is immersed into the court of the Grisha, but can she learn to control her powers before people like the mysterious Darkling take advantage of her?
In the "Six of Crows" duology, Kaz Brekker—the charismatic young leader of Ketterdam's infamous gang, the Dregs—is hired to break into the most secure prison in the world before a new, Grisha-controlling drug is released. Kaz assembles a team of his closest allies and fellow criminals--Jesper, the sharpshooter; Matthias, the ex-con; Nina, the Grisha heartrender; Inej, the Wraith; and Wylan, the arsonist—to commit the heist before its too late.
Be sure to check out Bardugo's immersive books, as well as the newest installment to the Grishaverse, "King of Scars," which is released on January 29th! Also, keep an eye on Netflix, because the Grishaverse has just been ordered as a series to the platform!
2. "The Infernal Devices" by Cassandra Clare
Cassandra Clare's "Shadowhunter Chronicles" cover the story of the fictional Shadowhunters, a race of half-angel warriors, on their quests to defend the world from the evils against it. In Clare's second series installment to the "Chronicles," "The Infernal Devices" is set in Victorian London, where teenage Tessa Gray discovers that she can Change, or can alter her appearance at will. When Tessa becomes the target for an evil mastermind known only as the Magister, she is rescued and cared for by the Shadowhunters. Full of romance, mystery, and adventure, "The Infernal Devices" is bound to be an enthralling read this winter.
3. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series by Sarah J. Maas
Set in the fictional land of Prythian, huntress Feyre finds herself crossing the border-wall between her human land and the land of the Fae after killing a faerie. Thrust into a magical world divided into seven courts, Feyre finds herself in the Spring Court, as the unofficial prisoner of its High Lord, Tamlin. However, when darkness begins to strike the courts, Feyre becomes a reluctant soldier in a war for the Fae she is supposed to hate. Full of beautiful writing, lovable characters, comedy, romance, and action, the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series is the perfect read to ring in the winter.
4. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
A revolutionary hit turned film, "The Hate U Give" follows Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old black girl, after witnessing the police shooting of one of her old friends. Starr, distraught, turns to activism in order to get justice. Striking, contemporary, and a true testament to the experience of so many black youths and people in our time, Thomas' novel is deserving of all of its praise and more.
UIUC students, be sure to read the book before January 23rd when author Angie Thomas arrives on campus to discuss the novel as a part of the school's One Book, One Campus program!
5. "Circle of Shadows" by Evelyn Skye
Sora and Daemon are two lethal warriors, each with skills that set them apart from their class of the magical Society of Taigas. As their graduation approaches, both Sora and Daemon discover a group of strange soldiers outside their kingdom, and seize the opportunity to prove themselves as worthy of their abilities. Coming to bookstores January 22nd, "Circle of Shadows" is a tale of magic, love, and adventure perfect for the season.
6. "Top Ten" by Katie Cotugno
Let us take a stroll down memory lane to ye olde days of high school, shall we? Katie Cotugno's latest novel, Top Ten, follows the story of best friends Gabby and Ryan on the night of their high school graduation. Rewinding to when they met freshman year, Cotugno takes her audience through the highlights of their friendship, and just how their love began. A heartfelt read to warm your heart, "Top Ten" is out in paperback on January 15th!
7. "The Gilded Wolves" by Roshani Chokshi
Set in Paris at the end of the nineteenth century, Roshani Chokshi's "The Gilded Wolves" follows the story of the wealthy Severin Montagnet-Alarie upon discovering a route to his true inheritance. Severin assembles a trio of specialists to aid him through the mysterious streets of Paris with a promise of wealth and the opportunity to change history, should they succeed. Full of danger, thrills, and beautiful writing, "The Gilded Wolves" is released on January 15th!
Which one are you reading?
