Can we talk for a moment about the fact that it is almost June and the year is nearing its halfway point? Where is time going? And more importantly, can I use this to my advantage to travel to 2020 for some much-needed sequels? Yes, I am still thinking about certain cliffhanger endings and I need answers yesterday.
June is the month that lots of mysteries tend to be published, which is good because I am in the mood for some sleuthing 🕵🏻, but have no fear because we still have some solid science fiction and fantasy releases hitting the shelves as well! Prepare your wallets for this month’s list of books I need to get my hands on.
📝 In case you are wondering how I manage to keep track of upcoming releases and choose the books I am most excited to highlight, check out my Edelweiss 2.0 Guide!
Source: Playbill on Tumblr
✨✨ June 1 ✨✨
Before the Broken Star (The Evermore Chronicles #1)
by Emily R. King
Young Adult, Fantasy
A fierce young female adventurer battles time itself to claim her destiny in a sweeping new fantasy saga from the author of the Hundredth Queen series.
Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. The lone survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she was given won’t last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how fragile her existence is and hastens her quest to expose Killian Markham, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.
Her journey takes her to a penal colony on a cursed isle, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Markham may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her astonishing destiny.
I am going to be honest: this landed on my TBR thanks to the beautiful cover and the fact that it is one of Amazon’s First Reads for May. Which definitely means that I bought an early copy of the book.
✨✨ June 4 ✨✨
Sorcery of Thorns
by Margaret Rogerson
Adult, Thrillers
All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery—magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power.
Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn t
o but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.
As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught—about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.
Every time I see this cover, I think it is a book by SJM… am I the only one? Anyways this book is the June pick for the Mysterious Galaxy Young Adult box and I am stoked.
✨✨✨
Magic for Liars
by Sarah Gailey
Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary, Mystery
Ivy Gamble has never wanted to be magic. She is perfectly happy with her life—she has an almost-sustainable career as a private investigator, and an empty apartment, and a slight drinking problem. It’s a great life and she doesn’t wish she was like her estranged sister, the magically gifted professor Tabitha.
But when Ivy is hired to investigate the gruesome murder of a faculty member at Tabitha’s private academy, the stalwart detective starts to lose herself in the case, the life she could have had, and the answer to the mystery that seems just out of her reach.
Pre-Order Incentive (US & Canada)
I really enjoy stories that are like a combination of fantasy and contemporary, the real world setting with the whole secret reality of the world having magic is something that has always interested me. And this one is not only that but also a mystery! YES PLEASE.
✨✨✨
The Chosen (Contender #1)
by Taran Matharu
Young Adult, Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Introducing an epic new trilogy from Taran Matharu, author of the New York Times–bestselling Summoner series.
Throughout history, people have vanished with no explanation. A group of teenagers are about to discover why.
Cade is settling into a new boarding school, contemplating his future, when he finds himself transported to another realm. He soon discovers their new world is populated with lost remnants from the past: prehistoric creatures, ancient relics, and stranger still — people. Overwhelmed by his new surroundings, Cade has little time to adjust, for soon he and his fellow classmates are forced to become contenders in a brutal game, controlled by mysterious overlords.
But who are these beings and why did they choose these teens? Cade must prepare for battle . . . because hiding is not an option.
This one seems to have it all: a long-standing mystery of disappearances, alternate realities/realms, and a game. This sounds so neat.
✨✨ June 11 ✨✨
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon
by Mary Fan
Young Adult, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
When a powerful viceroy arrives with a fleet of mechanical dragons and stops an attack on Anlei’s village, the villagers see him as a godsend. They agree to give him their sacred, enchanted River Pearl in exchange for permanent protection—if he’ll marry one of the village girls to solidify the alliance. Anlei is appalled when the viceroy selects her as a bride, but with the fate of her people at stake, she sees no choice but to consent. Anlei’s noble plans are sent into a tailspin, however, when a young thief steals the River Pearl for himself.
Knowing the viceroy won’t protect her village without the jewel, she takes matters into her own hands. But once she catches the thief, she discovers he needs the pearl just as much as she does. The two embark on an epic quest across the land and into the Courts of Hell, taking Anlei on a journey that reveals more is at stake than she could have ever imagined.
With incredibly vivid world building and fast-paced storytelling, Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is great for readers who are looking for something fresh in epic fantasy.
Pre-Order Incentive (INTL) ARC Review to Come!
This one honestly just speaks to me; it sounds so different and like it will challenge the notion that women are commodities to be traded with a dose of bravery.
✨✨ June 18 ✨✨
Soul of the Sword (Shadow of the Fox #2)
by Julie Kagawa
Young Adult, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
One thousand years ago, a wish was made to the Harbinger of Change and a sword of rage and lightning was forged. Kamigoroshi. The Godslayer. It had one task: to seal away the powerful demon Hakaimono.
Now he has broken free.
Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has one task: to take her piece of the ancient and powerful scroll to the Steel Feather temple in order to prevent the summoning of the Harbinger of Change, the great Kami Dragon who will grant one wish to whomever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. But she has a new enemy now. The demon Hakaimono, who for centuries was trapped in a cursed sword, has escaped and possessed the boy she thought would protect her, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan.
Hakaimono has done the unthinkable and joined forces with the Master of Demons in order to break the curse of the sword and set himself free. To overthrow the empire and cover the land in darkness, they need one thing: the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. As the paths of Yumeko and the possessed Tatsumi cross once again, the entire empire will be thrown into chaos.
Confession: I own Shadow of the Fox but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet but I just can feel it in my bones that this series is for me. And that feeling was spot on with Caraval, so I am going with it!
✨✨ June 25 ✨✨
The Evil Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil #1)
by Gena Showalter
Young Adult, Fantasy, Retellings
Welcome to the Forest of Good and Evil. A dream come true, and a living nightmare.
Evil isn’t born, it’s made. One thought and action at a time. Take a good look at what you’ve made.
Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past—they are prophecies of the future.
Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real life fairy tale princess—until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors.
Look. See… What will one peek hurt?
Soon, a horrifying truth is revealed. She is fated to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen.
With powers beyond her imagination or control—and determined to change Fate itself—Everly returns to the land of her birth. There, she meets Roth Charmaine, the supposed Prince Charming. Their attraction is undeniable, but their relationship is doomed.
As bits and pieces of the prophecy unfold, Everly faces one betrayal after another, and giving in to her dark side proves more tempting every day. Can she resist, or will she become the queen—and villain—she was born to be?
Pre-Order Incentive (US & Canada)
I love retellings and I love villain origin stories, so naturally, this Snow White retelling is right up my alley! It also doesn’t hurt that the cover is absolutely stunning, either.
✨✨✨
Wicked Fox (Gumiho #1)
by Kat Cho
Young Adult, Fantasy
Debut Author
Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret–she’s a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt. But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead–her gumiho soul–in the process. Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl–he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He’s drawn to her anyway. With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon’s.
A fresh and addictive fantasy-romance set in modern-day Seoul.
2019 is honestly such a fantastic year for own voices debuts, and Wicked Fox is definitely a book that deserves to land itself on your Year of the Asian TBRs!
Are any of these books on your TBR? Have you read any of them yet? What are the June releases that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
Let’s go on another adventure together!
I haven’t read any of these yet, but ‘Magic for Liars’ sounds really good!
Stronger than a Bronze Dragon is on my TBR too. Hoping to start it soon. Rest of the books sounds pretty amazing too 😃
I am starting that one later today (hoping to review on Sunday)! I hope we both love it!
Oh nice! I can never finish a book in 1-2 days 🙈
Yeaaaa… I failed. 🙈
It really does, doesn’t it?!?! Happy reading and thanks for stopping by!
I’m looking forward to Magic for Liars. I’m just getting into this type of book and looking for more.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it as I am sure you will get to it before I do!
I need Sorcery of Thorns so badly!!!
Me too, all my friends loved it so much and I can’t wait for it to be in my hands!
I think I’m getting it in a book box so I’m waiting. And it feels like pain!!
Sorcery of Thorns looks right up my street and I think I’ve added it to my TBR already. I think she’s written another one which I also need to read!
My friend Destiny told me her other o=book was one of her favorites, so I am looking forward to checking out this new-to-me author!
Sorcery of Thorns and Soul of the sword are on my tbr too. But I will read more backlist books and new releases I haven’t gotten into next month!
Yea I am trying to prioritize my owned TBR this month barring my one arc that I need to read. SOON. And happy reading, Hamad!
I’ve read Evil Queen. It wasn’t my thing, but I hope you like it.
Oh no, I am sorry it didn’t work for you!!!
That’s so interesting about the June being the month of mysteries thing – I wonder why?
Anyway, I’ve recently found out I LOVE retellings so thanks for letting me know about the evil queen! 💕
I know, it is really interesting to think about! I do find myself reaching for faster paced reads when I want to be lazing at the pool though, so maybe that has something to do with it? RETELLINGS ARE THE BEST! I love them and haven’t read enough this year.
I’m so ready for Wicked Fox!
Me tooo!
All of these sound so good! I’m especially excited for Stronger than a Bronze Dragon and Wicked Fox. The first time I saw the cover of Sorcery of Thorns it also reminded me of a SJM book.
I am honestly so glad I am not the only one that thought Sorcery of Thorns was SJM, hahaha. I guess it is really good for SJM’s branding and marketing team that someone that doesn’t even READ her books can spot the style. I am starting Stronger than a Bronze Dragon next & am so excited!
I CANT wait for soul of the swords! Also really excited for sorcery of thorns and wicked fox!
(www.evelynreads.com)
YES! So many good sounding books!
I could cry with how much I desperately desire Sorcery of Thorns! SOOOON.
The Evil Queens intrigues me – I love a fairytale retelling, especially about a villain! I’m interested to see how Gena Showalter goes with YA, as I’ve read her hot and spicy adult romances, lol.
My copy of Sorcery of Thorns should arrive by Monday and I CANNOT WAIT!
I’ve never read anything of Showalter’s work before, but I am here for retellings… especially villain ones like you! NEED.
yay! I’m about 80% through Sorcery of Thorns and I regret reading so much so quickly BUT IT IS SO GOOD??? I was hoping it wasn’t overhyped and I’m so happy it’s exactly what I wanted! enjoy <3
You are the second person to say they regret reading the book so quickly, and this has me even more excited!!!
Omg yes where has the time gone?? It seems like just yesterday it was still January honestly. But you know what, we can both use this to our advantage so that we can get the sequels to our favorite series with less waiting involved! I’m also really excited for all of these too! Sorcery of Thorns has a beautiful cover and I’ve heard good early reviews for it. Wicked Fox also counts for the Year of the Asian reading challenge, but also I don’t think I’ve read many books set in Korea, and I’ve heard of gumihos but I’ve never read about them so I’m really excited to read it!!
RIGHT!?!?!? I can’t believe 2019 is almost half over? Like HOW. But you are right that we will soon have our desired sequels in our hands at this rate. Happy reading, Caitlin!
Wicked Fox sounds so good, I can’t wait to read that one! 🙂 Lovely list, Kal, here’s to hoping you can get to most of them sometime! 😀
Wicked Fox sounds so good and i can’t wait for it, the reviews I have seen are good! \
Magic for Liars looks amazing – I somehow didn’t pay much attention when I first heard of it, but when I finally looked at the blurb, wow. Must give it a try.
I had the same reaction re: Magic for Liars — I think I saw the cover like 4 times before I decided to look at the cover. I hope we both enjoy it!!!
I have made it through this post without adding anything to my TBR. Though to be fair, this is only because all of these things are already in my TBR hehehehehhehe.
I will have to try harder with my July list… MUST CAUSE SAM’S TBR TO TOPPLE!
Stronger than a bronze dragon, Sorcery of thorns and wicked fox is on my TBR as well. I can’t wait to read them. Some of the these other books sound really interesting as well! 💛
I hope we love them when we get to read the books!
Before the Broken Star and The Chosen sound amazing. I am adding those to my list! I really love when some of you post the upcoming books – helps this expat who doesn’t get to see much in English at the stores – add to her Amazon wish list!
I am glad you find these posts useful, and happy reading Jennifer! (where do you live?!?! I want to be an expat haha.)
I only had a couple of these on my wish list….now I must go and add at least 4 more… 🙈😋😍
Muahahaha, another victim! Your TBR will be better for it and happy reading!
I’m really excited for most of these as well but especially Stronger than a Bronze Dragon, I also got Before the Broken Star because of Amazon first reads lol how can you not with such a pretty cover and intriguing blurb? And I’m on a Blog Tour for The Chosen and Soul of the Sword!…Now that I’ve realized how much reading I have to do for June, I’m going to go breathe in a paper bag, great list!!!
You have a lot of reading to do, my friend! I hope you enjoy all the books with ZERO READING STRESS!
I’m the worst at keeping up with new releases but these sound amazing! I love the cover for The Chosen!
I agree, the cover for The Chosen is was drew me in for sure! Thanks for stopping by!
I can’t wait to read Wicked Fox! It’s one of my most highly anticipated books. I enjoyed the Chosen a bunch! It surprised me. And Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon was fun if a little underwhelming. I so wish I had gotten an ARC for Soul of the Sword but hopefully its popular enough I can get it soon. ❤️ Love this list!
I read an excerpt of Wicked Fox and was really impressed, and I am so glad you enjoyed The Chosen!!! I picked up Stronger than a Bronze Dragon yesterday and was really not in the mood for it, so I set it aside at 3%. I am glad it was a fun read though and I hope to be in the right mood for it soon.
Honestly I haven’t heard any of these, except maybe The Chosen and Sorcery of Thorns but I had no idea what they were about. I added The Evil Queen to my TBR since I’ve been meaning to start reading Gena Showalter’s books again and it sounds different from all the retellings. Also I don’t think I’ve read any of her YA books.
The only June release in my list is Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I didn’t really like Zayne in The Dark Elements but from what I’ve seen from her instagram Roth is supposed to be in it. How can I resist a book if Roth makes even a tiny appearance?
I am really glad to have brought The Evil Queen on your radar, and I am looking forward to reading it~ I love me some retellings and this one sounds really different, I agree!
I hope Storm and Fury lives up to your expectations!
I don’t think I’ve read many retellings, so I’m always open to reading more of them. I didn’t really know about all the princesses etc. other girls were obsessed over until I was like seven since my parents didn’t really read bed stories to me, so I guess I’m now interested in different retellings, like ACOTAR and The Lunar Chronicles. Especially the ones for adult audience 🙃
i cant wait for wicked fox, magic for liars, and sorcery of thorns!!! 🙂 they’re v high on my wishlist but my tbr is frowning at me
My TBR is also frowning at me… I might have to put myself on a ban for a bit I reckon because I am starting to get anxious about all the books I need & want to read!
I’m really looking forward to Soul of the Sword and Wicked Fox! Also, Teeth in the Mist.
SO MANY GREAT BOOKS, NOT ENOUGH TIME!
Always!
I love these posts but my TBR pile keeps growing from them, haha! Soul of the Sword, I can’t wait!
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA! My job here for this month is finished.
Stronger Than A Bronze Dragon was such a fun read! I enjoyed it lots 😀
I am so glad you enjoyed it! I picked it up last week and it was just not the time for it, so I set it aside for the time being. Knowing you liked it though gives me hope I will too when the mood is right!
Out of all these books I’ve only heard of Wicked Fox and Stronger Than A Bronze Dragon, whoops. I’m more of a contemporary reader so I’m not that much on track when it comes to keeping of with upcoming fantasy and sci-fi fi releases but thanks for this list ☺️
Thanks so much for reading even though we tend to read different genres! I am the same as you when it comes to Contemporaries.