One of my favorite things to do in December is to make goals and lists for the new year. Organizing is one of my hobbies, and this time of year provides me with plenty of opportunities to research potential new book loves.
One thing that I’m really excited about for 2019 is all the asian authors that I’m seeing. Especially asian-inspired fantasies!
I’ve already shared my reading goals for 2019. Today, I’m sharing twenty 2019 releases that I’m looking forward to reading.
Fiction: YA Fantasy
The Beast Player by Naohoko Uehashi — Out March 26
I totally added this to my TBR because of the anime-esque cover. Plus, I found out that Nahoko Uehashi is the author of Moribito, which was turned into an anime that I really like. (Edit: A friend informed me that this series that the anime Kemono no Souja Erin is based off. It’ll be interesting to learn what did and didn’t make it into the anime. )
Descendant of the Crane by Joan He — Out April 2
I love this cover. Plus, this book is a Chinese-inspired fantasy. Plus, there’s rulers and magic and a kingdom at stake.
The Girl King by Mimi Yu — Out January 8
Magic. Betrayal. A girl (or two) who would be king…set in an asian-inspired setting with an asian author. No more need be said 🙂
Circle of Shadows by Evelyn Skye — Out January 22
This book seems to have an Japanese-inspired setting. And I’m most always up for giving an asian-inspired fantasy a try.
Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto — Out February 12
This promises to be an epic fantasy what with fierce warrior queens and legendary heroes.
Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller — Out February 26
I’m always up for a fantasy in which a girl sets out to prove herself as a warrior. (It takes me back to Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness.) Plus, there are Vikings and maybe some god killing.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer — Out January 29
I read and loved the author’s YA Contemporary Letters to the Lost. I also love fairytale retellings, and this is one based on Beauty and the Beast.
Stain by A.G. Howard — Out January 15
I’ve heard good things about A.G. Howard’s writing. I have yet to read any of her work; however, this seems like a good place to start. The premise of Howard’s “The Princess and the Pea” fairytale retelling sounds so good!
The Wicked King by Holly Black — Out January 8
I read and loved The Cruel Prince. Needless to say, TWK ranks high on my list of books to read in 2019. I’m so happy that it’s coming out this early into the new year!
Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff — Out May 7
The cast of characters in Aurora Rising sound like so much fun. The character design is always really neat, and I’ve heard great things about Kristoff’s writing (though I’ve only read his debut).
Slayer by Kiersten White — Out January 8
I haven’t watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but I love books with academy settings, especially ones that are different from your typical school. Like ones where teenagers train to fight the forces of darkness.
Fiction: Fantasy
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang — Out August 6
The Poppy War sets up a fascinating world that draws from Chinese history and culture. I’m interested in seeing what happens next in this next installment. Not to mention getting my hands on this gorgeous cover!
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon — Out February 26
Part of my interest in this book is partly due to seeing it hyped up so much. However, this is a hype that I’m willing to get into because (1) I love fantasy books and (2) it seems to have a predominantly female cast, which is rare in fantasy.
The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons — Out February 5
The plot has me hyped up for this book. A hero who’s not meant to save the empire but destroy it? Count me in.
Fiction: Contemporary
Fake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen— Out May 28
(1) Asian author. (2) Asian girl on the cover. (3) A cute love story about childhood friends.
Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo — Out May 7
Confession: this is a book that drew me because of the cover. I love how this book features an asian protagonist. Plus, the storyline reminds me of a K-drama 🙂
Fame, Fake, and the First Kiss by Kasie West — Out February 5
I have a LOT of fantasy books on my TBR. Which is good because I love them, but it’s good to break it up with something like. I’ve heard a lot of great things about Kasie West, and I like how this book shows that, while it’s good to pursue our dreams, we also can’t let ourselves get caught up by it.
Other Genres
The Au Pair by Emma Rous — Out January 8
This book is far outside my typical genres of YA and fantasy, but one of the fun parts of making a TBR list is discovering new gems. The mystery of the MC Seraphine’s birth and what happened to the au pair has me intrigued.
The Bride Test by Helen Hoang — Out May 7
(1) The cover is adorable. (2) It features an asian cast. (3) I’ve heard great things about Hoang’s debut novel.
Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin — Out March 5
I’ve read and enjoyed some of Gretchen Rubin’s previous works. The concept of simplifying our outer life to bring joy to our inner life is one that interests me. I’m looking forward to how Rubin continues her previous work in this new book!
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard says
Look at all those lovely fantasy books! I’m reading A Curse So Dark and Lonely now, and so far it’s pretty good. I’m not a fan of present-tense storytelling, but the characters and premise are interesting enough to make me ignore that for the most part.
I just added Outer Order, Inner Calm to my to-read list. I need it…
Crystal says
I’m not a fan of present-tense storytelling either. I’m glad the characters and premise are interesting enough to counterbalance it!
I hope you enjoy Outer Order, Inner Calm. It’s something I’m trying to get more of in my life 🙂
Lindsi says
Almost all of these are on my list! I JUST started The Wicked King, and WOAH. I hope these are wonderful reads for you!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Crystal says
That’s exciting to hear, Lindsi. I’m looking forward to the TWK release date! I hope you enjoy these books from your list as well 🙂
Melliane says
That’s a lot of intriguing books there and I just love the covers!
Crystal says
I love the covers too, Melliane. These books look so good!
Sophia Rose says
Those Asian fantasies do sound good. I love that they seem to have a fairytale-style cover and tone, too. I didn’t know about the new book by Kauffman and Kristoff, but I loved their Illuminae Files so I’ll probably give it a try.
You have some treats in store based on this list. 🙂
Crystal says
I agree. The fairytale style of these covers are appealing. I love fairytale / mythological stories. I haven’t read the Illuminae Files, but I’ve heard great things about that series. I need to check it out!
Kelly @ Wandering Through Books says
The Priory of the Orange Tree is super intriguing to me partly because I just really like the cover… Like it also SOUNDS great, but… what caught my eye was the cover, initially. I’m hoping that we do get a cast of mainly ladies (which it sounds like it will), because it’s still uncommon and it’s always really nice to see!
Crystal says
The cover is gorgeous! I’m looking forward to making connections with symbols that are likely incorporated into the cover image. It’d be wonderful to see a cast that highlights the women of the world! 🙂
Beth says
Oooooh, so many good choices! I’m especially excited for The Wicked King, Somewhere Only We Know, and The Bride Test!
Crystal says
There are so many good books coming out in 2019! 🙂
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
I hope you love them all! Next year is going to be good for fantasy.
Crystal says
Thanks, AJ. I’m really looking forward to all of these fantasy books!