Do fantasy and science fiction--or their cousins, paranormal and dystopian fiction--float your boat? Climb aboard a few of these books.
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 13, 2012
"With reveals seeming to arrive on almost every page, prepare to stay up all night. (author's note referencing poems and paintings) (Science fiction/romance. 13 & up)"
While staying true to the science fiction and romance at the core of Matched (2010) and Crossed (2011), the trilogy's breathless finale blossoms into a medical thriller too, adding breadth and resonance.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 23, 2012
"Simply brilliant. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
Torture and treasure, treason and trust, and the triumph of true love: All come to fruition in the stirring conclusion to this epic fantasy series.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"A ripsnorting series opener; may the sequels arrive soon. (Fantasy. 13 & up)"
A kick-ass pirate heroine gets into and out of (mostly into) trouble in this invigorating fantasy.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"Brilliant and remarkably unsettling. (Horror/fantasy. 16 & up)"
The menacing, post-apocalyptic world of Marbury is again richly imagined in this stunning sequel to
The Marbury Lens (2010).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 2, 2012
"Heartless September sprouts a heart during this remarkable, awesome journey. (Fantasy. 10-14)"
In this sequel to
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (2011), heroine September embarks on another quest, this time to Fairyland-Below, where her shadow rules as queen.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"True to this series' winning formula, an enjoyable mix of terror, comedy and romance. (Graphic paranormal romance. 12-14)"
When a weird midnight rite in a museum brings a hunky Incan mummy back to life, teenage Staci has a decision to make.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"Soars higher than the arashitora Kristoff writes about; superb. (Steampunk. 12 & up)"
Debut author Kristoff's steampunk adventure whisks readers to a Japanese dystopia where some mythological beings still exist, a few people have fantastical gifts, and all people live under tyranny.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"The magic is entirely pragmatic; the impossible, extraordinarily true. (Fantasy. 13 & up)"
An ancient Welsh king may be buried in the Virginia countryside; three privileged boys hope to disinter him.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
"Not for the faint of heart due to both subject and length, but the intricate plot and magnificently imagined details of character, dialogue and setting take hold and don't let go. Not to be missed. (Historical/paranormal thriller. 14 & up)"
1920s New York thrums with giddy life in this gripping first in a new trilogy from Printz winner Bray.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"Bracing, powerful, resonant. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
In this spellbinding, intricately layered novel, the Printz Honor winner (
Tender Morsels, 2008) puts her unique spin on selkies--haunting, mysterious, seal-human shape-shifters in a world of hardscrabble fishing villages, lonely islands and cold, restless seas.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"From the gripping first line, a fast-paced, thought-provoking and stirring story of sacrifice. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
When a summoning goes awry, Liyana must try to save her people and learn how to live for herself, in this sweeping adventure.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
"Proper fantasy, balanced between epic and personal; this promises to be an engrossing series, with intimations of bigger things ahead. (Historical fantasy. 13 & up)"
In an alternate ancient British Isles, an intrepid heroine may save the kingdom from its wicked ruler.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"Readers will be captivated. (Steampunk. 12 & up)"
Two teens race against time to thwart the forces of evil in this prequel to
The Boneshaker (2010).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"More! More! (Science fiction. 12 & up)"
In this exciting first sequel to outstanding series opener
Planesrunner (2011), 14-year-old science whiz Everett Singh continues to outthink his enemies while navigating the multiverse searching for his dad, lost in a parallel universe.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"This one goes to the head of the class. (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
To the recent crop of strong debuts in an overcrowded literary arena add this series opener, a tale of demonic possession and a centuries-old family trade in exorcism.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"An awe-inspiring, thought-provoking reminder that love reaches beyond physical appearances or gender. (Fiction. 14 & up)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"Pulse-pounding thrills leavened with laughter. (Paranormal thriller. 12 & up)"
A satisfying conclusion to ghostly Anna's terrifying story comes with more heart-thumping suspense and clever quips as Cas tries to save her from an undeserved, dreadful fate.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"This commingling of comedy, brutality and fantasy evokes a rich alternate universe with a spitfire young woman as its brightest star. (Fantasy. 14 & up)"
A teenage assassin, a rebel princess, menacing gargoyles, supernatural portals and a glass castle prove to be as thrilling as they sound.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 19, 2012
"Infused with an urgent hope, this glimmering love story exhilarates and refreshes. (Magical realism. 12 & up)"
Her name--Frenenqer--means "restraint" in "some language or other," and she is the only child--creation, really--of a man for whom affection is unspeakable:
Pfft.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 10, 2012
"Dragon books are common enough, but this one is head and talons above the rest. (cast of characters, glossary) (Fantasy. 12 & up)"
In Hartman's splendid prose debut, humans and dragons--who can take human form but not human feeling--have lived in uneasy peace for 40 years.
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