YA Books: New October Releases

Source: Goodreads.com

October has almost arrived, and with it, pumpkins, brisk weather and a bundle of new YA novels. I was lucky enough to read a couple of them before they released, and yes, they are more than deserving of a spot on this list. This month also happens to be flooded with new sequels. Some of your favorite series may be highlighted.

Below is a list of highly anticipated YA novels with an October 2012 release date. These picks already have great ratings on Goodreads and strong hype.

Paranormal

"The Lost Prince" by Julie Kagawa
A spin-off of "The Iron Fey" series, Ethan Chase wants nothing to do with the fey, but when he's attacked, he has to alter the code he follows to protect his family and a girl he can't shake. Releases October 23rd 2012 by Harlequin Teen.

Bonus Tidbit: You do not have to read "The Iron Fey" series before reading "The Lost Prince." I already read and reviewed "The Lost Prince" at my YA blog that I share with my twin sister, giving it 5 out of 5 stars, and I actually prefer it over the first series. Ethan Chase's troubles felt incredibly real and honest in a world structured (literally) on belief.

"Valkyrie Rising" by Ingrid Paulson
When Ellie visits Norway, hoping to creep out from her perfect big brother's shadow, she doesn't expect whispers to urge her to claim a place among mythological warriors or for her brother to go missing. She must uncover the truth, and she's not alone. Her brother's best friend tags along the quest. Releases October 9th 2012 by HarperTeen.

Bonus Tidbit: This is Paulson's debut novel, and surprisingly, not many YA authors have touched Valkyrie mythology. Just that alone bumps "Valkyrie Rising" on my to-read list.

Dystopian

"Breathe" by Sarah Crossan
After a depletion of oxygen in the world, survivors live under  the protection of Breathe, the corporation that found a way to manufacture oxygen-rich air. Releases October 2nd 2012 by Greenwillow. 

Bonus Tidbit: I bow down to Crossan for this book. You can read my review, but really, all I can say is that "Breathe" was an unexpected gem. Crossan builds every little piece of the world, and the relationships between Alina, Bea and Quinn will leave you, well, breathless. Bea reminded me a little of Hermione Granger (minus the wizard part), and the plot was incredibly believable -- a hard task for a Dystopian constructed on an almost disbelieving idea.

"Crewel" by Gennifer Albin
Adelice can weave time with matter, a trait of a Spinster, and during her testing, she tries to hide the gift but slips up. Now she has little time to escape. Releases October 16th 2012 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Bonus Tidbit: Bloggers have been raving about "Crewel."  A fantastic YA blogger, Giselle at Xpresso Reads says in her review, "Initial reaction: Holy mother of giraffe balls!!! Official review: What. Did. I. Just. Read? *blinks* Ok, wow. Creative does not even begin to describe this formidable world that Gennifer Albin has built." If "Crewel" can elicit this type of response, then it must have five-star worthy potential.

Sequels

"The Evolution of Mara Dyer" by Michelle Hodkin 
The sequel to the paranormal thriller "The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer" -- Hodkin follows up on the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers, and we dive right back to kooky Mara and her romance with a hotter than hot love interest. Releases October 23rd 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Bonus Tidbit: I have a full review of the first book, and I enjoyed it immensely for Mara's crazy hallucinations that drove me insane (in a good way) and an extremely unpredictable plot. The first cover also happens to be a favorite among bloggers, and the book -- that cliffhanger! -- should go down as being the biggest tease ever. Luckily book two is almost here to clear it up.

"Rebel Heart" by Moira Young 
Saba heads west for a better life and a  reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh's freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a new enemy is on the rise. Releases October 30th 2012 by Margaret K. McElderry.

Bonus Tidbit: "Blood Red Road" -- the first book in the Dust Lands series -- was one of my favorites of last year. The dialect and lack of quotation marks is unique and makes for a strangely satisfying read. Any fan of "The Hunger Games" should try out this dystopian novel that has a western flair. 

Which October release catches your eye? What genre-bias do you have this month? I am on a dystopian kick! This rarely happens, so I'm capitalizing on it while I can.

-- Becca Ritchie