
Since I was quite MIA from November through February because of that pesky morning sickness and general WTF-is-happening-with-my-body pregnancy feels, I didn’t really get a chance to talk about what books I was excited about for 2017 so I thought it might be fun, even months after the start of 2017, to share what new series I’m excited to start this year and think that you should be excited about too! Some have already come out and some are still upcoming!

1. Forest of A Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao: “The Wrath and the Dawn meets Snow White and the Huntsman in this dark and mystical East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl’s quest to become Empress.”
2. Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser: Epic fantasy + pirates + set on the sea
3. Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor: Dreams + gods + monsters + ghosts + war….all wrapped up in the gorgeous prose Laini Taylor is known for.
4. 27 Hours by Tristina Wright: War + monsters + space + romance
5. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco: “Memoirs of a Geisha meets The Name of the Wind” This dark fantasy series full of witches & necromancy looks awesome!
6. Devils & Thieves by Jennifer Rush: “A thrilling new urban fantasy filled with magic and motorcycle gangs” — sounds awesome right?
7. Wicked Like a Wildfire by Lana Popovic: Twin sisters + magical abilities + family curse
8. Caraval by Stephanie Garber: I’ve heard it compared to The Hunger Games meets The Night Circus. It sounds VERY intriguing!
9. Empress of A Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza: YAY! Another one set in space! Digging all this sci-fi coming out!
10. Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh: Feudal Japan setting + genderbending goodness wherein the MC, after an attempted assassination on her life, disguises herself as a boy to infiltrate the dangerous gang who tried to kill her.
11. Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett: a fantasy inspired loosely by the early climbers of Mt. Everest? YES. So here for an explorer/adventure type story!
12. Roar by Cora Carmack: I’ve loved Cora’s romances so I’m excited to see what she cooks up in this incredible sounding fantasy series ruled by storms and the people who have the power to wield them.
13. Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows: DRAGONS! Thank you. I’ve needed more dragons in my fantasy novels.
14. Warcross by Marie Lu: Another series from Marie Lu! THANK YOU BOOK GODS! Gaming + hacking + bounty hunting turns spying!
GIVEAWAY
Thanks to the generosity of Little Brown I have a copy of Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor to get you started on this list of series to start this year!
One (1) winner receives:

- copy of Strange the Dreamer
- golden earbuds, eyeshadow, and writing pen set
Giveaway open to US addresses only.
Prizing and samples provided by Little, Brown & Co.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around–and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance to lose his dream forever.
What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?
The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries–including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? and if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?
In this sweeping and breathtaking new novel by National Book Award finalist Laini Taylor, author of the New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, the shadow of the past is as real as the ghosts who haunt the citadel of murdered gods. Fall into a mythical world of dread and wonder, moths and nightmares, love and carnage.
Welcome to Weep.
Loved this video of Laini talking about Strange the Dreamer and her inspiration!
Visit the Official Site
Follow @TheNovl on Twitter and Instagram
Follow @LainiTaylor on Twitter
P.S. Check out these fantasy books like Fourth Wing.

Chelsea Hunter says
I am most excited about the Frostblood Sage.
Elizabeth says
I would have to say the Blood Rose Rebellion series is what I am most excited for.
Marie says
I really want to read Warcross by Marie Lu, and Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor.
Susan Light says
Loved Caraval by Stephanie Garber!
Nicole says
Hmm…I don’t have any series that I’ve started. I did recently discover Nicola Yoon whom I love and am devouring her (two) books. I have heard good things about Caraval and Stranger The Dreamer. I have to teens at home who help me with my YA knowledge. haha
Heather Conard says
I haven’t read any of these series! I need to get on this!
Gwendolyn Jordan says
I have not started a series this year
if the book will be too difficult says
I’m excited for Monster by Michael Grant, continuing the Gone series!
Beth | Fuelled by Fiction says
I’m a huge fan of the Kelley Armstrong series Casey Duncan, and Cainsville! Neither are YA… But both had installments this year 🙂
Tiffany says
These all look SO GOOD. Super excited about Forest of a Thousand Lanterns and Strange the Dreamer (OBVIOUSLY) and Caraval (I loooved The Night Circus) and Roar. Ahh my reading list is multiplying exponentially.
P.S. “generosity” not generousness 😉 😉 😛
Jamie says
bahahahha thank you. You know, when I wrote it this morning I thought it sounded funny in my head but I thought it was just pregnancy brain and I was rushing to finish the giveaway portion before work so I was like WELP whatever.
Daniela Garcia says
I’m most excited for Strange the Dreamer, Caraval, Flame in the Mist, Warcross, and the Bone Witch!
Chelsea Smith says
I am excited to look more in to all of the series you mentioned. It has been such a long time since I have read a series. It will be fun to delve in to a good one!
Ruthie says
I am excited about Strange the Dreamer, and A Court of Wings and Ruin! Wasn’t a huge fan of Caraval…
Elizabet Hunter says
I definitly want to start reading Caraval, I’ve heard amazing things!
Rosie says
You HAVE to read Menagerie by Rachel Vincent. The second book is coming out at the end of May, Spectacle. It is AMAZING!
Anne says
Haven’t starters any new series this year, but I’m looking forward to Strange the Dreamer.
Nabila says
I am most excited about some of the new rick riordan books. 🙂
Nabila // Hot Town Cool Girl
Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books) says
I haven’t heard of a lot of these, so thanks for bringing them to my attention. Lots of fun stuff still to come in 2017!
Jen says
Caraval looks great!
Melissa L. says
I really loved Caraval by Stephanie Garber which is the only one I’ve read on the list. However I am most excited to read Empress of a Thousand Skies, Strange the Dreamer, and The Flame in the Mist. I hadn’t heard of Deviles & Thieves so I am totally adding that to my list!! It’s also taking too long for BSI & Warcross to release!!!
KM says
I definitely enjoyed Caraval!
Vanessa says
Hello! I’m commenting! Haha.
Also, I sent my email in but i wrote (dot)CON not, (dot)COM. Just FYI!
Taylor White says
I’m actually most excited for Strange the Dreamer, so this giveaway is PERFECT 😊👌 Also extremely excited for Flame in the Mist + Forest of a Thousand Lanterns 😊👍
Roya says
My favorite series starter of 2017 so far is The Valiant. That book just did everything right for me.
Anisha @ Sprinkled Pages says
Strange the dreamer and caraval were so great! I am so happy to see other people enjoying them and they are also both such stunning books!
Tasya says
I’m so excited for Strange the Dreamer and Flame in the Mist too! Both are my favorite authors and I can’t wait!
lisa greig says
I am started Select (Untitled #1) by Marit Wiesenberg. Such a great read!
Jen says
I’m excited for Flame in the Mist
Heather says
I want all of these books!!
sarah says
Marie Lu’s or Jodi Meadow’s new series 🙂
Mollie Turbeville says
So excited about Strange the Dreamer, Marie Lu’s new series, and honestly, a lot of series that have been out for a while that I haven’t gotten to read yet (Mistborn books 2 and 3, Crooked Kingdom, and the final book in the Raven Cycle). I need to step it up; I’m so bad about committing to a whole series!
Leandra says
Can’t wait to read Forest of a Thousand Lanterns! All those books together like that are as pretty as a colorful candy bin. =)
cyborgcinderella says
I’m SO excited for Forest of a Thousand Lanterns!!!
Stephanie says
I am counting the days until The Court of Wings and Ruin is released. It is the perfect excuse to reread the first two. I may have forgotten something from the first two times I have read them.
Emma @ Miss Print says
Best series starter so far this year was Caraval but I’m really excited for The Bone Witch and Defy the Stars too.
Red says
I’m super excited for Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh & Secondborn series by Amy A. Bartol is going to be great I think. Thank you so much!
Jordan says
My goodness, I’m excited for so many of these! How are we supposed to keep track of them all!? I am looking forward to starting so many of these, especially Song of the Current. I finally got a copy of Strange the Dreamer from the library and I’m falling in love with it! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. 🙂
Trina @ Between Chapters says
I’ve been most excited for the new Mindy McGinnis duology, even though I am already halfway through Given to the Sea. I really want to read Strange the Dreamer, too!
Markella says
I just got the Bone Witch out of the library! Pretty excited about it.
Emma A says
I am excited to read Mindy McGinnis’s new series that starts with Given to the Sea. I have loved everything I have read of hers so far!
Amber Skye says
I’m such a huge fan of Cora Carmack, and I can’t wait to see what she will do with this new series. Great post! And thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Maria Malaveci says
I am most excited for Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh!
Vanessa says
Thanks for this giveaway and all the wonderful recommendations!! I’ve added so many new titles to my to-read list 🙂
Kristilyn (Reading In Winter) says
I bought Strange the Dreamer the other day and can’t wait to read it … it’s such a beautiful book on the outside and I’m sure it’ll be the same on the inside!
Spark says
Loved Caraval by Stephanie Garber and The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco. Devils & Thieves
by Jennifer Rush cover is amazing and I don’t think I have read a YA book with motorcycle gangs besides Thunder Road Series so can’t wait to read that one.
J & P says
I’m going to have to go with Strange the Dreamer. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Laini Taylor’s next book.
Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!) says
Oh these are some great choices! I loved Caraval and Strange the Dreamer – Caraval has been the best series starter of the year, for me (so far!). I’ll be reading Flame in the Mist this weekend, so that might change? I’m excited about Warcross and Before She Ignites. 😀
Thank you for the giveaway! Have a great weekend, Jamie. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
sam says
I loved Caraval, and am excited to read more of this series. I loved all Carmack’s NA books, and I thought Muse was pretty good, so I am eager to check out Roar. Jodi Meadows and Marie Lu – count me in. I am starting Wicked Like a Wildfire soon. Great list. Fingers crossed these start and stay strong.
Sam @ WLABB
Natasha lewis says
I’m already excited for a few of these (especially Bone Witch, Caraval, Strange the Dreamer, and Flame in the Mist) but coming up in the next couple weeks is A Court of Wings and Ruin, the last book in the ACOTAR series by Sarah J Mass (as others have noted). Thanks for a great list!
Stephanie B says
Nice list! I just grabbed a copy of The Bone Witch from audible! I’m hoping to start it as soon as I finished listening to Six of Crows! Song of the Current sounds good though, I hadn’t heard of it before this blog post. I’m definitely going to have to check it out! I’ve been so out of touch with the bookish world since school started but I’m just getting back into the groove of reading and blogging.
Stace says
thanks for the recommendations!!
Jeanette says
I’m reading Caraval and love it. I’m curious about Strange The Dreamer as well and think I need to read it 🙂
Amanda says
I just got Wires and Nerve from the library — really excited about that!
Brandon Sparks says
I really am most excited about Strange the Dreamer…
Alice @ Arctic Books says
Today Tahereh Mafi announced that she’s writing three more books to the Shatter Me series (basically a new series) so I’m beyond excited for it!
sarah s says
There are quite a few books I’m looking forward to this year one of them is A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas I have also been really enjoying the Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews.
Geybie's Book Blog says
Thanks for sharing. I’m planning to read Strange The Dreamer this month. I hope you enjoy all these books, Jamie. 😁