60 Anticipated 2021 Book Releases

Hello everyone!! 

Today we are back with this very classic post that you see at this time of the year. It is all about the 2021 book releases we are all eager to read. Like all terrible readers, I spend more time thinking about the books I want to read than actually reading them. This means this list is way too long despite me promising it would be a smaller than last years. 

One of the Good Ones by Maika and Maritza Moulite

RELEASE DATE: January 5th 2021

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I think it sounds like an important novel and the title itself tells you about one of the discussions which I don’t think I’ve seen talked about in books that much. It is another important discussion. Plus, it focuses on sister which I love too.

Chlorine Sky by Mahogany L. Browne

RELEASE DATE: January 12st 2021

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A book written in verse which I have often really enjoyed. I love how it can be beautiful and compact whilst touching on so many things. Plus, it says it talks about friends and growing apart, plus rumours and promises so I think it sounds interesting.

We Could be Heroes by Mike Chen

RELEASE DATE: January 26th 2021

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I love superheroes stories and I want need to read more of them. One of my favourite types of stories about heroes is the reluctant hero and the ‘everyday life’ of heroes which this most definitely sounds like it will be. Plus, it has friendships, mystery and more heroes so YAY.

Wings of Ebony by J. Elle

RELEASE DATE: January 26th 2021

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A fantasy involving Gods, magic and sisters whilst tackling racism in this setting. It immediately sounds like a powerful read and a really great fantasy so I’m excited to get to this one.

Yesterday is History by Kosoko Jackson

RELEASE DATE: February 2nd 2021

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One of the first books on this list involving time travel but it sounds like a really interesting premise. Our main character goes from the past to the present, forming connections in both times and I believe it is about his journey. I think it will touch on a lot of things whilst also being a fun read so I’m excited. 

Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson

RELEASE DATE: February 2nd 2021

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This cover though!! The illustrations and that shade of green, I’m in love. I’m been meaning to read Renée Watson for a while, and I love the sound of this one. This story sounds like your classic love story but in a plus-sized positive way and examines love in a realistic way making it stand out from the rest.

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonano

RELEASE DATE: February 2nd 2021

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I immediately loved the premise because it involves having an artistic side, challenging her mum’s weight loss plan and falling in love. It sounds like it is going to tackle lots of thing whilst being a fun read.

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette De Bodard

RELEASE DATE: February 9th 2021

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Only a short story but it sounds like it is going to be great. It involves elemental magic and looking at self-worth. I mean… what more do I want??

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

RELEASE DATE: February 9th 2021

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This was on my 2020 anticipated list and I’m still excited for it. I mean army of girls, say no more. But I will because it also includes rare gifts and stopping the empire’s greatest threat. It sounds like it is going to be amazing and I could stare at the cover all day (and not just because it is green).

The Wide Starlight by Nicole Lesperance

RELEASE DATE: February 16th 2021

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The Aurora Borealis is a well know spectacle and my mum has always wanted to see it so I am immediately enchanted by that aspect of this book. However the plot also sounds amazing with magic, mystery and being set in Norway which is on my top 10 travel list so that definitely makes me excited.

A Dark and Hollow Star

RELEASE DATE: February 23rd 2021

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I can’t really remember the last time I picked up a fae book so maybe I need some more in my life and this one seems perfect for that. So far, I am in love with the description of the character (it is calling to my YA fantasy heart), the idea of magic (obv), the idea of a tenuous alliance (my favourite kind) and the hunting down of a killer. SIGN ME UP.

Some Other Now by Sarah Everett 

RELEASE DATE: February 23rd 2021

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This book sounds really good and from reading the synopsis I already have a feel for how complicated these relationships are but can see how real the emotions would be. It involves themes of family, loss and love so that immediately drew me in and I can’t wait to experience their emotions (also fake dating is involved at some point). Can we please just admire how clever the cover is too??

Yolk by Mary H. K. Choi

RELEASE DATE: March 2nd 2021

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I really love the style of all of Choi’s covers and this one has an interesting name as it isn’t what I would expect from a YA contemporary and the synopsis hasn’t gave me any clues to why that may be. Anyway, this story involves sisters who aren’t close but about their journey together still. It sounds like a heavy read, but I think it will be phenomenal.

Girls of Stories and Soul by Richard Cardenas

RELEASE DATE: March 9th 2021

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I saw this cover and I was in love with the green. Then I read the plot and I was still in love with the cover being green. But I also really liked the premise too. I actually don’t know what it is a retelling of, but I love the magic and how it incorporates stories. Plus, it is set in a magic school which I love especially with the horror vibe to it.

American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar

RELEASE DATE: March 9th 2021

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This book includes an artist (YAY), art (yay) and more art (YAYYYYY). But there is more…. it is about a relationship, first love, family, identity and looks at interracial relationships. Plus, part of it is set in India which really draws me into this story. I can’t wait. Plus, the love interest has tattoos and I’m not even that big on tattoos but as soon as it is mentioned I need to know what the tattoos are !! Anyone else??

Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley

RELEASE DATE: March 9th 2021

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We have witches, our main character cursed with the inability to love, stealing love and trades in love. It sounds like a lot of love but in a more dark and magical way so I can’t wait. Plus, is it going to be a romance between them ?!?! Please.

The Descent of the Drowned by Ana Lal Din

RELEASE DATE: March 15th 2021

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I’m going to include two sentences from the synopsis because I feel like that is the best way to explain why I want to read this… (1) “Set in a colonised Indo-Persian world and inspired by Pre-Islamic Arabian mythology” and (2) “a tale about power, identity, and redemption, and what it takes to hold on to one’s humanity in the face of devastation”. Yep, sounds perfect, doesn’t it?!?! 

The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore

RELEASE DATE: March 16th 2021

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I’ve heard amazing things about McLemore’s writing and I’m going to experience it next year without a doubt. This story looks at sexual assault and I believe uses magic to talk about the trauma and healing. It also  has a friendship at the centre as they deal with their trauma. It sounds a powerful read and one I will remember for a long time.

The Library of the Dead by T. L. Huchu

RELEASE DATE: March 18th 2021

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This book is set in Edinburgh with a Scottish main character who has Scottish pragmatism and Zimbabwean magic, so I’m so intrigued especially with the title. It involves magic, mystery, the dead and an occult magic. I just can’t wait !!

Bruised by Tanya Boteju

RELEASE DATE: March 23rd 2021

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I’m in love with the cover (the colours). Annddd… I’m in love with the idea of a roller derby and anything involving a sport team so I’m excited about that. It also sounds like it will have an emotion side as it deals with grief and more.

The Unbroken by C. L. Clark 

RELEASE DATE: March 23rd 2021

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The power of this cover… wow !! The plot… even more so. It is an adult fantasy which involves murder, torn loyalties, maybe treason, royal politics and hopefully romance. Let’s go.

Your Heart My Sky by Margarita Engle

RELEASE DATE: March 23rd 2021

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I’m trying to read more books that aren’t set in America or the UK as that is where the majority I read are set, especially America. This book is set in Cuba living in el periodo especial en tiempos de paz, the special period in times of peace. But that is a government term when the reality includes starvation and pain. We follow two main characters as they connect and what that means in this time. It sounds like it is going to be a powerful, memorable read.

The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris

RELEASE DATE: April 6th 2021

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I’ve seen a few time travel (esque) books about for 2021 but this one really stands out. It is about a teen who can see the future if he touches an object which makes him anxious as he keeps seeing these visions about what’s to come especially when he sees his brother’s death. He tries to do everything to prevent this. It sounds like a powerful, intense book that I hope to read as soon as it comes out.

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp

RELEASE DATE: April 6th 2021

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This involves food which always delights me, and it is a Mexican-American story which involves family, community, pressure, immigration and first loves. It sounds like a powerful story with a lot of heart and I can’t wait.

Victories Greater Than Death by Charlie Jane Anders

RELEASE DATE: April 13th 2021

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I really liked Ander’s writing in one of her previous books so I’m excited to read more of her books and I rarely read sci-fi so it will be great to try more out especially one about an intergalactic war. Plus, after I read the title, I knew I needed it.

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen

RELEASE DATE: April 20th 2021

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I really do enjoy sport stories so I’m excited to read this one especially as it is female dominated compared to the rest that I’ve read/heard about. Plus, it involves romance and fake dating so it sounds like it is going to be an entertaining read too. 

The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur

RELEASE DATE: April 20th 2021

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After seeing people talk about June Hur’s debut, The Silence of Bones, she has become one of the thriller/mystery authors I’m actually excited to try out (because I struggle with thrillers/mysteries). It sounds like a very personal mystery as our main character discovers what happened to her so I’m curious to see what happens.

In Deeper Waters by F. T. Lukens

RELEASE DATE: April 20th 2021

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I don’t think I always gravitate towards pirate/ship adventures in books. I don’t know why though, maybe I just think I’ll compare it to Pirates of the Caribbean. Anyway, this one sounds like a fun adventure so I’m intrigued to see what will happen in it. It might be the book to change my mind.

Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart

RELEASE DATE: April 20th 2021

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I’ve heard a lot of good things about this Jamaican-inspired fantasy already so I’ve got high hopes for it. It is about sworn enemies who have to work together to take down a mutual threat. The plot sounds riveting with all the rocky relationships and talk of betrayal. Plus, I can’t wait to explore the magic system. 

The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He

RELEASE DATE: May 4th 2021

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This sounds like a really unique book and I honestly have only been tempted because Joan He wrote it, but the more I think about it, the more intrigued I am. It sounds like a twisty thriller with things like being marooned on an island, living in complex eco-city, science minded character and sisters. Like I said, unique and I need to know more.

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

RELEASE DATE: May 4th 2021

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This is based on a true story I believe which immediately intrigues me. We follow “17-year-old British Chinese acrobat, Valora Luck, a stowaway on the Titanic.” Obviously, I know the titanic but this seems a really interesting story that I imagine is very different to the stories I’ve heard before so I really can’t wait to read it. 

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

RELEASE DATE: May 6th 2021

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The final time travel book on my list (I believe) but it is from Casey McQuiston, the author of Red, White & Royal Blue. Whilst I didn’t love it as much as everyone else seemed to, I did like it with the way humour was incorporated and relationships developed. So, I’m intrigued to see this story which is very romance led so YAY and I like the setting of collage and the unique twist of time travel involved.

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho

RELEASE DATE: May 11th 2021

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I really love Zen Cho’s writing from what I’ve experience but I have yet to read a full novel and whilst Sorcerer to The Crown is top of my list, this one sounds amazing too. It is set in Malaysia with a grandma ghost and entails Gods, family and gangs so I’m most certainly intrigued.

Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa 

RELEASE DATE: May 11th 2021

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The main character is a scholar which immediately draws my attention and then when it includes buried histories and forbidden magic, I’m just more than sold on it. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. 

May the Best Man Win by Z R Ellor

RELEASE DATE: May 18th 2021

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This definitely has enemies to lover’s vibes (although not the direct path their relationship has taken) but I think it sounds like a strong plot for this trope as their past can be reason for rivalry whilst making it still banter-ous and able to grow into something more. I think it will be an entertaining, yet emotional read and I really haven’t read a lot of second chance romances either.

Off The Record by Camryn Garrett

RELEASE DATE: May 18th 2021

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I really loved stories surrounding media and fame, so I am interested in seeing those aspects in this book. It is also an important story as it surrounds the #metoo movement and it is about women standing up for each other so I think it will be a very powerful, emotional read.

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

RELEASE DATE: May 25th 2021

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After reading Adiba Jaigirdar’s debut book and loving it, I’m excited to see what this book is like. Obviously, the title says fake dating and I don’t really need to know anymore. So, sign me up.

The Witch King by H. E. Edgmon

RELEASE DATE: June 1st 2021

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This sounds like a really amazing story that has so many of the classic loved fantasy tropes but in a new light. We have a transgender main character, fae and witch kingdoms trying to keep peace but falling to war, arranged marriage, magic and best friends. It sounds really good and I can’t wait to read it.

An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi

RELEASE DATE: June 1st 2021

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This cover is insanely stunning. I love the colours and the illustration style so much. Literally ah-mazing !! It sounds like a heavy and important read which focuses on what it is to be Muslim in America, with family and romance too. I certainly think it will be a powerful read with a lot of emotion.

The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver

RELEASE DATE: June 1st 2021

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I do think books are grief can be really powerful and breath-taking reads when done right. As the end of this synopsis says this “This book is about grief. But it’s also about why we live. Why we have to keep moving on, and why we should.”, I am confident this is going to be one of them, so I NEED to read it.

We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon 

RELEASE DATE: June 1st 2021

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I have to say wedding stories don’t always get my interest but this one did. Our main character confesses to her crush, only to never hear back from him. But now it is summer again and they have to work together for their family’s wedding businesses but now it is mostly just hate there… or is it?? Cue to romance story and I’m in.

Violent Ghosts by Leah Thomas

RELEASE DATE: June 8th 2021

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This book involves a trans main character and his best friend ghost’s as they try to find her justice for her murder and then again for another spirit. It is about Dani’s journey through dealing with this as well as his identity and being in the living world too. It sounds like a powerful story with a supernatural edge so I’m really curious to see what this will be like.

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

RELEASE DATE: June 8th 2021

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Have I already preordered this? Yes, yes, I have, and I have no regrets because I am very excited. It says it is about “a captive princess and a maidservant in possession of forbidden magic become unlikely allies on a dark journey to save their empire from the princess’s traitor brother”. We have morally grey characters and it is inspired by the history and epics of India; I can’t wait.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

RELEASE DATE: June 10th 2021

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So, we have an academy which is very elite, and the students have to be perfect, so the setting already intrigues me. But two secrets are shared publicly which puts those students involved in a dangerous situation. It sounds like it is a bit of a thriller which looks at real life issues as well. It sounds like a very compelling read and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Sisters of the Snake by Sarena & Sasha Nanua

RELEASE DATE: June 15th 2021

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This is about a royal princess and street thieve who are identical so decide to switch places but obviously things unravel and they have to work together to save their home. It involves magic and apparently dark prophecies too. Ahh… it all sounds so amazing. I can’t wait!! Doesn’t it just sound amazing??!! And the cover is sunning too, all the details !!! 

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

RELEASE DATE: June 15th 2021

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We have a teen witch (yessss, I always love the mention of a witch) who has to kill her first love to save her family BUT she isn’t in love, so she has to find someone first. I mean it sounds ah-mazing and I’m so intrigued already. If you’ve read the synopsis you will know it just keeps getting better and better so yesss, I need it. 

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

RELEASE DATE: June 20th 2021

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I feel like I’ve been excited for this for soooo long. Honestly, I can’t wait to read it, our main character ends up taking the identity of her brother (who is given the fate of greatness by the way) and becomes a young male novice. It is then about her journey. It sounds amazing and epic in every sense of the word so I can’t wait to read it. 

My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows

RELEASE DATE: June 22nd 2021

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I have been meaning to read ‘The Lady Janies’ for a while but now we are onto the Marys’ so I will need to check this out. This one has a green cover so maybe I will get to this one quicker, haha. I, also, think Mary Queen of Scots is an interesting character to follow so I’m intrigued.

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson

RELEASE DATE: July 6th 2021

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I have never been to a festival, but they sound like a great setting for a book and now I think about it, I’m surprised I haven’t seen more. I love the emphasis on music, and I believe it is a romance so yesss. 

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

RELEASE DATE: July 6th 2021

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I’m always a sucker for YA fantasy and this sounds like a really good one. Shiori reveals that she has forbidden magic causing her stepmother to curse her brothers into cranes with the promise of killing them if she says anything. She then goes on a journey to overthrow the throne with her fiancé who she doesn’t want to marry and magic she doesn’t understand. I mean it sounds like a grand old adventure so yay!!

XOXO by Axie Oh

RELEASE DATE: July 13th 2021

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This is a book, which is mostly set in South Korea, includes a kind of a second chance romance, our characters being in arts academy, K-pop so fame as well and family too. It sounds like my kind of contemporary so I’m excited.

A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

RELEASE DATE: August 3rd 2021

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Dark academia is here !! andddd… it is set in a boarding school with a history of witchcraft, so it sounds like more than an excellent premise. It involves writing and solving a mystery from the past. oooOOoohHhh!! 

A Dragonbird in the Fern by Laura Rueckert

RELEASE DATE: August 3rd 2021

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So far, I know it involves a murder which turns into a haunted ghost, an arranged marriage to form an alliance, travelling to a new land, a main character with dyslexia, a murder mystery and danger. It sounds like an in interesting story so consider me intrigued. 

Only On The Weekend by Dean Atta

RELEASE DATE: August 5th 2021

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This book is written in verse like his previous book, The Black Flamingo and I loved the writing in that so I can’t wait. The story seems to be mostly about a love triangle, and that trope either works well or not so much but I, honestly, have every faith in Dean Atta so I can’t wait.

Vampires, Hearts and Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston 

RELEASE DATE: August 24th 2021

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I’m actually so excited about this book. It sounds like a twist on the typical ‘vampire’ story and I love it. First the title and the second that vampires are talked about before we meet the vampire. Our main characters also has to prove she loves life by doing a series of challenges (with a vampire) so I think that will be SO fun.

The Keeper of the Night by Kylie Lee Baker

RELEASE DATE: October 12th 2021

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A hauntingly dark fantasy set in 1890s Japan with a main character who is half reaper, half Shinigami soul collector. Plus, it involves a sister and brother relationship at the front of the novel and I really enjoy reading about siblings especially in a story with the Japanese Underworld with the Goddess of Death.

Jade Fire Gold by C. L. Tan

RELEASE DATE: November 2nd 2021

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Okay so a girl with the power to steal souls makes an alliance with an exiled prince who wants his throne back. I mean it sounds great so far and with inspiration from East Asian mythology and folktales it sounds amazing. It includes themes of family, revenge and forgiveness so yes, I want it.

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman

RELEASE DATE: November 9th 2021

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It sounds like a unique magic tournament to the death where seven main family apply to it to win the control of the ‘magick’. Every year one family has always won but after a spotlight has been put on the town, people flock to it changing the odds. It sounds interesting and has a lot of potential so yesss!

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

RELEASE DATE: 2021

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This story is about the rise of Wu Zetian (the only female emperor in Chinese history) which immediately intrigues me. An 18-year-old tries to avenge her sister’s murder and it includes creatures from East Asian myths with a kind of ‘transformers’ twist to them so it kind of sounds like a genre mesh which immediately intrigues me as well. Do we need it?? Absolutely.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

RELEASE DATE: 2021

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I don’t really read a lot of urban fantasy, but I always like the ones where they discover magic exists when they have lived in reality their whole life, like that ‘f**k, magic is real’ moment is always great to read because I obviously dream of having that moment too. It sounds interesting as the magic is new and it seems to have a slightly more ‘business’ approach to it in a way which I think sounds interesting.

Let’s Not Forget About Sequels…

As always, thank you so much for reading.

What books are you looking forward to next year?? Did you spot any of your most anticipated here??