Most Anticipated Books is a monthly series in which I discuss the releases I’m most excited for in the coming month. In April, there are three books coming out that I’m excited to read. I’m also going to briefly discuss an ARC I read for a book that comes out this month.
Elysium Girls by Kate Pentecost
Summary: In this sweeping Dust Bowl-inspired fantasy, a ten-year game between Life and Death pits the walled Oklahoma city of Elysium-including a girl gang of witches and a demon who longs for humanity-against the supernatural in order to judge mankind.
When Sal is named Successor to Mother Morevna, a powerful witch and leader of Elysium, she jumps at the chance to prove herself to the town. Ever since she was a kid, Sal has been plagued by false visions of rain, and though people think she’s a liar, she knows she’s a leader. Even the arrival of enigmatic outsider Asa— a human-obsessed demon in disguise— doesn’t shake her confidence in her ability. Until a terrible mistake results in both Sal and Asa’s exile into the Desert of Dust and Steel.
Face-to-face with a brutal, unforgiving landscape, Sal and Asa join a gang of girls headed by another Elysium exile— and young witch herself— Olivia Rosales. In order to atone for their mistake, they create a cavalry of magic powered, scrap metal horses to save Elysium from the coming apocalypse. But Sal, Asa, and Olivia must do more than simply tip the scales in Elysium’s favor-only by reinventing the rules can they beat the Life and Death at their own game.
Release Date: April 14
My Impression: I know I said I’m done with YA, but there are a few exceptions I just have to make. This book sounds so dope and that cover is phenomenal. Plus, it’s filled with sapphics. And I must support my people.
The Ranger of Marzanna by Jon Skovron
Summary: When their father is murdered by imperial soldiers, two siblings set out on opposite paths— one will destroy the Empire forever and the other will save it— in this thrilling new Russian inspired epic fantasy from Jon Skovron.
Sonya is training to be a Ranger of Marzanna, an ancient sect of warriors who have protected the land for generations. But the old ways are dying, and the rangers have all been forced into hiding or killed off by the invading Empire.
When her father is murdered by imperial soldiers, she decides to finally take action. Using her skills as a ranger she will travel across the bitter cold tundra and gain the allegiance of the only other force strong enough to take down the invaders.
But nothing about her quest will be easy. Because not everyone is on her side. Her brother, Sebastian, is the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever seen. And he’s fighting for the empire.
Release Date: April 21
My Impression: I actually have an ARC for this, but I haven’t read it yet because I’m bad at my job. But, to be fair, I don’t get paid to do this. Anyway, this plot sounds fun and I’m a sucker for siblings fighting on opposing sides.
Queen of Coin and Whispers by Helen Corcoran
Summary: When teenage queen Lia inherits her corrupt uncle’s bankrupt kingdom, she brings a new spymaster into the fold… Xania, who takes the job to avenge her murdered father.
Faced with dangerous plots and hidden enemies, can Lia and Xania learn to rely on each another, as they discover that all is not fair in love and treason?
In a world where the throne means both power and duty, they must decide what to sacrifice for their country— and for each other…
Release Date: April 23
My Impression: Yes, I did only add this book to my TBR because it’s filled with lesbians and gays. Don’t judge.
Bonds of Brass by Emily Skrutskie
Summary: A young pilot risks everything to save his best friend— the man he trusts most and might even love— only to learn that he’s secretly the heir to a brutal galactic empire.
Ettian Nassun’s life was shattered when the merciless Umber Empire invaded. He’s spent seven years putting himself back together under its rule, joining an Umber military academy and becoming the best pilot in his class. Even better, he’s met Gal Veres— his exasperating and infuriatingly enticing roommate who’s made the Academy feel like a new home.
But when dozens of classmates spring an assassination plot on Gal, a devastating secret comes to light: Gal is the heir to the Umber Empire. Ettian barely manages to save his best friend and flee the compromised Academy unscathed, rattled both that Gal stands to inherit the empire that broke him and that there are still people willing to fight back against Umber rule. As they piece together a way to deliver Gal safely to his throne, Ettian finds himself torn in half by an impossible choice. Does he save the man who’s won his heart and trust that Gal’s goodness could transform the empire? Or does he throw his lot in with the brewing rebellion and fight to take back what’s rightfully theirs?
Release Date: April 7
My Thoughts on the ARC: Unfortunately, I didn’t like this book. I found it immature and poorly constructed, especially considering it’s an adult sci-fi novel. I didn’t care for the romance (which is M/M) or any of the characters. This was, sadly, a 2-star read for me.
What April releases are you excited for? Let me know in the comments!
Strange Storyteller 
I can’t wait for Elysium Girls – the cover looks gorgeous!
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It really is so cool!
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