A few days ago I travelled all the way to Frankfurt, Germany with my mum. Why? To go to the second biggest book fair in all of Europe, that's why!
If you've ever been to one of Little English Bookworm's book fairs and thought that was pretty cool then imagine this multiplied several times and voila; the Frankfurt Book Fair. We spent the whole day there and I only saw a tiny bit of it! There are multiple halls with multiple floors, and the floors held around a hundred stands from different publishers. There were so many books it was my dream come true; I had a hard time controlling my inner frolicking-about-on rainbows-singing-'It's-Raining-Books' mood. Unfortunately, we weren't there on the day where you could buy stuff, we just made a lot of deals and ordered lots of books to be delivered later. I did however see SO many books that I need immediately, and that I know deep down in your soul you need too; so here is a list of YA books that I saw at the Frankfurt Book Fair that are absolute must-haves.
1. Turtles All the Way Down
The hard core John Green fans will tell you that we have been waiting six years (yes, six, I know!) for his new book to come out after his previous success with 'The Fault in Our Stars'. Was it worth the wait? Yes, yes it most definitely was. It was published on the 10th of October 2017 for the first time, and I had the privilege of being able to read it straight away.
The protagonist is a sixteen-year-old girl called Aza Holmes and it begins with a fugitive billionaire and a cash reward with Aza setting out to look for clues to finding the missing billionaire, while grappling with a mental illness that is partially based on John Green's own experiences. Ultimately it was a story of love and friendship and the struggle of trying to figure out who you are. And of course, it wouldn't be a John Green book if it didn't leave me sobbing my eyes out, so there's that too.
2. DC Icons
I cannot stop talking about these books, I mean it's getting to the point where I'm actually raving about them. It's slightly worrying.
I've never been a comic book sort of person however, when I was younger I stumbled across the Justice League TV series, which, if you have no idea what I'm talking about is a group of (DC) superheroes featuring Superman, Batman, Wonderwoman, Green Lantern and the like. To say I adored it would be putting it lightly. However when I'd finished watching all the seasons and movies (that were appropriate for an eight-year-old), there wasn't anything else. I just didn't like comic books so that was the end of Justice League for me (after I'd rewatched the seasons several times, of course).
For all of you who completely relate to this: never fear, DC icons are here!
The publisher Random House have organised something I never thought would happen; superhero YA novels! Not only that, but they are going to be written by the best YA writers (all New York Times bestsellers) around.
Let me expand on that for you. Over the course of about a year, four authors will be taking on their own respective superhero, to write a never-been-seen-before novel about Wonderwoman, Batman, Catwoman, and Superman.
Wonderwoman has just been released in August, a month after the live-action movie and is written by none other than Leigh Bardugo, the genius behind the Grisha trilogy and the Six of Crows duology.
In January 2018 'Batman: Nightwalker' will be released, written by Marie Lu, the author behind 'The Young Elites' and the 'Legend' trilogy.
Superman will be written by Matt de la Pena ('Mexican White Boy' and 'The Living') and released in May 2018 and finally Catwoman By Sarah J. Maas ('Throne of Glass' series) in September 2018.
Because they are written as novels they are perfect for old fans and newcomers alike and Random House has promised books that "will embrace themes of good vs. evil, coming-of-age romance, and superheroes from unexpected places who have the determination to achieve seemingly impossible dreams."
3. It Only Happens in the Movies
Another book that has recently come out (this October) is Holly Bourne's new book: 'It Only Happens in the Movies'. Holly Bourne is the writer of the 'Spinster Club' series and her new book looks as though it's going to be even better.
Bad boys turned good, kisses in the rain, climbing through bedroom windows... It only happens in the movies.
When Audrey meets Harry, it’s the start of a truly cinematic romance – or is it?
Audrey knows that Harry is every movie cliché rolled into one. But she still chooses to let him into her heart...
I am dying to read it, it's going to be spectacular.
4. Theatrical
(Cover not yet available)
Maggie Harcourt a.k.a one of my favourite authors of all time is releasing her third book: 'Theatrical', to be a 2018 paperback original, which follows 17-year-old Hope Parker who has always dreamed about a career in the theatre - not on the stage, but behind it as part of the crew. So when the opportunity to be part of the stage management team on a production at her local theatre comes up, she jumps at it. But confronted with a badly-behaved Hollywood star as their lead, a director who can’t get along with anyone, fans camped out at the stage door and an usher she can’t get out of her head, it looks like this time the real drama will be happening backstage.
Judging by her last two books, which are AMAZING (if you haven't read 'Unconventional' and 'The Last Summer of Us' yet, what are you doing?!), this one is going to be just as witty and warm; I can't wait!
5. City of Bones: the Graphic Novel
I love, love, love Shadowhunters and whilst I wait for new books to come out, nothing could be more delightful than a graphic novel. To revisit the world of The Mortal Instruments via illustration is going to be absolutely brilliant and although I'm not usually one for graphic novels I won't be able to resist seeing my favourite characters *cough* Magnus and Alec *cough* being brought to life through pictures, I mean...
And even if you haven't read any Shadowhunters novels before then this is an excellent way to start especially if you're not keen on traditional books.
