February may be the official ‘month of love’ but that doesn’t mean that you have to be spending your time with a special lovely someone. You could, just as well and without the unexpected drama, curl up with a fantastic story. Here are 14 new releases that could be potential dates for you this Valentine’s Day.
1. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
If Neil Gaiman is an insta-buy author for you, you probably don’t care too much about what Norse Mythology is about, but I’ll happily tell you anyway. Gaiman has always been a lover of ancient mythology and in this volume, he offers his own spins on the Norse myths. You can pick it up February 7th.
Source: Amazon
2. Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller
Swimming Lessons follows a woman named Ingrid who writes vulnerable and open letters to her husband, Gil, about their marriage, however, she never sends them to him. She hides them in various books collected throughout the years. After finishing her final letter, Ingrid takes off from her home surrounded by the sea and leaves her husband and two daughters behind. 12 years later, Gil is much older and thinks he sees a woman identical to Ingrid while at a bookstore. What follows is a story about deep wounds, unrequited love, and unspoken words. Catch it on shelves February 7th.
Source: Amazon
3. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Many people immediately associate our 16th president with his assassination, his unmistakable facial hair, and, more importantly, his fight against slavery. However, Saunders Lincoln in the Bardo covers a more somber side to the former President: his relationship he had with his 11 year old son, Willie, and the sorrow he faced following his all too premature death. You can pick up a copy on February 14th.
Source: Amazon
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
If there was ever a YA novel, and there are many, that EVERY person should immerse themselves in, it’s this one. When Starr, a 16 year old black girl from a poor community, witnesses the shooting and murder of her friend unarmed Khalil at the hands of a police officer from the upper-class neighborhood. I know this book will no doubt make some people shift in their seats while they read it, but issues like should make people feel very uncomfortable. More than that, they should move us all to stand up for one another. Catch this one on shelves February 28th. #AllLivesMatter
Source: Amazon
5. Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza
This sci-fi YA novel follows an Empress named Rhee, and a Fugitive named Aly who are brought together to face the demise of their galaxy. You can help Rhee and Aly save their world on February 7th.
Source: Amazon
6. Gilded Cage (Dark Gifts #1) by Vic James
In Abi’s world, an elite group of rich people with magical powers called the Equals (ironic enough) rule. Abi’s people, the servants, are all entitled to serve them for a full ten years before being considered for ‘freedom.’ Though chaos erupts when Abi’s brother, Luke, discovers he has been enchanted with magical powers. Will Luke use his powers to set his people free or seek revenge upon the elites? Catch the Gilded Cage on shelves February 14th.
Source: Amazon
7. My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
If you’re in the mood for a light, chick-lit novel, check out My Not So Perfect Life on February 7th. The story follows Katie Brenner and the great differences between her life on social media and her life in reality.
8. Daughter of the Pirate King (Daughter of the Pirate King #1) by Tricia Levenseller
I haven’t seen or heard of a Young Adult novel involving pirates but Daughter of the Pirate King fills that void. In this thrilling adventure, a 17 year old pirate captain allows herself to be captured by her enemies. What comes of her dangerous plan? You’ll have to find out for yourself on February 28th.
Source: Amazon
9. The Dragon’s Price (Transference #1) by Bethany Wiggins
Goodreads has this one covered: Fans of Julie Kagawa’s Talon and Renee Ahdieh’s The Wrath and the Dawn will devour this action-packed fantasy adventure about a girl who chooses to surrender herself to a deadly dragon rather than marry an enemy prince. Perfect mix of fantasy with a little bit of mystical creature thrown in? Sounds like a good time to me. And, honestly, I’d probably choose the dragon too. Pick it up February 21st.
Source: Amazon
10. A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
This historical fiction novel follows a young woman named Christina who, having grown up surrounded by her family’s farm, is unaware of the other paths life offers. That is, until she becomes the artistic muse of artist Andrew Wyeth. This one will be available for purchase on February 21st.
Source: Amazon
11. The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen
2016 Pulitzer Prize winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen’s second novel, The Refugees, hits shelves February 7th. This time, he’s created characters that give new life and voice to the refugee experience. The novel follows a young Vietnamese refugee adapting to new living conditions, and a woman who is facing demons of her own while caring for her dementia-stricken husband.
Source: Amazon
12. The Valiant by Lesley Livingston
The Valiant follows the story of a young female gladiator warrior and chronicles her many adventures and setbacks. Set to hit shelves February 14th.
Source: Amazon
13. To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough
A tantalizing new thriller on the rise, To Catch a Killer follows a young woman trying to both escape and heal from the horrid events she experienced as a toddler, all the while trying to solve the murder of her biology teacher. Catch it on shelves February 7th.
Source: Amazon
14. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
A perfect fix for those yearning for a deeply rich family story, Pachinko follows a Korean family through multiple generations, beginning in early 1900s Korea. You can pick up a copy on February 7th.
Source: Amazon
What would you recommend reading this month?
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Featured image via Love This Pic
