Earlier this year, I released a comprehensive list of the books I – and the publishing world – am most excited about through the end of June.

Now it’s time to look at the second half of the year because I am masochistic and can’t help but add new books to my already never-ending TBR list.

And DAMN there are some good books coming…

Note: I tried to keep this list as balanced as I could between genre and subject matter. I don’t know that I was totally successful as about 75% are creepy thrillers and dark fantasies… Oh well.

July

The Romanov Empress by C.W. Gortner – July 10
I’m obsessed with all things to do with the last Russian royal family. But Maria Feodorovna is a unique POV I haven’t come across before.

Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams – July 10
Romance, murder, high society and a resort island. Sounds like the perfect summer read to me.

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage – July 17
I have literally been looking forward to this book for over a year. A sociopathic little girl?! Count me in.

Contagion by Erin Bowman – July 24
Apparently this is a book where the less you know going in, the better. But it’s also described as a dark thriller/fantasy with space zombies? So let’s do it.

Sea Witch by Sarah Henning – July 31
Mermaids and sirens are all the rage in YA fantasy, but what about the sea witch herself? I love villain origin stories, and I am particularly excited for Sarah as one of my agent siblings! Yay!

The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas – July 31
“There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn’t mean anyone else is safe.” I think the blurb speaks for itself here.

August

Rust and Stardust by T. Greenwood – August 7
So this is actually based on a very real kidnapping, and I am a little scared… But I have heard fantastic things, so I am going to give it a try.

Dance of Thieves by Mary Pearson – August 7
My goal is to read the Remnant Chronicles before this one, but apparently this is one of the best-built worlds in fantasy. Which I am totally excited about.

Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter – August 18
I love thrillers, and Slaughter is a master. I mean, just look at her last name.

Brave Enough by Kati Gardner – August 21
This cover is SO gorgeous. And there’s ballerinas. 

The Towering Sky by Katherine McGee – August 28
New York. 2118. The final installment. Lots of secrets. EEK!

Mirage by Somaiya Daud – August 28
I would read this just for the cover and all the hype. But a Moroccan-inspired setting? Hell yes.

September

Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake – September 4
“The crown has been won, but these queens are far from done.” Pumped for this next installment! 

Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaeffer – September 4
So Nita sells magical body parts on the black market which sounds super creepy, intense and right up my alley.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory – September 4
I have always hated the idea of being proposed to in front of a bunch of people. Apparently I am not the only one.

In Her Bones by Kate Moretti – September 4
The daughter of a murderer becomes obsessed with the families of her mother’s victims. Until a man ends up murdered. Is she destined to become her mother? I don’t know but I CAN’T WAIT to find out.

Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman – September 11
A sweet story about friendship and music – set in Hawaii! Surf’s up!

The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle – September 11
Even been asked what five people you would invite to a dinner party? Well, Sabrina’s hypothetical just came true.

October

Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd – October 2
I have been looking forward to this book for months: a glittering YA fantasy set in underground Paris! This one is an obvious and must-pick.

When We Caught Fire by Anna Godbersen – October 2
I adore Anna Godbersen, and she consistently delivers well-researched and high quality historical fiction. Excited to journey back to 1871 Chicago!

The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke – October 2
A band of mercenary girls? Gender-bent Beowulf? Won in a major six-house auction? DUH.

Shell by Kristina Olsson – October 9
Australia during the Vietnam War is just too unique to not read. Add in a Swedish glassmaker, an Australian journalist with a secret past, and a missing architect… I’m there.

The Witch Elm by Tana French – October 9
I have never read anything by French, but I’ve always heard wonderful things. And this story about a man who finds a skull in the trunk of an old tree sounds perfect for my creepy-loving self.

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas – October 23
The hotly anticipated conclusion to one of my favorite series of all times. I literally am going to cry in excitement. If you haven’t read Throne of Glass, DO IT NOW.

November

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan – November 6
Set in Asian-inspired fantasy world where a Demon King takes human girls as concubines… And published by James Patterson’s imprint. Sign me up!

Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix by Julie C. Dao – November 6
The sequel to a fan and personal favorite: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns. In the second book, Princess Jade finally meets her match.

How She Died, How I Lived by Mary Crockett – November 13
Kyle texts five girls on the same day. Jamie is the only one to respond, and now she’d dead. How will the other girls cope with their survivor’s guilt?

The Splintered Silence by Kayla Olson – November 13
I don’t usually go for sci-fi but this sounds amazing! A thriller set in space!

Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin – November 20
It’s not the Game of Thrones book I was hoping for, but I will definitely take a history of the Targaryens.

December

For Better and Worse by Margo Hunt – December 1
Ever wonder if you could get away with murder? Well it’s always been a fun musing for lawyers Natalie and Will Clarke until the son is molested by his principal…

The Disasters by M.K. England – December 18
I can’t believe have TWO space novels on this list. But a hotshot, recently-expelled pilot (who’s the only one who can save the world) is too good to resist.

Hunting Annabelle by Wendy Heard – December 25
Seah Suh is done with killing… Or is he? Psychological thrillers are my jam, but they are hard to execute. Let’s hope this one lives up to the hype!