Top 5 Anticipated Reads of 2019

I debated making this a Top 10 post, just because there are so many amazing books coming out in 2019! But I'll narrow it down and post a Part 2 later, if needed. For now, get your Goodreads tab ready, because here are - in no particular order - five of what I think are the best books releasing next year:

1. Wicked Saints by Emily Duncan

Originally titled Something Dark and Holy, this book has been on my radar since early 2018. From how it's described, Wicked Saints ticks all my boxes:

• a Russian-esque fantasy (with Polish influences)
• tantalizing love-to-hate relationship that's been compared to Darklina and Reylo (say no more)
• dark blood magic, priests, girls with knives, broken princes, and monster boys

Honestly, this one's #1 on my tbr. I'm fortunate enough to have received an early manuscript that I'm planning to review here closer to release date. Also, aren't those covers absolutely stunning?!

Release Date: April 2, 2019
Goodreads

2. The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala

The Tiger at Midnight is about an assassin and a soldier who get caught up in a game of cat-and-mouse. Not only do I love the cat-and-mouse trope, but I've heard that this book has a fantastic enemies-to-lovers relationship (do you sense a trend?). Rebels, political fantasy, Hindu mythology - I'm here for it all. And what's that, another gorgeous cover?

Release Date: April 23, 2019
Goodreads

3. The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

The Winter of the Witch is the third and final installment in Katherine Arden's Winternight trilogy. If you haven't read The Bear & the Nightingale yet, drop everything and read it immediately. Russian mythology, fantasy, historical fiction - this series contains everything I love. Not only are the setting and writing beautiful, but the characters are so real, and I love them so fiercely, I could immerse myself in this world forever and never return to reality. Dangerous priests, frost gods, magical horses...I cannot recommend this trilogy highly enough. This is one of my favorite series of all time.

Release Date: January 9, 2019
Goodreads

4. Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi

I'm sure you all know about this book. Defy Me is the latest installment in Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series, which follows Juliette as she struggles with her power, her identity, and who to trust in a world of ever-shifting politics. While I wasn't a huge fan of Restore Me, the first book in Tahereh's continuation of the once-trilogy, I am of course still looking forward to seeing where the story goes in this next book. The main relationship in this series is also top-notch in terms of angst and tension. A must-read series for sure.

Release Date: April 2, 2019
Goodreads

5. King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

Nikolai. The Grishaverse. If you've read any of Leigh Bardugo's books, you know that Nikolai is without any doubt one of the greatest characters created, and he definitely deserves his own series. Behold, the first book in that series - King of Scars! Nikolai was arguably the best thing to come from Leigh's Shadow and Bone trilogy, and I can't wait to see where his story will go in this new duology. Honestly, the title doesn't bode well for the beloved prince. I know Stormhund will face some challenges in this new series, but as long as he finds happiness in the end, I'll be good.

Release Date: January 29, 2019
Goodreads


Okay, so I'm definitely making a Part 2 to this! There are just way too many releases to look forward to in 2019. My list is endless! Until then, feel free to let me know in the comments what books you're looking forward to picking up next year. :)