It’s that time of year again…time to talk about all the books I’m excited for next year!
When I started writing this post last month, my list of anticipated 2020 book releases was fairly long, but it was reasonable. But then, of course, I started seeing other people’s lists. And I kept adding on to mine. And before I knew it, my own list had exploded in size.
So today, I’m listing out all of the 2020 releases that I now have my eye on. It’s a sizable list. Many of these are YA, but I’ve also found some adult titles that look exciting (mostly SFF) and a couple middle grade. I’ll talk about standalones/new series first before getting into sequels and series continuations.
I hope you can find some titles to add to your own anticipated releases lists! I have no idea how I’m going to survive next year with so many new books to read. But what a problem to have.
Now let’s get into my gigantic list!
✨ = ARCs I own
1️⃣ = debut author
We Used To Be Friends by Amy Spalding ✨
January 7
YA contemporary
The story of a friendship breakup told in the timeline style of The Last Five years? Sounds fun! (I’m actually reading this one right now, and so far, so good!)
Infinity Son by Adam Silvera
January 14
YA urban fantasy
All I need to know in order to want this book is “Adam Silvera” and “fantasy.” Feels like I’ve been waiting for this one for ages, and I’m very excited that it’s finally almost here.
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord 1️⃣✨
January 21
YA contemporary
A modern-day You’ve Got Mail-type story with two rival restaurant Twitter accounts. I’m actually taking part in the blog tour for this one, and I’m excited!
The Seep by Chana Porter 1️⃣
January 21
adult sci-fi
This sounds like a heartbreaking story about a relationship after a slow alien invasion, following a trans woman and her wife, and I’m already emotional about it.
Nottingham by Anna Burke
January 21
adult fantasy retelling
A gender-swapped retelling of Robin Hood with a band of merry women! This looks amazing.
The Circus Rose by Betsy Cornwall
January 21
YA fantasy
A retelling of “Snow White and Red Rose” set at a circus and following two girls fighting against religious extremists! Wow yes please.
Highfire by Eoin Colfer
January 28
adult urban fantasy
This book seems to be about a cynical old dragon in Louisiana reluctantly befriending a 15-year-old boy, and I’m already giggling.
Belle Revolte by Linsey Miller ✨
February 4
YA fantasy
This sounds a little bit like Lady’s Guide by Mackenzi Lee and also The Prince and the Pauper. Plus, one of the main characters is apparently bi & ace!
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed
February 4
YA contemporary
I’ve never read anything by Aisha Saeed, but I’ve loved EVERYTHING by Becky Albertalli so far. And this book seems very relevant considering next year is such a big election year in the US.
The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper 1️⃣
February 4
YA contemporary
I know very little about this book other than the fact that the cover is beautiful and I keep seeing it everywhere. But it’s a love story with maybe a bit of sci-fi (??) so I’m sold.
Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans
February 4
YA contemporary fantasy
Three magical kids learning to love themselves and each other! Yes! This book’s description calls it a “gentle” fantasy for fans of Studio Ghibli and I can already tell I’m going to love it.
Twist by Sarah Cannon
February 11
middle grade fantasy
This book sounds adorable. Imaginative kids accidentally creating monsters and doorways to magical worlds!
The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow 1️⃣
February 25
YA sci-fi
Sci-fi road trip involving illegal books and aliens with feelings! YES! I’m so ready to read this.
Finna by Nino Cipri
February 25
adult sci-fi
This novella is described as an “anti-capitalist adventure” about a couple who just broke up who are forced to journey across the multiverse. Omg yes.
When We Were Magic by Sarah Gailey ✨
March 3
YA urban fantasy
A group of magical girls who are friends and then accidentally commit murder together! I’ve never read anything by Sarah Gailey but I can’t WAIT to read this one.
Witches of Ashes and Ruin by E. Latimer
March 3
YA fantasy
This book might have a pretty generic YA title, but it sounds really interesting, with Irish witches and serial killers, as well as OCD and bi representation.
Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco
March 3
YA fantasy/alt-history
This book’s description is a little confusing, but it seems to involve fairy tales and alternate universes, so I’m definitely interested.
A Phoenix First Must Burn, edited by Patrice Caldwell
March 10
YA SFF anthology
An anthology of black women writing SFF stories, including Justina Ireland, Elizabeth Acevedo, Ibi Zoboi, and LOTS MORE.
Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari
March 17
YA superhero sci-fi
For anyone wondering how the friends/significant others of superheroes feel, here is a book for you! This sounds hilarious and lots of fun.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
March 17
adult fantasy
Magical islands and magical children and magical creatures! This book feels like it has some big found family energy, which I am here for.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin ✨
March 26
adult urban fantasy
I mean…N.K. Jemisin? Sentient New York City? I’m sold. This is the first book in a new series and I can already tell that it’s going to blow me away like all of Jemisin’s other books.
Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth
April 6
adult sci-fi
Veronica Roth’s first adult novel sounds SO INTERESTING, following a group of “Chosen Ones” ten years after they saved the world.
Loveless by Alice Oseman
April 30
YA contemporary
MY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR. Alice Oseman is one of my favorite authors and I can already tell that this book is going to mean so much to me. I’ve been following this since even before it was officially announced and I know that I’m going to cry as soon as it’s in my hands.
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
May 5
YA fantasy
A girl disguising herself as a boy on a pirate ship and a girl traveling to her arranged marriage – sounds like a recipe for success to me.
By the Book by Amanda Sellet 1️⃣✨
May 12
YA contemporary
This book sounds hilarious – a girl who studies her favorite books to figure out how romance works, but obviously things don’t go as planned.
The Fascinators by Andrew Eliopulos 1️⃣
May 26
YA urban fantasy
This book is described as The Raven Boys meets Simon vs. and that is literally all I need to know. Also, THAT COVER.
I Kissed Alice by Anna Birch 1️⃣
May 26
YA contemporary
Enemies-to-lovers romance about girls at a competitive art school who unknowingly create a webcomic together! Absolutely fantastic.
The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinka 1️⃣
June 1
YA fantasy
This is apparently a retelling of an ancient Scottish ballad with a sinking city and enemies-to-lovers romance. NICE.
Burn by Patrick Ness
June 2
YA historical fantasy
Patrick Ness is writing a new book and it has DRAGONS! Plus, it’s set in my home state! This is amazing news and I’m DYING to read this.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson 1️⃣
June 2
YA contemporary
A rom-com about a girl trying to become prom queen in order to win a scholarship to her dream school. This sounds adorable and I’m obsessed with the cover!
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas 1️⃣✨
June 9
YA contemporary
Magic! Ghosts! Trans Latino protagonist! I’ve already heard so many good things about this book and I can’t wait to find out for myself how wonderful it is.
The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smith 1️⃣
June 9
YA contemporary
I am HERE for this cheesy sapphic rom-com about a supposedly casual relationship that accidentally becomes much more. And what a beautiful cover!
A Peculiar Peril by Jeff VanderMeer
July 7
YA fantasy
In what I believe is Jeff VanderMeer’s first YA series, a boy finds doorways into alternate universes, which you know I’m ALWAYS down for.
Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power
July 7
YA horror
Ever since reading Wilder Girls, I can’t wait to see what Rory Power writes next. And this horror thriller, about family secrets and a small town, sounds amazing.
The State of Us by Shaun David Hutchinson
July 21
YA contemporary
I don’t even care if this sounds like the YA version of Red, White and Royal Blue – this rom-com about the sons of rival presidential candidates is going to be fantastic.
The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver
unknown release date
YA contemporary
Mason Deaver’s first book, I Wish You All the Best, was a masterpiece, so I know that their next one is going to be just as incredible, whenever it comes along.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
unknown release date
adult fantasy
I’m pretty sure this book was on my anticipated releases list of last year too, but I’m crossing my fingers that it will finally come out this year! V.E. Schwab is an author who I automatically add to my TBR every time.
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson 1️⃣
unknown release date
adult sci-fi
This one just sounds like so much fun: a dimension-hopping main character whose doppelgangers keep dying mysteriously.
Sequels & Series
Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland (Dread Nation #2)
February 4
YA alternate history
Dread Nation was one of my favorite books of last year and I’ve been holding my breath for it’s sequel. I CANNOT WAIT to reread the first book and dive into this one!
King of Crows by Libba Bray (Diviners #4)
February 4
YA historical fantasy
I’m not as invested in the Diviners series as I know some people are, but I’m three books in at this point and I can’t leave the characters hanging. So King of Crows, here I come!
Heartstopper: Volume 3 by Alice Oseman
February 6
YA contemporary graphic novel
Technically, I’ve already read this as a webcomic, but I’ve loved rereading Heartstopper as physical volumes. Nick and Charlie own my heart.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
May 19
YA dystopia
I never thought we’d be getting a prequel to The Hunger Games, let alone one that I genuinely want to read, but here we are. I’m definitely going to be rereading the original trilogy sometime next year, because it’s been too long.
Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev (The Rajes #2)
May 26
adult romance
The sequel to Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors! There aren’t enough Persuasion retellings out there (and I should know because I wrote one) and I’m excited to see what Sonali Dev does with the story.
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (The Locked Tomb #2) ✨
June 2
adult science fantasy
I loved Gideon the Ninth earlier this year and I can already tell that the sequel is going to break me. Also, I thought there was no way a cover could surpass the first book…but this one is stunning.
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green (An Absolutely Remarkable Thing #2)
July 7
adult urban sci-fi
Another long-awaited sequel to a 2018 favorite! It was mean of Hank Green to leave us on that cliffhanger ending from An Absolutely Remarkable Thing for so long, and I’m dying to find out what happens next.
Unravel the Dusk by Elizabeth Lim (The Blood of Stars #2)
July 7
YA fantasy
The sequel to Spin the Dawn! I can tell that this fantasy series is just going to get better and better as it goes. And look at that cover! These books are going to look so beautiful on a shelf next to each other.
The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Lee (Montague Siblings #3)
August 18
YA historical fantasy
Mackenzi Lee LIED to us when she said that Lady’s Guide was going to be the last Montague sibling book! I screamed when this was announced and I don’t want to wait another moment for it. We get to see Monty and Percy and Felicity again!!!
Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab (Cassidy Blake #3)
September 1
middle grade urban fantasy
The final (as far as I know) book in Cass and Jacob’s story! I’ve loved this series so far, and I can’t wait to see what adventures await them in New Orleans.
The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi (The Gilded Wolves #2) ✨
September 22
YA historical fantasy
I loved The Gilded Wolves, so naturally I’m so excited for its sequel. The release date kept getting pushed back, but lucky me, because I have an ARC!
Untitled by Maggie Stiefvater (Dreamer Trilogy #2)
November 10
YA urban fantasy
This book doesn’t even have a title yet and I’m already dying to read it. To be honest, I’ve been dying since the moment I finished Call Down the Hawk. I’m basically going to spend all of 2020 bemoaning the fact that this book isn’t in my hands yet.
Iron Heart by Nina Varela (Crier’s War #2)
unknown release date
YA fantasy
I just finished Crier’s War the other day and now I’m desperate to read the second book! This one doesn’t have an official release date yet, but I’m holding out hope for 2020.
Untitled by Lauren Shippen (The Bright Sessions #2)
unknown release date
YA urban sci-fi
I don’t know anything about this book other than the fact that it’s about Damien from The Bright Sessions when he’s 18. But after loving The Infinite Noise, I’m so excited for what Lauren Shippen does next!
What 2020 releases are you excited for? Let me know about any that aren’t on this list!
x Margaret
goodreads | twitter | indiebound
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Weird Zeal 
So many good looking books!! I can’t wait for Tweet Cute and the Hunger Games book!
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Ahhh I know! Both of those should be amazing 😀 Thanks!
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Ahh there are so many exciting books (and beautiful covers) coming out next year! Nottingham sounds really interesting, I’m definitely adding that one to my list.
I’m currently reading Witches of Ash and Ruin, and even though it has a generic title, it’s pretty unique and interesting right now. Would recommend!
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SO many beautiful covers! And I’m glad to hear that Witches of Ash and Ruin is good and that I didn’t let the generic title deter me 😀 It does sound really cool and unique!!
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Oh my gosh Margaret, you’ve set yourself up for quite a year here! I don’t know how, but I’m sure you’ll do it! I am SO EXCITED for Loveless I am basically just going to run to the shops screaming the day it releases. (Or maybe I’ll get an ARC? We can dream.)
I’m trying not to add too many things to my TBR but I just have to steal I Kissed Alice from this list. I mean, enemies-to-lovers romance? Between two girls?? At art school??? Who are making a webcomic???? Just… So much yes.
Great post as always! ❤️
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Oh man, I know – no idea how I’m going to get to even a fraction of these 😅 And I’m DYING for Loveless! Getting an ARC would be amazing….just putting that out into the universe 👀
And I Kissed Alice also seems fantastic! I hope we both enjoy it 😄 Thanks, Abi!!
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Yes! Universe please be kind 🤞 Here’s to a 2020 full of wonderful reads! 🎉
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WOW OKAY MY TBR JUST WENT DOWN IN FLAMES. So many that I didn’t know about, thank you!
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Ahaha you’re welcome! 😉 I’m glad you could find so many to add to your TBR!
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Yes I loved reading your long list for anticipated releases so much !! It’s wonderful and includes so many books, including a few I hadn’t heard about so I’m interested!
Euphoria Kids sounds really interesting, I am sold!! The Dark Tide also sounds amazing– I love the Scottish aspects in it!! I’m so excited for Loveless, I have to read Alice’s previous books as well but I love her writing a lot!
I know we have talked about it but I’m so excited to see Damien in the next bright sessions book. I think because we don’t know too much about his past from the podcast so I feel like this is going to be really interesting. I think Damien is so interesting– I’m so glad he has got his next book.
I’m obviously excited for the next Call Down the Hawk book– I can’t wait for the title and cover reveal!! Ah!!
Wonderful list, thank you for creating this! ❤
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Ahhh thanks! I’m so glad I could help you find some new ones!
I’m obsessed with the concept of Euphoria Kids, and Loveless will no doubt be absolutely amazing.
And yes, Damien’s book should be fantastic! I can’t wait to see his whole backstory 😱 And the sequel to Call Down the Hawk can’t come soon enough!!
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