HCC Frenzy Presents: Upcoming YA releases this Fall
Every year, I always look forward to Frenzy Presents hosted by HCC Frenzy at the HarperCollins Toronto office. I don’t have a lot of bookish friends in my area so when you have a day dedicated to inviting a bunch of book bloggers, feeding them A+ snacks, and talking to them about upcoming releases? It’s like going to the bookstore with an infinite credit card. (Ok, I actually don’t know what that feels like but I can imagine)
I honestly don’t know where half the year has gone, but it’s that time of the year where Fall Releases are APPROACHING and I’m excited to tell you all about them. This batch in particular feels like there’s something for everyone so without further ado, here’s a list of upcoming books you can cozy up with a blanket as summer draws to a close:
Sept 3: Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron
- High fantasy story set in a world of magic and legend, where one girl must sacrifice her life, year by year, to gain the power necessary to fight the mother she has never been good enough for
- For fans of Sarah J Maas, Tomi Adeyemi, and Black Panther
- Add it on Goodreads
Sept 3: Five Dark Fates by Kendare Blake
- I believe this is the last book of the Three Dark Crowns series. Since I haven’t read the previous books, I can’t comment on this one but a lot of people during the event seemed to be excited for it!
- Add it on Goodreads
Sept 3: Butterfly Yellow by Thanhhà Lai
- This is an #ownvoices novel about a girl’s quest to reunite with her brother after the Vietnam War
- Add it on Goodreads
This one is very high on my list! It won’t be a light read, but I think own voices books are so important. I love family bonds and the stories surrounding them, and not knowing anything about the Vietnam War, I think it’s even more essential to read this as a start.
Sept 3: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- The first book in a duology
- French-inspired tale of witchcraft and forbidden love
- Slow burn romance
- For fans of Sara J Maas
- Add it on Goodreads
This book doesn’t particularly sound like my cup of tea but I’m sure someone else will enjoy it!
Sept 3: Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
- Co-written by sisters Maika and Maritza
- Rich in Haitian culture and superstitions
- Explores mother-daughter relationship and vulnerability
- Told in epistolary style through letters, articles, emails, and diary entries
- Add it on Goodreads
Any book that has accurate cultural representation and explores family relationships is always right up my alley and this is one of them.
Sept 10: UNpregnant by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan
- Described as ‘a hysterically funny and heartfelt story about fierce friendship and reproductive rights’
- Add it on Goodreads
I’m often wary of books tackling serious topics but this one sounds very promising!
Sept 10: A Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth
- Dark, gripping, alternate historical fantasy set in 1800’s England
- Story of a girl who defies all to save her home and her heart
- For fans of The Hazel Wood, Light Between Worlds, and Caraval
- Add it on Goodreads
Sept 17: Break in Case of Emergency by Brian Francis
- Story about a girl living with her grandparents after her mother committed suicide
- MC’s father left before she was born but he’s now returning home and wants to meet her
- Father is gay and a world-famous female impersonator
- Explores father-daughter relationship while also touching on topics in mental health and LGBTQ+ community
- Add it on Goodreads
I’m slightly nervous about how suicide will be handled in this book but from what I’ve heard so far, it’s handled gently and sensitively.
Sept 17: Suggested Reading by Dave Connis
- A book about books!
- Bookworm fights back when her school bans dozens of classic and meaningful books
- Add it on Goodreads
As a book lover, this book pretty much demands to be on the TBR. >:)
Sept 24: Verify by Joelle Charbonneau
- Action and suspense
- Warcross meets Nineteen Eighty-Four
- Cautionary tale of the dangers of censorship
- Add it on Goodreads
Oct 1: Crier’s War by Nina Varela
- #OwnVoices novel
- LGBTQ+ fantasy
- Story of love, loss, and hope for fans of Westworld and Game of Thrones
- Add it on Goodreads
Oct 1: Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All by Laura Ruby
- Story of two young women—one living, one dead—dealing with loss, desire, and the fragility of the American dream during WWII
- Historical realism with a touch of magic
- Add it on Goodreads
Oct 1: Angel Mage by Garth Nix
- Ageless young woman with terrifying angelic powers bent on reuniting with her lover, no matter the cost
- Add it on Goodreads
(Mackenzie is REALLY EXCITED for this one!!!)
Oct 1: Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy
- First middle grade novel from Julie Murphy
- Story of a girl currently dealing with her parents’ unconventional divorce where they decide to live in nearly identical houses on the same street
- Add it on Goodreads
As soon as I heard ‘middle grade’ I already wanted to read this. I also enjoyed Murphy’s Puddin’ so I’ve curious to see how I’ll like this one!
Oct 1: The End and Other Beginnings by Veronica Roth
- Six futuristic short stories with black-and-white illustrations
- For fans of Black Mirror and Carve the Mark
- Add it on Goodreads
Oct 1: Now Entering Addamsville by Francesca Zappia
- Eerie murder mystery perfect for fans of Eliza and Her Monsters
- Art included!
- Add it on Goodreads
Oct 1: The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy
- Memories are currency, citizens are divided by their abilities, and gifted individuals can take memories from others
- For fans of Six of Crows
- Add it on Goodreads
Oct 15: The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
- Frozen meets Mad Max in this epic teen fantasy duology bursting with star-crossed romance, immortal heroines, and elemental magic
- For fans of Furyborn
- Add it on Goodreads
Oct 22: I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
- Three teens must face down the mistakes of their pasts after they learn that life on Earth might end in 7 days
- Add it on Goodreads
Nov 5: The How & The Why by Cynthia Hand
- A poignant exploration of family and the ties that bind, perfect for fans of Far From the Tree
- Add it on Goodreads
Probably one of my most anticipated releases on this list! I looove books on family
Nov 12: Crown of Oblivion by Julie Eshbaugh
- A girl must enter a cutthroat race to win her freedom
- Add it on Goodreads
Nov 12: The Sky Weaver by Kristen Ciccarelli
- Third book in the Iskari series
- Add it on Goodreads
BONUS: Oct 1 – When You Ask Me Where I’m Going by Jasmin Kaur
- A collection of poetry, illustrations, and prose
- Delves into current cultural conversations including sexual assault, mental health, feminism, and immigration
- Narrative of resilience, healing, empowerment, and love
- Add it on Goodreads
We had the absolute pleasure of having Jasmin visit us during the event! She read 3 pieces of work from her book and even signed the limited ARCs available for readers.
I’ve also never had an author read their poems aloud and I loved listening to Jasmin’s performance. It encouraged me to listen to her pauses and made the poems more powerful.
And that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed looking through the upcoming releases from HarperCollins. I had a wonderful time at Frenzy and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to go.
Are there any books on this list you’re looking forward to reading? I’d love to know! <3
Wow. There are so many books! But I see quite a few I’d probably read.