As we close the book on 2011, we can't help but get a little giddy about all that 2012 will bring—including an entire bookshelf (or two) full of new, unputdownable reads. So, as we're wont to do, we've compiled a list of the 12 YA novels we can't wait to devour in 2012. Here you'll find finales to well-loved series, fresh entries from debut authors and a few of the usual suspects. Peruse our list and leave your own most-anticipated tomes in the comments section!
12. "The Book of Blood and Shadow" by Robin Wasserman (April 10, 2012)
Nora's best friend Chris is dead, his girlfriend, Adriane, is catatonic, and Nora's boyfriend, Max, is missing and accused of Chris' killing. An ancient manuscript holds the key to the mysterious murder, sending Nora on a hunt through the streets of Prague. Consider "Blood and Shadow" the angsty step-daughter to "The Da Vinci Code."
11. "Pandemonium" by Lauren Oliver (February 28, 2012)
Lauren left us sobbing into our pillows after the blood-soaked conclusion to her dystopian drama "Delirium." What will life be like for Lena behind the fence? We can't wait to find out.
10. "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green (January 10, 2012)
Having been diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at the age of 12, Hazel didn't imagine much of a future for herself. That is, until the tumor miraculously shrinks two years later. As Hazel looks towards an uncertain future, further complications arise when she meets gorgeous fellow cancer patient Augustus Waters in a support group. We expect plenty of tissues will be in order for this one.
9. "Amelia Anne Is Dead and Gone" by Kat Rosenfield (July 5, 2012)
Ms. Rosenfield isn't just one of your trusty Hollywood Crush bloggers, she's also an author! Kat will make her publishing debut this summer with "Amelia Anne Is Dead and Gone," a twisty murder mystery that we're sure will be anything but dead on arrival. (And, no, we can't get you an early copy...)
8. "Caster Chronicles No. 4" by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Fall 2012)
How will it all end for Lena and Ethan? Yeah, we have no idea either.
7. "The Golden Lily" by Richelle Mead (June 19, 2012)
"Vampire Academy" spin-off "Bloodlines" continues with "The Golden Lily," and, rest assured, Richelle told us there will be plenty of romance in this follow-up, just in case you thought "Bloodlines" was a bit anemic in the love department.
6. "Matched No. 3" by Ally Condie (Fall 2012)
Ally couldn't tell us much about the finale to her "Matched" series when we talked to her recently. But she did promise that the title would end in "ed." So there you go.
5. "Isla and the Happily Ever After" by Stephanie Perkins (Fall 2012)
Stephanie is our go-to author for feel-good, everyday romances, and she'll follow up the success of "Anna and the French Kiss" and "Lola and the Boy Next Door" with this third companion novel. We don't know much about it yet, but readers of "Anna" will likely remember Isla as a Paris classmate nursing a crush on Josh.
4. "Tempest" by Julie Cross (January 17, 2012)
The first in a trilogy, "Tempest" follows time traveling 19-year-old Jackson Meyer, who, after witnessing the murder of his girlfriend, involuntarily transports back to 2007, unable to return to his present. Can he change history and bring his love back to life? The movie rights to this mind-bending tale have already been snatched up by Summit Entertainment, so get reading before casting calls go out!
3. "Legend" sequel by Marie Lu (Fall 2012)
It's currently untitled and un-copyedited, but that doesn't make us any less anxious for the release of the follow-up to Marie's debut novel, "Legend," the dystopian drama that caught the publishing world's eye and a "Twilight" producer's attention. Sadly, we'll have to wait until the fall for the continuing adventures of June and Day.
2. "Clockwork Princess" by Cassandra Clare (November 2012)
Will Tessa pick kind, gentlemanly Jem or damaged but dreamy Will? We're expecting some answers, Ms. Clare! (Oh, and while you're at it, some resolution to that whole Magister/clockwork army mess might be nice too...)
1. "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth (May 1, 2012)
Veronica knocked us out with her debut novel, "Divergent," a dramatic thrill ride set in dystopian Chicago, following teen Tris as she leaves her family behind to join the Dauntless faction. With the world she knows shattering around her, how will Tris survive and keep those she loves safe? We'd jump from a speeding train to get our hands on a copy of this follow-up.
Which YA novels are you most looking forward to in 2012? Give us your list in the comments and on Twitter!
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