MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2013: A TO Z

Brought to you by the OBS staff.

A new year is upon us once again.  A year for new resolutions and new memories. But also a new year of new books to add to our ever-growing to-read lists! Here are a few of our favorites that we can’t wait to get our hands on!

A: After Daybreak (Darkness Before Dawn Trilogy #3) by J.A. London – Expected Publication June 25th, 2013.
In J.A. London’s concluding volume of the trilogy, the Day Walker Sin is infecting his army of vampires with a rabies-like disease, which will turn them into mindless killers. Dawn and Victor must convince humans and vampires to work together or they will all be destroyed.

A Kiss of Blood (Vamp City #2) by Pamela Palmer – Expected Publication June 25th, 2013.
No information is available yet on the next installment in the series but we look forward to Pamela Palmer tapping into Quinn’s potential powers and—dare we ask?—unleashing Arturo’s restrained feelings for her.

Awaken (Abandon Trilogy #3) by Meg Cabot – Expected Publication May 7th, 2013.
Though swooning over Death may be, ahem, somewhat undignified, don’t mind if we do. We are saddened to see the conclusion of yet another great trilogy, but are excited to read how Cabot does it.

B: Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand – Expected Publication January 22nd, 2013.
We love angels and everything related to angels, especially when it is a book by Cynthia Hand. Honestly, she creates the perfect love triangle without the accompanying cheese and does it in such a lush, beautiful way!

C: Calculated in Death (In Death #36) by J.D. Robb – Expected Publication February 1st, 2013.
We are happy to announce another volume in the long-running series written by Nora Roberts, a.k.a. J.D. Robb. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the case again with her partner, Peabody, and together they will have to disentangle a possible murder-for-hire.

Chimes at Midnight (October Daye Novels #7) by Seanan McGuire – Expected Publication September 2013.
We have never liked a fairy themed story so much as this one, especially when the heroine of the book has everything she cares for taken away from her in a blink of an eye. Seanan McGuire definitely knows how to tell fairy tales!

Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare – Expected Publication March 19th, 2013.
Danger intensifies for the Shadowhunters as the New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy comes to a close. If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it? The clock is ticking. Also, don’t miss The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, soon to be a major motion picture in theaters August 2013.

Crush (Crash #3) by Nicole Williams – Expected Publication April 23rd, 2013.
Sometimes we need easy, simple books with easy, simple romances. And sometimes, we need something that takes our emotions for a joyride, the kind of ride that leaves us somewhat disheveled and weak at the knees. The Crash series has done this so far, and we hope to melt for Jude and Lucy’s tragic love story all over again.

D: Dead After Ever (Sookie Stackhouse #13) by Charlaine Harris – Expected Publication May 7th, 2013.
We have gone on a long journey with Sookie over these last several years as she has learned to manage her telepathic abilities and learned how to handle herself in the supernatural world.  We are all a little frightened how Sookie’s love life will end, especially all of us Eric fans that could not even recognize our favorite vamp in the last book, Deadlocked.  But we must ride this series out to the end, as bitter as it may be.

Dead Man’s Deal (The Asylum Tales #2) by Jocelynn Drake – Expected Publication May 7th, 2013.
We fell in love with the lead of this series, Gage, in the two prequels to this series and that love only grew with the first installment, Angel’s Ink.  The premise of the series is genius: magic tattoos, in a tattoo parlor cleverly named the Asylum.  And, we can’t wait to see what the consequences are going to be after Gage killed with magic!

Dead Silence (The Body Finder #4) by Kimberly Derting – Expected Publication April 16th, 2013.
Dip into something dark this year with Kimberly Derting’s new addition to her delectably horrifying series. A paranormal murder mystery, with a love story to keep things interesting, Derting gives us another investigative adventure with Violet and her fellow gifted crime solvers.

Death, Doom and Detention (Darklight #2) by Darynda Jones – Expected Publication March 5th, 2013.
What more is in store for the heroine, Lorelei, and the very handsome Angel of Death? With only one other book in the series, there is no excuse for not being completely caught up by the time this one hits the shelves.

E: Entwined with You (Crossfire #3) by Sylvia Day –  Expected Publication June 4th, 2013.
This is last book in the New York Times bestselling Crossfire Trilogy following Bared to You and Reflected in You. We are putting on our fireproof goggles for the scorching finale. Join us, won’t you?

Ever After (The Hollows #11) by Kim Harrison – Expected Publication January 22nd, 2013.
Rachel, this series’ heroine, has a lot on her plate: she has to return to the ever after, beat up demons, rescue the people she loves, prevent an apocalypse. We are giddy with anticipation for her to get started.

F: The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead – Expected Publication Fall 2013.
The Fiery Heart is going to be told from both Sydney and Adrian’s points of view. That’s right. If you have ever wanted to get inside the crazy world of Adrian Ivashkov’s head, this is it. It will still be in first person, but the POV will alternate chapters. We are so excited about this, it’s not even funny. Well, actually, since it’s Adrian, it will be hilarious!

Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson #5) by Darynda Jones – Expected Publication July 9th, 2013.
We adore Darynda Jones’ writing style, fun bumper sticker and T-shirt quotes. And of course we love the fun loving Charley and the smoking hot son of Satan, Reyes!  And based on the synopsis, it looks like they may finally be together in this one! One can hope, anyway.

G: Gates of Paradise (Blue Bloods #7) by Melissa de la Cruz – Expected Publication January 15th, 2013.
Hold on to your hats, Melissa de la Cruz is wrapping up the Blue Bloods series. With Lucifer trying to get into Paradise to steal the throne, the time has come for do or die for our beloved characters. Sacrifices will have to be made and secrets are sure to be revealed in this bittersweet conclusion.

Goddess (Starcrossed #3) by Jospehine Angelini – Expected Publication May 28th, 2013.
Another trilogy, another conclusion. But at least, we get to satisfy our curiosity and find out whether Helen really loves Lucas or Orion. With war looming on the horizon, events come to a head in this last volume of the Starcrossed series.

H: Hot Ticket (Sinners on Tour #4) by Olivia Cunning – Expected Publication February 13th, 2013.
In this next book by Olivia Cunning, we get to hear about another member of the band (the crowds cheer!): bassist Jace Seymour. If you haven’t read Cunning’s books, don’t be surprised if your eyebrows catch fire just glancing at the book cover. You have been warned.

The House of Hades (Heroes of Olympus #4)  by Rick Riordan – Expected Publication October 2013.
For all of us kids at heart and who couldn’t get enough of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, this list just isn’t complete without Rick Riordan’s upcoming book.

I: The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead – Expected Publication February 2nd, 2013.
So we have recommended two books for the same series. We admit it, we just can’t get enough of Bloodlines! And we will ravenously read each volume (and hope you do the same).

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins – Expected Publication September 17, 2013.
This book will be about Isla and Josh but we are equally impatient to read about Anna, Etienne, Lola, and Cricket in this finale. Love in Paris–it sounds just perfect.

J: Joyland by Stephen King – Expected Publication June 5th, 2013.
How could we miss this new release from the master of crime and horror? Set in 1973, at an amusement park, college student Devin Jones has come to work for the summer as a carny. It is a whodunit and a coming-of-age story. The retro cover art (already released), reminiscent of 1960s movie posters, is enough to attract any crime novel aficionados.

Just One Day (Just One Day #1) by Gayle Foreman – Expected Publication January 8th, 2013.
A new year should take you places you have never been and teach you things about yourself you never knew. This is why we have included this book on the list. From the author of If I Stay, take a trip of self-discovery and true love with the heroine, Allyson “Lulu” Healey, across Europe.

K: Shadow of the MarK (The Carrier of the Mark #2) by Leigh Fallon – Expected Publication July 9th, 2013.
The genre of Paranormal Romance has had a recent explosion in popularity and Leigh Fallon’s series falls right into step. Megan, a newcomer, falls for dark, mysterious Adam. Secrets, turmoil, and love ensues. We just want to find out more about their destiny and look forward to July.

L: Leopard’s Prey (The Leopard People #6) by Christine Feehan – Expected Publication May 28th, 2013.
We thought the new year could also do with something exotic. A shape-shifting cop (into a leopard, no less), the hot nights of New Orleans and a serial killer–we thought there would be something there to please all of our readers.

Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward – Expected Publication March 26th.
Qhuay’s–that is Qhuinn and Blay–book is almost here. We can’t wait to see these two finally give into their desires. Not to mention the new storyline with Layla after Qhuinn serviced her during her need.  Seriously, is it March yet?

M: A Memory of Light (Wheel of Time #14) by Brandon Sanderson – Expected Publication January 8th, 2013 (ebook 4/9/13).
The finale of Robert Jordan’s epic series is finally here! Rumors have abounded on whether or not Brandon Sanderson would do the series justice and give it the ending it deserves/needs. Only time will tell if it will top the bestseller lists, as Jordan’s other books have in the past.

Midnight’s Kiss (Dark Warriors #5) by Donna Grant – Expected Publication June 4th.
We have fallen in love with the warriors of MacLeod Castle.  Now that their enemies are dead, will they finally get to live in peace, or will a new villain rise to the occasion to continue their torment?  Based on the end of the last book, Midnight’s Warrior, we have a pretty good idea.

N: A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent by Marie Brennan – Expected Publication February 5th, 2013.
An incredibly gifted fantasy writer, Marie Brennan’s new book combines the best of Victorian era manners, adventure and the dragon genre. Her leading lady, Isabelle, will steal your heart with her sharp witticisms and penchant for impetuousness. This is absolutely a must-read.

Neferet’s Curse (House of Night Novellas #3) by P.C. Cast – Expected Publication February 19th, 2013.
We expect many have been waiting, like us, for the revelations announced in this next book. Finally, Neferet’s history comes to light!

O: Omens (Cainsville #1) by Kelley Armstrong – Expected Publication August 20th, 2013.
Now, for something dark and disturbing. From the released synopsis, it seems the main character, Olivia, finds out that she was adopted and that her birth parents are convicted serial killers. And that she tries to investigate their crimes. All we can say is we will have our flashlights and cozy blankets at the ready for this book.

Of Triton (Of Poseidon #2) by Anna Banks – Expected Publication May 28th, 2013.
Delve into the deep blue seas and explore the mystical realms of Triton and Poseidon, and the love story between Emma and Galen. And did we mention that this series is expected to have a third and concluding book? We just can’t stay away from trilogies.

P: Possession (Forsaken #1) by Alicia Wright Brewster – Expected Publication April 25th, 2013.
After getting a sneak peak at Six as she escaped from hell in the novella, Don’t Call Me Angel, this quickly went into our list of series and authors to keep an eye on. Will Six get to live the normal life she wants or will Luke get his way and get her back in his bed, in hell?

Q: Bloodfire Quest (The Dark Legacy of Shannara #2) by Terry Brooks – Expected Publication March 12th, 2013.
In the second volume of the trilogy, Brooks continues his fantastical epic. Things have gone terribly wrong in the quest for the missing Elfstones. The magical barrier protecting the Four Lands, and keeping in the dangerous creatures, is thinning.  Sacrifices will have to be made to contain the darkness on the brink of pouring out.

R: Reckless (Thoughtless #3) by S.C. Stephens – Expected Publication March 5th, 2013.
Kiera and Kellan’s relationship will be put to the test by superstardom and all its trappings. Can love survive when life gets Reckless?

S: Six Years by Harlen Coben – Expected Publication March 19th, 2013.
After six years of staying away from the woman he loves, Jake Sanders sees an opportunity to get close. But is Natalie the woman he thinks she is? Harlan Coben, the master of domestic suspense, returns with a standalone thriller that explores the depth and passion of a lost love and the lies at its heart.

The Soul (The Host #2) by Stephenie Meyer – No information available.
We’re cheating and we know it! No amount of snooping can confirm, at this point, whether or not this sequel will be published in 2013 but we dream and hope…

T: The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass – Expected Publication April 23rd, 2013.
Dust off your tiaras! In this sequel, America has made the final cut and is that much closer to being the Princess of Illea. In the battle of Team Aspen vs. Team Maxon, we expect the fight to be heated. Which is why we’re also bringing out our feathery fans.

Twice Tempted (Night Prince #2) by Jeaniene Frost – Expected Publication March 26th, 2013.
Vlad.  Do we really need to say more?  Hot. Sexy. Dracula.  And the conclusion of Once Burned’s mini cliffhanger (and if Vlad will give in to his feelings for Leila) has us shifting impatiently in our seats.

The Traitor Son (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa – Expected Publication.
Though there is no information available on this sequel (not even cover art), we are keeping Julie Kagawa on our radar after enjoying the parent series of this spin-off, The Iron Fey. The family saga continues!

U: Up From the Grave (Night Huntress #7) by Jeaniene Frost – Expected Publication Winter 2013.
No information is available on this one yet, just that it’s expected sometime in 2013!  And, we can’t wait to get our Bones fix on!

V: Star Trek the Visual Dictionary: The Ultimate Guide to Characters, Aliens and Technology by DK – Expected Publication March 1st, 2013.
Though this may be an odd addition (and a stretch), we just couldn’t help ourselves. This will be a collection of all things Star Trek, with lots of pictures, from all five live-action series. You can thank us later.

W: Walking Disaster (Beautiful #2) by Jamie McGuire – April 2nd, 2013.
In Jamie McGuire’s second book, she offers us Travis’ POV and we are on tenterhooks to get all our impertinent questions answered about the roguishly charming young man.

Wicked Beat (Sinners on Tour #5) by Olivia Cunning – Expected Publication September 2013.
Olivia Cunning does not keep us impatient for long, and will be releasing another book in her torrid series. This time, we will get to know the band’s drummer, Eric Sticks.

X: Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead  – Expected Publication June 4th, 2013.
Set in a futuristic universe where religious groups are investigated and hunted down by the government, Justin March and Mae Koskinen are paired together to investigate ritualistic murders. This book promises to be suspenseful and irresistible, like all Richelle Mead books.

Y: DYeing Wishes (Haunted Yarn Shop Mysteries #2) by Molly MacRae – Expected Publication July 2nd, 2013.
What a fun series. The characters are quirky; the town takes on a life of its own. With solid writing and excellent character development, we are excited to read the second book to see where the series is headed.

Z: BronZe Gods (Apparatus Infernum #1) by A.A. Aguirre – Expected Publication April 30th, 2013.
Janus Mikani and Celeste Ritsuko are criminal investigators in a world mingled with both steel and magic. From both the cover art and the sneak preview on the author’s website (go read it, get hooked!), we know it will be steampunk and, therefore, awesome.

Now go, live long and read prosperously.