Waiting on Wednesday ~ November 20, 2024

When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Nine years ago, the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers tore Àn’yīng’s family apart, leaving her mother barely alive and a baby sister to fend for. Now the mortal realm is falling into eternal night, and mó—beautiful, ravenous demons—roam the land, feasting on the flesh of humans and drinking their souls.

Àn’yīng is no longer a helpless child, though. Armed with her crescent blades and trained in the ancient art of practitioning, she has decided to enter the Immortality Trials, which are open to any mortal who can survive the journey to the immortal realm. Those who complete the Trials are granted a pill of eternal life—the one thing Àn’yīng knows can heal her dying mother. But to attain the prize, she must survive the competition.

Death is common in the Trials. Yet oddly, Àn’yīng finds that someone is helping her stay alive. A rival contestant. Powerful and handsome, Yù’chén is as secretive about his past as he is about his motives for protecting Àn’yīng.

The longer she survives the Trials, the clearer it becomes that all is not right in the immortal realm. To save her mother and herself, Àn’yīng will need to figure out whether she can truly trust the stranger she’s falling for or if he’s the most dangerous player of all . . . for herself and for all the realms.

*Lillian’s Choice*

(YABC Staff Reviewer)

The Forest King’s Daughter (Thirstwood, 1)

Author: Elly Blake
Expected Publication Date: February 11, 2025

Once upon a time, among the bloodred trees of Thirstwood, a young forest princess became friends with a lonely boy from underground. He gifted her an amber ring, a worthless trinket—or so he thought—because no sooner did he slide it onto her finger than the queen of the underground and the forest king declared war.

Years later, Cassia is a crucial force in her father’s army, wielding her ring of light that can blind and disorient hundreds of enemies at a time. Then battle-hardened Zeru abducts her, planning to steal the ring back to fix his costly childhood mistake. Exhausted, terrified, and more than a little mistrusting, Cassia is forced to travel with Zeru to a place they both believed only existed in storybooks, one where their childhood friendship slowly rekindles into something much more. But it’s only a matter of time before the war they’ve escaped comes for them, and a hidden threat to forest and underground folk alike grows in the shadows.

From the author of the Frostblood Saga comes the first book in an enchanting, adventure-filled fantasy series about the daughters of the powerful forest king, sure to leave readers breathless and desperate for more.

*Adrien’s Choice*

(YABC Staff Reviewer)

Atlas of Prehistoric Animals (Large Encyclopedias)

Author: Radek Maly (Author), Petr Modlitba (Illustrator)

Expected Release Date: February 11, 2025

Delve into the world of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures in the fourth installment in the Large Encyclopedias series, featuring stunning illustrations and engaging scientific narratives.

Embark on a fascinating odyssey through the annals of time with Atlas of Prehistoric Animals, a captivating addition to the Large Encyclopedias series. Authored by Radek Maly and reviewed by a renowned Czech paleontologist, this book meticulously unfolds the story of life on Earth, from its inception 3,900 million years ago to the emergence of the first organisms with hard shells and skeletons 60 million years later. The narrative takes readers on an enthralling exploration of the oldest animals, featuring well-known prehistoric creatures and introducing them to some they’ve never encountered. The rich tapestry of Earth’s history comes alive through vivid descriptions and stunning illustrations by Czech artist Petr Modlitba, providing an immersive experience into the ancient ecosystems that shaped our planet.

This book stands as a testament to scientific accuracy and expert collaboration, ensuring a reliable and enriching resource for young minds aged 9-12. The book’s vibrant imagery and compelling narratives bridge the gap between ancient and modern ecosystems, fostering a deeper understanding of life’s interconnectedness. With its engaging content and meticulous illustrations, this book not only educates but also captivates, making it an ideal choice for readers eager to explore the wonders of Earth’s prehistoric epochs. A must-have for budding paleontologists, curious minds, and anyone intrigued by the mysteries of our planet’s past.