Books

6 YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books for Your 2020 TBR

Science-fiction and fantasy stories are two of my absolute favorite genres to read. I love exploring new worlds full of magic and wonder or going on a breathtaking space adventure. I enjoy the high-stakes drama, thrilling action, and the many twists and turns a narrative can take.

I’m incredibly excited for these six YA sci-fi/fantasy books that are releasing in the second half of 2020!

Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud

Release date: August 4

Following the explosive events at the end of Mirage, Amani is thrown back into the clutches of cruel Princess Maram to act as her body double. As Amani navigates the intricacies of court politics, a rebellion gains momentum threatening to upend everything she knows.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

Release date: August 18th

Tarisai is sent to the empire of Aritsar to win a spot on the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. Chosen members will be joined through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. However, Tarisai’s mother, The Lady, wishes for her to gain the trust of the Crown Prince and then kill him. Torn between her mother’s demands and loyalty to the Crown Prince, Tarisai must make a difficult choice that will forever change her world.

The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Release date: September 8th

Set in a world where a technologically advanced city resides in the sky and a magical land inhabits the surface, a forbidden romance is born between a prince and a goddess.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Release date: September 15th

In this contemporary fantasy retelling of King Arthur, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews is unwittingly introduced to a secret society of mages who call themselves Legendborn. They exist to rid the world of demons and other dark creatures. As Bree becomes further entangled in their magical business, she must decide what side she is truly on.

Skyhunter by Marie Lu

Release date: September 29th

In a world ravaged by war, a group of young warriors known as Strikers fight back against a tyrannical regime. They will do whatever it takes to protect their homeland of Mara from the ruthless Karensa Federation.

A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

Release date: December 1st

This is the final book in the Ember Quartet that will determine the fates of Laia, Elias, and Helene once and for all. If you haven’t started this series yet, you need to right now. Read my thoughts on the first two books, An Ember in the Ashes and A Torch Against the Night, to learn more about this epic fantasy series.

Amna

Amna is an elementary school teacher living in Texas who enjoys reading and writing about YA books in her free time. Her favorite authors include: Sabaa Tahir, Renee Ahdieh, Marie Lu, S.K. Ali, and Sandhya Menon. You can follow her on Twitter @perusingbooks and Instagram @perusing.books

Recent Posts

Exclusive Interview: Genneya Walton on BB’s Future and the Emotional Fallout of the ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Finale

Amid the chaos, corruption, and shifting power dynamics of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2, Genneya…

13 hours ago

Exclusive Interview: Paris WYA on ‘MANNEQUIN,’ Heartbreak, and Finding Her Voice

For Paris WYA, MANNEQUIN arrives at a turning point—one shaped by transition, but defined by…

2 weeks ago

Win Tickets to an NYC Screening of Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)

Pop Culturalist is excited to be partnering with Paramount Pictures to give away tickets to…

2 weeks ago

Exclusive Interview: Rhys Sherlock on ‘Drifter,’ Indie Filmmaking, and Creating Space for Interpretation

Emerging as a compelling new voice, Rhys Sherlock brings a striking level of control and…

2 weeks ago

Win Tickets to an NYC Screening of Mortal Kombat II

Pop Culturalist is excited to be partnering with Warner Bros. to give away tickets to…

2 weeks ago

Exclusive Interview: Laura Marano & David Lambert Talk ‘Original Sound’, Creative Sacrifice, and Finding Your Voice

There are two sides to the artist’s journey—the one fighting to be seen, and the…

2 weeks ago