Novel sequels releasing this month include the much anticipated prequel to the Hunger Games series, set 74 years before the start of the books; the finale of the York trilogy, in which the gang must build a mysterious machine or risk massive repercussions; the further undertakings of an international space squad; the conclusion to a popular fairy tale sextet; and more.
Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe
In the sequel to Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, the friends have to try and make everything right. But with a rogue Gabi from another universe seeking revenge, saving the world may be a bit difficult. (See our q&a with Carlos Hernandez, a PW Flying Start author.)
Aurora Burning
Squad 312 has their work cut out for them in the second book of The Aurora Cycle. They’re on the run from the cadre of illegitimate GIA agents who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri. Meanwhile, Kal’s long-lost sister is being pursued by a Syldrathi army, and there’s an ancient evil that’s about to be unleashed.
The Chaos Loop
Lerangis returns with the second book from the time-travel Throwback trilogy. Ever since 13-year-old Corey Fletcher found out that he’s the world’s first “throwback,” with the power to visit and change history, he’s been spending as much time in the past as possible. But when Corey’s meddling goes too far, he finds out that altering time can have devastating consequences.
Cursed
In the conclusion to the six-part Fairy Tale Reform School series, Rumplestiltskin plans to cast a curse that will erase Enchantasia; a fairy prophecy declares that Gilly Cobbler will play a key role; and Gilly can’t help wondering if it’s too late to save her sister. Regardless, nothing will deter Gilly and her friends from stopping Stiltskin.
Dark Skies
The follow-up to YA fantasy Dark Shores picks up as Lydia, a scholar, meddles with the plots of the most powerful man in the Celendor Empire and is forced to flee to the west. Meanwhile, Killian is marked by the God of War but his gifts fail. Disgraced, he swears his allegiance to the crown princess, putting his oath and his heart to the test.
The Lost Fairy Tales
Readers will rejoin Tilly Pages as she journeys to France to wander inside a book of fairy tales in the second book of the Pages & Co. series. It’s up to Tilly and her friend Oskar to figure out who or what is behind the chaos of lost characters, mixed-up stories, and mysterious plot holes. (See our q&a with author Anna James here.)
The One and Only Bob
In this sequel to the Newbery Medal-winning and bestselling The One and Only Ivan, which is soon to be a movie, Chihuahua mutt Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister along with his two best friends. But as a hurricane approaches, it’s a race to find her before time runs out. (Read our q&a with Katherine Applegate here.)
Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion
In this addition to The Questioneers series, Iggy Peck is an architect at his very core. So when Ada Twist’s Aunt Bernice inherits an old house filled with rooms from his favorite architectural periods, it seems too good to be true. Everyone says the house is haunted, and a number of antiques have gone missing. Author Andrea Beaty encourages young readers to ask questions; she recently launched the Questioneer Challenge, in which she invites kids at home during the pandemic to explore the things around them, just like her characters.
The Infamous Ratsos Camp Out
In the fourth book of the Infamous Ratsos series, Ralphie and Louie Ratso and the rest of the Big City Scouts are leaving the city to go camping for the first time with Grandpa Ratso as their special guide. But the Scouts soon find out that camp activities are tough to do by themselves. Luckily, someone unexpected comes along to help.
The Madre de Aguas of Cuba
In Cuba, it is believed that a mysterious water serpent—the Madre de aguas—is responsible for providing and protecting the fresh water of the island. The only problem is that the mysterious serpent is missing. In the fifth book of the Unicorn Rescue Society series, Elliot, Uchenna, and Professor Fauna fly to the rescue, but will they be able to save the creature?
The Unbelievable Oliver and the Sawed-in-Half Dads
In the second instalment of The Unbelievable Oliver series, Oliver has only performed one magical act so far. Now Oliver has been hired for an important gig: a wedding. But before the trick is over, one of the grooms has disappeared. Luckily, Oliver seems to be a better sleuth than a magician.
The Map of Stars
The final volume of the York trilogy finds Tess, Theo, and Jaime following the Old York Cipher to the end. In doing so, plans are revealed for a machine that was invented more than 150 years but never built. The purpose is unclear, but the gang knows they must construct it. However, doing so will have massive repercussions.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
The prequel to the Hunger Games series kicks off during the 10th annual Hunger Games. It is the morning of the reaping and 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (the future president on Panem) is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The fate of his fallen house hangs on the slim chance that his mentee from District 12 will be the winning tribute. With their fates intertwined, every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to triumph or ruin.
The Maze of the Menacing Minotaur
The critters are back in the second book of Zeus the Mighty series. This time, they must solve the mystery of the labyrinth to thwart the threat to the Mount Olympus pet supply and rescue center.
The Archer at Dawn
Rebels infiltrate the royal court to rescue a long-lost princess hidden away by a tyrannical king in the second book of Teerdhala’s South Indian–inspired teen fantasy trilogy. Kunal and Esha are working together as rebel spies, both securing roles in the palace. Getting into the palace was the easy task; coming out together will be a battle for their lives.
Gargantis
There is an ancient Gargantis who sleeps in the watery caves beneath the town of Eerie-on-Sea. But the monster is awake and looking for something: a treasure stolen from her lair. In the follow up to Malamander, Herbert and Violet team up to figure out what the Gargantis wants and who stole her treasure. (See our interview with Thomas Taylor here.)
This Coven Won’t Break
In the sequel to These Witches Don’t Burn, Hannah must work alongside her new girlfriend to take down the Hunters who are desperate to steal her magic with a serum capable of taking witches’ powers. Hannah could be the best shot at defeating the Hunters, if only her magic didn’t leave her in agony.
