August 2020: 10 Highly Anticipated New Releases

Hey there! July is almost over, and it looks like there are some AMAZING new releases in August! I’ve already read a few, as I was lucky enough to receive ARCs. Where Dreams Descend and Ignite the Sun are really unique reads that I totally recommend, and I’m super excited to read the rest! Let’s take a look at 10 book releases in August!

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August 4:


Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyers

Series: The Twilight Saga #5

Page Length: 672

Publication Date: August 4, 2020

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Synopsis: When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting beautiful, mysterious Bella is both the most intriguing and unnerving event he has experienced in his long life as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he let himself fall in love with Bella when he knows that he is endangering her life?

In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers and, drawing on the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, brings us an epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.

LINKS:     Goodreads     |      Amazon     |     Book Depository



Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers

Series: Courting Darkness (Book 2)

Page Length: 496

Publication Date: Aug. 4, 2020

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Synopsis: When you count Death as a friend, who can stand as your enemy?

Sybella, novitiate of the convent of Saint Mortain and Death’s vengeance on earth, is still reeling from her God’s own passing, and along with him a guiding hand in her bloody work. But with her sisters on the run from their evil brother and under the watchful eye of her one true friend (and love) at court, the soldier known as Beast, Sybella stands alone as the Duchess of Brittany’s protector.

After months of seeking her out, Sybella has finally made contact with a fellow novitiate of the convent, Genevieve, a mole in the French court. But when Genevieve mistakenly draws the attention of the French king to the convent of Saint Mortain and its deadly arts, she may do her sisters (and herself) more harm than good. Sybella, having already drawn the ire of the French regent, may not be able to depend on her sister and ally as much as she hoped. Still, Death always finds a way, even if it’s not what one expects.

No one can be trusted and the wolves are always waiting in this thrilling conclusion to the Courting Darkness duology, set in the world of Robin’s beloved His Fair Assassins trilogy.

LINKS:     Goodreads      |     Amazon     |     Book Depository


August 11:


Cut Off by Adrianne Finlay

Page Length: 384

Publication Date: Aug. 11, 2020

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Synopsis: Warcross meets Lost in this haunting young adult sci-fi thriller in which teens compete to survive in the wilderness for one million dollars on a new virtual reality show. When something goes horribly wrong and the contestants realize no one is coming to save them, they must question their very reality—and how much of the game is really for show.

Each contestant has their own reasons—and their own secrets—for joining the new virtual reality show CUT/OFF that places a group of teenagers alone in the wilderness. It’s a simple premise: whoever lasts the longest without “tapping out” wins a cash prize. Not only that, new software creates a totally unprecedented television experience, allowing viewers to touch, see, and live everything along with the contestants. But what happens when “tapping out” doesn’t work and no one comes to save you? What happens when the whole world seemingly disappears while you’re stranded in the wild? Four teenagers must confront their greatest fears, their deepest secrets, and one another when they discover they are truly cut off from reality. Sci-fi, mystery, and romance converge in this high-stakes, fast-paced read that will leave you guessing to the very last moment.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository



Star Daughter by Shevta Thakrar

Star Daughter

Page Length: 448

Publication Date: Aug. 11, 2020

Publisher: Harper Teen

Synopsis: This gorgeously imagined YA debut blends shades of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust and a breathtaking landscape of Hindu mythology into a radiant contemporary fantasy.

The daughter of a star and a mortal, Sheetal is used to keeping secrets. Pretending to be “normal.” But when an accidental flare of her starfire puts her human father in the hospital, Sheetal needs a full star’s help to heal him. A star like her mother, who returned to the sky long ago.

Sheetal’s quest to save her father will take her to a celestial court of shining wonders and dark shadows, where she must take the stage as her family’s champion in a competition to decide the next ruling house of the heavens–and win, or risk never returning to Earth at all.

Brimming with celestial intrigue, this sparkling YA debut is perfect for fans of Roshani Chokshi and Laini Taylor.

LINKS:     Goodreads     |      Amazon    |      Book Depository


August 18:


Ignite the Sun by Hanna Howard

Page Length: 352

Publication Date: August 18, 2020

Publisher: Blink

Synopsis: Once upon a time, there was something called the sun… In a kingdom ruled by an evil witch, the sun is just part of a legend about light-filled days of old. Luckily for everybody in the kingdom, Siria Nightingale is headed to the heart of the darkness to try and restore the light–or she will lose everything trying.

Sixteen year-old Siria Nightingale has never seen the sun. The light is dangerous, according to Queen Iyzabel, an evil witch who has shrouded the kingdom in shadow.

Siria has always hated the darkness and revels in the stories of the light-filled old days that she hears from her best friend and his grandfather. Besides them, nobody else understands her fascination with the sun, especially not her strict and demanding parents. Siria’s need to please them is greater even than her fear of the dark. So she heads to the royal city–the very center of the darkness–for a chance at a place in Queen Iyzabel’s court.

But what Siria discovers at the Choosing Ball sends her on a quest toward the last vestiges of the sun with a ragtag group of rebels who could help her bring back the Light … or doom the kingdom to shadow forever.

LINKS:     Goodreads    |       Amazon      |    Book Depository


The Vanished Queen by Lisbeth Campbell

Page Length: 496

Publication Date: Aug. 18, 2020

Publisher: Gallery/Saga Press

Synopsis: When a country is held in thrall to a vicious, despotic king, it’s up to one woman to take him down.

Long ago, Queen Mirantha vanished. King Karolje claimed it was an assassination by a neighboring king, but everyone knew it was a lie. He had Disappeared her himself.

But after finding the missing queen’s diary, Anza—impassioned by her father’s unjust execution and inspired by Mirantha’s words—joins the resistance group to overthrow the king. When an encounter with Prince Esvar thrusts her into a dangerous game of court politics, one misstep could lead to a fate worse than death.

Esvar is the second son to an evil king. Trapped under his thumb and desperate for a way out, a chance meeting with Anza gives him the opportunity to join the resistance. Together, they might have the leverage to move against the king—but if they fail, their deaths could mean a total loss of freedom for generations to follow.

Set in a world where resistance is as dangerous as it is important, The Vanished Queen is a tale of the courage and sacrifice it requires to take on a tyrant.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository


August 25:


Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles

Series: Kingdom of Cards

Page Length: 464

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Synopsis: In a city covered in ice and ruin, a group of magicians face off in a daring game of magical feats to find the next headliner of the Conquering Circus, only to find themselves under the threat of an unseen danger striking behind the scenes.

As each act becomes more and more risky and the number of missing magicians piles up, three are forced to reckon with their secrets before the darkness comes for them next.

The Star: Kallia, a powerful showgirl out to prove she’s the best no matter the cost

The Master: Jack, the enigmatic keeper of the club, and more than one lie told

The Magician: Demarco, the brooding judge with a dark past he can no longer hide.


Where Dreams Descend is the startling and romantic first book in Janella Angeles’ debut Kingdom of Cards fantasy duology where magic is both celebrated and feared, and no heart is left unscathed.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository



The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks

Series: Enchanted by Magic

Page Length: 416

Publication Date: Aug. 25, 2020

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis: Four sisters have become queens, rulers of all that Aerthlan’s two moons embrace. The last sister will forge her own path . . .

Signs and Seals

Raised on the magic-seeped Isle of Moon, Maeve is used to unusual powers–and the way they fuel the politics of her world. But when she discovers an ability to shape-shift at will, she knows who she wants to share it with first. Brody, the enigmatic, infuriating shifter-spy has always made time for Maeve. But it’s been almost two months since she’s seen him. And though no one else believes Brody is in danger, Maeve is more than ready to rescue him herself.

The rumors Brody’s investigating are terrifying: a secret army of magic-users, in the service of the cruel Circle of Five. But when he uncovers the identity of one of the Five, the mission becomes personal. Cursed as a boy by the Sea Witch, Brody can spend only two hours a day in his human form, a restriction that limits his future and muzzles his heart. Plus Maeve teases him for being such a pretty doggy instead of appreciating his manly charms. To win his freedom, he must take on a terrible disguise. And when Maeve finds out, she’ll unleash a tempest like no other . . .

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository



Ancient Enemy by Katie Reus

Series: Ancients Rising

Publication Date: Aug. 25, 2020

Publisher: KR Press, LLC

Synopsis: She should be his mortal enemy.

Ancient dragon shifter Rhys awoke from his slumber hungry for revenge against the witch who killed his sister. When his hunt takes him to the rebuilding city of New Orleans, he finds a woman he can’t keep his eyes off—but she’s a witch. While Rhys wants to despise all of Dallas’s kind, even he can’t deny that she’s beautiful, kind and…adorable. And her pet baby dragon only increases his fascination with the sexy woman. Protective instincts he never knew he had take over him as they hunt powerful monsters. He’s forced to confront everything he thought he knew about witches as his life is turned upside down.

But he wants her anyway.

Dallas Kinley is used to being hated because of what she is. Witches have always been the pariahs of the supernatural community. Until now, when the world needs rebuilding. Even though she wants to keep her distance from Rhys, vampires and humans are dying in New Orleans, so she vows to help him hunt down those responsible. But finding the enemy comes at a heavy price, because Dallas is hiding a terrible secret. As they race against the clock to find the murderers, she can only hope his need for revenge won’t rip them apart. Especially when he finds out what she’s been hiding from him.

LINKS:     Goodreads     |      Amazon       


August 31:

Between Savage Tides by Anela Deen

Series: The Bitter Sea (Book 2)

Publication Date: August 31, 2020

Publisher: Fine Fables Press

Synopsis: Captured by sirens, Jurek struggles to save his fellow prisoners before they’re devoured. He has little time. His memory is vanishing from his mind, a poisonous effect of the magic that saved his life. With a past steeped in tragedy, it should feel like a blessing. Instead, it’s a curse unraveling everything he is. When he strikes a bargain with the sirens – three impossible tasks in exchange for everyone’s freedom – help comes from someone he least expects and whose motives he doesn’t dare trust.

Ava, youngest of the billow maidens, has become an unwitting traitor in a war between the gods. Her sisters want her to pledge fealty to the ruinous Eldingar. Her brother, the Guardian of the Fathoms, wants her to act as his spy. And then there’s Captain Jurek, a landweller whose fierce heart and haunted blue eyes mean more to her than they should. He doesn’t trust her, but without her help he won’t survive. As the old gods make their move against the world that betrayed them, Ava must determine whose side she’s on. But no matter what she chooses, it’ll mean death for someone she loves.

LINKS:     Goodreads 


Don’t these upcoming releases sound fabulous! I just realized that all of the books are SFF stories, which makes sense since I’m in a total sci-fi/fantasy book mood lately. All of the books are by female authors as well. Again, this makes sense, since, according to Book Sirens, 84% of the books I read are written by female authors.

Have your read or do you plan to read any of these? What book are you most looking forward to? Comment below!

28 thoughts on “August 2020: 10 Highly Anticipated New Releases

  1. I have the ARC of The Vanished Queen. I am starting it tomorrow. It looks so good, but I did hyperventilate a little seeing that it’s almost 500 pages 😳

  2. Huh? There was actually a companion book to Twilight in Edward’s POV in the works??? Woah! I gotta have this! (And no, I’m not ashamed to say that I am a fan of Twilight. Whatever you say, no matter how much you hate on it, IT IS ICONIC).

  3. I’m so excited for Midnight Sun. I just finished a reread of Twilight in preparation. 😍

  4. I remember a few chapters of Midnight Sun was leaked and then Stephenie Meyer had decided to chuck the whole project out of the window. Wonder what made her take it up again! Anyways looking forward to it gladly🤩

  5. I’ve been out of the bookish loop for awhile but omg there are some really exciting titles coming out in Aug! I’m still debating on reading Midnight Sun lol. I got Where Dreams Descend from OwlCrate last month ironically!

    Star Daughter and Ignite The Sun sound sooo good!

    1. I feel like this is the year for fantasy novels. I’ve read so many good fantasy stories recently. Star Daughter is at the top of my list!

      I’ve been debating the OwlCrate. Do you love it?

  6. Fab list! *immediately adds Cut Off to my TBR…*
    I’m currently reading an arc of Ignite the Sun and am really enjoying it!

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