20 upcoming YA books we can’t wait to read in 2020
By Lacy Baugher
All the Stars and Teeth – Adalyn Grace
This buzzy debut novel from author Adalyn Grace feels as though its destined to be one of the most-talked about YA fantasies of 2019. (Which is a good thing, because – spoiler alert – it’s great.) All the Stars and Teeth follows the story of Amora, the princess of an island kingdom known as Visidia. She’s spent her entire life not just training to take over her father’s throne, but his role as High Animancer, a position which requires skill in dangerous soul magic that only those in her bloodline can wield.
But when Amora is forced to flee, striking a deal with a handsome pirate who promises to help her prove her worth, if she’ll help him investigate a dangerous revolution brewing in their kingdom. On the seas together in a semi-magical ship, Amora finds herself both fascinated and dismayed by her first glimpse of her wider kingdom: People are suffering and embracing a dangerous new magic, led by a man who wants to destroy Visidia as she knows it. To stop him, Amora will need help – from a pirate, a mermaid, her betrothed, and more – as she faces monsters, betrayal, and her own family history.
The official synopsis has a bit more detail.
"As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic. When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic. But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever."
All the Stars and Teeth is available on February 4.