12 must-read new YA books to cool off with this July

Unravel the Dusk by Elizabeth Lim

Speaking of highly anticipated sequels, the follow-up to Elizabeth Lim’s Spin the Dawn hits shelves in July — and it looks like the journey that began in book one is only going to become more political and action-packed in Unravel the Dusk.

Maia Tamarin returns from her adventure in Spin the Dawn to find her kingdom preparing for war — and now that she’s engaged to the emperor, she’ll have to cope with those political tensions, as well as the trouble brewing inside her own heart. Not only will she be forced to contend with the unwanted path her love life is taking, but she may be facing a much grimmer fate after her encounter with the Bandur. According to the description of Unravel the Dusk:

"“Ever since she was touched by the demon Bandur, she has been changing . . . glancing in the mirror to see her own eyes glowing red, losing control of her magic, her body, her mind. It’s only a matter of time before Maia loses herself completely, but she will stop at nothing to find Edan, protect her family, and bring lasting peace to her country.”"

That’s not an easy to-do list to complete, and Maia is sure to be faced with obstacle after obstacle in her attempt to protect those she loves. Fans of Spin the Dawn won’t want to miss out on the next chapter of Maia’s journey, which arrives in print, ebook, and audiobook formats on July 7.