2016 Sep 26
by Vandana Hiranand
The International Book Fair may have come to an end, but worry not! October will be filled with some of the most anticipated novels in 2016. Here are 5 of the most awaited releases next month.
- Small Great Things – Jodi Picoult
Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years’ experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she’s been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene? Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime.
In her gripping new novel, Picoult tackles some of the most growing issues worldwide: racism, prejudice and justice. Jodi Picoult is widely known for the bold, controversial and enthralling areas she ventures into within her novels, which never fail to disappoint. ‘Small Great Things’ is no doubt her next bestseller, delving into the harsh and true world of racism.
As is her signature, we can anticipate a suspenseful story, filled with emotion, empathy, brilliance, and a fresh new insight into various social topics. Undoubtedly, Picoult will manage to surprise her readers with a plot twist towards the very end and always keep us guessing. ‘Small Great Things’ is the sequel to her short story, ‘Shine’, which is currently available as an eBook for readers; to introduce readers to her new character and the world she navigates.
- Fractured – Catherine McKenzie
Welcome, neighbor!
Julie Prentice and her family move across the country to the idyllic Mount Adams district of Cincinnati, hoping to evade the stalker who’s been terrorizing them ever since the publication of her bestselling novel, The Murder Game.
We know where you live…
After a series of misunderstandings, Julie and her family become the target of increasingly unsettling harassment. Has Julie’s stalker found her, or are her neighbours out to get her, too? As tension in the neighborhood rises, new friends turn into enemies, and the results are deadly.
Catherine McKenzie’s new novel has received immense praise from early critics worldwide. This psychological thriller will no doubt be a suspense-filled page turner. After her bestsellers such as ‘Smoke’ and ‘Hidden’, we have very high expectations for this new book. We anticipate a cleverly-structured mystery, with a definite twist or punch at the end.
Needless to say, we have high hopes for this one, and can’t wait for it to hit the shelves!
- The Hammer of Thor – Rick Riordan
Thor’s hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon–the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn’t just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can’t retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants. Ragnarok will begin. The Nine Worlds will burn. Unfortunately, the only person who can broker a deal for the hammer’s return is the gods’ worst enemy, Loki–and the price he wants is very high.
The second book in the ‘Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard’ series will be released this October! This is for all the fantasy lovers out there. Although his works cater towards a younger audience, Riordan’s novels are highly enjoyable for all readers. His books are action packed and hilarious. Riordan has a gift for producing and writing rather lovable characters.
However, sequels can be tricky. Hopefully, the second novel in the series lives up to the first, and we’re eager to read it and find out!
- Two By Two – Nicholas Sparks
At 32, Russell Green has it all: a stunning wife, a lovable six year-old daughter, a successful career as an advertising executive and an expansive home in Charlotte. But underneath the shiny surface of this perfect existence, fault lines are beginning to appear…and no one is more surprised than Russ when he finds every aspect of the life he took for granted turned upside down. In a matter of months, Russ finds himself without a job or wife, caring for his young daughter while struggling to adapt to a new and baffling reality. Throwing himself into the wilderness of single parenting, Russ embarks on a journey at once terrifying and rewarding—one that will test his abilities and his emotional resources beyond anything he ever imagined.
Another beloved Nicholas Sparks book is on its way! Sparks’ books, which center on love and family, always manage to tug at the readers’ heartstrings. He explores sensitive topics and navigates his characters expertly. ‘Two By Two’ seems to be slightly different, as it explores the journey of a single father who has lost everything. It will be interesting to watch how Sparks incorporates these many aspects, especially the romantic angle into his new novel.
We are confident that ‘Two By Two’ will undoubtedly be a page turner and emotional rollercoaster. Time to prepare ourselves for the inevitable tears!
- Children of Eden – Joey Graceffa, Laura L. Sullivan
Rowan is a Second Child in a world where population control measures make her an outlaw, marked for death. She can never go to school, make friends, or get the eye implants that will mark her as a true member of Eden. Her kaleidoscope eyes will give her away to the ruthless Center government.
As an illegal Second Child, Rowan has been hidden away in her family’s compound for sixteen years. Now, restless and desperate to see the world, she recklessly escapes for what she swears will be only one night of adventure. Soon Rowan becomes a renegade on the run – unleashing a chain of events that could change the world of Eden forever.
The debut novel from Joey Graceffa, better known as the famous YouTube star, is a gripping fantasy thriller. Co-written by Laura L. Sullivan, ‘Children of Eden’ has already received much critical acclaim, and is one of the most highly anticipated books of 2016. With the many dystopian novels sweeping the world, this particular book stands out from the rest.
Graceffa and Sullivan tackle many important themes, concepts and have most definitely put their imagination to use, and derived the most compelling characters! The novel has been described as a thrilling page turner, and we are beyond excited to get our hands on it!
Keep yourselves busy next month with these exciting new releases, and await our final reviews!
