Tammy’s Top Ten Books at the Top of My Spring 2013 TBR List

That’s a pretty long title for a blog post…Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, and it’s always fun to see other bloggers’ top ten lists! This week I’ve picked my Top Ten most anticipated Spring reads, books that come out in March, April or May. Thank goodness Goodreads seems to be back on-line! Did anyone else have a meltdown on Monday while they were having technical difficulties all day long? I guess I didn’t realize how much I rely on Goodreads for so many blog-related tasks. So, provided Goodreads is still working, the covers below are linked to each book’s page. Of course I’m looking forward to way more than ten books this spring, but I didn’t want to keep repeating myself, so I tried to pick books I haven’t talked about before (with a couple of exceptions, because I’m super excited about those, and had to mention them one more time!) Here are my top ten in order of release date:

Poison by Bridget Zinn. Release date: March 12 2013 (Disney Hyperion).  I’ve read some pretty good reviews already for this book, written by the late Bridget Zinn, who died of cancer two years ago.  The publishing community is coming together to help celebrate her book release, since she’s unfortunately not around to celebrate herself. There is a pig in this story—seriously, how can you not want to read it??

Seven Kinds of Hell by Dana Cameron. Release date: March 12 2013 (47North). This is the first book in a new series, and the girl on the cover is a werewolf! Yippee, I am one of those readers who still loves vampires and werewolves, even if they’ve fallen out of favor with some people.  47 North is one of Amazon’s imprints, and I’ve read some fantastic books from another of their imprints called Montlake Romance, so I’m curious about this one.

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters. Release date: April 2 2013 (Amulet Books). I know I’ve gushed about this book before, but how can you blame me for bringing it up again? This YA paranormal takes place in 1918 in San Diego, CA during the Spanish Influenza epidemic. It’s looks ghostly and romantic, and I was lucky enough to win an ARC that I’ll be reading very soon. I love the ghost on the cover, and the interior is filled with old photos and is beautifully designed!

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. Release date: April 2 2013 (Reagan Arthur Books). It’s been a few years since I’ve read a Kate Atkinson book, but she used to be one of my favorite authors. She was writing magical realism before there was even a name for it, and this book seems to have her wonderful trademark strangeness. In recent years she’s written mostly mysteries, but it looks like she’s going back to her roots with Life After Life. I’ll let you check out the description for yourself (just click the cover).

The Shadow Girl by Jennifer Archer. Release date: April 9 2013 (Harper Teen). I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book too, so it’s ready and waiting on my TBR pile! It’s hard to tell from the story description, but it seems to be about a girl named Lily who has a “shadow” that follows her every move, a girl named Iris that only she can see. Interesting…sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a crazy idea like this will work or not. I’m hoping this one does!

Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan. Release date: May 7 2013 (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers). I have Maid of Secrets waiting on my Kindle, and I’m looking forward to reading this historical mystery story. 17-year-old Meg is a spy for Queen Elizabeth, and she not only solves murders but falls in love with a mysterious Spanish Count. This is McGowan’s debut novel, and it looks so good. I’ll be reading it next month if all goes well.

Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon. Release date: May 7 2013 (Strange Chemistry). I just got this from NetGalley, and I’m pretty excited to read it. This is Schoon’s debut, and it’s about a 17-year-old girl who is training to become an exoveterinarian, someone who treats exotic alien life forms. Seriously, doesn’t that sound crazy and amazing?? Schoon seems like an interesting guy as well. While you’re over at Goodreads checking out Zenn Scarlett, make sure to check out his bio. He helps rescue horses and works with coyotes and bears!

Coda by Emma Trevayne. Release date: May 7 2013 (Running Press Kids). This looks like a music-themed sci-fi story about music that is literally a drug. I absolutely love this cover, it’s so different from most of the YA covers out there right now. And I love the music aspect—what a cool idea! There will be a sequel to Coda out next year called Chorus, and she’s also written a middle-grade steampunk fairytale—wow, she’s busy!

Black Magic by Russell James. Release date: May 7 2013 (Samhain Publishing). I’ll admit I’ve never heard of Russell James before, but he’s sure written a bunch of books! I read about this one in Publishers Weekly and added it to my TBR list right away. It’s about a curious magic shop that opens up when a new guy comes to town. But it seems Lyle, the owner of the shop, has a plan, an evil plan…I love the cover!

Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore. Release date: May 14 2013 (Delacorte Books for Young Readers). I’m a bit confused by the cover. This one was on Amazon, but the cover on Goodreads is different (same publisher, same date) so I’m not sure which is correct. In any case, it’s about a girl who can speak to the dead, and the FBI wants to use her to solve cases. Magic, ghosts and the FBI: I love that combo…

What books are you most looking forward to reading this Spring?