Turning over a new leaf | Julie Daunt

Julie Daunt takes a look at some of the most anticipated books to be published in 2013.

 2013 is to be a promising year for new publications. From anticipated posthumous releases to epic series finales, there are plenty of books to keep you occupied until 2014. This year is all about vampires, magic, love, travel and childhood. Forums are buzzing with anticipation for the release of many books this year so I’ve given a short list of the ones that these forums are talking about the most. Why don’t you pick up one of these books to help kick start your year and see what all the fuss is about?     Searching for Zion by Emily Raboteau (January): After nearly a decade in the making, Emily Raboteau’s novel takes readers on a quest for a place to call “home”. Whilst also embarking on a personal journey, the author also investigates other people’s search for the Promised Land. Raboteau was 23 when this was written and, being biracial, she never really felt at home anywhere. However, due to her African-American roots, she sets off in search of Zion. Her journey took her across the world to Jamaica, Ethiopia, Ghana and the American South where she found different perspectives and experiences of Zion. Overall Raboteau’s book gives a new meaning to the word “home”.     Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead (February): The first on this short list of upcoming novels is featured on nearly every single ‘must-reads of 2013’ list. Continuing the Bloodline series of fiction, which is a spin-off of Mead’s Vampire Academy series, this novel will be the third instalment in the vampire tale. Forget your Twilight, this book is tipped to be the hottest read of 2013. So if you love anything vampire, romance, magic and witchcraft related, this is the book for you.     My Brother’s Book by Maurice Sendak (February): From the writer who brought you Where the Wild Things Are, this is the final book by Maurice Sendak, who died in May of last year. Influenced by the likes of William Shakespeare and William Blake, this book is dedicated to his brother Jack who inspired Sendak’s drawings and writings. Featuring Sendak’s poignant poetry and illustrations, this book will continue on the legacy of this outstanding writer. If you loved his books as a child, then you’ll find this one moving, poignant and memorable.     Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (March): Another book included on every hottest release list of 2013, Clockwork Princess sees the end of The Infernal Devices trilogy. Set in Victorian England, this is another series which features vampires, fairies werewolves and other mystical and magical beings. Following the story of protagonist Tessa, this book sees Tessa having to make a choice between the two boys she loves, while also trying to stop the Clockwork Army. This book is set to be the climatic ending to the fantastical series.     Entwined to You by Sylvia Day (May): Forget your E.L James and Fifty Shades, Sylvia Day is the writer of erotic fiction to watch. This is the final instalment in her Crossfire series, with her earlier books Bared to You and Reflected in You being among the bestselling e-books of 2012. In fact, her second book became Penguin’s most successful ever e-book after it had an overwhelming amount of presale orders. While this series was still trumped by the Fifty Shades series in terms of sales, Day’s writing style and storyline is far better than her rivalling trilogy. If you did read Fifty Shades (and I know more people did then they’d like to admit!) then you should definitely check out this series, and the most anticipated final chapter in this romantic trilogy.     Doctor Sleep by Stephen King (September): Last, but not least, a book that has been in the waiting since the publication of its prequel The Shining in 1977. This book will pick up from The Shining and will follow the life of Danny, Jack’s son and holder of “the Shining”. Danny, now in his 40s, works as an orderly in a hospice for the terminally ill and helps those with his special powers. This book is set to be just as thrilling as its predecessor. Even if you haven’t read The Shining and have only seen the film adaptation, this book will still blow you away. After over thirty years in the pipeline, hopefully this book will live up to all its expectations.