In 2018, there are going to be a lot of great releases. If you're looking for new reads to keep an eye out for, here's a list of new books I can't wait to pick up!

1. The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

Set in Orleans, this story follows the main character, Camellia Beauregard. She is what's called a Belle; a Belle is revered for their beauty, as beauty is a commodity in Orleans. In this world, everyone is born gray, and they can only be saved by a Belle. But Camellia doesn't want to just be a Belle; she wants to be the Belle that's chosen by the Queen of Orleans to live with royalty and serve them as the most talented Belle in Orleans. This story seems so rich and unique, which is why it made it on this list.

2. The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

In the town of Sparrow, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. They were drowned in the waters; and now they return during the summer, stealing the bodies of three girls to enact revenge by luring and drowning boys. The main character, Penny Talbot, is a local and is aware of the town's curse, but this year, the girls have chosen an unaware boy named Bo. Penny has to choose whether to save him or herself. I found it interesting that the main character is aware and lives in a cursed town, so it's going to be a great story to watch unfold.

3. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Jane McKeene was born during a time of segregation and struggle but was also born when the dead walked the Earth once more. Not only does Jane struggle with where she's going in her life, she ends up caught in the middle of a conspiracy when families start to go missing. I'm enthralled by the concept of an alternate history where the undead are involved, and also seeing more plots involving women of color as main characters!