We’ve added lots of great titles to the New Books Section at CA Library recently, along with eBooks and audiobooks available in the Sora digital reading app — here are some highlights in New Fiction:

The Survivor Wants To Die At The End by Adam Silvera — In this third book of the bestselling They Both Die at the End series, two strangers — each with their own complicated relationship to Death-Cast — help each other learn to live. Paz Dario stays up every night, waiting for the Death-Cast call that would mean he doesn’t have to keep faking his way through this lonely life. Alano Rosa is heir to the Death-Cast empire that encourages everyone to live their best lives, but he doesn’t feel in control of his own existence thanks to his father. Fate brings Paz and Alano together, but it’s now up to the boys to survive the tragic trials ahead so no one dies at the end.

“As suspenseful and emotionally wrenching as the previous titles in the series, this new installment explores heavy themes . . . and the cliffhanger ending promises more to come. Raw, delicate, and deeply caring” (Kirkus Reviews).

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin — The bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison ventures into horror with this a sinister tale of the supernatural, sisterhood, and the shadows that rule our darkest desires. When a ghost from the spirit world transforms her sister, Ruby Chen confronts the dark upheaval in Vancouver’s Chinatown as she enters into an ancient battle over the gateway to the underworld as she attempts to save her sister and her community. Get the Audiobook

“This is sophisticated horror for both fans and non-fans of the genre alike . . . will also satisfy fans of mythology” (SLJ). 

The Girl You Know by Elle Gonzalez Rose — When eighteen-year-old Luna’s twin sister Solina dies mysteriously just before returning to Kingswood Academy, Luna infiltrates the boarding school by posing as her sister to uncover the truth behind her death, but dark secrets make the investigation far more challenging than she anticipated.

“Fast and furious; a must-read for fans of gritty murder mysteries” (SLJ). 

Guava and Grudges by Alexis Castellanos — A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow meets Tweet Cute in this YA romcom about two teens from rival Cuban bakeries who create a recipe for disaster when they start to fall for each other.

“This fun, heartwarming story of star-crossed lovers centers on a relatable lead who’s struggling with her family’s expectations and her own desires. A sweet and delectable love story” (Kirkus Reviews). 

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson — Told in three voices, Grace questions her eyewitness testimony that convicted Henry’s brother in a murder trial, leaving former childhood friends Henry and Ally no choice but to join forces with her to prove Jake’s innocence. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook

“Lawson’s ingenious twists and turns will intrigue mystery fans right to the unexpected end” (Booklist). 

The Payback Girls by Alex Travis — After high school senior Meghan discovers her boyfriend is also dating two other girls, they have to work together to prove their innocence after he is attacked after a basketball game. Get the Audiobook

“Meghan, the first-person narrator, is engaging and bright, and the plot is tightly written. Avid mystery and thriller readers will gobble this one up” (Booklist). 

Portrait of a Shadow by Meriam Metoui — A missing sister. A mysterious boy. And a painting that holds the truth beneath its peeling edge. When Mae goes to clear out her missing older sister’s studio, she finds a mess of research and a white canvas that seems even older than the ornate frame it is set in. The closer Mae gets to the canvas, the more difficult it is to pull her eyes away from its mottled surface, its heavy layers of white paint, its peeling top corner she is tempted to pull to see what’s beneath. Get the eBook

“A thoroughly engrossing novel, with a satisfying plot and enough mystery to stay up all night reading, sure to cause goosebumps” (SLJ). 

Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories, edited by Sandra Proudman — Sixteen original stories by award-winning and bestselling Latinx YA authors that revamp classics, myths, and fairytales. Pride and Prejudice is launched into outer space, Frankenstein is plunged into the depths of the ocean, and The Great Gatsby floats to an island off the coast of Costa Rica. Whether characters fall in love, battle foes, or grow through grief, each story will empower listeners to see themselves as the heroes of the stories that make our world. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook

“An expertly executed anthology remixing classics into empowering, modern vignettes” (Kirkus Reviews). 

Sync by Ellen Hopkins — Told in dual perspectives through unsent letters, this novel-in-verse follows 17-year-old twins Storm and Lake, separated in the foster care system, as they each take different paths — one incarcerated and one living on the streets — and fight to find their way back to each other. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook

“Written in true Hopkins style, these verses pack a punch. The story is highly accessible and will be devoured by realistic fiction readers” (SLJ). 

What’s Eating Jackie Oh? by Patricia Park — A Korean American teen tries to balance her dream to become a chef with the cultural expectations of her family when she enters the competitive world of a TV cooking show. A hilarious and heartfelt YA novel from the award-winning author of Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim. Get the eBook | Get the Audiobook

“A perfect fit for teens obsessed with food TV or grappling with the pressure of parental expectations” (Booklist).