It’s always fun when an author surprises their readership with a new sequel (or prequel, or companion novel) in a series long thought finished. Here’s a list of some recent YA ones, including some series that began during my childhood – or before!

 

The Edge by Roland Smith – 8 years

Smith first published Peak, the first book in his Peak Marcello series, in 2007, then resumed the series in 2015 with The Edge, creating an 8 year gap. Since then, he’s published two more novels in the series, the latest of which, Descent, was released this year.

Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Peak Marcello hasn’t climbed since intentionally failing to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He’s been enjoying life at sea level, spending his time with the Two Peas—his younger twin sisters—and being a regular, law-abiding teenager. But then his old climbing buddies, JR, Will, and Jack, show up with an offer Peak may not be able to refuse: the International Peace Ascent. The billionaire Sebastian Plank is recruiting a global team of young climbers to make an inspiring, world-uniting documentary. Peak’s been chosen as the U.S. representative. A part of him wants to stay home and out of the spotlight. But another part is itching to get back out there. In the end, the itch has got to be scratched, and Peak, along with his mom, is helicoptered in to a remote base camp in the Hindu Kush Mountains.

But the trip quickly goes from good time to nightmare. Attacked by an unknown and unseen enemy, some of the climbers are kidnapped—including Peak’s mom. Peak has no choice but to go after them.

 

All the Days Past, All the Days to Come by Mildred D. Taylor – 19 years

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry was first published in 1976, and Taylor periodically wrote others books in the Logan family series every few years through 2001 (The Land). Then came a 19 year break until we were fortunate enough to get the final book in the series this year.

Synopsis: In her tenth book, Mildred Taylor completes her sweeping saga about the Logan family of Mississippi, which is also the story of the civil rights movement in America of the 20th century. Cassie Logan, first met in Song of the Trees and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, is a young woman now, searching for her place in the world, a journey that takes her from Toledo to California, to law school in Boston, and, ultimately, in the 60s, home to Mississippi to participate in voter registration. She is witness to the now-historic events of the century: the Great Migration north, the rise of the civil rights movement, preceded and precipitated by the racist society of America, and the often violent confrontations that brought about change. Rich, compelling storytelling is Ms. Taylor’s hallmark, and she fulfills expectations as she brings to a close the stirring family story that has absorbed her for over forty years. It is a story she was born to tell.

 

The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman – 17 years

I’ve been waiting for The Book of Dust since at least 2005, when Pullman began speaking about it publicly. The Amber Spyglass, the final book in the acclaimed His Dark Materials series, had been published in 2000, and I absolutely needed more. We finally got the first book in this new trilogy, which takes place when Lyra was a baby, in 2017.

Synopsis: Malcolm Polstead is the kind of boy who notices everything but is not much noticed himself. And so perhaps it was inevitable that he would become a spy…

Malcolm’s father runs an inn called the Trout, on the banks of the river Thames, and all of Oxford passes through its doors. Malcolm and his dæmon, Asta, routinely overhear news and gossip, and the occasional scandal, but during a winter of unceasing rain, Malcolm catches wind of something new: intrigue. He finds a secret message inquiring about a dangerous substance called Dust–and the spy it was intended for finds him.

When she asks Malcolm to keep his eyes open, Malcolm sees suspicious characters everywhere; Lord Asriel, clearly on the run; enforcement agents from the Magisterium; an Egyptian named Coram with warnings just for Malcolm; and a beautiful woman with an evil monkey for a dæmon. All are asking about the same thing: a girl–just a baby–named Lyra. Lyra is the kind of person who draws people in like magnets. And Malcolm will brave any danger, and make shocking sacrifices, to bring her safely through the storm.

 

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer – 12 years

Meyer’s last book in her Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, was released in 2008, creating a 12 year gap between that book and Midnight Sun, a retelling of Twilight from Edward’s point of view.

Synopsis: When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?