Just because a story makes you crazy and tries to break your heart, doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading. That’s all I’ll say on my end because I don’t want to give too much away. In the end, I wanted to hate this book. But it affected me too much to give it a poor review.
Category: YA Contemporary
The Prince and the Apocalypse
This fun twist on a romantic comedy is worth the read. College-bound Wren Wheeler has had a pretty miserable vacation to London, mostly because everything didn’t go according to plan, AND she had a falling out with her best friend. But when a fake kiss with the British heir to the throne and a chaotic chase keep her from making her flight home to Chicago, Wren’s world comes crashing down–with an impending comet.
Tiny Pretty Things
This series interested me because I’m a former competitive figure skater who has a deep knowledge of the fierce atmosphere created by females vying for the top position–a world where you must be both strong and beautiful (and encouraged to take measures to “look” a certain way).
Star Girl
Star Girl is different. And that’s a good thing. Here’s why readers and writers might give it a whirl.
Inheritance Games
The Inheritance Games is a story that goes far beyond a nice girl getting rich. We can only dream what it must be like to inherit billions of dollars from someone we don’t know. But Barnes does a great job showing us just how complicated such a situation might be.
Admission: A Novel
This novel, which was inspired by the college admission scandal that put two famous actresses in jail (not for long, but they did serve time), really captures so much beyond the intrigue of that scandal. Life’s not fair, and the college admissions process is not a perfect one.
That’s Not What Happened
I came across this young adult novel while searching for thrillers. So when I started reading it, I was surprised at the plot. However, although this deals with one of our society’s greatest tragedies–school shootings–this story was urgent and moving.
Dark and Shallow Lies
If you like mystery and intrigue with a side of psychic powers and magic, then this book truly is for you. Being able to twist the story around and around, until the reader feels desperate to get to the final pages, is truly an art, and this story does that and more.
A Monster Calls
I have been remiss in not giving this book a posting earlier. A Monster Calls paints a dark and beautiful narrative of what it feels like for a child to watch a parent struggle with terminal illness.
Talon
Talon offered me everything I was seeking in a good dragon-inspired YA novel. Thrilling action, well-designed intrigue, and star-crossed romance kept this plot humming. The main characters, who tell the story in alternating first-person voices, were tough and vulnerable all at once, and I think that takes great skill to write well.
The Cousins
McManus does a fine job here, giving us insight into each character and winning us over so we feel like part of the team. As the past and the present collide, this book will keep you guessing about the final outcome–will the cousins restore the relationship with their grandmother and gain back the family inheritance?
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
I now understand why my daughter’s fifth-grade teacher recommended the Maximum Ride series to her. The series has a perfect mix of adventure, science fiction, intrigue, and romance (which is minimal, but just present enough). The story focuses on children and young teenagers who have been turned into flying mutants, and it gives X-Men franchise a run for its money.
Kid List 