My favorite Young Adult fictions
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.
Paranormal romance.
Vampire Academy (2009), Frostbite (2009), Shadow Kiss (2010), Blood Promise (2010), Spirit Bound (2010) and Last Sacrifice (2010).
This story is fresh and well-researched with a lot going on and several subplots tightly intertwined. The heroes are not out there saving the world, but only trying to save themselves and, in the long run, their small world: the Academy.
What makes these stories different from the traditional vampire stories is the civilized vampires who drink only from volunteers; the creation of three kinds of beings living together (two are beings I have never read about before); the possibility of transforming into something dangerous to save oneself; a school of vampires and guardians of vampires who have become weak; main characters developing powers and desires that can destroy them instead of elevating them to the rank of super-heroes; interesting sub-cultures.
The first two novels are amazing, but the last four are not as good. Imagine four books were released the same year! The quality shows. I wish the author would have spent more time working on them. I had to skip whole chapters. There are also typos, which shows the haste in which the novels were written and published.
The series is still going to come up on the big screen in 2014!
Paranormal romance.
Vampire Academy (2009), Frostbite (2009), Shadow Kiss (2010), Blood Promise (2010), Spirit Bound (2010) and Last Sacrifice (2010).
This story is fresh and well-researched with a lot going on and several subplots tightly intertwined. The heroes are not out there saving the world, but only trying to save themselves and, in the long run, their small world: the Academy.
What makes these stories different from the traditional vampire stories is the civilized vampires who drink only from volunteers; the creation of three kinds of beings living together (two are beings I have never read about before); the possibility of transforming into something dangerous to save oneself; a school of vampires and guardians of vampires who have become weak; main characters developing powers and desires that can destroy them instead of elevating them to the rank of super-heroes; interesting sub-cultures.
The first two novels are amazing, but the last four are not as good. Imagine four books were released the same year! The quality shows. I wish the author would have spent more time working on them. I had to skip whole chapters. There are also typos, which shows the haste in which the novels were written and published.
The series is still going to come up on the big screen in 2014!
The Immortals Series by Alyson Noel.
Evermore (2009), Blue Moon (2009), Shadowland (2009), Dark Flame (2010), Night Star (2010) and Everlasting (2011).
The originality of the story resides in the creation of a world that is different because the immortals the author introduces in the story were created after the brewing of an elixir. The heroes chase each other through centuries and when they finally reach each other the shadow of old lovers emerge, making their relationship more complex than it is already. The lovers are not allowed to touch each other and must find a way to be able to consummate their love. The heroes are allowed to cross over to search for answers and guidance,but misinterpret the messages they get and mistrust each other. The whole series is based on the obstacles to love (jealousy, poison, misunderstanding, etc.), the influences of powerful enemies who sneak their way into their relationship, and the use of dark magic in sometimes a catastrophic way.
Evermore (2009), Blue Moon (2009), Shadowland (2009), Dark Flame (2010), Night Star (2010) and Everlasting (2011).
The originality of the story resides in the creation of a world that is different because the immortals the author introduces in the story were created after the brewing of an elixir. The heroes chase each other through centuries and when they finally reach each other the shadow of old lovers emerge, making their relationship more complex than it is already. The lovers are not allowed to touch each other and must find a way to be able to consummate their love. The heroes are allowed to cross over to search for answers and guidance,but misinterpret the messages they get and mistrust each other. The whole series is based on the obstacles to love (jealousy, poison, misunderstanding, etc.), the influences of powerful enemies who sneak their way into their relationship, and the use of dark magic in sometimes a catastrophic way.
Selection Trilogy by by Kiera Cass.
The Selection (2012), The Elite (2013) and The One (2014).
This Series is another take on the traditional fairy tales where the princess is actually a strong modern woman. The action is based in the future, so it is more of a science-fiction series. No magic here.
The Selection is original in the sense it describes an utopian world where danger brews and inequalities slowly sift in the world of the palace. The best aspect of the novel, in my opinion, is the political situation seen through the eyes of debutantes who were chosen to be presented to the prince. One of them will become queen after he has made his selection. As we read through the novel, we notice that the world in which they live is not as perfect as it seems. The prince is not as morale and safe as he wants to present himself. Revolts are bursting everywhere in the kingdom, but it is not an ordinary revolt as the main character discovers. She learns that being the chosen one means more than finding love or power or enough to eat, it is fighting against the king and his policies.
The Selection (2012), The Elite (2013) and The One (2014).
This Series is another take on the traditional fairy tales where the princess is actually a strong modern woman. The action is based in the future, so it is more of a science-fiction series. No magic here.
The Selection is original in the sense it describes an utopian world where danger brews and inequalities slowly sift in the world of the palace. The best aspect of the novel, in my opinion, is the political situation seen through the eyes of debutantes who were chosen to be presented to the prince. One of them will become queen after he has made his selection. As we read through the novel, we notice that the world in which they live is not as perfect as it seems. The prince is not as morale and safe as he wants to present himself. Revolts are bursting everywhere in the kingdom, but it is not an ordinary revolt as the main character discovers. She learns that being the chosen one means more than finding love or power or enough to eat, it is fighting against the king and his policies.
Matched Series by Allie Condie.
Matched (2010), Crossed (2011) and Reached (2012).
Genre: Science-fiction. Utopian.
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her, but she discovers that this limits her considerably and keeps her prisoner. She meets Markham, her true match, the future mate the society doe not want her to marry. Markham changes her view on the world and even teaches her about poetry and how to write, two forbidden skills of her time. Even if the story is not original in itself, it still has the power to make us think and reconsider the world in which we live. It is a parody of what the society can do to us, the entrapment of our culture. This theme never gets old.
Maybe the originality in this story is the twist concerning the perfect match. The society is playing match-makers, yes, but makes mistakes... on purpose.
The question is, early on in the novel: Did they purposefully introduce a glitch in their system as an experiment?
Well, read on to know.
The second novel was disappointing to me. All the charm and innocence of the first book is lost to make space to a dark and depressing quest.
I hope I will like the third book in the series.
Matched (2010), Crossed (2011) and Reached (2012).
Genre: Science-fiction. Utopian.
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her, but she discovers that this limits her considerably and keeps her prisoner. She meets Markham, her true match, the future mate the society doe not want her to marry. Markham changes her view on the world and even teaches her about poetry and how to write, two forbidden skills of her time. Even if the story is not original in itself, it still has the power to make us think and reconsider the world in which we live. It is a parody of what the society can do to us, the entrapment of our culture. This theme never gets old.
Maybe the originality in this story is the twist concerning the perfect match. The society is playing match-makers, yes, but makes mistakes... on purpose.
The question is, early on in the novel: Did they purposefully introduce a glitch in their system as an experiment?
Well, read on to know.
The second novel was disappointing to me. All the charm and innocence of the first book is lost to make space to a dark and depressing quest.
I hope I will like the third book in the series.
Beta (2012) by Rachel Cohn.
Genre: Science-fiction novel. Utopian.
Elysia is an experimental teenager clone formed from the genes of a real person who is dead. But she does not know anything about that. She discovers it as she goes. She was created for the pleasure of an elite who lives in a paradise island.
The originality of the novel lies in the fact that imperfection is tied to the act of feeling. When the beta model starts feeling and sensing things, she risks being recycled. She becomes a person and as a person she learns to listen to her desires. But she is not alone. many other clones have feelings too, but must hide them in order to survive and create a secret society in an isolated island. Will the Beta find it?
Genre: Science-fiction novel. Utopian.
Elysia is an experimental teenager clone formed from the genes of a real person who is dead. But she does not know anything about that. She discovers it as she goes. She was created for the pleasure of an elite who lives in a paradise island.
The originality of the novel lies in the fact that imperfection is tied to the act of feeling. When the beta model starts feeling and sensing things, she risks being recycled. She becomes a person and as a person she learns to listen to her desires. But she is not alone. many other clones have feelings too, but must hide them in order to survive and create a secret society in an isolated island. Will the Beta find it?
Angel Trilogy by L.A. Weatherly.
Angel Burn (2011), Angel Fire (2012), Angel Fever (2013).
Genre: Dark paranormal romance.
Willow is an angel. She can read into people's future and know how they feel just by touching them. She is up to saving the world.
The originality of this novel resides in showing angels taking the form of humans and feeding on their life force. These angels are not the celestial ones, but beings (aliens) who come to earth to feed on humans. In itself, the theme is not very original, but the way the author imagined the culture of angels is fresh and interesting.
The assassin Alex is sent to kill her, but on the way he falls in love with her. Once again, this is not very original. It sounds like a remix of James Bond with all the action. But what is different is the fact that they discover a mystery and a puzzle together; they both have something to offer to each other from their life experiences.
Angel Burn (2011), Angel Fire (2012), Angel Fever (2013).
Genre: Dark paranormal romance.
Willow is an angel. She can read into people's future and know how they feel just by touching them. She is up to saving the world.
The originality of this novel resides in showing angels taking the form of humans and feeding on their life force. These angels are not the celestial ones, but beings (aliens) who come to earth to feed on humans. In itself, the theme is not very original, but the way the author imagined the culture of angels is fresh and interesting.
The assassin Alex is sent to kill her, but on the way he falls in love with her. Once again, this is not very original. It sounds like a remix of James Bond with all the action. But what is different is the fact that they discover a mystery and a puzzle together; they both have something to offer to each other from their life experiences.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth trilogy by Carrie Ryan.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth (2009), The Dead-Tossed Waves (2010) and The Dark and Hollow Places (2011).
Genre: Post-apocalyptic zombie novel.
I personally hate zombie stories and horror, but this trilogy just mesmerized me. It is so well written and so well researched, it has to become a classic. On top of that, the author has imagined a world that grabs the reader and does not let go. The originality of the story lies in the fact that the horror is not gratuitous. There is a plague and people who are contaminated transform into zombies. Some people are immune to the disease, of course, and some get contaminated on purpose, to join the people they love. As the novels run their course, the world becomes smaller and smaller and just a handful of people survive. It is very dramatic with pockets of hope. I loved reading about the way the people protect themselves and how they face horrific situations, with courage and determination. Many deep themes are inserted into the novel as well as a love triangle. What would you risk for love? What would you do if faced with life-threatening circumstances? Read on.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth (2009), The Dead-Tossed Waves (2010) and The Dark and Hollow Places (2011).
Genre: Post-apocalyptic zombie novel.
I personally hate zombie stories and horror, but this trilogy just mesmerized me. It is so well written and so well researched, it has to become a classic. On top of that, the author has imagined a world that grabs the reader and does not let go. The originality of the story lies in the fact that the horror is not gratuitous. There is a plague and people who are contaminated transform into zombies. Some people are immune to the disease, of course, and some get contaminated on purpose, to join the people they love. As the novels run their course, the world becomes smaller and smaller and just a handful of people survive. It is very dramatic with pockets of hope. I loved reading about the way the people protect themselves and how they face horrific situations, with courage and determination. Many deep themes are inserted into the novel as well as a love triangle. What would you risk for love? What would you do if faced with life-threatening circumstances? Read on.
Fast Series by Ryan Ringbloom.
Fast (2013), Wait (2013) and Flaw (2014).
Genre: Romance. Caution: NA.
I do not mind a little romance, but I am not a romance seeker and cannot count any pink book in my bookshelves. However, I read Wait and I was surprised how fun it was to read. I liked everything about it: the cat fights, the complicated romances, the sexy love scenes. In Wait, the theme of the book is: If you wait to have sex, do you have a better chance to make the relationship work? In Fast, the heroes go too fast and fail. I think for anyone who has teen daughters who are thinking about sex, this is a great start. The novel is not preachy but gets the point through in a voice every teen will recognize as authentic.
Fast (2013), Wait (2013) and Flaw (2014).
Genre: Romance. Caution: NA.
I do not mind a little romance, but I am not a romance seeker and cannot count any pink book in my bookshelves. However, I read Wait and I was surprised how fun it was to read. I liked everything about it: the cat fights, the complicated romances, the sexy love scenes. In Wait, the theme of the book is: If you wait to have sex, do you have a better chance to make the relationship work? In Fast, the heroes go too fast and fail. I think for anyone who has teen daughters who are thinking about sex, this is a great start. The novel is not preachy but gets the point through in a voice every teen will recognize as authentic.
A Hex Hall Series by Rachel Hawkins.
Hex Hall Book One (2010), Demonglass (2011), Spell Bound (2012), School Spirits (2013).
Genre: Fantasy.
Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.
What I liked the most about this series is the warlock trapped in a mirror for hundreds of years by her family. Torin can jumps into other mirrors and checks things out for Izzy.
Izzy watches DVDs of high school dramas with Torin and he is the closest thing to a friend, that is when he is not invading her dreams.
Hex Hall Book One (2010), Demonglass (2011), Spell Bound (2012), School Spirits (2013).
Genre: Fantasy.
Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.
What I liked the most about this series is the warlock trapped in a mirror for hundreds of years by her family. Torin can jumps into other mirrors and checks things out for Izzy.
Izzy watches DVDs of high school dramas with Torin and he is the closest thing to a friend, that is when he is not invading her dreams.
Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan (2013)
Genre: Historical Fiction.
"Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril."
This novel was a lot of fun to read. I am happy to learn that it is followed by "Maid of Deception" (2014) and might turn into a series. The originality of this novel is to be found in the voice. The author knows how to give the illusion of people talking in an old language while keeping it contemporary. The voice is charming and drew me back in time. I can say that what I liked most about the novel is the tension in every page. The tension and the dangers. There is no dull moment, and each character has depth. At the end of the novel I was as curious to know what will happen to Meg as what will happen to the other four maids who are brought to spy at court. An author to follow.
Genre: Historical Fiction.
"Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril."
This novel was a lot of fun to read. I am happy to learn that it is followed by "Maid of Deception" (2014) and might turn into a series. The originality of this novel is to be found in the voice. The author knows how to give the illusion of people talking in an old language while keeping it contemporary. The voice is charming and drew me back in time. I can say that what I liked most about the novel is the tension in every page. The tension and the dangers. There is no dull moment, and each character has depth. At the end of the novel I was as curious to know what will happen to Meg as what will happen to the other four maids who are brought to spy at court. An author to follow.
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier (2009)
Genre: Mystery.
It is a trilogy followed by Sapphire Blue (2012) and Emerald Green (2013)
It's a movie too.
"Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history."
What strikes me in this story is the sophistication of the language. It was a pleasure to read dialogues that are well crafted and perfectly paced. The characters are as researched as the ones in Harry Potter. Another action packed story with a mystery to solve.
Genre: Mystery.
It is a trilogy followed by Sapphire Blue (2012) and Emerald Green (2013)
It's a movie too.
"Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history."
What strikes me in this story is the sophistication of the language. It was a pleasure to read dialogues that are well crafted and perfectly paced. The characters are as researched as the ones in Harry Potter. Another action packed story with a mystery to solve.
As You Wish by Jackson Pearce (2010)
Genre: Paranormal Romance.
"Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.
Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever."
This is a cute little story you will wish never to end. The author is a master at handling internal conflict. The genie is fun and sounds more human than he tries to let people think. This is a good reflection on the nature of our wishes with a little magic on top.
Genre: Paranormal Romance.
"Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.
Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever."
This is a cute little story you will wish never to end. The author is a master at handling internal conflict. The genie is fun and sounds more human than he tries to let people think. This is a good reflection on the nature of our wishes with a little magic on top.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns Series by Rae Carson.
Genre: High Fantasy.
It is a trilogy: The Girl of Fire and Thorns (2011) , The Crown of Embers (2012). The Bitter Kingdom (2013), Shadow Cats (2012), The Shattered Mountain (2013), King's Guard (2013)
Elisa is the bearer of a godstone, a magical stone that would give her power if she knew how to activate it. Married off to a king and kidnapped, she must organize a rebellion and make her way back to her kingdom.
Full of magic and adventure, this trilogy will keep you awake late at night.
Genre: High Fantasy.
It is a trilogy: The Girl of Fire and Thorns (2011) , The Crown of Embers (2012). The Bitter Kingdom (2013), Shadow Cats (2012), The Shattered Mountain (2013), King's Guard (2013)
Elisa is the bearer of a godstone, a magical stone that would give her power if she knew how to activate it. Married off to a king and kidnapped, she must organize a rebellion and make her way back to her kingdom.
Full of magic and adventure, this trilogy will keep you awake late at night.
My Fair Gofmother by Janette Rallison (2009)
Genre: YA Fantasy.
This is a very entertaining novel with the traditional courageous girl who saves the day theme. But she never saves the day the way you would expect and she is even called stupid by some fairy tale characters.
Savannah wishes for a fairy tale, but instead of turning her daily life into something magical, her godmother sends her into a real fairy tale. Only, nobody knows how a real fairy tale really looks like. Savannah must find her way out without getting killed and after kissing a dangerous knight to steal his powers. The Middle Ages are smelly, rough and not dreamy. But thankfully she finds a friend there sent by her incompetent godmother.
Genre: YA Fantasy.
This is a very entertaining novel with the traditional courageous girl who saves the day theme. But she never saves the day the way you would expect and she is even called stupid by some fairy tale characters.
Savannah wishes for a fairy tale, but instead of turning her daily life into something magical, her godmother sends her into a real fairy tale. Only, nobody knows how a real fairy tale really looks like. Savannah must find her way out without getting killed and after kissing a dangerous knight to steal his powers. The Middle Ages are smelly, rough and not dreamy. But thankfully she finds a friend there sent by her incompetent godmother.
One Past Midnight by Jessica Shirvington.
Magical realism.
This story reminded me of a beautiful movie with a character having the same ability to live two lives. I would not score this story high on originality since the plot and the ending are predictable, however, the reflection on life and the emotional, psychological part was worth the read. I dare you not to shed a few tears along the way. A beautiful journey.
Magical realism.
This story reminded me of a beautiful movie with a character having the same ability to live two lives. I would not score this story high on originality since the plot and the ending are predictable, however, the reflection on life and the emotional, psychological part was worth the read. I dare you not to shed a few tears along the way. A beautiful journey.
Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, author of fantastic novel Ella Enchanted
Genre: Fantasy Fairy Tale (Snow White).
DO NOT read this novel, listen to it! Get the AUDIOBOOK.
There are so many references to music in this story, you will miss on a lot if you do not listen to this story. Absolutely enchanting and I think many girls will recognize themselves in Aza and her struggles with appearance and fitting in.
SUMMARY:
Aza, the adopted daughter of innkeepers in Ayortha, has always hated her appearance. She not only has an enormous size, but also she has milk-white skin, dragon tongue lips, and hair that seems to be frying-pan black.
However, Aza's voice is unique in a land of song and she can make her voice come out of anything like pots or statues. She can also flawlessly mimic people. A duchess sojourning at the inn asks Aza to accompany her to court to the royal wedding because her companion has fallen ill. The new queen Ivi, offers to reward Aza with land, wealth, and riches for her family as well as the title of lady-in-waiting in exchange for Aza illusing a marvelous singing voice for her when she needs to sing.
But Aza wants to be beautiful and would try any potion to become beautiful especially to please the Crown prince Ijori. Discovered, Aza is thrown in prison and rescued by Ivi's guard Uju, who brings her in the Gnome Caverns.
Ivi, controlled by a spirit in a mirror she has given at her wedding, appears, disguised as a gnome, and tricks Aza into eating a poisoned apple. Aza’s spirit destroys the evil in the queen’s mirror and finds the Crown prince waiting for her.
Genre: Fantasy Fairy Tale (Snow White).
DO NOT read this novel, listen to it! Get the AUDIOBOOK.
There are so many references to music in this story, you will miss on a lot if you do not listen to this story. Absolutely enchanting and I think many girls will recognize themselves in Aza and her struggles with appearance and fitting in.
SUMMARY:
Aza, the adopted daughter of innkeepers in Ayortha, has always hated her appearance. She not only has an enormous size, but also she has milk-white skin, dragon tongue lips, and hair that seems to be frying-pan black.
However, Aza's voice is unique in a land of song and she can make her voice come out of anything like pots or statues. She can also flawlessly mimic people. A duchess sojourning at the inn asks Aza to accompany her to court to the royal wedding because her companion has fallen ill. The new queen Ivi, offers to reward Aza with land, wealth, and riches for her family as well as the title of lady-in-waiting in exchange for Aza illusing a marvelous singing voice for her when she needs to sing.
But Aza wants to be beautiful and would try any potion to become beautiful especially to please the Crown prince Ijori. Discovered, Aza is thrown in prison and rescued by Ivi's guard Uju, who brings her in the Gnome Caverns.
Ivi, controlled by a spirit in a mirror she has given at her wedding, appears, disguised as a gnome, and tricks Aza into eating a poisoned apple. Aza’s spirit destroys the evil in the queen’s mirror and finds the Crown prince waiting for her.
Resources:
Your Favorites: 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels. August, 2012.
http://www.npr.org/2012/08/07/157795366/your-favorites-100-best-ever-teen-novels
http://www.npr.org/2012/08/07/157795366/your-favorites-100-best-ever-teen-novels