YA/Teen is one of those categories I find a bit slippery. As a reader, I may categorize something YA that is actually found in the Children’s Section or Middle Grade Section of a bookstore. Please note that as you poke around in my reading recommendations.
As notes on my page On Reading, I am an eclectic reader of a variety of books. My tastes may not be as conservative or as wild as yours. Please note that and consider each book for your own use. I read for the storytelling content.
The Books
Reviews written in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
Blade Breaker by Victoria Aveyard picks up where the first book ended, ramps up the tension, and takes the characters on a wild ride deeper into danger, intrigue, and action-packed, heartbreaking moments. (This is definitely an older teen/YA read.)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a well-known and popular start to a dystopian trilogy set in a future world in which the United States has undergone such a huge upheaval that the government has been completely rewritten and children are sent to fight to the death to remind all those outside the capitol district that they are the servants of the capitol. It is a combination of warning and entertaining read. It is hard to miss that the gladiators of Rome and the modern penchant for reality tv are sources for the ideas in this book. While all this sounds terribly gory, the main character Katniss and her desire to save her sister from the arena is the reason this book is so popular. Katniss is a compelling character with a hard journey of character development throughout the whole trilogy.
Girl with Flying Weapons by Aya Ling is loosely based on a tale written in ninth-century China and combines elements of mystery, suspense, and romance. It is the first book of a historical fiction series.
Wires and Nerve: Volume 1 by Marissa Meyer is a fun, graphic novel addition to the Lunar Chronicles universe. I enjoyed the art, the character viewpoint of Iko, and the overall plot arc. I was a bit troubled by Iko falling from a not-so-great guy, but hopefully the character arcs will have that make sense in the next installments.
Legacy of the Curse by Deborah Grace White: Adventure, intrigue, dragons, and unexpected magic become a part Jocelyn’s life when she accidentally loses control over her “curse” at a gathering of strangers. Drawn into a new land, delving into her fears, Jocelyn will discover new horizons and new heights, while also getting to know a dreamy adventurer who is the opposite of the composed prince she’s supposed to be meeting on her journey. I loved this book and highly recommend it to all fans of clean romantic fantasy adventure!
Apprentice by Kristen Young is a Christian YA Dystopian in which the main character must discover the truth of her society and how she can live in it, or work against it. Flick has an unusual memory and it both serves her and causes her problems as she discovers that The Love Collective she lives under may not be all that it seems. This is the start of a satisfying YA Dystopian Trilogy which could be a good companion or alternative to The Hunger Games Trilogy.
Tyrean's Tales 