Sami
I’m an evangelical for this gorgeously written fantasy novel about criminals, heists, and moral complexity set in Bardugo’s already well-established Grishaverse. Kaz Brekker and his gang of teen outcasts are sharp, formidable, and ruthless, with fascinating backstories and surprising vulnerabilities. The intricate and painstakingly detailed plot is as elaborate as the Crows’ scheme, and you will catch yourself second-guessing who really has the upper hand at all times. Six of Crows is the kind of book you will want to read over and over again, especially teen and adult fantasy fans.
In this sprawling historical epic re-imagining of the early years of Vlad the Impaler, author Kiersten White switches Vlad for Lada, the fierce and ruthless Princess of Wallachia, and examines the complexity of her relationship with her brother Radu, as their father trades them to the Ottoman Empire. Lada spends her days training as a warrior and planning vengeance on both her father and the Ottomans, while Radu slowly embraces the culture and religion of the Ottomans. Everything changes when they befriend Mehmed, the son of the sultan, and Lada and Radu must decide where their loyalty truly lies. And I Darken deftly handles questions of religion, love, family, and loyalty with a fascinating historical background.
You wouldn't think that a revisionist history of Lady Jane Grey would be the most revolutionary book in YA in 2016. You would be wrong. My Lady Jane is similar to the The Princess Bride in its parody of the Romance genre, but it's more reminiscent of Monty Python with its plentiful pop culture references. This book was hilarious, clever, and charming, and I would recommend it to almost anyone.
On an island where nine children reside, with the oldest child leaving every year and a new one taking their place, Jinny loses her best friend Deen and becomes the new Elder in one day, taking charge of the younger children and preparing them for her eventual departure. Her emotional journey is incredibly poignant and sometimes painfully real as Jinny learns that change is inevitable and growing up is an uncontrollable process. Orphan Island is a novel that I will hold close to my heart for a long time.
s incandescent as it is wholly original, Jane Unlimited is Kristin Cashore's most ambitious project to date-and it completely pays off. Starting with a Gothic novel-esque framework, we follow cautious and grief ridden Jane to Tu Reviens, a mysterious manor where she has been invited to stay after the loss of her aunt. Immediately, Jane perceives that the house is full of mystery, with stolen artwork, shifty characters, and missing people. In an astonishing twist, the novel breaks into five different endings as Jane follows five different versions of events. To say any more would give away some of the most creative and incredible writing of Cashore's career; each version plays off the other one with amazing plot twists, beautiful character building, and truly unlimited potential mysteries.
After 16 year old Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of a childhood friend by a police officer, her life changes irrevocably. This compelling story of love, anger, and justice is sure to be remembered for years to come.