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.
As 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.
Another fiercely funny and spectacularly spooky middle grade mystery from Rachel Hawkins. Community service camp isn't enticing for shy Olivia or brash Ruby, but after encountering a mysterious music box at the old mansion they're cleaning, Ruby and Olivia will find out that Live Oak has more in store for them than they could have imagined. From enemies to reluctant partners, Ruby and Olivia unite in their investigation, and learn about friendship, responsibility, and self worth along the way.
A fun, fantastical adventure for fans of Cressida Cowell. When aspiring witch Arianwyn fails her assessment, and is shipped off as an apprentice witch to the town of Lull, much to the snickers of her classmates, she is determined to succeed. Unexpected hexes and the arrival of her nemesis Gimma throw Arianwyn off kilter, but with new friends and an array of magical creatures, Arianwyn becomes ready to face the darkness Lull is brewing.
Fans of We Were Liars will not be disappointed in E. Lockhart's latest novel, inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley. Genuine Fraud is a twisted, darkly emotional thriller about the difference between obsession and friendship. Easily one of the best YA mystery novels I've ever read, this unsettling and enthralling story had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Will has six floors to go in this elevator, six ghosts to meet, and six stories to tell before he decides if he will shoot the boy he thinks shot his brother. This groundbreaking novel in verse dives deep into the psyche of a teenage boy who's followed the rules of his crime ridden neighborhood his whole life, and the ten minutes when he starts to question them. Long Way Down is chilling in its depiction of gun violence and heartbreaking in how it shows those left behind.
Bardugo's collection of bone-chilling fairy tales isn't just for fans of her well-established Grishaverse. The gorgeous illustrations give it the feel of an old storybook, but these stunning and sometimes macabre tales are not what you've heard as a child. This beautifully wrought book explores wishes, curses, magic, and monsters with expert precision, each story leaving the reader wanting more.
This lyrical foray into magical realism is a lush and intense read about family, love, and redemption. The Soria family, living on the edge of a desert, is a haven to pilgrims looking for miracles. Producing these miracles comes with at a price, however, and breaking their carefully constructed rules could destroy their family. One summer, Daniel, current saint and miracle worker, jeopardizes the future of the family, and his cousins Beatriz and Joaquin must look for their own miracles. Stiefvater's prose can't be beat, and this is no exception; her descriptive writing leaps off the page and you can really see the desert world she's created.
A fantastic mystery about an alternate Manhattan, eccentric architects, and a cipher that could save the whole city. Unusual twins Tess and Theo Biedermann and their friend Jaime Cruz are facing eviction from their historical building by an evil real estate developer determined to tear down every building built by the famous and mysterious Morningstarr architects (Tess and Theo’s namesakes). The twins and Jaime team up to solve the Morningstarr’s city wide scavenger hunt to find their lost treasure and save their building. Along the way, they learn as much about history as they do about themselves.
Coming off the hype of the record-breaking Broadway musical, New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz tries her hand at historical fiction with her interpretation of the courtship of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. This version narrative focuses on Eliza and the drama of her family’s expectations of her life versus what she chooses for herself.
As the daughter of a successful wedding planner, Louna's approach to love is cynical to say the least. Enter Ambrose, whose careless approach to life and love clashes with everything Louna stands for. Annoyed by Ambrose's string of girlfriends, Louna and Ambrose make a bet to switch dating styles for the rest of the summer. Hilarity, romance, and tragedy ensue as Louna and Ambrose navigate their growing feelings for each other. Dessen seamlessly combines currents events with the rom-com formula to write a story that is touching and genuine.
If you liked The Wrath and the Dawn, you will LOVE this Mulan inspired story set in Feudal Japan. Mariko is a fiercely intelligent and determined protagonist, the romance is heart-stopping, and the intricacy of the plot at the heart of the book is fantastic. Flame in the Mist is an action-packed, thought provoking tale of revenge, loyalty, and honor.
The sequel to And I Darken, Now I Rise is just as beautifully complicated and twisted as its predecessor. Separated for the first time, siblings Lada and Radu Dracul face nearly insurmountable challenges, made worse by their falling out. Lada, desperate to rule Wallachia, fights against convention, self-doubt, and her lingering feelings for Mehmed as she destroys anyone who crosses her path. Meanwhile, Radu is sent by Mehmed as a spy in Constantinople. Torn between his love for an emperor who does not trust him, and his respect for the people who should be his enemies, Radu longs for peace. As Lada and Radu soon learn, there is no peace to be had in the Ottoman Empire, especially for those drawn to its emperor.
Words in Deep Blue, with its universal messages about love, loss, and acceptance, is for lovers of words, literature, and letters. A must-read for anyone who has found solace in the written word.
Privileged teen Cadence doesn't remember what happened last summer, and in this tangled and twisted novel, she'll have to figure out who the real liar is. We Were Liars is easily one of the best young adult mysteries of all time, and this gorgeous deluxe edition is perfect for both fans of the original and anyone who hasn't read it yet.
Sheltered sisters Scarlett and Tella receive an invitation to Caraval, a legendary and fantastical competition, and decide to take their chances and enter the game. When Tella is kidnapped upon arrival, Scarlett must race against time to find her and win the game in this rich story about sisterhood and magic, reminiscent of The Night Circus.
Clever and resourceful Amani is no longer just a sharpshooter; she’s a powerful djinni who can control sand. When Amani is captured by the Sultan’s forces and imprisoned in the palace, she begins to question the Rebel regime she fights with, and the man whose heart she once fought for.
Fast-paced and hurtling toward a heart-stopping conclusion, Holmes and Watson have never been better. When Charlotte and Jamie jet off to Germany to find Charlotte’s missing uncle Leander, they're met by August Moriarty, whose faked death has caused a blood feud between their families. Charlotte, Jamie, and August launch into an investigation that could easily cost them their lives.
Taylor has created a beautifully intricate world of angels, gods, and monsters in this stunning novel. Lazlo Strange, orphan and librarian, has always dreamed of a city with an unspeakable name, and when a warrior called the Godslayer emerges from the city and asks for volunteers to accompany him back, Lazlo will risk anything to go.
Spunky Doreen Green struggles to fit it at her new school-not to mention hide her tail! Doreen is surprised to find herself a local hero after quashing some neighborhood bullies, but when a dastardly super villain shows up to challenge her, Doreen will need help from Tippy Toe and the squirrel gang and maybe even the Avengers to defeat them.
