2017 is halfway done, but the first half of the year doesn’t disappoint when it comes to awesome new YA releases! There are so many new books out there that it’s often hard to decide which ones to read. So we’ve compiled a list of some of the best new 2017 YA books so far, ranging from contemporary to fantasy, from debuts to stand-alones to sequels! Check the list out, and make your 2017 more exciting!
Once and For All by Sarah Dessen
Is it really better to have loved and lost? Louna’s summer job is to help brides plan their perfect day, even though she stopped believing in happily-ever-after when her first love ended tragically. But charming girl-magnet Ambrose isn’t about to be discouraged now that he’s met the one he really wants. Maybe Louna’s second chance is standing right in front of her.
What do the readers say?
“There is nothing about this book I didn’t like. Sarah never disappoints. She has a way of taking something so emotional and turning it into a beautiful novel that will sit with you for days. You will actually miss her characters. You will laugh and you’ll definitely cry with this book.” – Amazon Customer [Review from Amazon]
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Girl on the Verge by Pintip Dunn
In her small Kansas town, at her predominantly white school, Kanchana doesn’t look like anyone else. But at home, her Thai grandmother chides her for being too westernized. Only through the clothing Kan designs in secret can she find a way to fuse both cultures into something distinctly her own. When her mother agrees to provide a home for a teenage girl named Shelly, Kan sees a chance to prove herself useful. Making Shelly feel comfortable is easy at first—her new friend is eager to please, embraces the family’s Thai traditions, and clearly looks up to Kan. Perhaps too much. Shelly seems to want everything Kanchana has, even the blond, blue-eyed boy she has a crush on. As Kan’s growing discomfort compels her to investigate Shelly’s past, she’s shocked to find how it much intersects with her own—and just how far Shelly will go to belong…
What do the readers say?
“GIRL ON THE VERGE is a must read for anyone who likes thrillers, creepy friendships or disturbing characters. Pintip Dunn will take hold of you in an Eileen Cook kind of way, my highest compliment for a YA thriller.” – Pink Amy, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray
She’s a soldier — Noemi Vidal is seventeen years old and sworn to protect her planet, Genesis. She’s willing to risk anything–including her own life. To their enemies on Earth, she’s a rebel.
He’s a machine — Abandoned in space for years, utterly alone, Abel has advanced programming that’s begun to evolve. He wants only to protect his creator, and to be free. To the people of Genesis, he’s an abomination.
Noemi and Abel are enemies in an interstellar war, forced by chance to work together as they embark on a daring journey through the stars. Their efforts would end the fighting for good, but they’re not without sacrifice. The stakes are even higher than either of them first realized, and the more time they spend together, the more they’re forced to question everything they’d been taught was true.
What do the readers say?
“I loved this book! SciFi is often too technical for me, but in this story, the relationship between a human and an advanced human-like robot was fascinating, and in the end, very moving. The plot moved rapidly as the two main characters grew to respect and understand each other. I wish their stories could continue in another book, but that probably won’t happen. This is a great read, one I highly recommend!” – Claire, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
What do the readers say?
“Love these books! I couldn’t stop reading or thinking about them. The characters come to life and you love them for all their faults and strengths. The story entrances you and I didn’t feel like nothing I read was filler. I recommend these books to anyone.” – Amadna Dempster, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Now I Rise by Kiersten White
Lada Dracul has no allies. No throne. All she has is what she’s always had: herself. After failing to secure the Wallachian throne, Lada is out to punish anyone who dares to cross her blood-strewn path. Filled with a white-hot rage, she storms the countryside with her men, accompanied by her childhood friend Bogdan, terrorizing the land. But brute force isn’t getting Lada what she wants. And thinking of Mehmed brings little comfort to her thorny heart. There’s no time to wonder whether he still thinks about her, even loves her. She left him before he could leave her.
What Lada needs is her younger brother Radu’s subtlety and skill. But Mehmed has sent him to Constantinople—and it’s no diplomatic mission. Mehmed wants control of the city, and Radu has earned an unwanted place as a double-crossing spy behind enemy lines Radu longs for his sister’s fierce confidence—but for the first time in his life, he rejects her unexpected plea for help. Torn between loyalties to faith, to the Ottomans, and to Mehmed, he knows he owes Lada nothing. If she dies, he could never forgive himself—but if he fails in Constantinople, will Mehmed ever forgive him?
As nations fall around them, the Dracul siblings must decide: what will they sacrifice to fulfill their destinies? Empires will topple, thrones will be won . . . and souls will be lost.
What do the readers say?
“I really cannot say enough good things about Now I Rise! I’ve already said I wasn’t sure I’d love it as much as And I Darken with Radu and Lada on different paths, but it exceeded all of my expectations and left me with a serious book hangover.” – Tracy @ Cornerfolds, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Henry “Monty” Montague doesn’t care that his roguish passions are far from suitable for the gentleman he was born to be. But as Monty embarks on his grand tour of Europe, his quests for pleasure and vice are in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.
So Monty vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.
What do the readers say?
“This is one of the most entertaining and fully developed stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. It has incredibly charming and laugh out loud comical moments, and still manages to address a variety of issues in a way that demonstrates the author really cares about them.” – Yissel Ayala, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Roar by Cora Carmack
Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.
To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks―storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.
Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.
She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.
What do the readers say?
“Roar reminds me why I love YA fantasy so much. I devoured this book and loved every minute of it. I can’t wait for the next book. I need know its name. I have a hardback. This cover is gorgeous. The texture and shine to certain parts has me admiring it constantly.” – Big_Foot_Girl, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Want by Cindy Pon
Jason Zhou survives in a divided society where the elite use their wealth to buy longer lives. The rich wear special suits, protecting them from the pollution and viruses that plague the city, while those without suffer illness and early deaths. Frustrated by his city’s corruption and still grieving the loss of his mother who died as a result of it, Zhou is determined to change things, no matter the cost.
With the help of his friends, Zhou infiltrates the lives of the wealthy in hopes of destroying the international Jin Corporation from within. Jin Corp not only manufactures the special suits the rich rely on, but they may also be manufacturing the pollution that makes them necessary.
Yet the deeper Zhou delves into this new world of excess and wealth, the more muddled his plans become. And against his better judgment, Zhou finds himself falling for Daiyu, the daughter of Jin Corp’s CEO. Can Zhou save his city without compromising who he is, or destroying his own heart?
What do the readers say?
“Want pulled together a great cast of characters and a risky job that will involve you immediately. Besides its stellar writing, the overall message is something everyone needs to hear.” – Amber Elise @ Du Livre, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Flame in the Mist by Renée Ahdieh
The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place—she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor’s favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family’s standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace. Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.
What do the readers say?
“Wow. Just… Wow. Honestly, great book. Renée Ahdieh had done it again–that is, make my heart explode. Highly recommend to anyone who loves learning about other cultures and mysterious, gorgeous boys.” – Kindle Customer [Review from Amazon]
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When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?
Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.
The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?
Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.
What do the readers say?
“Fun, huggable book! Read while drinking an iced coffee or iced beverage of your choice. 🙂 I had a great time reading this book and look foward to rereading it.” – Katherine, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love. No matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection. So she’s careful. Fat girls always have to be careful.
Then a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly’s cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly’s totally not dying of loneliness—except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie’s new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. If Molly can win him over, she’ll get her first kiss and she’ll get her twin back.
There’s only one problem: Molly’s coworker, Reid. He’s a chubby Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire, and there’s absolutely no way Molly could fall for him.
Right?
What do the readers say?
“Wow. There’s so much I could rave about, but all I’m going to say is this: This book is so beautiful, so funny, so full of heart, and so, so necessary for teenagers. I highly recommend The Upside of Unrequited, and the author’s first book, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, as well.” – Hannah, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Fireworks by Katie Cotugno
It was always meant to be Olivia. She’s the talented one, the one who’s been training to be a star her whole life. Her best friend, Dana, is the levelheaded one, always on the sidelines, cheering Olivia on.
But everything changes when Dana tags along with Olivia to Orlando for the weekend, where superproducer Guy Monroe is holding auditions for a new singing group, and Dana is discovered too. Dana, who’s never sung more than Olivia’s backup. Dana, who wasn’t even looking for fame. Next thing she knows, she and Olivia are training to be pop stars, and Dana is falling for Alex, the earnest, endlessly talented boy who’s destined to be the next big thing.
It should be a dream come true, but as the days of grueling practice and constant competition take their toll, things between Olivia and Dana start to shift . . . and there’s only room at the top for one girl. For Olivia, it’s her chance at her dream. For Dana, it’s a chance to escape a future that seems to be closing in on her. And for these lifelong best friends, it’s the adventure of a lifetime—if they can make it through.
What do the readers say?
“I really can’t even find the words to tell you how genuinely in love I am with Fireworks. It was a book that just got me. I felt a connection to it and I just can’t explain why. It wasn’t what I expected yet it was what I wanted and more. Another must read in 2017.” – Andi S., Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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The Crown’s Fate by Evelyn Skye
Russia is on the brink of great change. Pasha’s coronation approaches, and Vika is now the Imperial Enchanter, but the role she once coveted may be more difficult—and dangerous—than she ever expected.
Pasha is grappling with his own problems—his legitimacy is in doubt, the girl he loves loathes him, and he believes his best friend is dead. When a challenger to the throne emerges—and with the magic in Russia growing rapidly—Pasha must do whatever it takes to keep his position and protect his kingdom.
For Nikolai, the ending of the Crown’s Game stung deeply. Although he just managed to escape death, Nikolai remains alone, a shadow hidden in a not-quite-real world of his own creation. But when he’s given a second chance at life—tied to a dark price—Nikolai must decide just how far he’s willing to go to return to the world.
With revolution on the rise, dangerous new magic rearing up, and a tsardom up for the taking, Vika, Nikolai, and Pasha must fight—or face the destruction of not only their world but also themselves.
What do the readers say?
“What I loved most about this book was it’s stress on the bonds of friendship. Through death and darkness, it seemed that Nikolai and Pasha still had very deep emotional ties to each other that they couldn’t deny. Even with everything that has transpire between them, they still found themselves missing the other.” – David Maldonado, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Grit by Gillian French
Seventeen-year-old Darcy Prentiss has long held the title of “town slut.” She knows how to have a good time, sure, but she isn’t doing anything all the guys haven’t done. But when you’re a girl with a reputation, every little thing that happens seems to keep people whispering—especially when your ex-best friend goes missing.
But if anyone were to look closer at Darcy, they’d realize there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Staying out late, hooking up, and telling lies is what Darcy does to forget. Forget about the mysterious disappearance of her friend. Forget about the dark secret she and her cousin Nell share. Forget about that hazy Fourth of July night. So when someone in town anonymously nominates Darcy to be in the running for Bay Festival Princess—a cruel act only someone with a score to settle would make—all of the things that Darcy wants to keep hidden threaten to erupt in ways she wasn’t prepared to handle…and isn’t sure if she can.
What do the readers say?
“Excellent story telling that keeps you intrigued from the very first page. This was an exciting mystery with a local Maine flair and realistic characters. Darcy is stubborn and tough but so tender and caring. The author makes it possible to feel as if you are living it along with the main character. I loved it and would highly recommend it.” – Pamela J Blackman, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser
Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. Her father is a wherryman, as was her grandmother. All Caro needs is for the river god to whisper her name, and her fate is sealed. But at seventeen, Caro may be too late.
So when pirates burn ships and her father is arrested, Caro volunteers to transport mysterious cargo in exchange for his release. Secretly, Caro hopes that by piloting her own wherry, the river god will finally speak her name.
But when the cargo becomes more than Caro expected, she finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies. With much more than her father’s life at stake, Caro must choose between the future she knows, and the one she could have never imagined.
What do the readers say?
“This story is one to get lost in. A great vacation read (or anytime read) you will want to devour all 373 pages in one sitting. Pirates, adventure, swashbuckling fights, romance and coming of age all in one book. The story is full of strong, powerful women, not the least of which is Caro, a kick butt heroin with real girl power. ” – Sarah DeRise, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson
On her eighteenth birthday, Princess Evelayn of Eadrolan, the Light Kingdom, can finally access the full range of her magical powers. The light looks brighter, the air is sharper, and the energy she can draw when fighting feels almost limitless.
But while her mother, the queen, remains busy at the war front, in the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon, the corrupt king is plotting. King Bain wants control of both kingdoms, and his plan will fling Evelayn into the throne much sooner than she expected.
In order to defeat Bain and his sons, Evelayn will quickly have to come into her ability to shapeshift, and rely on the alluring Lord Tanvir. But not everyone is what they seem, and the balance between the Light and Dark comes at a steep price.
What do the readers say?
“DARK BREAKS THE DAWN is a mix of fairytale and fantasy. It is fascinating. It is thrilling. It is heartbreaking. It is bewitching. And with a beautiful princess, a handsome lord, two gorgeous but deadly princes, an evil king, a wicked queen, a dangerous quest, amazing abilities, and a killer cliffhanger ending, it promises to be a wonderfully gripping read.” – Fiktshun, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee
After a shout-out from one of the Internet’s superstar vloggers, Natasha “Tash” Zelenka suddenly finds herself and her obscure, amateur web series, Unhappy Families, thrust in the limelight: She’s gone viral.
Her show is a modern adaption of Anna Karenina–written by Tash’s literary love Count Lev Nikolayevich “Leo” Tolstoy. Tash is a fan of the 40,000 new subscribers, their gushing tweets, and flashy Tumblr gifs. Not so much the pressure to deliver the best web series ever.
And when Unhappy Families is nominated for a Golden Tuba award, Tash’s cyber-flirtation with a fellow award nominee suddenly has the potential to become something IRL–if she can figure out how to tell said crush that she’s romantic asexual.
Tash wants to enjoy her newfound fame, but will she lose her friends in her rise to the top? What would Tolstoy do?
What do the readers say?
“Reading Natasha’s story and speaking with her was a lot like speaking to a friend. I love this book more than Tash hearts Tolstoy himself. Anyone who loves to read about YouTubers, film-making, web-series production, and even about a girl who loves Tolstoy, this book is for you. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone on the asexual spectrum too.” – Sheridan @ I Turn the Pages, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Thief’s Cunning by Sarah Ahiers
Allegra has always had to look over her shoulder. As the niece of the infamous assassin Lea Saldana, Allegra is used to hiding from people who want her dead. Once the strongest clipper family in the Kingdom of Lovero, the Saldanas—or what’s left of them—are now the most hunted. Their number one enemy is the Da Vias, whose thirst for retaliation is almost two decades in the making.
But lately Allegra’s getting fed up with everything being kept from her—including her parents’ identity. When she finally learns the truth about her family, though—that she’s a Da Via—her world crumbles. Feeling betrayed by the people she trusted the most, Allegra turns to Nev, a Traveler boy whose presence makes her feel alive in ways she’s only dreamed of. But getting caught up in Nev’s world has consequences Allegra never saw coming.
What do the readers say?
“Thief’s Cunning is definitely one you should check out if you enjoyed the first book, Assassin’s Heart! While I didn’t feel the same things while reading this one as I did the first, I still enjoyed the sort of nostalgia one gets by returning to a familiar world! Plus the characters are still lovable and hateable, so it all works out in the end!” – Jessica S., Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
Twin sisters Jack and Jill were seventeen when they found their way home and were packed off to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children.
This is the story of what happened first…
Jacqueline was her mother’s perfect daughter―polite and quiet, always dressed as a princess. If her mother was sometimes a little strict, it’s because crafting the perfect daughter takes discipline.
Jillian was her father’s perfect daughter―adventurous, thrill-seeking, and a bit of a tom-boy. He really would have preferred a son, but you work with what you’ve got.
They were five when they learned that grown-ups can’t be trusted.
They were twelve when they walked down the impossible staircase and discovered that the pretense of love can never be enough to prepare you a life filled with magic in a land filled with mad scientists and death and choices.
What do the readers say?
“I loved Every Heart A Doorway, and I loved this book even more. Seanan McGuire’s descriptions are excellent, and though the book was shorter than many I read, the way that it was packed with feeling more than made up for it. A fantastic book!!” – Ivara R., Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Obsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh
After surviving the battle that erupted after Lo and the Bosha clan attacked, now Mya is looking ahead to her future with Kol. All the things that once felt so uncertain to her are finally falling into place. But the same night as Kol and Mya’s betrothal announcement, Mya’s brother Chev reveals his plan to marry their youngest sister, Lees, to his friend Morsk. The only way to avoid this terrible turn of events, Morsk informs Mya when he corners her later, is for Mya to take Lees’ place and marry him herself.
Rejecting Morsk’s offer, and in an effort to protect her sister, Mya whisks Lees away to a secret island until things back home blow over. Mya soon realizes she’s been followed, however. Even worse, lurking deep in the recesses of this dangerous place are rivals from Mya’s past whose thirst for revenge exceeds all reason.
With the lives of her loved ones resting on her shoulders, Mya must make a move before the enemies of her past become the undoing of her future.
What do the readers say?
“This is truly an epic romance, set in prehistoric times, where life and death is the core component, but you have to remember that love conquers all. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves an alluring world filled with elegant writing.” – Kelly N., Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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The Broken Ones by Danielle L. Jensen
Below Forsaken Mountain, a plot is being hatched to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right-hand man of its leader. His involvement is information more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he loves. After accidentally ruining her sister’s chance to become queen, Pénélope is given one last opportunity by her father, the Duke d’Angoulême, to make herself useful: she must find proof that the boy she’s in love with is conspiring against the crown. If she fails, her life will be forfeit. Marc and Pénélope must navigate the complex politics of Trollus, where powers on all sides are intent on using them as pawns, forcing them to risk everything for a chance at a life together. Except being together may turn out to be the greatest risk of all.
What do the readers say?
“I have been shouting my love for these books from the rooftops for the past six months since reading the first book. This prequel novel was absolutely perfect and a great example of how prequel SHOULD be done. Cannot wait for more from Jensen!” – Katherine, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Fallen Flame by J.M. Miller
Nineteen years ago, on the island kingdom of Garlin, a girl was born. With charred skin as rough as rock, Vala was instantly feared. For how could one be scorched by magic when it had perished ages before?
Recognizing an asset, the royal family welcomed her on their Guard. Her detail: the prince. To watch. To protect. She has grown with him, lives her life for him. When the high kingdom’s princess comes to assess the prince, assassins of rival courtiers come to claim his life. One nearly succeeds in his mission. But with shadowy movements and charred skin like her own, Vala knows he is not like the rest. As threats to the prince continue and questions about Vala’s life begin to rise, she faces a fear worse than fire or water, worse even than losing him.
She fears finding out who she truly is.
What do the readers say?
“J.M. Miller brings three new characters to adore. A fierce girl with charred skin who doesn’t know where she came from but has a solid belief in her purpose. The Prince she’s sworn to protect. And a mysterious stranger who may be the key to unlocking all of the secrets to her past. This is the beginning of an epic story!” – Jenni Moen, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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The Vampire Wish by Michelle Madow
Annika never thought of herself as weak—until the day vampires murdered her parents and kidnapped her from our world to the hidden vampire kingdom of the Vale.
As a brand new blood slave, Annika must learn to survive her dangerous new circumstances… or face imminent death from the monstrous wolves prowling outside the Vale’s enchanted walls. But not all in the kingdom is as it appears, and when a handsome vampire disguised as a human steps into her life, Annika discovers that falling for the enemy is sometimes too tempting to resist.
Especially when becoming a vampire might be her only chance to gain the strength she needs to escape the Vale.
What do the readers say?
“This is a really good book that I highly recommend! The characters are interesting and it easily kept my interest. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer! I would think the story was going in one direction and then it would end up somewhere else. Very entertaining.” – A. Boyd, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett
Classic movie buff Bailey “Mink” Rydell has spent months crushing on a witty film geek she only knows online by “Alex.” Two coasts separate the teens until Bailey moves in with her dad, who lives in the same California surfing town as her online crush.
Faced with doubts (what if he’s a creep in real life—or worse?), Bailey doesn’t tell Alex she’s moved to his hometown. Or that she’s landed a job at the local tourist-trap museum. Or that she’s being heckled daily by the irritatingly hot museum security guard, Porter Roth—a.k.a. her new arch-nemesis. But life is whole lot messier than the movies, especially when Bailey discovers that tricky fine line between hate, love, and whatever-it-is she’s starting to feel for Porter.
And as the summer months go by, Bailey must choose whether to cling to a dreamy online fantasy in Alex or take a risk on an imperfect reality with Porter. The choice is both simpler and more complicated than she realizes, because Porter Roth is hiding a secret of his own: Porter is Alex…Approximately.
What do the readers say?
“ALEX, APPROXIMATELY is the perfect anytime read. It’s sweet and sad and romantic and hilarious. It introduces a main character who is delightful and witty and quirky and a little bit fierce. It is full of clever banter, palpable chemistry, and charming mishaps. It has moments that are intense, heartbreaking, daring. It is instantly captivating, positively adorable, and absolutely unputdownable. It is a love story that promises to be unforgettable.” – Fiktshun, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer
Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother’s death, she leaves letters at her grave. It’s the only way Juliet can cope.
Declan Murphy isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he’s trying to escape the demons of his past.
When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can’t resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they’re not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.
What do the readers say?
“What a heart-wrenching yet also hopeful story. Brigid perfectly captures the turmoil that defines the teenage years, without heading into melodrama or cliche, and without relying on romance alone to carry the story. Declan and Juliet are real enough that they’ll stick with you for a long time after you’re done reading this book.” – BobA, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Geekerella by Ashley Poston
Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic sci-fi series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball, and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck (and her dad’s old costume), Elle’s determined to win…unless her stepsisters get there first.
Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons—before he was famous. Now they’re nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake—until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.
What do the readers say?
“Geekerella does a wonderful job of weaving together fandom with the traditional Cinderella story, down to the evil stepmother and stepsister. Elle’s text conversations with Darien make the relationship more gradual and believable than “insta” love. I enjoyed the peeks into both what Darien and Elle were thinking, as the chapters switch between the two main characters’ points of view. I would recommend this story to anyone who is looking for a well-written ride toward happily ever after for now.” – Kay Peel, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Pay close attention and you might solve this.
On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.
Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.
Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.
Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.
Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.
And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.
Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon’s dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?
What do the readers say?
“I couldn’t put this down. Her prose is breezy like Becky Albertalli’s, but her pace is lightning fast. I loved the twist and the small moments she made enormous. Highly recommend!” – Saratoga Reader, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Avenged by Amy Tintera
Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister, Olivia, from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory.
But their fight has only begun. Olivia is determined to destroy everyone who acts against Ruina. Em isn’t as sure. Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. And now that Cas has taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement.
Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.
What do the readers say?
“Ruined set the bar high, and many a times the sequel isn’t nearly as good as the first or previous book in the series, so I was pretty nervous when starting the book. But as soon as it started, I couldn’t stop reading. The author has a beautiful writing style that I always found to be constant, and the plotline was so intense, I forgot to eat the whole day! The characters had a great development, and although many people don’t like Olivia, I loved her because every character has become so dear to me. This book was great and I am super hyped for the next book!” – Zuher Somji, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Legion by Julie Kagawa
Dragon hatchling Ember Hill was never prepared to find love at all—dragons do not suffer human emotions—let alone with a human, and a former dragonslayer at that. With ex-soldier of St. George Garret dying at her feet after sacrificing his freedom and his life to expose the deepest of betrayals, Ember knows only that nothing she was taught by dragon organization Talon is true. About humans, about rogue dragons, about herself and what she’s capable of doing and feeling.
In the face of great loss, Ember vows to stand with rogue dragon Riley against St. George and her own twin brother, Dante—the heir apparent to all of Talon, and the boy who will soon unleash the greatest threat and terror dragonkind has ever known. Talon is poised to conquer the world, and the abominations they have created will soon take to the skies, darkening the world with the promise of blood and death to those who will not yield.
What do the readers say?
“Legion was full on excitement!! The pages were rife with action, suspense, dire circumstances and toe curling events! It’s a read that will have you staying up way past bedtime determined to finish it because it is just that un-put-down-able! I had very little experience with dragons before Julie Kagawa, but ever since Talon, my heart has been won over by them!” – Jessica S., Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy
Ramona was only five years old when Hurricane Katrina changed her life forever.
Since then, it’s been Ramona and her family against the world. Standing over six feet tall with unmistakable blue hair, Ramona is sure of three things: she likes girls, she’s fiercely devoted to her family, and she knows she’s destined for something bigger than the trailer she calls home in Eulogy, Mississippi. But juggling multiple jobs, her flaky mom, and her well-meaning but ineffectual dad forces her to be the adult of the family. Now, with her sister, Hattie, pregnant, responsibility weighs more heavily than ever.
The return of her childhood friend Freddie brings a welcome distraction. Ramona’s friendship with the former competitive swimmer picks up exactly where it left off, and soon he’s talked her into joining him for laps at the pool. But as Ramona falls in love with swimming, her feelings for Freddie begin to shift too, which is the last thing she expected. With her growing affection for Freddie making her question her sexual identity, Ramona begins to wonder if perhaps she likes girls and guys or if this new attraction is just a fluke. Either way, Ramona will discover that, for her, life and love are more fluid than they seem.
What do the readers say?
“This novel is a beautiful coming-of-age story that is exquisitely written with a main protagonist who is so well developed and three dimensional that I was rooting for Ramona Blue from that very first line until the very last one and you will too. I loved that there was so much diversity in this book across all aspects of life. From race to sexual orientation to socioeconomics to educational opportunities this book had it covered.” – Ang, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Cold Summer by Gwen Cole
Kale Jackson has spent years trying to control his time-traveling ability but hasn’t had much luck. One day he lives in 1945, fighting in the war as a sharpshooter and helplessly watching soldiers—friends—die. Then the next day, he’s back in the present, where WWII has bled into his modern life in the form of PTSD, straining his relationship with his father and the few friends he has left. Every day it becomes harder to hide his battle wounds, both physical and mental, from the past.
When the ex-girl-next-door, Harper, moves back to town, thoughts of what could be if only he had a normal life begin to haunt him. Harper reminds him of the person he was before the PTSD, which helps anchor him to the present. With practice, maybe Kale could remain in the present permanently and never step foot on a battlefield again. Maybe he can have the normal life he craves.
But then Harper finds Kale’s name in a historical article—and he’s listed as a casualty of the war. Is Kale’s death inevitable? Does this mean that, one of these days, when Kale travels to the past, he may not come back?
Kale knows now that he must learn to control his time-traveling ability to save himself and his chance at a life with Harper. Otherwise, he’ll be killed in a time where he doesn’t belong by a bullet that was never meant for him.
What do the readers say?
“I sat down and devoured this book because it kept me captivated the entire time. Gwen has some fun perspectives on time travel while evoking all of the first-love enotions. I felt that I was in the trenches with Kale during battle. All of the characters are so relatable, and the book is filled with little nuggets of life wisdom. Can’t wait for her next novel!” – Matt Lynn, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord
Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake and spending quality time with her parents. But when her mom’s cancer reappears, Lucy falters-in her faith and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend “pauses” their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp-one for troubled kids-Lucy isn’t sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means?
What do the readers say?
“I knew I would like this book because I love everything Emery Lord writes, but I was unprepared for how deeply it would resonate with me. It reminded me of times that bad things have happened and I’ve questioned my entire worldview and wondered if everything I’ve believed in has always been wrong…and that’s a tough feeling to communicate in fiction, I think!” – Kerry, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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A Million Junes by Emily Henry
In their hometown of Five Fingers, Michigan, the O’Donnells and the Angerts have mythic legacies. But for all the tall tales they weave, both founding families are tight-lipped about what caused the century-old rift between them, except to say it began with a cherry tree.
Eighteen-year-old Jack “June” O’Donnell doesn’t need a better reason than that. She’s an O’Donnell to her core, just like her late father was, and O’Donnells stay away from Angerts. Period.
But when Saul Angert, the son of June’s father’s mortal enemy, returns to town after three mysterious years away, June can’t seem to avoid him. Soon the unthinkable happens: She finds she doesn’t exactly hate the gruff, sarcastic boy she was born to loathe.
Saul’s arrival sparks a chain reaction, and as the magic, ghosts, and coywolves of Five Fingers conspire to reveal the truth about the dark moment that started the feud, June must question everything she knows about her family and the father she adored. And she must decide whether it’s finally time for her—and all of the O’Donnells before her—to let go.
What do the readers say?
“No words can ever do justice for this book; so I would like to thank Emily Henry for writing this instead. This book has a forever home on my bookshelf where it will be read many more times. It was such a pleasure to read. Again, thank you so much for writing this.” – john sweeney, Amazon user. [Review from Amazon]
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Our Dark Duet by Victoria Schwab
Kate Harker is a girl who isn’t afraid of the dark. She’s a girl who hunts monsters. And she’s good at it. August Flynn is a monster who can never be human. No matter how much he once yearned for it. He has a part to play. And he will play it, no matter the cost.
Nearly six months after Kate and August were first thrown together, the war between the monsters and the humans is a terrifying reality. In Verity, August has become the leader he never wished to be, and in Prosperity, Kate has become the ruthless hunter she knew she could be. When a new monster emerges from the shadows—one who feeds on chaos and brings out its victim’s inner demons—it lures Kate home, where she finds more than she bargained for. She’ll face a monster she thought she killed, a boy she thought she knew, and a demon all her own.
What do the readers say?
“I loved the book, I wish there was more but what we got was good. Kate and August really grow, I came to really like Kate, and it’s heart warming to see how they change each other by the end. None of the sad moments seem random or exploitive which I appreciate. Overall a good book and great end. Hopefully Schwab comes back to write more about this world.” – Amazon Customer [Review from Amazon]
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