Summary: The Giver by Lois Lowry is a dystopian young adult novel that takes place in a seemingly perfect but tightly controlled society where all aspects of life are regulated and emotions are suppressed. The story centers on Jonas, a young boy chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, a position that exposes him to the hidden truths and emotions of the world before the society's strict regulations.
The first in the series that includes the acclaimed Odyssey, The Iliad is less celebrated, but just as worthy of praise. While slightly confusing with the number of characters, the few that you get attached to have incredible stories. The meddling gods make for a fun battle as they each pick their side in the infamous trojan war.
The incredible epic spanning over nine years, with giants and sirens and witches who turn people to pigs. The Odyssey by Homer is a difficult read, but incredibly rewarding. The characters are interesting, and Odysseus and his crew get into countless iconic stories. Reading it will also assist in many other things as many other iconic stories allude to The Odyssey.
In the sequel to City of Dusk, the five heirs are separated across the realms and must find their way to each other. Risha, the necromancer, realizes she is not as close to the dead as she thought after being trapped in the underworld. Nikolas is trapped in the bone castle under the thumb of his ruthless god who wants only to use him and his newly discovered brother as pawns in his war. Taisa and Julian battle alone in the realm of the dark, and stumble across the only remaining member of the Lunaris royal family.
Summary: King's Cage is the third installment in the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard. In this dystopian fantasy novel, the story continues to follow Mare Barrow, a powerful Red-blooded girl with Silver abilities, as she is held captive by King Maven. The book explores themes of power, rebellion, and the consequences of a divided society.
Summary: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins is a young adult fantasy novel that follows the story of Sophie Mercer, a teenage witch who, after a prom night spell gone wrong, is sent to Hecate Hall, a reform school for wayward Prodigium (supernatural beings). At Hex Hall, Sophie navigates a world filled with vampires, witches, and shapeshifters, while trying to uncover the mystery of her family's dark past.
City of Dusk follows a ragtag group of heirs to the throne, each possessing a different kind of magic from their godly ancestor. With a morally grey protagonist, and chaotic gods bringing destruction, the four heirs will have to face the trials ahead of them. Traveling through the different worlds, and being chased by monsters across the realms, Risha, Taesia, Nikolas, and Angleica will have to find exactly what makes them special while facing off against each other and their gods.
Crave by Tracy Wolff is a young adult paranormal romance novel that follows the story of Grace, a high school student who is sent to an exclusive boarding school, Katmere Academy, after her parents' tragic death. There, she encounters a world filled with supernatural creatures, including vampires, shapeshifters, and witches. Grace becomes entangled in a complex web of intrigue, romance, and dark secrets when she meets Jaxon, a magnetic and enigmatic vampire prince.
Divergent is a dystopian novel about Beatrice Prior. She is 16 and has to make a decision that will change her life. She could choose to stay with her family, and lead a dull life serving others, or she could forge her own path, one that would alienate her from those she loves and throw her into the claws of danger. On the day she is to choose, her choice shocks everyone but somehow satisfies her. Soon, she realizes that her secrets can hurt her if they ever slip out.
Summary: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a dark and captivating young adult fantasy novel that follows the story of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who is taken to live in the treacherous and deceitful realm of Elfhame, where she must navigate the treacherous politics and power struggles of the faerie court. Despite her vulnerability as a human, Jude is determined to prove herself and gain power in this dangerous world, leading her to make morally ambiguous choices
