Scythe is a young-adult dystopian novel written by Neal Shusterman. It is the first book in a trilogy. The novel is set in a futuristic society in which natural death and disease have been eliminated, resulting in the only way to die is to be killed by Scythes, members of a selective group tasked to keep the world’s population from growing too high. The novel follows Citra and Rowan, two teenagers chosen as apprentices to a Scythe. They must learn the art of taking lives in order to keep their own.
A Darker Shade of Magic is an adult fantasy novel written by V.E. Schwab. It is the first novel in the Shades of Magic trilogy. It follows Kell, the last of a rare type of magician called the Antari, who can travel between parallel Londons (Red, Grey, White and formerly Black). Tasked to travel between Londons as a messenger, Kell secretly smuggles items between worlds. However, he and Grey Londoner Delilah Bard soon face the consequences of Kell’s smuggling and get caught in the struggle between Londons.
Thunderhead is a young-adult dystopian novel. It is the second book in the Arc of a Scythe trilogy by Neal Shusterman. After Citra’s victory at the end of the first novel, she is now a junior scythe under Scythe Curie. Now faced with the corruption infiltrating the scythedom, Citra is forced to take desperate measures to fight against the dangers in the system. Meanwhile, Rowan is dealing with the corruption in his own way, putting dishonorable scythes through his own trials.
Divergent is a fantasy book by Veronica Roth. In the book, the city is divided into five factions, each based on a different talent: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Beatrice Prior must choose which faction she will belong to for the rest of her life. However, during the aptitude test, she is revealed to be "Divergent," meaning she has an aptitude for multiple factions.
Dune by Frank Herbert is a sprawling epic set in a distant future where noble houses vie for control of the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the coveted spice melange, which grants extended life and enhanced mental abilities.
Allegiant is a great book that follows Tris through the dystopian world she lives in. The violence and unrest that surrounds her changes her view on everything. As she learns new things, she has to lean heavily on those she can trust. When she learns about the past that she was never taught, her world spirals. Leaders are letting their citizens die, some humans are considered below others, and Tris falls into a position to cause change.
Halo: the Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund is a science fiction novel that serves as a prequel to the popular video game series. It follows the story of the Spartan program's inception and the training of Master Chief, humanity's greatest warrior, from his childhood as the young orphaned boy named John, to his transformation into a highly skilled super-soldier. As John and his fellow Spartans undergo rigorous training under the guidance of Dr.
Live In Infamy is a science fiction look into a well-developed historical world where the Allied powers won WWII. The book tackles difficult subjects well, including racism and inequality in the United States, and Nazi-Japanese eugenic beliefs. It bases its world on historical ideas on Japan and features a page-turning spy story where the main character, Ren Cabot, tries his best to take down the Japanese Empire, in a plotline very similar to A New Hope.
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is the story of Victor Frankenstein and the creation of his monster. Victor Frankenstein is an obsessive scientist who dedicates himself to creating life. When his plan succeeds, it sends Victor and the monster he created down a path of violence that endangers not only Victor, but his family and friends.
Carve the Mark is a captivating tale set in a galaxy where individuals develop unique powers known as "currentgifts" that shape their destinies. The story follows two protagonists, Cyra and Akos, from rival nations on the planet Thuvhe. Cyra, burdened with a lethal currentgift that inflicts pain upon others, seeks control over her power and freedom from her tyrannical brother. Akos, on the other hand, desires to rescue his kidnapped brother and protect his family.
