Elantris, written by popular fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, tends to fall under the radar when talking about his best books considering it is a small standalone story while he has written massive series and 1000 page books. Despite this, and despite being his first book, it not only manages to hold up well, but it is an incredible book in its own right. Often, books in the fantasy genre feel boring and similar, and they often follow the same formula with the same menagerie.
All sixteen-year-old Siria has ever known is darkness. Years ago, the esteemed Queen Iyzabel veiled the kingdom of Terra-Volat in it because the light was too dangerous, becoming a hero to the people. Black hair and pale skin became the popular fashion, and even a slight curiosity in the old days of light is illegal. But Siria, with her flaming red hair and fascination with the sun, has always been considered an oddity, much to the dismay of her parents.
Adelina Amoutera, the White Wolf, has suffered greatly. Her mother? Dead. Her horrible father? Killed by her. Her so-called-friends? Betrayed her. Her sister? Alive, and fleeing Kennetra with Adelina. On a path of revenge, she unites other Young Elites to rid the Inquisition Axis, who killed her love and almost her. Terena Santora, leader of the Inquisition, is hunting her down. The Dagger Society, her former friends? Hunting her down. It’s only a matter of time before she gets caught. However, Adelina is a master of illusions.
Red Queen takes place in a society where the hierarchy is based on your blood-red or silver. Mare Barrow, a red blood, is placed into the kingdom as a servant and observes the court as they are selecting the bride for the young princes. Suddenly, Mare exposes herself, showing lightning powers coming through her, and everyone in the court is heavily confused. The King and Queen quickly betroth her to Maven, the youngest son, and create a fake backstory. No one was suspicious of her blood afterwards, and people proceeded to believe she was a silver.
In a cruel society where the population is separated into two castes — Enchanteds and Outsiders — Astrid and her family are considered the lowest of the low, without citizenship or magic. As the surrogate for Princess Renya, Astrid receives physical punishment if Renya steps out of line. It is truly a miserable existence — but it is one Astrid might be able to escape. Enter the Race of Oblivion, in which the drug Oblivion is used to wipe racers’ memories. It’s not an easy race — Astrid could very well end up dead.
The Selection is a dystopian romance novel about a sixteen-year-old girl named America. She lives in Illea, a country divided by castes. In Illea, the Selection is a contest in which girls are selected from different castes compete for the love of the prince, Maxon. America is one of the 35 girls selected to compete. But the only thing she desires is to have a relationship with her secret boyfriend, Aspen.
Kiera Cass has written a thrilling, magical, suspenseful novel that will leave readers wondering what comes next. The One continues the story of the competition, and America discovers who her true love really is. At the same time, the rebels attack frequently, setting a charged atmosphere throughout the entire story. America fights her way to Maxon, and discovers that her rivals aren’t to be underestimated.
Red Queen is a Fiction, Fantasy novel by Victoria Aveyard. This book tells the story of a 17-year-old girl, Mare Barrow, in an Alternate reality. In this world, the color of your blood determines whether or not you have superpowers. People with red blood are powerless, and people with silver blood have superpowers. Mare has red blood and lives in a poor town called the Stilts, but when she finds herself working in a silver palace, she discovers that she has a power of her own.
Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte is captivating, dynamic, and contains numerous twists and turns. This fantasy fiction book consists of murder mystery and hints of romance and sci-fi. Perplexing characters with complex motives and a fascinating fantasy world elevated this book to another level. The novel is centered around Keralie Corrington, a seventeen-year-old girl who steals, lies, and deceives for a living. Mackiel, her childhood friend and employer tasks her with stealing a case.
Kiera Cass's fifth and final installment of The Selection series, The Crown, wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst. I have a few problems with this book, the major one being the development of Eadlyn and Eikko's relationship, or lack thereof. Their relationship was predictable, but it had no growth; it seemed like they just kind of ended up together.
