Showing posts with label Teens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teens. Show all posts

Sunday, 12 July 2015

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Genre: Fantasy
The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1)Style: Magical and Exciting
Recommended: 12-17
Other: First in Fire and Thorns Trilogy

I really liked this book. I was in much need of a gripping, exciting fantasy novel combining adventure, magic and romance and this is exactly the book I got. This book is both fast pace and painfully slow (but in a good way). I read this book in just two days and the plot and characters kept me constantly entertained and interested. The thing with this book is that it is exactly how I described and really is a fantasy which is exactly the type of book I was in the mood to read but if you are looking for something with a bit of humor and constantly on edge emotions then this book isn't like that. There is however a constant tug on your heart regarding the main male characters and their interaction with the main female character, Elisa, which is one of the aspects of this book which I particularly enjoyed. This book is suitable for any age really including older teens (I'm 16 and I love it!) It really just depends on your preference of genre.  

Blurb:
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one. But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess. And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake. Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young. Most of the chosen do.


Other books in the Fire and Thorns Trilogy:
The Girl of Fire and Thorns Stories (#0.5, #0.6, #0.7)
The Girl of Fire and Thorns (#1)
The Crown of Embers (#2)
The Bitter Kingdom (#3)


Tuesday, 7 July 2015

I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

Genre: Spy Thriller
Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have To Kill You by Ally ...Style: Gripping 
Recommended: 12 - 16
Other: First in six book series

This is one of the most classic and must read teen spy series. If like me you have every wished you could be a super spy then dive into the world of Gallagher Academy the secret boarding school for the most elite of young girls who are trained to be spies. If you do not read and love this book then all I can say is you do not appreciate a good novel when you find one! With this being a series of six novels you will continue to fall in love with this series with each book and no doubt be devastated when they finish. If you have every wanted to read a book about spies as well as sweet romance and tons of adventure look no further then this series. Once you've finished and if you fell in love with it as i'm sure you will then Carters other series Heist society is the perfect next series to keep you reading and falling in love with books.

Blurb:
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her? Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.

Other books in the Gallagher Girls series:
I'd Tell You That I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You (#1)
Cross My Hear And Hope To Spy (#2)
Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover (#3)
Only The Good Spy Young (#4)
Classified Material (#4.5)
Out Of Sight, Out Of Time (#5)
Double Crossed (#5.5)
United We Spy (#6)
A Gallagher Wedding (#6.5)


Switched by Amanda Hocking

Genre: Fantasy
Style: Magical 
Recommended: 12-17
Other: First in the Trylle trilogy

This is such a fun and unique series which I have re-read so many times! Its basically about a girl called Wendy who finds out she was switched at birth and is actually a tyrlle (troll) princess! Many of you will probably read that and dismiss this book immediately but trust me when I say don't! This is actually a truly amazing and imaginative novel and would suit anyone interested in fantasy and romance as well as adventure and magic. This is one of my favorite teen series and one which I really recommend you read it if you are between the ages 12 and 17!! 

Blurb:
When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy finds out her mother might've been telling the truth. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - and it's one she's not sure if she wants to be a part of.

Other books in Tyrlle trilogy:
Switched (#1)
Torn (#2)
Ascend (#3)

Saturday, 6 June 2015

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Genre: Fantasy
Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)Style: Greek and Destiny
Recommended: 13+
Other: First in Trilogy 

If you are interested at all in Greek mythology and magic then this is the perfect trilogy for you. It is based around the idea of Greek mythology, fate and destiny. The series focuses on the relationship between Helen and Lucas who are fated to be together but first have to overcome many obstacles including near death, family disputes and even getting through the underworld. I truly love these books because they are so diverse and seem to contain everything including magic, adventure, suspense and romance.

Blurb:
How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Other books in the Starcrossed series:
Starcrossed (#1)
Dreamless (#2)
Goddess (#3)

Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson

Genre: Fantasy
Style: Mysterious and Magical
Reckless Magic (Star-Crossed, #1)Recommended: 13-17
Other: First of a two part series each consisting of four books
       
I really like this series as I love to read fantasy novels (if you haven't already noticed I mostly read fantasy and romance novels). If you are like me and love to read about magic then these are the perfect books for you. Although I love this series I believe it has its ups and downs, getting better then worse as it continues. This series is split into two parts the first section consisting of 4 books which climax in the fourth novel and then a second part to the series afterwards consisting of 3 books at the moment but I believe there will be more to come. If you are intimidated by the prospect of an eight book series then just begin with the first one and take it from there, in my opinion the first four novels are the best and if you wanted you could just stop reading after those four. My biggest criticism of this series would be its length which by the seventh and soon to be eighth novel it is dragging on a bit too much for me however, if you like long series then these books are good for you.

Blurb:
16 year old Eden Matthews has been in and out of private schools for the last two years. She can't seem to stop herself from closing them down. Kingsley is her last chance to finish high school and the last private school willing to accept her. She is focused on just getting through graduation until she realizes Kingsley is not like the other private schools she's been to. The students may be different, but so is she. And after meeting Kiran Kendrick, the boy who won't leave her alone and seems to be the source of all her problems, she is suddenly in a world that feels more make-believe than reality. 
To top it off, she is being hunted by men who want to kill Kiran and her best friend Lilly is taken away to a foreign prison. Eden finds herself right in the middle of an ancient war, threatening everything she loves. She alone has to find a way to save her best friend and the boy who has captivated her heart. Reckless Magic is an intricate story about mystery, adventure, magic and forbidden love. Eden Matthews is an unlikely heroine determined to save the world and be with her one, true love before it's too late.


Other Books in the Star-Crossed series:
Reckless Magic (#1)
Hopeless Magic (#2)
Fearful Magic (#3)
Endless Magic (#4)
The Redeemable Prince (#5)
The Relentless Warrior (#6)
Breathless Magic (#6.5)
The Reluctant King (#7)
Fateful Magic (#7.5)


The Selection by Kiera Cass

Genre: Romance 
Style: Romance and Mystery
The Selection (The Selection, #1)Recommended: 12-18
Other: Series of Five with several novellas

These books are amazing and I can honestly say they are one of my favorite series. I only just found out that the fourth book has recently been published and literally dropped every other book I had on the go to read it. This is the kind of series you fall in love with instantly and that you continue to read no matter how far apart you read the books. I started this series nearly two years ago and am still in love with it. If you liked the book The Jewel by Amy Ewing then you will love this series, although they have very different plots they are similar in style and themes. This series is based in a dystopian world around Prince Maxon and how he is forced to find love within 35 girls. This is an amazing series and I would really recommended to anyone and everyone. Cass is also a very good writer which makes the books even better.


Blurb:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.


Other books in The Selection series:
The Queen (#0.5)
The Prince (#0.6)
The Selection (#1)
The Elite (#2)
The Guard (#2.5)
The Favorite (#2.6)
The One (#3)
The Heir (#4)
Untitled (#5)

Always You by Kirsty Moseley

Genre: Romance 
Style: Adorable and Sweet
Recommended: 15+
Other: First in a two book series

This book is so sweet that it will have your heart melting within the first few chapter. It follows the story of two very close friend, Riley and Clay who discover their feelings for one another and fall in love. This book has the perfect blend of romance and suspense which keeps you reading until the very end and even wanting more which is why the second book, 'Falling For You' is also a must read if you've read and loved this novel. Moseley manages to make this book so perfect by not only including romance but also different problems the couple have to face and how to get over them. My one criticism of the book would be that it's too unrealistic which appeals to some people and not to others therefore if you are looking for a really realistic romance novel this isn't the book for you, but if you are just looking for a sweet romantic book with a little bit of something else then start reading this book and hopefully you fill love it as much as I did. 

Blurb:

Riley Tanner has a best friend, the best friend a girl could ask for. He’s supportive, loyal, honest, trustworthy, kind, and thoughtful. He’s also the biggest player in school. Their relationship has always been easy and affectionate, but after Riley’s month long vacation, things become a little strange. She starts to look at him in ways that go way beyond the ‘friend zone’. Add in her best friend’s rival, and things become a whole lot more complicated.

Saturday, 16 May 2015

Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy
Style: Magic and Mystery
Recommended: Teenagers 
Other: First in four book series

These kind of books are my personal favorite. I love fantasy books about Magic and Mystery and this book incorporates both those things. If you are into the Hunger Games then you'll love this series. If you are feeling unsure weather or not you want to read it just read the first chapter. This is the kind of book which grips you straight away and you cannot put it down which sounds really cliche but it's true. I love this book and recommend it to anyone into fantasy fiction although because of its nature I recommend it mostly to teenager (12-17). There are two further books in the series with at least one more to come and each book seems to be better than the first. It also contains a little romance which I love. Maas is a very good author and if you liked this books she does more assassin based books which I am sure are very good although I have not read them. 


Blurb

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined. 

Other books in Throne Of Glass series:
Throne Of Glass (#1)
Crown of Midnight (#2)
Heir of Fire (#3)
Queen of Shadows (#4)
Untitled (#5)

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Genre: Contemporary
Style: Romantic and Thought-Provoking
Recommended: 14 and above
Other: Stand alone novel but second novel coming soon

I read ‘Me Before You’ by Jojo Moyes about three and a half months ago and I can honestly say it is a truly amazing book. Although I have to admit it wasn't the best I've ever read it was still good and the story line was both warming and heart wrenching. If you are like me and are more into fantasy fiction than this probably isn't the book for you just because it is a bit slow moving especially at the start  but if the sort of books you like are Sad love stories then this is the perfect book for you. The book is based around the topic of Euthanasia but don’t let that put you off! The main character Lou is in her early twenties and after becoming unemployed goes to work as a caretaker for this paralyzed man called Will who is in his early thirties. This novel is filled with so many emotions and at times I was laughing, crying and smiling sometimes simultaneously. I really would suggest this book if you are into this kind of thing because Moyes is a really respectable writer and this is the sort of book you never forget. Also if you didn't already know a film based on this book is set to come out sometime in 2016 staring Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Sam Clafin (Hunger Games) and Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter)  so if you want to, try and read the book before then.

Blurb: 
Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick. What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane. Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that. What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

Saturday, 11 April 2015

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Genre: Romance
Style: Thought-provoking 
Recommended: Over 14
Other: First in a four book series

It is fair to say this is one of the best books I've ever read. Malorie Blackman is an outstanding writer and her themes and ideas create some amazing novels along with her initiative and engaging style of writing. This book is basically a love story but it is set in an alternate society where Whites (Noughts) are inferior to Blacks (Crosses). This thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society amounts to a brilliant novel that looks deeper into the issues of racism and what the consequences are for both sides . It is set in a society where blacks and white did not mix, much like the situation in South Africa during Aparthied. However, at the heart of this novel is an epic love story between a Nought and a Cross, who like Romeo and Juliet, cannot be together. This novel with have you smiling, laughing, crying and utterly heart broken all in one. No matter weather you are an avid or first time reader this book is a must read for everyone and I cannot recommend it enough. Noughts and Crosses is the first in a four books series but do not feel you have to read all four. In my opinion the first book is by far the best. I have recommended this books to no one less that 14 as it touches on some very difficult issues and is in some parts rather graphic. 


Blurb:

Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?

Other books in the Noughts and Crosses series:
Noughts and Crosses (#1)
An Eye For An Eye (#1.5)
Callum (#1.6)
Knife Edge (#2)
Checkmate (#3)
Double Cross (#4)

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Genre: Romance
Style: Lighthearted and Sweet
Recommended: 12 and above
Other: First of a trilogy

This is a great summer beach book. It's about a girl called Isabel (Belly) and her summer when she was finally noticed by the two guys she really likes. This novel is really lighthearted and fun and the perfect feel good summer read. There are two others in the series which are a bit more emotionally stirring than this one but equally as good and continue to follow Isabel's story. I really liked these novels and believe no matter your age you will feel touched by this story. I re-read them every year and every time I love them even more. Although I have said readable from 12 upwards do not be discouraged if you are older because this novel really is for everyone.


Blurb:

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along. 

Other books in the Summer trilogy:
The Summer I Turned Pretty (#1)
It's Not Summer Without You (#2)
We'll Always Have Summer (#3)