Confession time – I’m a total cougar. Well, a book cougar. I love young adult fiction.
I’m not sure why these books appeal so much. Maybe it’s because when you are young, everything, everything is important. Earth-shatteringly, world-endingly important. Also, good books are good books. They appeal to every age. Why should I pass up a good read just because it’s shelved in the Young Adult section?
Here are the books at the top of my Young Adult TBR pile right now. I’m not picking a favorite – although if I did the edge might go to The Lair (because The Farm totally left me wanting more). No wait, Scorched (because, hello! Dragons!)…. no wait…The Burning Sky (did you not read my FanGirl rave on Sherry Thomas?)…no wait…..
Seriously, I can’t decide where to start!
By Emily McKay
This is the sequel to The Farm which totally captivated me because 1) Vampire Apocalypse 2) more twists and turns than you can count and 3) Kick-ass female protags. I could go on, but I suggest you just buy the books.
(If you really want to start at the beginning, Emily also has a short prequel, The Before, at a very attractive price).
Blurb:
NOTE: (If you haven’t read THE FARM, this blurb contains spoilers)
In the battle against the vampiric Ticks, humanity was slowly but certainly headed for extinction. For months, twin sisters Lily and Mel had been “quarantined” with thousands of other young people being harvested for their blood—food for the Ticks. Finally escaping with a few friends, the twins are separated—and must continue the fight on their own . . .
After making it to a resistance base camp in Utah, Lily learned to survive at all costs. But when a Tick attack decimates the fighters, Lily and her pregnant friend, McKenna, decide to make the hard trek north to Canada—and safety.
Meanwhile, Mel is being taught how to survive by the very vampire that turned her. Living without her sister is hard, but dealing with the fact that her autism was cured by the vampire bite is an even bigger challenge.
But when a monstrous betrayal places Lily in mortal danger, Mel must set out to find her, save her, and begin to unravel the empire of destruction that the Ticks have built.
By Mari Mancusi
“Find the girl. Destroy the egg. Save the world.”
If that doesn’t make you hit the BUY button, I can’t help you. I suppose I am a little prejudiced because I got a look at an early-early draft of the first chapter in a critique group some time back. The premise (and engaging writing) stuck in my mind and I’ve been waiting to read more. Plus, I’m a huge sucker for DRAGONS!
Blurb:
Trinity
Don’t leave me here…
When Trinity first hears the voice, she thinks she’s going crazy. It wouldn’t be a big surprise—her grandfather firmly believes he just brought a genuine dragon egg to their dusty little West Texas town.
Connor
He’s from a future scorched by dragonfire. His mission: Find the girl. Destroy the egg. Save the world.
Caleb
He’s everything his twin brother Connor hates: cocky, undisciplined, and obsessed with saving the dragons.
Trinity has no idea which brother to believe. All she has to go by is the voice in her head—a dragon who won’t be tamed…
This is Sherry’s first fantasy novel. I can’t wait to dive into a world entirely of her making.
Blurb:
It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she’s been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of the Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.
Guided by his mother’s visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.
P.S. – For those of you who prefer your fantasy in a more adult format – that post is coming up!
