Best Teen & Young Adult Science Fiction
The greatly anticipated final book in the New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year. While I didn't know every detail, of course, the arc of the story from gladiator game, to revolution, to war, to the eventual outcome remained constant throughout the writing process. In the novel, you never leave Katniss for a second and are privy to all of her thoughts so you need a way to dramatize her inner world and to make it possible for other characters to exist outside of her company. Q: Are you able to consider future projects while working on The Hunger Games , or are you immersed in the world you are currently creating so fully that it is too difficult to think about new ideas? A: I have a few seeds of ideas floating around in my head but--given that much of my focus is still on The Hunger Games --it will probably be awhile before one fully emerges and I can begin to develop it. Q: The Hunger Games is an annual televised event in which one boy and one girl from each of the twelve districts is forced to participate in a fight-to-the-death on live TV. A: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Lord of the Flies by William Golding Boris by Jaapter Haar Germinal by Emile Zola Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury Grade 7 Up Following her subversive second victory in the Games, this one composed of winners from past years, Katniss has been adopted by rebel factions as their symbol for freedom and becomes the rallying point for the districts in a desperate bid to take down the Capitol and remove President Snow from power. But being the Mockingjay comes with a price as Katniss must come to terms with how much of her own humanity and sanity she can willingly sacrifice for the cause, her friends, and her family. Collins is absolutely ruthless in her depictions of war in all its cruelty, violence, and loss, leaving readers, in turn, repulsed, shocked, grieving and, finally, hopeful for the characters they've grown to empathize with and love. Mockingjay is a fitting end of the series that began with The Hunger Games (2008) and Catching Fire (2009) and will have the same lasting resonance as William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Stephen King's The Stand .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"All in all, this is a really good book which are a great gift for every Hunger Games fan!"
"I felt that it started out strong and Katniss showed some serious hope and depth in terms of her character and what she wanted and how she was not going to compromise, but then it became a little boring, the characters in District 13 were not very interesting and the absence of Peeta, as another reviewer carefully mentioned, took away that balance - that harmony - that common sense side of Katniss. Also I do wish there was a clarity as to what in the world had happened behind the scenes between President Snow and Coin but no explanation."
"However, it is almost given that unlike the Enders series that turned more and more unreal as well as more distant from the subjects of the first book, this one could develop with more continuity."
"Catching Fire is different than most of the other young adult fiction books, because of the character development, and the relationship from book to movie."
"She unwillingly and reluctantly has become the symbol of the rebellion and the rebel leaders urge her to exploit this via video feeds to the 12 Districts. Katniss at first feigns infirmity but eventually caves in after negotiating an agreement with the rebel leaders that they will not harm Peeta or the other Hunger Games survivors if they assume leadership."
All three Hunger Games books in one gorgeous package! “Fans will be happy to hear that Mockingjay is every bit as complex and imaginative as Hunger Games and Catching Fire." “At its best the trilogy channels the political passion of 1984, the memorable violence of A Clockwork Orange, the imaginative ambience of The Chronicles of Narnia and the detailed inventiveness of Harry Potter." “Unfolding in Collins' engaging, intelligent prose and assembled into chapters that end with didn't-see-that-coming cliffhangers, this finale is every bit the pressure cooker of its forebears. * “This concluding volume in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"All in all, this is a really good book which are a great gift for every Hunger Games fan!"
"I felt that it started out strong and Katniss showed some serious hope and depth in terms of her character and what she wanted and how she was not going to compromise, but then it became a little boring, the characters in District 13 were not very interesting and the absence of Peeta, as another reviewer carefully mentioned, took away that balance - that harmony - that common sense side of Katniss. Also I do wish there was a clarity as to what in the world had happened behind the scenes between President Snow and Coin but no explanation."
"However, it is almost given that unlike the Enders series that turned more and more unreal as well as more distant from the subjects of the first book, this one could develop with more continuity."
"Catching Fire is different than most of the other young adult fiction books, because of the character development, and the relationship from book to movie."
"She unwillingly and reluctantly has become the symbol of the rebellion and the rebel leaders urge her to exploit this via video feeds to the 12 Districts. Katniss at first feigns infirmity but eventually caves in after negotiating an agreement with the rebel leaders that they will not harm Peeta or the other Hunger Games survivors if they assume leadership."
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. Gr 7 Up--Every year in Panem, the dystopic nation that exists where the U.S. used to be, the Capitol holds a televised tournament in which two teen "tributes" from each of the surrounding districts fight a gruesome battle to the death. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. But most reviewers felt that Catching Fire was still a thrill because Collins replicated her initial success at balancing action, violence, and heroism in a way that will enthrall young readers without giving them (too many) nightmares.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"All in all, this is a really good book which are a great gift for every Hunger Games fan!"
"I felt that it started out strong and Katniss showed some serious hope and depth in terms of her character and what she wanted and how she was not going to compromise, but then it became a little boring, the characters in District 13 were not very interesting and the absence of Peeta, as another reviewer carefully mentioned, took away that balance - that harmony - that common sense side of Katniss. Also I do wish there was a clarity as to what in the world had happened behind the scenes between President Snow and Coin but no explanation."
"However, it is almost given that unlike the Enders series that turned more and more unreal as well as more distant from the subjects of the first book, this one could develop with more continuity."
"Catching Fire is different than most of the other young adult fiction books, because of the character development, and the relationship from book to movie."
"She unwillingly and reluctantly has become the symbol of the rebellion and the rebel leaders urge her to exploit this via video feeds to the 12 Districts. Katniss at first feigns infirmity but eventually caves in after negotiating an agreement with the rebel leaders that they will not harm Peeta or the other Hunger Games survivors if they assume leadership."
Best Teen & Young Adult Alien Science Fiction
See where the futuristic YA fairytale saga all began, with the tale of a teenage cyborg who must fight for Earth's survival against villains from outer space. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future. “This series opener and debut offers a high coolness factor by rewriting Cinderella as a kickass mechanic in a plague-ridden future.” ― Kirkus Reviews on Cinder. “First in the Lunar Chronicles series, this futuristic twist on Cinderella retains just enough of the original that readers will enjoy spotting the subtle similarities. But debut author Meyer's brilliance is in sending the story into an entirely new, utterly thrilling dimension .” ― Publishers Weekly, starred review for Cinder. “Singing mice and glass slippers are replaced with snarky androids and mechanical feet in this richly imagined and darkly subversive retelling of ‘Cinderella. Marissa didn't actually go to Stadium High School, but she did attend Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Creative Writing.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I have bought this book for many friends as it is a fun adventure to get lost in."
"It was the Cinderella story (with other fairytales hovering in the background), but at the same time it was its own thing. Living in a future where a horrible disease can kill you at any moment and there is constant threat of war from the Lunar empire, things are looking bleak. However, she still loves her youngest stepsister, has a quick mind, and dreams of escape."
"The premise is quite intriguing: Cinderella is a cyborg and lives in a future Beijing with her wicked stepmother and two step-sisters, only one of which isn't appalling. The (Evil) Queen of the Moon, Levana, is set on marrying the Crown Prince, Kai so she can rule EVERYTHING. And she's the long lost lunar princess who is the only one who can overthrow Levana's totalitarian regime and bring liberty to her people. Peony is a plot device put there simply to tug at one's heart strings when she dies. 2) If Kai were really a prince of an entire realm he'd be too busy running things to spend time hiking down to Cinder's book on his own to flirt with her. These all seem like relatively minor points but these are all setting contrivances made in order that Kai and Cinder would cross paths as much as possible throughout the book. It adds a bit of a forced layer to the narrative and makes the world building less complex and believable. Sure the target demographic might not care about these little holes in the story, I know I wouldn't as a kid, but I think the overall result still lessens an otherwise excellent read."
Best Teen & Young Adult Dystopian
All three Hunger Games books in one gorgeous package! “Fans will be happy to hear that Mockingjay is every bit as complex and imaginative as Hunger Games and Catching Fire." “At its best the trilogy channels the political passion of 1984, the memorable violence of A Clockwork Orange, the imaginative ambience of The Chronicles of Narnia and the detailed inventiveness of Harry Potter." “Unfolding in Collins' engaging, intelligent prose and assembled into chapters that end with didn't-see-that-coming cliffhangers, this finale is every bit the pressure cooker of its forebears. * “This concluding volume in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"All in all, this is a really good book which are a great gift for every Hunger Games fan!"
"Catching Fire is different than most of the other young adult fiction books, because of the character development, and the relationship from book to movie."
"She unwillingly and reluctantly has become the symbol of the rebellion and the rebel leaders urge her to exploit this via video feeds to the 12 Districts. Katniss at first feigns infirmity but eventually caves in after negotiating an agreement with the rebel leaders that they will not harm Peeta or the other Hunger Games survivors if they assume leadership."
"I know what you're saying what took you so long to read this book, to be honest I just have a crazy insane TBR list and it just kept getting pushed back. So when my son got The Hunger Games for Christmas on DVD we watched Christmas Night and I knew immediately I had to read the book afterwards."
Best Teen & Young Adult Space Opera
The never-before-told story of how young Leia Organa comes to join the rebellion against the evil Empire, from best-selling author Claudia Gray. Claudia Gray is the author of Star Wars: Bloodline and Defy the Stars , as well as the Firebird series, the Evernight series and the Spellcaster series.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"So while it is a part of the canon material, it is considered ancillary to the main story. This book is set about 3-4 years before A New Hope when Leia is 16, and undergoing the trials to be named the heir to Alderaan. Of course, her father Bail has shown up since the prequel movies in the canon material, but this book really established who he was and his thoughts on the Rebellion more than any of the other books, shows, and movies have. Given when it was set, the book includes, or at least mentions many things that would bear out in the original trilogy. Overall the book does a great job of making Leia not quite the character she was in A New Hope but showing how much of that person was within her."
"It's as good as Gray's other Leia-centered book "Bloodline," and the two novels together cover pretty much all the facets of Leia's complex, luminous character."
"Honestly this didn't feel like Leia to me."
"Wow!"
"The voice of Leia here was somewhat annoying to me but the plot is solid and this is a fun read."
"Stories like these only enrich the characters that we have grown to love over the years in the star wars universe."
"Another excellent book from Claudia Gray in the Star Wars universe."
"Great book."
Best Teen & Young Adult Steampunk
Danger, betrayal, and enchantment abound in the “exhilarating” ( Booklist ) conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy—now with a gorgeous new cover, a new foreword, and exclusive bonus content! The tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy. She is the coauthor of The Bane Chronicles with Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy with Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, as well as The Shadowhunter’s Codex, which she cowrote with her husband, Joshua Lewis.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The epitome of the best (& most emotional) love triangle I would've ever hoped to have read/imagined."
"I found the story and it's previous books, to not only be enchanting but also beautifully written, with extreme detail and a very good description of current and past land marks and locations, Tessa's London and Williams Wales made me inspired to travel."
"This book really helps you understand James and Tessa in suck a deep sense."
"Charlotte and Henry's love was explained more and left me smiling."
"Absolutely love the whole clockwork series."
"I don't want to give it away, so I will just say that the thing I didn't like was later redeemed by Cassandra because of all the other events that happen. I did take a peek at Cassandra's web page though, and am happy to say 2 more Shadowhunter type series are in the works, so I will just have to hold on to that!"
"I think it's beyond comprehension that a force is about to annihilate your race & you call a council meeting to argue about it. I also wish the mundane servants could have made more practical use of their second sight. I was stunned at the choice Jem made, but after finishing the book, I understand it better."
"I read this series before the Mortal Instruments, which are set it the same world but present day, and I have to say I like this set more (although both are on my favorites list!). I loved the Mortal Instruments as well, but I don't feel like I would have fully experienced them without reading these, as the Mortal Instruments didn't delve as deep into some of the important aspects of the shadow world (like the parabatai connection between shadowhunters)."
Best Teen & Young Adult Time Travel Fiction
A Wrinkle in Time is soon to be a major motion picture from Disney, directed by Ava DuVernay, starring Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling. Many Waters ―Meg Murry, now in college, time travels with her twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys, to a desert oasis that is embroiled in war. “A Wrinkle in Time is one of my favorite books of all time. “A book that every young person should read, a book that provides a road map for seeking knowledge and compassion even at the worst of times, a book to make the world a better place.” ― Cory Doctorow on A Wrinkle in Time.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I had purchased the first four books of the series (different edition) a few years back at the local used book store and was looking the complete the series. I noticed that the price was at $10.99 and thought that was a great deal but I hesitated for a day or two and the next time I checked, it was up to $23 (still, technically, a decent price considering that each of these books costs over $5, individually). I was angry with myself for not jumping at the super low price, so I kept checking back. Well, a day or so later, it went back down to $10.99 and I went for it."
"I remember reading the first book in the set as a child and loving it."
"It takes you to the unknown while teaching good and evil as encountered by the young people in the stories."
Best Children's Action & Adventure Sci-Fi Books
The greatly anticipated final book in the New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year. While I didn't know every detail, of course, the arc of the story from gladiator game, to revolution, to war, to the eventual outcome remained constant throughout the writing process. In the novel, you never leave Katniss for a second and are privy to all of her thoughts so you need a way to dramatize her inner world and to make it possible for other characters to exist outside of her company. Q: Are you able to consider future projects while working on The Hunger Games , or are you immersed in the world you are currently creating so fully that it is too difficult to think about new ideas? A: I have a few seeds of ideas floating around in my head but--given that much of my focus is still on The Hunger Games --it will probably be awhile before one fully emerges and I can begin to develop it. Q: The Hunger Games is an annual televised event in which one boy and one girl from each of the twelve districts is forced to participate in a fight-to-the-death on live TV. A: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Lord of the Flies by William Golding Boris by Jaapter Haar Germinal by Emile Zola Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury Grade 7 Up Following her subversive second victory in the Games, this one composed of winners from past years, Katniss has been adopted by rebel factions as their symbol for freedom and becomes the rallying point for the districts in a desperate bid to take down the Capitol and remove President Snow from power. But being the Mockingjay comes with a price as Katniss must come to terms with how much of her own humanity and sanity she can willingly sacrifice for the cause, her friends, and her family. Collins is absolutely ruthless in her depictions of war in all its cruelty, violence, and loss, leaving readers, in turn, repulsed, shocked, grieving and, finally, hopeful for the characters they've grown to empathize with and love. Mockingjay is a fitting end of the series that began with The Hunger Games (2008) and Catching Fire (2009) and will have the same lasting resonance as William Golding's Lord of the Flies and Stephen King's The Stand .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"All in all, this is a really good book which are a great gift for every Hunger Games fan!"
"I felt that it started out strong and Katniss showed some serious hope and depth in terms of her character and what she wanted and how she was not going to compromise, but then it became a little boring, the characters in District 13 were not very interesting and the absence of Peeta, as another reviewer carefully mentioned, took away that balance - that harmony - that common sense side of Katniss. Also I do wish there was a clarity as to what in the world had happened behind the scenes between President Snow and Coin but no explanation."
"However, it is almost given that unlike the Enders series that turned more and more unreal as well as more distant from the subjects of the first book, this one could develop with more continuity."
"Catching Fire is different than most of the other young adult fiction books, because of the character development, and the relationship from book to movie."
"She unwillingly and reluctantly has become the symbol of the rebellion and the rebel leaders urge her to exploit this via video feeds to the 12 Districts. Katniss at first feigns infirmity but eventually caves in after negotiating an agreement with the rebel leaders that they will not harm Peeta or the other Hunger Games survivors if they assume leadership."
Best Teen & Young Adult Fantasy
And most recently, The New York Times called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows the “fastest selling book in history.” This is the ultimate Harry Potter collection for Harry Potter fans of all ages! Newbery Medal winner Nancy Willard has written numerous beloved books for children and adults, including poetry, picture books, and novels.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
Best Teen & Young Adult Horror
All six books in the #1 New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series, now available in a collectible paperback boxed set. She is the coauthor of The Bane Chronicles with Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy with Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, as well as The Shadowhunter’s Codex, which she cowrote with her husband, Joshua Lewis.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Really enjoyed the book as it was more detailed than the new show."
"Love these books and the set definitely saved me some money!"
"Package came in great condition."
"However, after finishing the fifth book I was still wondering where the story was going... so many unfinished stories that are waiting to be told."
"Great priced set."
"Great price for this set of great books!"
"As a serious and avid reader I didn't know what to expect from this series. I had seen the movie and thought that was actually not bad so I figured I would read the books."
"I love these books!!!"