Best Teen & Young Adult Superhero Fiction
The highly anticipated, entirely new coming-of-age story for the world's greatest super hero: WONDER WOMAN by the # 1 New York Times bestselling author LEIGH BARDUGO. But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mere mortal. Even worse, Alia Keralis is no ordinary girl and with this single brave act, Diana may have doomed the world. When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth: Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery. — The Bulletin "Bardugo breathes zippy new life into the story with a twisty plot, whip-smart characters, and her trademark masterful writing." " Cinematic battles and a race against time keep the excitement high, but the focus on girls looking out for each other is what makes this tie-in shine. Alia taps into her own bravery and Diana learns about sexism, racism and something the Amazons have always dismissed: the courage, resilience and ingenuity of mere mortals."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Since this was written by Leigh Bardugo, you know you are going to love the writing style and the character development."
"Great take on Amazons, mythology, hero’s quest to defend innocent and villains quest for power and blood."
"I absolutely loved the way Leigh Bardugo told Diana's story, this is the first book of hers I've read, and I hope to read her others."
"So far, LEIGH BARDUGO never Disappointed me."
"In her previous novels Leigh Bardugo created some phenomenal and unforgettable worlds set in their own time, their own universes with extraordinary and beautiful creations for characters. Wonder Woman: Warbringer, her latest, takes place in our world and present day time and as the kickass superhero has been around since 1942, the back story and world are already known but Bardugo has taken some creative liberties in fleshing out Themyscira a little and adds her own touch. When the teenage Diana (she is never called Wonder Woman) rescues a young girl from a floundering boat she breaks one of the cardinal rules of Themyscira: no humans allowed on the island or face permanent exile. Then, events on the island lead Diana to consult the Oracle and what it tells her about Alia forces Diana to leave Themyscira and face the human world. This is the sixth Leigh Bardugo's YA fantasy novel that I have read and I feel this book is more young young adult than either The Grisha Trilogy or Crooked Kingdom series."
"Diana is the obvious highlight; she's courageous, fiercely loyal, and equally passionate and compassionate, much like Gal Gadot's portrayal of Wonder Woman in the 2017 film. Also, Diana's observations and reactions to New York City and modern-day life in general were delightfully amusing, and I appreciated the insights that Bardugo offered into Themyscira and the Amazons (some of which were familiar to me, and others brand new). More in the "liked it" sense than "loved it," but I'd still recommend it to readers who are looking for action, butt-kicking heroines, science-minded teens, and diverse characters (in terms of racial / ethnic background and sexuality) in their YA reads."
After exposing a sinister underground society of students known as the Knights of Charlemagne, Will discovers that he is developing supernatural physical and mental abilities. Gr 8 Up—Alliance is the second installment in Frost's action-packed series.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"These group of friends are discovering who they are, what they can do and work together to fight the bad guys. Now, it's SOOOO over the top at time I was rolling my eyes, but I actually like that part of this series. There is a love triangle, its last about four pages and Will does pine over these two girls but it's not the center of the story."
"Frost should read book one and rewrite this and from the reviews, book three as well."
"I was pretty satisfied with the first book and wasn't feeling the need to read the second book but it picked up the story unexpectedly and I was excited to continue the series."
"Exceptional, absolutely exceptional I would recommend this book to every Harry Potter, Hunger Game, fans only this book is a thriller, the suspenseful - have to finish, dying to know what happens next book out there."
"quick shipping."
"An excellent continuation of a very interesting story."
"Much shorter than the last one but the story was amazing!"
"It's engaging and, as with the first book, keeps you guessing while still giving you just enough answers to keep you interested in what's going to happen next."
From. #1 New York Times -bestselling author. Marissa Meyer, comes a high-stakes world of adventure, passion, danger, and betrayal. The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies―humans with extraordinary abilities―who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. A Winter 2017-2018 Kids' Indie Next List Selection. "In a vividly dark and fully imagined universe where special abilities are feared unless they can be strictly controlled and labeled, Meyer celebrates and subverts popular superhero tropes while mining the gray area between malevolence and virtue. Third-person narration builds suspense as it shifts between Nova and Adrian, a Renegade with his own secrets; the worldbuilding details and many combat sequences will captivate devotees of superhero comics. Beyond the capes and masks is a strikingly grounded story of star-crossed would-be lovers, deception, and the recognition that most of humanity exists between the extremes of good and evil." Nova’s childhood tragedy will draw sympathy from readers as they watch her integrate into the group of Renegades in order to seek vengeance. -- School Library Journal "Meyer smartly refrains from focusing totally on Adrian and Nova’s potential romance and instead fleshes the characters out as separate individuals with flaws and strengths, regrets and desires. The world is exceptionally well crafted, particularly the complex backstory of the rise of prodigies among humans, and the secondary cast of villains and heroes could give Marvel and DC a run for their money. There’s a lot going on here besides cool names and superpowers, and the book earns both its hefty page count and its expected sequel."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Nova is only six years old.Her family that is suppose to be protected by the Renegades don't come in time to save her and her family. The ending of the novel made me want the next book because of some things that happen at the end of the book. It didn't end the way I thought it would! Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley."
"There seemed to be a lot of mixed or mediocre reviews out there when it released so I can’t say I was expecting much either, but I thought Meyer did an excellent job of weaving this story together. This is a book about superheroes so it seems cliche sometimes and definitely campy at times but I feel like it worked to the benefit of the theme? (I’m sorry if I’m offending hardcore comic book/superhero fans out there- please note I’m not judging the genre, but I do enjoy those things about it. I’ll even admit to liking George Clooney’s Batman better then Christian Bale’s because it never took itself seriously. I think the ending was the best part because it defied all my expectations of what I’ve come to associate with the YA genre."
"There are some cliche bits bit I look past that because it adds to the flavor of the novel and makes it seem more like a classic superhero universe. Some chunks felt like filler but they didn't take away from the novel which is why I can't stand filler bits in media - if they don't add to the piece, they're pointless."
"Cinder is nothing like the rest of that series and Heartless is a weak book overall, but I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to jump right into this world and these characters lives."
"I know one shouldn't compare to new novels to previous author's work but it's hard not to when the Lunar Chronicles is so good. However, the action scenes and climax were pretty dramatic with fascinating twists I can't wait to see developed."
"I'm an adult reader of Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles; I liked that series and thought it was inventive and clever."
Best Teen & Young Adult Epic Fantasy
Perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings, the New York Times bestselling Inheritance Cycle about the dragon rider Eragon has sold over 35 million copies and is an international fantasy sensation. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. A #1 New York Times Bestseller. A #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller. A Wall Street Journal Bestseller. A Book Sense Bestseller.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I am really enjoying this story!"
"This is a great book with a great universe and a very interesting storyline."
"My son enjoyed this book."
"I'm not reading this with the expectation of LOTR level of writing."
"My son loves reading this collection."
"Great read."
Best Teen & Young Adult Dark Fantasy
The Infernal Devices, the Complete Collection: Clockwork Angel; Clockwork Prince; Clockwork Princess
All three books in the #1 New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy, are now available together in a collectible paperback boxed set. Enter the secret world of the Shadowhunters with this handsomely packaged boxed set that includes Clockwork Angel , Clockwork Prince , and Clockwork Princess . 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 Myths & Legends
All five books in the Heroes of Olympus series -- in a paperback boxed set of heroic proportions. "Fans won't be disappointed as the cliff-hanger ending from the previous book, The Mark of Athena , leads to further exciting adventures by the intrepid demigods. PRAISE FOR THE MARK OF ATHENA. PRAISE FOR THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I still can remember that night I went to his room after bedtime to tell him to go to bed and he was reading Percy Jackson!"
"Grandson's favorite stories - Thank ."
"I ordered this series for my grandson who loves the Percy Jackson series and Magnus Chase as well, so I bought him The Heroes of Olympus boxed set."
"My granddaughter asked for any of the books in the series except the first one."
"Just what my niece was looking for."
"Great set for our community library."
"My 11 year old granddaughter is on the 4 th book since I gave her at Christmas."
"Grandson loves these, was a great gift and price."
Best Teen & Young Adult Sword & Sorcery Fantasy
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
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 Contemporary Fantasy
The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride #1) School's Out--Forever (Maximum Ride #2) Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride #3). He is the author of the Alex Cross novels , the most popular detective series of the past twenty-five years, including Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The characters are loveable and 3-dimensional (which seems rare in books written for a young audience) and it makes it that much more heart breaking when bad things happen to them."
"Christmas gift... well liked."
"This was something I bought for my granddaughter and she loved them."
"My son is hooked!!!!!"
"I really like this for a fun series for kids and grown ups alike."
"The books were very nice."
"In this thrilling collection of Maximum Ride, James Patterson whips up all he can and then dishes it out on a warm plate fresh for you to eat."
"If you have enjoyed James Patterson's books before you will most likely love this series."
Best Teen & Young Adult Fairy Tales & Folklore
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 never been to Beijing so I can't verify what changes are made in this version, but I loved how Meyer described the contrasting worlds of glitz and glamour and the dreary and impoverished. I also was fascinated by the descriptions of the Lunar kingdom that is mentioned through myths in this installment, but I have a feeling it will become a primary setting later in the series. The two main ones are the deadly illness that is slowly wiping out the population of the city and the impending attack from the ruthless Lunar kingdom. I also enjoyed seeing the little Cinderella tidbits that Meyer threw into the fray such as Cinder's orange "classic" car and her prosthetic foot that keeps falling off. I was especially intrigued by the way Meyer used the cyborg prejudices of Cinder's neighbors to mirror the neglect of the Cinderella from the fairy tale. Prince Kaito, or Kai as he is known to Cinder, is a unique hero in the land of young adult literature."
"I hope it this gets turned into a movie they found actors who can portray this well because those I feel were the best moments in the book."
"I have bought this book for many friends as it is a fun adventure to get lost in."
"People don't look too kindly on cyborgs, so Cinder mainly keeps to herself and gets her work done. I liked Marissa Meyer's take on the fairy-tale and the changes she made in making it her own, but regardless of these changes there is still the familiar story that many of us grew up knowing. When Peony falls ill of the plague, once again Cinder is looked at with disgust by her stepmother and offered up as a "volunteer" for a plague vaccine (which has not boded well for said volunteers). For all that I thought was predictable, I still didn't want to put down the book, and Meyer did surprise by leaving us with an open ending. I'm very interested to find out how Meyer continues on with the fairy-tale retellings while weaving together the overall conflicts she started here in Cinder."
Best Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy
Harry must allow Professor Snape to teach him how to protect himself from Voldemort's savage assaults on his mind. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is currently the featured read in Pottermore’s Wizarding World Book Club. As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. Somehow, over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet ) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teen. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.Ls), devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested. The head of the Ministry of Magic is determined to discredit Dumbledore and undermine his leadership of Hogwarts, and he appoints nasty, pink-cardigan-clad Professor Umbridge as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and High Inquisitor of the school, bringing misery upon staff and students alike. There are a lot of secret doings, a little romance, and very little Quidditch or Hagrid (more reasons for Harry's gloom), but the power of this book comes from the young magician's struggles with his emotions and identity.
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 Wizards & Witches Fantasy
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
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 Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
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!!!"