YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi


 

Shatter Me series

By: Tahereh Mafi

This is probably one of my favorite dystopian series. I didn't really like the first book, to be honest, but the farther along I got in the series, the better it got. Shatter Me is set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world ruled by a cruel organization called The Reestablishment. The main character, Juliette, has a fatal touch that she cannot control, and she's lived locked up in an asylum for almost a year. Then, The Reestablishment decides that they want to use her as a weapon. The romance in the series is the best part. The love interest in books 4-5 was probably my favorite character. I would highly recommend this series for lovers of romance or dystopian. Even if you don't like the first book, stick with it- it gets so much better! 5/5 stars for this series, from me! 

They Both Die at the End

By: Adam Silvera

This book was so good. Honestly, if I could go back in time and read one book again for the first time, I would read this book. It's that good. Although you feel like you know exactly what's going to happen from the beginning, I found that I actually couldn't guess much of what was going to happen next.  This book was so interesting and kept me guessing the whole time. The ending made me cry, unlike many other books I've read. Everyone, go read this book NOW. -Allie

The Host

By: Stephenie Meyer

I have never read any other Stephenie Meyer books, so I can't compare The Host to Twilight or anything, but I really enjoyed it! It was a mix between sci-fi and romance, with an incredibly unique love-triangle-square thing. It was original and captivating. The Host is set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian future where an alien parasite species has taken over humanity by infecting them. Weirdly, though, the aliens are very organized genius pacifists. When one alien, Wanderer, is sent to infect a human, it turns out the human mind she (Wanderer) has been put in is much stronger than she expected. The human, Melanie, wins over Wanderer, and Wanderer befriends the humans and kind of betrays her alien race. It was very interesting to see from the perspective of, kind of a... parasite infesting a host. It was very cool to see both Melanie and Wanderer conversing in the same body. There were so many unique kinds of conflict. This was a very unique, original, and captivating novel. This is a must-read sci-fi book!-Gea

The Priory of the Orange Tree

By: Samantha Shannon

This book is a journey, 802 pages of it.  4 perspectives, 4 religions, countless kingdoms (or queendoms).  It is both fantasy adventure and political intrigue.  I could not put this book down!  It was beautifully written, with a incredible, creative plot.  If you aren't afraid of a big book I implore you to read this.  It is so underrated!  I loved this book and will 100% reread it.  The only drawback is that it was so plot heavy I didn't bond with the characters the way I usually can.  The plot is well worth the minor disconnect.  At times it could be a little confusing because it was such a large book with over 100 characters but you get the stories straight pretty quick.  If anyone is looking for a book that is a page turner but on the more difficult side this is for them!  I had high hopes for this book and the author exceeded them.-Norah

The Grace Year

Kim Liggett

I really liked this book. It's a lot like a more mature version of the hunger games, and it's really well written. The mystery and suspense keep you on your toes all throughout the book. The plot is amazing, and I read this entire book in one night. It was that good. In a very short summary of the book, this is a society where women are sent to a remote part of the forest once they turn 16. (This is when it is said they become women) They are left there for a year, and many don't make it back alive. It's a very interesting book and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an interesting, suspenseful book.-Allie
I adored this book.  Usually I don't like dystopian but this book was done so well!  I listened to it as an audiobook and just couldn't put it down!  I finished the whole 12-ish hours in 2 days.  It is definitely more mature and so creepy.  It's not obviously creepy though.  As you read more and more of the plot you just know something is off.   This book also makes you think.  Overall, definitely recommend this book.  Well written, fast paced, multidimensional story.-Norah

Red Queen

By: Victoria Aveyard

Love Victoria Aveyard! I read this entire series multiple times, and bought the books. Red Queen is a dystopian, fantasy mix. I loved the set up of the story. It basically starts out with a totally unassuming girl named Mare. The book is very fast passed in getting to the event that set off the other events that happen to get to the climax. I appreciated this, because some books just drag it out. Yes, there is romance in this, however it's not the entire story. Though the love triangle does start a lot of the main conflicts. This book (and series) is rather diverse, and while the character development for Mare wasn't my favorite, Aveyard did a good job with the rest of the characters. The writing was very descriptive and overall it was just a really interesting book. Defiantly on my list of top 10 favorite fantasy series. -Annabelle

We Set the Dark on Fire

By: Tehlor Kay Mejia

This book was more dystopian than anything. It is set in patriarchal society. Each man or at men of high societal rank have two wives. One is purely for image. They are called Primera, they go out in society with their husbands and are privy to business, politics, secrets, etc. Then there are the Segunda's their role is the love part of a marriage. They will eventually raise the children and make all of the beautiful things in household. Our main character Dani is chosen as a Primera for one of the most prestigious families. Her enemy or nemesis is chosen as their Segunda. With all of this happening there is a rebellion brewing in the lower classes. Dani is enlisted to their cause and is fighting with her duty and what she realizes is right. We Set the Dark on Fire is LGBTQ+ romance, and is a amazingly well written book. There is a sequel which switches perspectives to a different character. Please read this book.-Annabelle

The Hazel Wood

By: Melissa Albert

This book was a little creepy, but it had everything- a great story, an interesting fantasy world, gripping characters, and impressive writing. It was on the darker side, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The Hazel Wood is about a girl named Alice, who lives on the road with her mom. They have such horrible luck that everywhere they stay, bad things start happening around them. When Alice's grandmother, a famous author of a book of dark fairy tales dies alone on her estate, Alice's mom is stolen away by a figure who claims to come from the Hinterland- the cruel supernatural world where her grandmother's stories are set. Alice has long steered clear of her grandmother's cultish fans, but she ends up allying with one of them, who develops into a love interest. Together they go to her grandmother's estate to rescue her mom, and then into the world where her grandma's tales began. This book was chilling, suspenseful, and full of brilliant twists and turns. I loved watching the love interest relationship develop. I recommend this book to any lover of fantasy or fairy tales.-Gea

Afterworlds

By: Scott Westerfeld

Afterworlds is one of the most brilliant books I have ever read. It is told in two completely different perspectives- the first is of Darcy Patel, a teen author who's YA novel is about to get published. In Darcy's story, she deals with the stresses of being a young penniless writer navigating the world of YA publishing, all while falling love for the first time. In alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, which follows Lizzie, who accidentally wills her way into the afterworld (life after death) to survive a deadly terrorist attack. This turns her into a spirit guide. As Lizzie learns about the afterworld, she meets a fellow spirit guide and a ghost she has a surprising connection to. As her story goes on, we see her developing in some... interesting... ways. I was absolutely in love with this book. Both perspectives were phenomenal and were thrilling page-turners, despite one being realistic fiction and the other being a paranormal. I am so impressed by Scott Westerfield and his ability to weave these two narratives together FLAWLESSLY. It is SERIOUSLY UNDERRATED. I'd recommend this to any lover of fantasy or aspiring writer. -Gea

Furyborn

By: Claire Legend

Wow, this book. I think when I first started it I stayed up until 1:00 in the morning. Not healthy, but it was rewarding, because this was a really good book. It was one of those books that like has those parts that make you physically cringe on behalf of the character. Not because they're being awkward! But because you so badly want to step and tell the characters, "STOP! That's going to end badly for everyone!" The thing with this book is that it was told in two different perspectives. By two women who are mother and daughter. One is the Blood Queen and one is the Sun Queen. The one thing about these two perspectives is that they happen centuries apart. This happened because (and it's not a spoiler!) Rielle (one of the main characters) uses her magic to send her daughter Ellana further to the future to protect her from harm. Both perspectives are constantly battling back and forth for which character you'll root for the most. Then in the end they'll both win out, 'cause you simply can't choose. -Annabelle

In Other Lands

By: Sarah Rees Brennan

I loved this book!  It was about this boy, Elliot that gets enrolled in a school that is teaching him how to negotiate with mystical species.  The book follows Elliot from the time he was 12 to when he is 17.  The way the author developed the characters emotions and relationships was perfect.  The way this book used different species to create a commentary about our society was brilliant as well as entertaining.  I immensely enjoyed reading this book because it had not only an exciting and gripping plot but also very well written characters that interacted in realistic ways.  It has one of the deepest most intelligent love triangles I've ever read.  Do yourself a favor and read this unique book.-Norah

Dune: Book 1

By: Frank Herbert

Dune is a science-fiction novel set in a Star-Wars-y type galaxy, on the desert planet of Arrakis. It is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family who comes in control of the inhospitable Arrakis where the only valuable thing is the coveted spice melange- a drug capable of expanding consciousness and extending life. When House Atreides is betrayed, Paul is set on a journey toward a destiny that evolves him into the mysterious man known as Muad’Dib. "He will bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream." This book is a moderate to difficult read, depending on your level. It is complex and a little slow in the beginning, but 100% worth it. You will be confused at first, but it is an amazing and vital read. Dune is said by many to have changed the world and is very famous. If you like deep science fiction or fantasy, Dune is the book for you!-Gea

Matched: Book 1

By: Ally Condie 

Very engaging and exciting- I couldn't put it down. If you like dystopian and romance genres, this book is for you. Matched is about a teenage girl named Cassia living in a supposedly perfect world called the Society. The Society Officials decide everything about your life- who you love, where you work, when you die... when Cassia turns 16, she is matched to her best friend, and she is certain that he is the one- until she sees another face flash on the matching screen for a brief moment before it goes black. Now Cassia must make a choice- between Xander and Ky, between perfection and freedom, between safety and truth. I highly recommend this book.

-Gea

The Song of Achilles

By: Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles tells the story of lovers through Patroclus', a feeble exiled prince. In Phthia, he meets Achilles, a boy who was destined to become the best warrior of the Greeks. They became inseparable as they grew. Achilles joins the Trojan war, Patroclus follows and the fates test them more than ever.I LOVE this book and 10/10 would recommend. The author composed a truly heart-wrenching story and made it so you could not put it down. Just from reading the first few chapters, I could tell it would be an emotional rollercoaster. The author puts words together in such a meaningful way. I didn't know whether or not to put this in folklore since this is an adaptation of the Iliad as told from the perspective of Patroclus, but it's still fiction.-Lena

Shadow and Bone: Book 1

By: Leigh Bardugo

Amazing book! A girl named Alina enters a royal court by accident and is to be trained as a Grisha (the book will explain it better than I can). She is the "chosen one" that will lift the dark veil that divides the kingdom in half with an insane amount of pressure on her shoulders as she works with this unwanted power. This is the first book of the trilogy and it's overall a good book. This book didn't give me a lot to think about as I would have wanted. The book does give a distinctive atmosphere and kept me wanting to turn the next page. Although I thought it was straightforward and not as complex with the characters and plot-wise. I felt like there were many varied moments in the book where sometimes it's boring, then the next it got interesting. I don't how to feel about this book, but enjoyed it nonetheless, then again I've only read the first book -Lena

Coraline

By: Neil Gaiman

"Coraline" is a fantasy novel about a young girl named Coraline, and her struggles of accepting boredom.  This leads her to a universe where everything seems perfect, but nothing is ever perfect.  I liked this book because of the message.  It needs to be taught to children at some point of their childhood.  The only problem with this book in my opinion is that the pacing seemed a little off and it was a bit confusing at the end.  But overall, I would recommend this book to readers who like a good story and adventure.- Jessie

The Selection: Book 1

By: Kiera Cass

This series is awesome. I really enjoyed it. I am working on reviews for the other books in this series. This is the first book in the series. I loved this book and it left me wanting more. This book never gets boring. This book is about a young girl who lives in Illéa, a place where there is a castes system. Caste 1 is royalty and religious figures, Caste 2 is celebrities, pop stars, athletes, politicians, and military workers. Caste 3 is educated professionals like teachers, scientists, doctors, and writers. Caste 4 is business managers and owners and from there they get farther down socially until caste 8. America Singer was a 5 before entering the selection and becoming a 3. The selection is for the Prince to choose a wife. The selected people from the prince will compete to be future queen and Prince Maxon's wife. 35 girls are chosen, one will win and be the queen of Illéa. Will America win? Will she be the new queen and Maxon's wife? Read the book to find out!-Bella

Mark of the Thief: Series

By: Jennifer A. Nielsen

This was a great book and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a great book if you like Roman mythology and action. It start out pretty fast-paced an continues that way. This is a trilogy by Jennifer Nielsen, I almost all of her books so this one is a real page turner. The other two books are Rise of the Wolf (book 2) and Wrath of the Storm (book 3). Go get these books and read them!-Annabelle

The False Prince: Book 1 

By: Jennifer A. Nielsen

This was a great book! I have read it over and over and over again. This book is full of secrets and miss leading plots. The treason and the way that the author set this book and series up is outstanding. Jennifer Nielsen is a outstanding author and if you haven't read the other book in the series as well. Jennifer Nielsen knows how to write a good book with tons of twist and turns! PLEASE READ THIS!!!-Annabelle
This book was amazing! This book is written so well and has GIANT plot twist near the end of the book. (chap. 38-44) Jennifer A. Nielsen has a reason to add each detail in and it makes the book EXTREMELY interesting. The book feels realistic and even my dad loved it when I told him to read it. This is book one in The Ascendance Series. It is a trilogy. READ THIS BOOK!!-Bella

The Giver: Book 1

By: Lois Lowry


This book was weird.  I'm not old enough to really understand it on a deeper level so it was quite confusing.  I did although enjoy the story but the ending felt rushed.-Norah    
You have to understand the topic in order to understand the book. The gist of it was that people were so used to doing every thing in a certain order or way and were so used to being told what they could and could not do, they couldn't seem to understand how to live. The ending wasn't terrible it just felt like there was something missing. All and all you should still read this book.-Annabelle
I absolutely loved this book. It was really good, however, the ending was SO BAD and basically ruined the whole book for me.  Also, it's a very deep book, so if you're younger or don't like that kind of stuff, don't read it. Everything considered, I would say that if you're looking for something a little bit out of your comfort zone definitely try this!-Allie

Divergent: Book 1

By: Veronica Roth

Warning: dangerously good. I recommend reading if you are dauntless or divergent (read the book to understand). OH MY GOSH. I can't even believe how good this book and series was. I thought no books would ever be better then Harry Potter or KOTLC but this one was either tied or better. READ. IT. NOW. You literally don't understand how good this is. I have a giant obsession and I am currently in my room, or at school re-reading this over and over again. It's a crazy obsession. This book is about a girl names Beatrice Prior. There are 5 factions which are Dauntless, Amity, Candor, Abnegation, and Erudite. Once each person turns 16, they must choose a faction. She chooses one but in the process, she finds out she is divergent and is told not to tell anyone or she would be killed. After she chooses, so much happens like she moves out, changes her name to Tris, finds her true love, and who to trust. Now that she is an adult, she must learn to survive on her own. This book series is also a movie. I haven't watched it yet but I am planning on it! This is definitely my favorite book (series.) I couldn't ever put it down!! Trust me, this book is the best!! I had to buy the whole series after and I am now re-reading it AGAIN!! Divergent does have a little bit of premature content. But there really isn't much. This book literally changed my LIFE! GO READ IT NOW!!! Tris and Four are literally my life!! You will love this series so much. Just maybe not as much as me because I AM OBSESSED!! I don't think I will ever stop loving this book for the rest of my life!!-Bella 

Divergent: Series

By: Veronica Roth

I LOVED this series. How it goes in order is Divergent: book 1, Insurgent: book 2, Allegiant: book 3, Four: book 4. This is a must read to be up to date in book pop culture! It's a dystopian novel that's like the Hunger games plot wise, if you know what I mean. There's war, revolution, romance, mind control, you know the foundation of like any dystopian novel (those weren't any spoilers). Tris, the main character, chooses one of the five factions that divides the city. This ceremony happens after everyone about to enter into adulthood takes a test to see what factions they will most likely be in. But, during this Tris finds out she's divergent and needs to conceal this from people because divergent is considered dangerous in society's eyes. I don't want to say anymore because I'm afraid of spoiling such a good book!-Lena

 Serafina: Series

By: Robert Beatty

The Serafina series was wonderful. I could barely put it down. It was thrilling and mysterious. It was definitely worth it, and I could easily relate to the characters.-Leah

Viewer Review

Hunger Games: Series

By: Suzanne Collins

I love the Hunger Games! They were amazing. Most people have probably already read them, but if not, it is a must and if you like Divergent they are similar to that.  The Hunger Games are worth your time, *cough* Norah may disagree with me, but don't listen to her. They are about how every year a a boy and a girl are sent into a ring to kill each other and they are all from the districts. It will make more sense when you read it, so go read it!-Annabelle

Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Prequel)

By: Suzanne Collins

The Ballad of  Songbirds was a great book. I loved the way that Suzanne Collins covered Cornelius Snow and the way he started out and then ended.  If has to make the decision of whats more important his reputation or the female tribute he is assigned to.  For all Hunger Games fans as you will not be disappointed  in this prequel.-Annabelle

Harry Potter: Series

By: J.K. Rowling

I have very mixed feelings about this series.  On one hand, it is utterly fabulous and the fandom is colossal.  On the other hand, J.K. Rowling is a transphobe and the pervasive lack of diversity in these books you just can't over look.  I would highly recommend reading them because the writing is very good and they are deeply ingrained in our pop culture.  Know they are far from perfect though.  -Norah

The Cursed Child and Fantastic Beasts

By: J.K. Rowling, Jack Throne, and John Tiffany

These both were quite the disappointment.  The things that happened seemed untrue and not realistic.  It just felt disconnected from the beloved series.-Norah
An awful story about time travel that will disappoint even the most open reader. Draco and Harry getting along? That is impossible. I immediately loathed it, and this is coming from a very dedicated potterhead. I don't understand how people actually like this book. As the wise Headmaster Dumbledore once said, "Do not pity the dead Harry, Pity the living." And anyone who actually paid money, for the cursed child. -Igatt

Viewer Review

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Book 3

By: J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban is an amazing book, with a heartwarming center. In this book, Harry and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger get news of an escaped convict, Sirius Black. What will happen when they get news of him heading to Hogwarts? And what about those mysterious creatures called Dementors that suck the soul out of anyone who meets them? And why does the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher know about the Marauder Map? Stop at a local library to find out. -Igatt

Viewer Review

His Dark Materials: Series 

By: Phills Pullman

The first book was good, but in the second and the third books the characters were so unlucky it was not fun to read.-Norah

The Maze Runner: Book 1

By: James Dashner

 The Maze Runner, is part of a three book dystopian series. The main character, Thomas doesn't have a usual teenage experience. He finds himself waking up to a bunch of boys and can't seem to remember anything. The title ties into the story when Thomas realizes he's trapped with all the other boys in massive maze! This book is about Thomas's story in the maze how when he got there, everything changed. This series definitely doesn't lack in adventure and will always keep you on your toes. I totally recommend these books!-Delaney 

The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials #2

By: James Dashner

This book was just as good as the last. I loved how much time the author took to build on the characters, since after the first book everything changed. In this book, everything was different for the gladers. They have to beat the scorch, which is unlike anything they've dealt with before. The gladers are on their own, in the real world. I hope you read this book and see how things play out for Thomas and the others. I recommend this book/series 100%. READ IT!!!-Delaney