Best books of 2018
It is always so hard to decide what were my favorite books of the year. I try to only choose 12, but there were so many powerful and diverse titles that I expanded my list to 16. This is the year that diverse stories are being shared and celebrated, so this year's best books are fresh and fabulous. I have also included the covers of some of the best books from 2017 that I didn't read until 2018. Hope this list leads you to some books that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, imagine, and think. Let me know what you think is the best books of 2018 in the comments!
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Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu
Eric Bittle, aka Bitty, is a former figure skating champ turned hockey player. Bitty is from Georgia, loves baking pies, constantly vlogs about his life, and likes boys. Luckily for him, his college teammates like him as he is, especially when his skating skills help the team win games. Check Please! follows Bitty's experiences in college and his role on his hockey team, the Samwell Wellies. This graphic novel is a "Bitty" masterpiece. Scenes depicting crazy college/hockey hijinks are honestly portrayed with very colorful (and honest) language and are hilarious. However, Bitty's journey as he becomes the heart of his team and falls in love will is so endearing and sweet. I think I reread the ending five times because Ukazu's text and images were so romantic and heartfelt. You won't be able to stop yourself from cheering for Bitty's success. My students who have read this have now headed to the webcomic to read the rest of the story. I can't wait for the second part. This graphic novel is better than one of Bitty's pies. Highly, highly recommended!
Eric Bittle, aka Bitty, is a former figure skating champ turned hockey player. Bitty is from Georgia, loves baking pies, constantly vlogs about his life, and likes boys. Luckily for him, his college teammates like him as he is, especially when his skating skills help the team win games. Check Please! follows Bitty's experiences in college and his role on his hockey team, the Samwell Wellies. This graphic novel is a "Bitty" masterpiece. Scenes depicting crazy college/hockey hijinks are honestly portrayed with very colorful (and honest) language and are hilarious. However, Bitty's journey as he becomes the heart of his team and falls in love will is so endearing and sweet. I think I reread the ending five times because Ukazu's text and images were so romantic and heartfelt. You won't be able to stop yourself from cheering for Bitty's success. My students who have read this have now headed to the webcomic to read the rest of the story. I can't wait for the second part. This graphic novel is better than one of Bitty's pies. Highly, highly recommended!
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Orisha was land created by the gods. Some humans were gifted with powers and called magis; each magi's gift depended on the powers (air, wind, etc.) of the god who bestowed it. For generations, magi used their powers to help humanity, but when the Orishan king became frightened of the magi's power, he decided to wipe them out. On the day known as "The Raid," every living magician was murdered, and the connection to magic was severed completely. Now the children born with magic potential, known as diviners and born with white hair that is impossible to hide, are called maggots and constantly fear for their lives.
Zelie's mother was a Reaper, a magi who controlled death. At age six, she watched the king's guards murder her mother during "The Raid." Born a diviner, Zelie has no rights and must constantly work to control her anger as she watches the repression of her people. Zelie is strong and outspoken, which always gets her in trouble. When a young girl with the key to unlocking magic begs her help, she knows it is dangerous but doesn't hesitate to protect her. The girl happens to be the king's daughter, Amari. Her theft sends them on a dangerous journey to bring back magic, with Amari's brother, Prince Inan, hot on their trail. The prince abhors magic, and he will stop at nothing to please his father and eradicate magic. With the future of magic in her hands, Zelie cannot afford to make mistakes. However, decisions are not black and white, especially when the human heart is involved.
Not only is Children of Blood and Bone the best new fantasy of 2018, it is also a groundbreaking addition to teen fantasy. Just like the recent Black Panther movie, this book is written by an African American author, telling an African story, with all black characters and themes that tie to the continued violence against black young men, and everyone will be enthralled by its superb storytelling. Every teen fantasy fan needs to read this phenomenal novel. Adeyemi's characters are unique, strong, yet flawed, and you cannot help cheering for them as the struggle to make their world a better place. Zelie and Amari are stunning as they grow to become the warriors of their destiny. The magic is powerful and fantastical, and Adeyemi's writing makes it feel authentic. As a fantasy fan and a supporter of diverse literature, I have been waiting and waiting for this book to be written, and now that it is, I just can't wait for the next one in the series. Highly, highly recommended!
Orisha was land created by the gods. Some humans were gifted with powers and called magis; each magi's gift depended on the powers (air, wind, etc.) of the god who bestowed it. For generations, magi used their powers to help humanity, but when the Orishan king became frightened of the magi's power, he decided to wipe them out. On the day known as "The Raid," every living magician was murdered, and the connection to magic was severed completely. Now the children born with magic potential, known as diviners and born with white hair that is impossible to hide, are called maggots and constantly fear for their lives.
Zelie's mother was a Reaper, a magi who controlled death. At age six, she watched the king's guards murder her mother during "The Raid." Born a diviner, Zelie has no rights and must constantly work to control her anger as she watches the repression of her people. Zelie is strong and outspoken, which always gets her in trouble. When a young girl with the key to unlocking magic begs her help, she knows it is dangerous but doesn't hesitate to protect her. The girl happens to be the king's daughter, Amari. Her theft sends them on a dangerous journey to bring back magic, with Amari's brother, Prince Inan, hot on their trail. The prince abhors magic, and he will stop at nothing to please his father and eradicate magic. With the future of magic in her hands, Zelie cannot afford to make mistakes. However, decisions are not black and white, especially when the human heart is involved.
Not only is Children of Blood and Bone the best new fantasy of 2018, it is also a groundbreaking addition to teen fantasy. Just like the recent Black Panther movie, this book is written by an African American author, telling an African story, with all black characters and themes that tie to the continued violence against black young men, and everyone will be enthralled by its superb storytelling. Every teen fantasy fan needs to read this phenomenal novel. Adeyemi's characters are unique, strong, yet flawed, and you cannot help cheering for them as the struggle to make their world a better place. Zelie and Amari are stunning as they grow to become the warriors of their destiny. The magic is powerful and fantastical, and Adeyemi's writing makes it feel authentic. As a fantasy fan and a supporter of diverse literature, I have been waiting and waiting for this book to be written, and now that it is, I just can't wait for the next one in the series. Highly, highly recommended!
Hooper by Geoff Herbach
Basketball saved Adam Reed. After a traumatic childhood in Poland, Adam was adopted at age 13 and moved to America. Before moving to America, Adam had never played basketball, but after a first introduction, Adam found that not only did he love the game, he had the talent to become a great player. Despite his prowess on the court, Adam is not popular. He stays away from people because of his embarrassment over his English skills and his volatile temper. When his basketball skills get him recruited to an elite league, Carli, a talented and cute female ball player, gives him advice to step up his game on and off the court. With her coaching, Adam starts making new friends and throwing down new moves. When one of his teammates faces unfair charges that may get him off the team, Adam has to decide how far he will go to protect his new life. This is my new favorite basketball book. You will get sucked into Adam's story as he transforms not only into a powerful basketball player but also great man who stands up for his friends and family. Told in his struggling English, you feel his anguish over his lack of English skills and his past life. You will fight with him as he grows, and you will be mesmerized by the basketball games. Highly, highly recommended!
Basketball saved Adam Reed. After a traumatic childhood in Poland, Adam was adopted at age 13 and moved to America. Before moving to America, Adam had never played basketball, but after a first introduction, Adam found that not only did he love the game, he had the talent to become a great player. Despite his prowess on the court, Adam is not popular. He stays away from people because of his embarrassment over his English skills and his volatile temper. When his basketball skills get him recruited to an elite league, Carli, a talented and cute female ball player, gives him advice to step up his game on and off the court. With her coaching, Adam starts making new friends and throwing down new moves. When one of his teammates faces unfair charges that may get him off the team, Adam has to decide how far he will go to protect his new life. This is my new favorite basketball book. You will get sucked into Adam's story as he transforms not only into a powerful basketball player but also great man who stands up for his friends and family. Told in his struggling English, you feel his anguish over his lack of English skills and his past life. You will fight with him as he grows, and you will be mesmerized by the basketball games. Highly, highly recommended!
When My Heart Joins the Thousand by A.J. Steiger
If you loved Eleanor and Park, then this story of two misfits falling in love is perfect for you. Alvie will never be "normal." Her mom didn't know what to do with her, and schools and group homes were a disaster. Alvie just wants to be left alone to be herself. Her dream is to be emancipated and continue working with animals that she understands and loves. Then one day, she meets a boy who may be even stranger than her. Stanley uses a cane and is constantly getting hurt, but he seems to genuinely like spending time with her. No one has ever wanted to be Alvie's friend, and Alvie is terrified she will hurt him just like she hurt the last person who loved her, her mother. As her tenuous existence falls apart, Alvie will have to face her fears or find herself truly alone. You won't be able to stop yourself loving the fierce and haunted Alvie and beautiful and broken Stanley. Their fight to find love and caring in an often unfeeling world will leave you transformed. Alvie would hate being touches, but you will want to hold her hand as she faces the demons of her past and fights for a future of hope. This book is a gem. Highly recommended!
If you loved Eleanor and Park, then this story of two misfits falling in love is perfect for you. Alvie will never be "normal." Her mom didn't know what to do with her, and schools and group homes were a disaster. Alvie just wants to be left alone to be herself. Her dream is to be emancipated and continue working with animals that she understands and loves. Then one day, she meets a boy who may be even stranger than her. Stanley uses a cane and is constantly getting hurt, but he seems to genuinely like spending time with her. No one has ever wanted to be Alvie's friend, and Alvie is terrified she will hurt him just like she hurt the last person who loved her, her mother. As her tenuous existence falls apart, Alvie will have to face her fears or find herself truly alone. You won't be able to stop yourself loving the fierce and haunted Alvie and beautiful and broken Stanley. Their fight to find love and caring in an often unfeeling world will leave you transformed. Alvie would hate being touches, but you will want to hold her hand as she faces the demons of her past and fights for a future of hope. This book is a gem. Highly recommended!
Chasing King's Killer: the Hunt for Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassin by James Swanson
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. still haunts our nation, but sadly, I can't remember learning much in school about the civil rights movement or his assassination. Swanson's fast-paced book chronicles the life King, focusing on his leadership of the Civil Rights Movement until his final breath. Alongside King's journey, we learn about his killer, James Earl Ray. Although Ray was a life-time criminal, his first murder was of King. The final portion of the book tells the store of the manhunt for King's killer. Filled with pictures from King and Ray's lives, this book puts you in the front seat of the life of one of America's greatest leaders and one of the most tragic events in American history. I learned so many fascinating things, and I could not put the book down. Swanson is a master of bringing history to life, and I highly recommend this book!
The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. still haunts our nation, but sadly, I can't remember learning much in school about the civil rights movement or his assassination. Swanson's fast-paced book chronicles the life King, focusing on his leadership of the Civil Rights Movement until his final breath. Alongside King's journey, we learn about his killer, James Earl Ray. Although Ray was a life-time criminal, his first murder was of King. The final portion of the book tells the store of the manhunt for King's killer. Filled with pictures from King and Ray's lives, this book puts you in the front seat of the life of one of America's greatest leaders and one of the most tragic events in American history. I learned so many fascinating things, and I could not put the book down. Swanson is a master of bringing history to life, and I highly recommend this book!
Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
Feeling thirsty? For most of us in America, a clean and free glass of water is steps away. But what would happen if you turned on your faucet and nothing came out? Would you know where to get water? What would you or anyone be willing to do quench their thirst when the pipes go dry? Shusterman's sci-fi thriller explores how society would combust if the pipes in millions of Southern California homes went dry. Written from a variety of perspectives, you will watch the crisis unfold from they experience of many. You become closest to Alyssa, her younger brother Garrett, and her next door neighbor Kelton as they struggle to find a safe haven and water as the their world falls apart. I listened to this book,which is read by a variety of voice actors, including the Shustermans, and it was of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. The voice actors perfectly matched their characters. I also love that this book is a stand-alone; no waiting another year for next installment. Anyone who reads this book will not only be pulled in by the thrilling story of survival, but they will think more seriously about the water they are using and wasting. Once again, Neal Shusterman knocks it out of the park. Highly, highly recommended!
Feeling thirsty? For most of us in America, a clean and free glass of water is steps away. But what would happen if you turned on your faucet and nothing came out? Would you know where to get water? What would you or anyone be willing to do quench their thirst when the pipes go dry? Shusterman's sci-fi thriller explores how society would combust if the pipes in millions of Southern California homes went dry. Written from a variety of perspectives, you will watch the crisis unfold from they experience of many. You become closest to Alyssa, her younger brother Garrett, and her next door neighbor Kelton as they struggle to find a safe haven and water as the their world falls apart. I listened to this book,which is read by a variety of voice actors, including the Shustermans, and it was of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. The voice actors perfectly matched their characters. I also love that this book is a stand-alone; no waiting another year for next installment. Anyone who reads this book will not only be pulled in by the thrilling story of survival, but they will think more seriously about the water they are using and wasting. Once again, Neal Shusterman knocks it out of the park. Highly, highly recommended!
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Prince Sebastian's parents may be planning his wedding, but he has very different plans. He has a secret identity. He loves to dress in stunning dresses, transforming into Lady Crystallia. With the help of Frances, a talented, young dressmaker, Lady Crystallia becomes the toast of Paris. Everyone wants to dress like her. In order to keep Crystallia's true identity secret, Frances must stay a secret, which is stifling the future of the talented designer. With so many secrets, it is only a matter of time before the truth is uncovered. In its wake, the prince and Frances will find out who truly loves them, the power of forgiveness, and what the future can be for those who dream. My daughter read this graphic novel before me, and she loved it so much that she read it seven times in a row! I read it, and I fell in love as well with this story of complex characters, beautiful dresses, unyielding dreams, and true love. This modern day fairy tale is gem that readers of every age will treasure. I have read many graphic novels, and this is one of the best ever. Highly, highly recommended!
Prince Sebastian's parents may be planning his wedding, but he has very different plans. He has a secret identity. He loves to dress in stunning dresses, transforming into Lady Crystallia. With the help of Frances, a talented, young dressmaker, Lady Crystallia becomes the toast of Paris. Everyone wants to dress like her. In order to keep Crystallia's true identity secret, Frances must stay a secret, which is stifling the future of the talented designer. With so many secrets, it is only a matter of time before the truth is uncovered. In its wake, the prince and Frances will find out who truly loves them, the power of forgiveness, and what the future can be for those who dream. My daughter read this graphic novel before me, and she loved it so much that she read it seven times in a row! I read it, and I fell in love as well with this story of complex characters, beautiful dresses, unyielding dreams, and true love. This modern day fairy tale is gem that readers of every age will treasure. I have read many graphic novels, and this is one of the best ever. Highly, highly recommended!
The Harper Effect by Taryn Bashford
At age 16, Harper is already living her dream of being a professional tennis player, but her inability to win key matches has made her coach dump her. Adrift, Harper turns to Jacob, her best friend, who also happens to be her sister's ex, to find comfort. Harper knows she is playing a dangerous game that no one will win, so she ecstatic when a new coach offers to train her and get her away from her bad decisions. She has to train and compete with the talented but unpredictable Colt who thinks Harper is nothing more than pampered tennis princess. Determined to prove Colt wrong and make her tennis dreams come true, Harper rededicates herself to her sport and her training. As her skills improve and her fortune on the court changes, so do her feelings for the mysterious Colt. However, how does a girl let go of her childhood love? How can she trust a boy who is so full of secrets? Is there even room for love as she fights to excel in the sport she loves? Filled with complicated characters, terrible betrayals, personal transformations, and true love, this complicated love story is an ace. Highly recommended!
At age 16, Harper is already living her dream of being a professional tennis player, but her inability to win key matches has made her coach dump her. Adrift, Harper turns to Jacob, her best friend, who also happens to be her sister's ex, to find comfort. Harper knows she is playing a dangerous game that no one will win, so she ecstatic when a new coach offers to train her and get her away from her bad decisions. She has to train and compete with the talented but unpredictable Colt who thinks Harper is nothing more than pampered tennis princess. Determined to prove Colt wrong and make her tennis dreams come true, Harper rededicates herself to her sport and her training. As her skills improve and her fortune on the court changes, so do her feelings for the mysterious Colt. However, how does a girl let go of her childhood love? How can she trust a boy who is so full of secrets? Is there even room for love as she fights to excel in the sport she loves? Filled with complicated characters, terrible betrayals, personal transformations, and true love, this complicated love story is an ace. Highly recommended!
What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera
Do you believe in fate? In a greater power bringing you to the person who was your true love? Arthur does. Spending a life-changing summer in NYC, Arthur runs into a beautiful boy who he would love to get to know better. The only problem is that he doesn't get his name or number. Ben, on the other hand, doesn't believe in fate. After a messy breakup, he is trying to move forward when he runs into a sweet boy from the South. After walking away from their conversation, Ben regrets not taking the time to get this boy's info. How can you possibly run into the same person twice in New York? Haunted by each other, these boys decide to defy to find each other. With a little internet stalking, helpful friends, and a dash of fate, Ben and Arthur do meet again, but it will be up to them, not fate, whether their romance will be as epic as their origin story. Fans of Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda will swoon with this summer romance that is filled with the terrible mistakes and wondrous moments of falling in love. Arthur is so cute in his love of Broadway and Ben, and Ben is endearing in his attempts to woo Arthur. It was a storybook tale watching their lives intertwine, and I both appreciated and hated that the ending was not predictable. I listened to this book, and I loved hearing two readers bring Ben and Arthur to life. This book was magic in the real world. Highly recommended!
Do you believe in fate? In a greater power bringing you to the person who was your true love? Arthur does. Spending a life-changing summer in NYC, Arthur runs into a beautiful boy who he would love to get to know better. The only problem is that he doesn't get his name or number. Ben, on the other hand, doesn't believe in fate. After a messy breakup, he is trying to move forward when he runs into a sweet boy from the South. After walking away from their conversation, Ben regrets not taking the time to get this boy's info. How can you possibly run into the same person twice in New York? Haunted by each other, these boys decide to defy to find each other. With a little internet stalking, helpful friends, and a dash of fate, Ben and Arthur do meet again, but it will be up to them, not fate, whether their romance will be as epic as their origin story. Fans of Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda will swoon with this summer romance that is filled with the terrible mistakes and wondrous moments of falling in love. Arthur is so cute in his love of Broadway and Ben, and Ben is endearing in his attempts to woo Arthur. It was a storybook tale watching their lives intertwine, and I both appreciated and hated that the ending was not predictable. I listened to this book, and I loved hearing two readers bring Ben and Arthur to life. This book was magic in the real world. Highly recommended!
Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
Monday and Claudia have done everything together, but when Claudia comes back from a summer away, Monday isn't there. Her mother says she is one place, and her sister says another. The school doesn't know, and the police don't care. No one has seen Monday, and sadly, no one but Claudia feels the urgent need to find her. However, Claudia is certain her friend is in trouble, and she is relentless in search to find the truth, even if it will destroy her. Jackson's second novel is as horrifying and enthralling as her first. You cannot help but get sucked in as you walk with Claudia as she searches for answers. The twist and truth will shock you! The saddest part of the book is imaging how many teens are forgotten in real life. Highly recommended!
Monday and Claudia have done everything together, but when Claudia comes back from a summer away, Monday isn't there. Her mother says she is one place, and her sister says another. The school doesn't know, and the police don't care. No one has seen Monday, and sadly, no one but Claudia feels the urgent need to find her. However, Claudia is certain her friend is in trouble, and she is relentless in search to find the truth, even if it will destroy her. Jackson's second novel is as horrifying and enthralling as her first. You cannot help but get sucked in as you walk with Claudia as she searches for answers. The twist and truth will shock you! The saddest part of the book is imaging how many teens are forgotten in real life. Highly recommended!
Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover was born on mountain in Idaho to a fundamentalist Mormon family that trusted in God and not the government. She was born at home, and her parents did not get her a birth certificate. She never went to public school, and if she or family was sick, their mother, a homeopathic healer, treated them. When her controlling older brother hurt her, even her mother looked away. She was told to be a good, subservient Mormon girl, but although she loved her dysfunctional family, she dreamed of a life away from her mountain home. With dedication, her independent studies got her accepted into Brigham Young University and eventually led her to Harvard and Cambridge. The more she became "educated," the further she grew from her family. This powerful novel explores the complex power of family, friends, women's rights, and education. Some of Tara's stories will shock and horrify you, but you will not be able to stop reading and she recounts the path of her education. This is a book to savor, reread, discuss, and recommend. There are few books I feel everyone should read, but I have just added this book to that list. Highly, highly recommended!
Tara Westover was born on mountain in Idaho to a fundamentalist Mormon family that trusted in God and not the government. She was born at home, and her parents did not get her a birth certificate. She never went to public school, and if she or family was sick, their mother, a homeopathic healer, treated them. When her controlling older brother hurt her, even her mother looked away. She was told to be a good, subservient Mormon girl, but although she loved her dysfunctional family, she dreamed of a life away from her mountain home. With dedication, her independent studies got her accepted into Brigham Young University and eventually led her to Harvard and Cambridge. The more she became "educated," the further she grew from her family. This powerful novel explores the complex power of family, friends, women's rights, and education. Some of Tara's stories will shock and horrify you, but you will not be able to stop reading and she recounts the path of her education. This is a book to savor, reread, discuss, and recommend. There are few books I feel everyone should read, but I have just added this book to that list. Highly, highly recommended!
This Heart of Mine by C. C. Hunter
Leah is walking around in heart in a backpack, literally. Because a virus destroyed her heart, she has an artificial heart keeping her alive until she can receive a transplant. Leah knows the odds aren't good, so she has learned to live for the day and do the things she loves, which even includes kissing the boy she has crushed on for years, Matt. It seems like a miracle when she does get a new heart, until she discovers the donor was Matt's twin brother, Eric. Supposedly, Eric killed himself, but Matt is sure it was murder and is determined to discover his brother's killer. As both Leah and Matt are plagued by dreams of Eric's last minutes, they decide to work together to find out the truth. The more time that they spend together, the closer they become. However, when all the truth about Eric's death and their own secrets are revealed, will Leah and Matt's be heart be strong enough to survive?. I loved this mystery/romance from C. C. Hunter. It delves honestly into everyday issues such as how challenging it is when you are growing into a new person, how you can trust your heart to someone else, and how to live for tomorrow. The romance between Matt and Leah will make you swoon, and their search for Eric's killer will have you at the edge of your seat. This is a remarkable book. Highly recommended!
Leah is walking around in heart in a backpack, literally. Because a virus destroyed her heart, she has an artificial heart keeping her alive until she can receive a transplant. Leah knows the odds aren't good, so she has learned to live for the day and do the things she loves, which even includes kissing the boy she has crushed on for years, Matt. It seems like a miracle when she does get a new heart, until she discovers the donor was Matt's twin brother, Eric. Supposedly, Eric killed himself, but Matt is sure it was murder and is determined to discover his brother's killer. As both Leah and Matt are plagued by dreams of Eric's last minutes, they decide to work together to find out the truth. The more time that they spend together, the closer they become. However, when all the truth about Eric's death and their own secrets are revealed, will Leah and Matt's be heart be strong enough to survive?. I loved this mystery/romance from C. C. Hunter. It delves honestly into everyday issues such as how challenging it is when you are growing into a new person, how you can trust your heart to someone else, and how to live for tomorrow. The romance between Matt and Leah will make you swoon, and their search for Eric's killer will have you at the edge of your seat. This is a remarkable book. Highly recommended!
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Although Vikings committed atrocious crimes, a fascinating new piece of information has been discovered that shows they may have been brutal but they were feminists. Viking women fought alongside men. This is the story of one such warrior. In the great battle with their rival clan, Eelyne discovers that the brother she believed was dead is not fighting for the enemy. When she is captured by this enemy, Eelyne has to reconsider everything she has been taught was true if she and her way of life are going to survive. I loved this fierce tale of battle, belief, and transformation. Eelyne is a brutal and poweful fighter, like Wonder Woman but more vicious. the battle scenes are bloody, and the relationship are messy. You can't help being fascinating by this fascinating and original tale. Highly recommended!
Although Vikings committed atrocious crimes, a fascinating new piece of information has been discovered that shows they may have been brutal but they were feminists. Viking women fought alongside men. This is the story of one such warrior. In the great battle with their rival clan, Eelyne discovers that the brother she believed was dead is not fighting for the enemy. When she is captured by this enemy, Eelyne has to reconsider everything she has been taught was true if she and her way of life are going to survive. I loved this fierce tale of battle, belief, and transformation. Eelyne is a brutal and poweful fighter, like Wonder Woman but more vicious. the battle scenes are bloody, and the relationship are messy. You can't help being fascinating by this fascinating and original tale. Highly recommended!
The Game Can't Love You Back by Karole Cozzo
Eve has learned to stay strong under intense pressure. She is a a all-season athlete, but she is most known for being the star female pitcher for her high school's baseball team. Her success on the field has earned her the respect of the guys on her team, and the public either loves or loathes her presence on the field. Eve doesn't care what people say. She loves the game and wants to keep playing as long as possible. When her school is forced to combine with the neighboring town, Eve suddenly has to prove herself all over again. Jamie, the star pitcher on the new team, is not happy to share the spotlight with a girl. His attempts to scare her off backfire, and instead, Jamie and his team begin to respect Eve's grit and determination. As antagonism becomes attraction, can both Eve and Jamie win in the game of love and baseball? This sports romance had the perfect mix of unique characters, steamy romance, and heart that make me want to forget the world and fall into a book. Highly recommended!
Eve has learned to stay strong under intense pressure. She is a a all-season athlete, but she is most known for being the star female pitcher for her high school's baseball team. Her success on the field has earned her the respect of the guys on her team, and the public either loves or loathes her presence on the field. Eve doesn't care what people say. She loves the game and wants to keep playing as long as possible. When her school is forced to combine with the neighboring town, Eve suddenly has to prove herself all over again. Jamie, the star pitcher on the new team, is not happy to share the spotlight with a girl. His attempts to scare her off backfire, and instead, Jamie and his team begin to respect Eve's grit and determination. As antagonism becomes attraction, can both Eve and Jamie win in the game of love and baseball? This sports romance had the perfect mix of unique characters, steamy romance, and heart that make me want to forget the world and fall into a book. Highly recommended!
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
In this reimagining of history, the Battle of Gettysburg ended not when the north won, when the dead on the battlefield began to walk. Suddenly, the Civil War became a fight to put down the dead. Americans had to let go of their differences to fight this almost unstoppable enemy. To help protect America's safety, the Negro and Native Reeducation Act was enacted, which requires African American and Native American children to be trained to put down the dead. Although Jane, the daughter of white plantation owner and her black lover, has excelled in her training, she has no desire to become an "attendant" and sacrifice herself to protect wealthy, white family. She simply wants to return home. As families in Baltimore go missing, Jane gets pulled into a dark plan whose charismatic leader is looking to make America great again, even if it kills everyone in the process. Jane is not one to go down without a fight, and she will stop at nothing to protect the people she loves. While this novel may be difficult to explain as it blends history, zombies, and social commentary, it is not hard to say that it is phenomenal. Jane is a confident and powerful girl, and her fight for her rights and the rights of others like her will make you cheer for her victory over ignorance and racism. Highly recommended!
In this reimagining of history, the Battle of Gettysburg ended not when the north won, when the dead on the battlefield began to walk. Suddenly, the Civil War became a fight to put down the dead. Americans had to let go of their differences to fight this almost unstoppable enemy. To help protect America's safety, the Negro and Native Reeducation Act was enacted, which requires African American and Native American children to be trained to put down the dead. Although Jane, the daughter of white plantation owner and her black lover, has excelled in her training, she has no desire to become an "attendant" and sacrifice herself to protect wealthy, white family. She simply wants to return home. As families in Baltimore go missing, Jane gets pulled into a dark plan whose charismatic leader is looking to make America great again, even if it kills everyone in the process. Jane is not one to go down without a fight, and she will stop at nothing to protect the people she loves. While this novel may be difficult to explain as it blends history, zombies, and social commentary, it is not hard to say that it is phenomenal. Jane is a confident and powerful girl, and her fight for her rights and the rights of others like her will make you cheer for her victory over ignorance and racism. Highly recommended!
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
When Jude was seven, she watched as a fairy knight murdered her parents and whisked she and her sisters to the fairy realm. Even though humans are despised by most fair folk, Jude has grown to love this dark and magical realm and longs to become a knight like her adoptive father. By becoming a knight, she will have the power to stop some of the most evil fairies, especially the cruel Prince Cardan, who delights in torturing her. When a horrific betrayal threatens to destroy her world, Jude will find out how far she is willing to go to make things right. This wicked and wonderful tale will ensnare you. Jude is brave and brutal as she fights not to be corrupted while fighting to the death to make the fairy realm better. As the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, Black makes the reader question what truly makes someone good or evil. Black knows how to create characters that grip you and a plot that will shock you. I can't wait to read the upcoming book in the series, The Wicked King, to see what new dark twists will happen. Highly recommended!
When Jude was seven, she watched as a fairy knight murdered her parents and whisked she and her sisters to the fairy realm. Even though humans are despised by most fair folk, Jude has grown to love this dark and magical realm and longs to become a knight like her adoptive father. By becoming a knight, she will have the power to stop some of the most evil fairies, especially the cruel Prince Cardan, who delights in torturing her. When a horrific betrayal threatens to destroy her world, Jude will find out how far she is willing to go to make things right. This wicked and wonderful tale will ensnare you. Jude is brave and brutal as she fights not to be corrupted while fighting to the death to make the fairy realm better. As the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, Black makes the reader question what truly makes someone good or evil. Black knows how to create characters that grip you and a plot that will shock you. I can't wait to read the upcoming book in the series, The Wicked King, to see what new dark twists will happen. Highly recommended!