I always love to read books that are amazing first off, but are also destined to be huge. That way when everyone’s clamoring for the next hot book I’ve already read it and can talk about it. If you’re going to read any YA books this October, here are two that I think are excellent. They are well-written, fresh, and made me want to read them in one sitting – which doesn’t happen very often!
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater – “There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.” Talk about starting a book with a compelling hook! But hooks must be backed with great characters, twists and turns, and a satisfying ending and Stiefvater delivers on all accounts. While there is one primary protagonist, Blue, daughter of a psychic with skills of her own, there are a whole plethora of interesting characters that Stiefvater manages to use to pull the plot along giving each one a unique personality without overshadowing the plot. And when Blue gets pulled into a world of mystery with the boy she’s prophesied to either kill or love, havoc breaks loose. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time!
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – Orphans Mal and Alina have grown up practically their entire lives together. Together they are traveling with the King’s army when they are forced to cross the Shadow Fold, a black slash across their beloved country filled with monsters that feed in the darkness. When Mal is attacked Alina calls upon a power she never knew she had to save him. Her power brings her to the attention of the Darkling, handsome leader of the Grisha, a skilled and magic-filled group trained to serve alongside the King’s army. But will her power be used to good or evil? This is a brilliant book that has already been optioned for a movie with the producer of the
Harry Potter movies at its helm. I can’t wait!
If you have any books you’ve absolutely loved recently I’d love to hear about them too. Happy reading!
