A cross between The Hunger Games (minus the bloodsport) and The Bachelor (minus the bloodsport), this trilogy launch employs multiple conventions of the dystopian romance genre—strong-willed heroine, heart-wrenching love triangle, far-future setting divided by class. That said, it’s a lot of fun. In a post WWIII U.S. divided by caste, teenage America Singer and her family are Fives, struggling musicians and artists. In love with a Six, America is headed for a life of servitude and hunger, until she is chosen for the Selection—a contest through which Prince Maxon will pick his princess. The Selection brings America instant notoriety and prestige, but also thrusts her into a ring of jealous, desperate girls all trying to win the prince’s heart. Cass (author of the self-published The Siren) deftly builds the chemistry between America and Maxon, while stoking the embers of America’s first, forbidden love. Headstrong and outspoken, America is an easy heroine to root for, and the scenes where she tries to fit in to her new royal life are charming. A TV drama based on the books is in production. Ages 13–up. Agent: Elana Roth, Red Tree Literary. (May)
If you’re anything like me, the new royal wedding is pretty much the only news you care about these days. But we have until May 2018 to wait until Prince Harry and Princess Meghan (sorry, I don’t care what the official rules say, she’s a princess!) tie the knot…so here are fifty royal reads to […]
There’s nothing better than a great book, except, of course, two great books. And even better than that is two books that belong together, and are just better experienced when read side by side. So in the spirit of helping you plan your reading weekend, here are 6 YAs that should be read one after the other.
People have been throwing parties based on their favorite books for years. Type “Harry Potter” into Pinterest and you’ll find hundreds of boards dedicated to the art of butter beer cupcakes and pumpkin pasties. And while I’d never turn down an invite to a Harry Potter party, there are other YA books out there that deserve […]
This is a month of thrilling returns: Stephenie Meyer is back, Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl spinoff is FINALLY here, and Miss Peregrine fans can now read her peculiar children’s story in one week-long binge. Other exciting new reads include a Victorian murder mystery and a futuristic invasion story told entirely in classified documents and other “found” ephemera. Here […]