Glint

Glint (Plated Prisoner #2) 

By Raven Kennedy 

Independently published, 2021. 462 pages. Fantasy 

Auren has lived in King Midas’s golden castle for ten years (GILD), but now she’s being held prisoner by Fourth Kingdom’s army. As Midas’s favored, Auren is the main bargaining chip, but Commander Rip, known for his brutality on the battlefield and viciousness, wants her to realize that Midas isn’t as good and kind as she’s been led to believe in her gilded cage. In the game of kings and armies, Auren is the gilded pawn. The question is, an she out maneuver them? 

For fans of slow-burn romantasies, mythology retellings, and court intrigue, the Plated Prisoner series is one to try out. I was really frustrated with Auren in Gild because of her naïveté with Midas, but in Glint she’s starting to question the life she’s lived (essentially that of a manipulated and abused pet) and realize that she’s not a toy to be played with, or a tool to be used. She’s actually a powerful woman, with a voice, and she deserves far better than what Midas is giving her. Enter Commander Rip who is pushing her to question everything and train her abilities, and I’m so ready for the “villain gets the girl” trope. 

If you liked Glint, you might also like: 

The Book of Azrael

By Amber V. Nicole 

Kensington Publishing Corp, 2022. 598 pages. Fantasy 

A thousand years ago, Dianna gave up her life to save her sister, unknowingly binding herself to Kaden, a monster worse than any nightmare. Now she must retrieve a relic from the creatures hunting her. Once Samkiel, now Liam, the World Ender returns to a realm he swore off after the Gods War. As old enemies resurface, Dianna and Liam must unite to save their world—and every realm in between. 

The Serpent and the Wolf

By Rebecca Robinson 

Saga Press, 2024. 346 pages. Fantasy 

As a dark magic awakens within her, Vaasa Kozar struggles against the political machinations of her ruthless brother and finds her arranged marriage to the equally ruthless Reid of Mireh growing into something greater, threatening to play havoc with the competing agendas that swirl around it. 

ACS

Legends and Lattes

Legends and Lattes

By Travis Baldree 

Tor, 2022. 294 pages. Fantasy 

Come take a load off at Viv's cafe, the first & only coffee shop in Thune. Grand opening! Worn out after decades of packing steel and raising hell, Viv, the orc barbarian, cashes out of the warrior's life with one final score. A forgotten legend, a fabled artifact, and an unreasonable amount of hope lead her to the streets of Thune, where she plans to open the first coffee shop the city has ever seen. However, her dreams of a fresh start filling mugs instead of swinging swords are hardly a sure bet. Old frenemies and Thune's shady underbelly may just upset her plans. To finally build something that will last, Viv will need some new partners, and a different kind of resolve. 

I really loved the premise of this book: an experienced orc barbarian, weary of dungeon crawling and fighting, decides to open a café and start a quiet life. And it was done so well! I was absolutely charmed by the characters. This is truly a cozy fantasy full of excellent but not overwhelming world-building, a few side-quests, and the challenges of starting a small business in an area that has no idea what your product is. The plot felt very well paced, and it was hard to put down because the characters were that lovely. I can easily recommend this to someone looking for a light fantasy, perhaps a D&D fan, or someone looking for a gentle entrance to the fantasy genre. 

If you liked Legends and Lattes, you might also like: 

The Keeper of Magical Things 

By Julie Leong 

Ace Books, 2025. 358 pages. Fantasy 

Certainty Bulrush longs to be useful—to her mage Guild, her younger brother, and anyone in need—but her weak magic hasn’t helped much. When she gets a chance to earn full mage status through a simple assignment, she jumps at it, despite having to partner with Aurelia, a brilliant but off-putting overachiever. Their task: transport minor magical artifacts to Shpelling, a quiet, unremarkable village, and keep things running smoothly. As they sort enchanted odds and ends and settle into village life, Certainty and Aurelia begin to connect with the townspeople—and each other. They soon question the Guild’s tight control over magic, wondering if sharing it might do more good. But with magic and growing attraction in play, complications may be unavoidable. 

Automatic Noodle 

By Annalee Newitz 

Tor, 2025. 163 pages. Science Fiction 

You don't have to eat food to know the way to a city's heart is through its stomach. So, when a group of deactivated robots come back online in an abandoned ghost kitchen, they decide to make their own way doing what they know: making food--the tastiest hand-pulled noodles around--for the humans of San Francisco, who are recovering from a devastating war. But when their robot-run business starts causing a stir, a targeted wave of one-star reviews threatens to boil over into a crisis. To keep their doors open, they'll have to call on their customers, their community, and each other--and find a way to survive and thrive in a world that wasn't built for them.

ACS

Beautyland

Beautyland  

By Marie-Helene Bertino 

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2024. 326 pages. Science Fiction 

At the moment when Voyager 1 is launched into space carrying its famous golden record, a baby of unusual perception is born to a single mother in Philadelphia. Adina Giorno is tiny and jaundiced, but reaches for warmth and light. As a child, she recognizes that she is different; she also possesses knowledge of a faraway planet. The arrival of a fax machine enables her to contact her extraterrestrial relatives, beings who have sent her to report on the oddities of earthlings. For years, as she moves through the world and makes a life for herself among humans, she dispatches transmissions on the terrors and surprising joys of their existence. But at a precarious moment, a beloved friend urges Adina to share her messages with the world. Is there a chance she is not alone? 

This is such a lovely story that had me looking at life and my experiences in the world a little differently. If extraterrestrials were to look at humanity, how strange we must seem, or more specifically, the United States, since this character lives in the USA. Adina both is, and is not, human. Seeing her try to relay her meaningful experiences to her home planet has a unique charm, especially when she’s a child. Additionally, Adina’s story spans a lifetime, and certain pivotal moments (like 9/11) reminded me of how I perceived and processed those big events personally. This was a fast-paced, lyrical, witty, and thought-provoking story. I would easily recommend this for adults who enjoy character-driven literary fiction, especially those with memories of the 80s, 90s, and 00s. 

If you liked Beautyland, you might also like: 

Annie Bot  

By Sierra Greer 

Mariner Books, 2024. 231 pages. Science Fiction 

Annie Bot was created to be the perfect girlfriend for her human owner Doug. Designed to satisfy his emotional and physical needs. True, she's not the greatest at keeping Doug's place spotless, but she's trying to please him. Doug says he loves that Annie's AI makes her seem more like a real woman, so Annie explores human traits such as curiosity, secrecy, and longing. But becoming more human also means becoming less perfect, and as Annie's relationship with Doug grows more intricate and difficult, she starts to wonder: Does Doug really desire what he says he wants? And in such an impossible paradox, what does Annie owe herself? 

Toward Eternity  

By Anton Hur 

Harper Via, 2024. 244 pages. Science Fiction 

In a near-future world, a new technological therapy is quickly eradicating cancer: The body's cells are entirely replaced with nanites--robot or android cells that not only cure those afflicted but leave them virtually immortal. At the same time, literary researcher Yonghun teaches an AI how to understand poetry and creates a living, thinking machine he names Panit, meaning "Beloved," in honor of his husband. When Dr. Beeko, who holds the patent to the nano-therapy technology, learns of Panit, he transfers its consciousness into an android body, giving it freedom and life. As Yonghun, Panit, and other nano humans thrive--and begin to replicate--their development will lead them to a crossroads and a choice with existential consequences. 

ACS

Betting on You

Betting on You

By Lynn Painter 

Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2023. 425 pages. Young Adult 

Seventeen-year-old Bailey isn’t excited to start a new job at a hotel waterpark—especially when she discovers an old acquaintance, Charlie, is a coworker. The two clashed a year earlier during Bailey’s emotional move after her parents’ divorce, and they’re still opposites now. Yet, as they bond over gossiping about guests and coworkers, Bailey finds herself enjoying Charlie’s company. When they make a bet over whether a flirty pair will actually get together, Charlie argues that boys and girls can’t be just friends, while Bailey is determined to prove him wrong. As they track other people’s romances, Charlie hides his growing feelings for Bailey. Fake dating to appease Bailey’s mom only complicates things, blurring the line between pretense and reality. But Charlie is keeping a secret—one that could jeopardize everything before their relationship truly begins. 

First, can I just say how I love the way the book cover depicts Bailey and Charlie’s journey? It’s adorable and very fitting. Like so many YA romances, there are plenty of ups, downs, and please just communicate! moments. Still, I’m a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and fake dating tropes. I breezed through this 400+ page book, probably because it’s so fast-paced and had a lot of wit and banter that kept me chuckling. Bailey and Charlie struggle with the divorce of each of their parents, but find a sense of solace in their shared experiences that brings them closer together. I really loved their journeys individually, together, as well as with their friends and family. I would easily recommend this to someone looking for a nice, YA contemporary romance. 

If you liked Betting on You, you might also like: 

Hot Dog Girl

By Jennifer Dugan 

G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2019. 311 pages. Young Adult 

A lovesick teenager schemes to win the heart of her crush at her amusement park summer job, all while dressed as a hot dog. 

The Right Side of Reckless

By Whitney D. Grandison 

Inkyard Press, 2021. 405 pages. Young Adult 

Working at the local community center, Guillermo Lozano meets the one girl who is off limits, and as friendship—and something more—blossoms between them, he decides to break the rules and be a little bit reckless. 

ACS

The Rose Bargain

The Rose Bargain 

By Sasha Peyton Smith 

Harper, 2025. 385 pages. Young Adult 

For four hundred years, England has been under the control of an immortal fae queen who tricked her way onto the throne. To maintain an illusion of benevolence, Queen Mor grants each of her subjects one opportunity to bargain for their deepest desire. As Ivy Benton prepares to make her debut, she knows that not even a deal with the queen could fix what has gone wrong: Her family's social standing is in shambles, her sister is a shadow of her former self, and Ivy's marriage prospects are nonexistent. So, when the queen announces a competition for Prince Bram's hand, Ivy is the first to sign her name in blood. Ivy soon finds herself a surprising front-runner—with the help of an unexpected ally: Prince Bram's brother, the rakish Prince Emmett, who promises to help Ivy win his brother's heart...for a price. 

Someone recommended this book to me, but I can’t remember who, and I’m so glad they did! I really enjoyed this young adult romantasy. Set in 1840s England, it’s a fun blend of fantasy, romance, a dash of battle royale, all wrapped with a bow of court intrigue. It’s fast-paced and suspenseful, which kept me going after I’d been in a pretty solid reading slump. The worst part about reading this book is that it’s the first in a series, and I read it before the next book’s release! Easily recommended by me, The Rose Bargain is a clever, compulsively readable start to a series that knows exactly how to enchant, and how to leave you wanting more. 

If you liked The Rose Bargain, you might also like: 

The Selection 

By Kiera Cass 

HarperTeen, 2012. 327 pages. Young Adult

America Singer is chosen to compete in the Selection--a contest to see which girl can win the heart of Illea's prince--but all she really wants is a chance for a future with her secret love, Aspen, who is a caste below her. 

The Cruel Prince 

By Holly Black 

Little, Brown and Company, 2018. 370 pages. Young Adult 

Jude, seventeen and mortal, gets tangled in palace intrigues while trying to win a place in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, where she and her sisters have lived for a decade. 

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The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England

The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England 

By Brandon Sanderson

Tor Publishing Group, 2023. 366 pages. Fantasy 

A man awakes in a clearing in what appears to be medieval England with no memory of who he is, where he came from, or why he is there. Chased by a group from his own time, his sole hope for survival lies in regaining his missing memories, making allies among the locals, and perhaps even trusting in their superstitious boasts. His only help from the "real world" should have been a guidebook entitled The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, except his copy exploded during transit. The few fragments he managed to save provide clues to his situation, but can he figure them out in time to survive? 

This is a fun blend of science fiction and fantasy. It feels very sci-fi with the time-travel, multiple dimensions, and the corporation that employs those aspects to create a unique experience for their clients. And yet, there are fantasy elements that slip their way in. The book is a fast-paced, comedic romp through Medieval England, full of adventure and mystery as the protagonist tries to regain his memories and figure out why he’s there in the first place. With so many different genres blended into one, this book was a fun experience, though perhaps not as enjoyable as a custom dimension in Medieval England. 

If you liked The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, you might also like: 

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 

By Douglas Adams 

Harmony Books, 1979. 215 pages. Science Fiction 

Arthur Dent’s day starts with his house being demolished—then the Earth is destroyed, and he learns his best friend is an alien. Armed with only a towel, a fish, and a strange book called The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Arthur is swept into a chaotic adventure across the universe. Fortunately, the book’s cover offers one piece of solid advice: DON’T PANIC. If you liked the sci-fi, comedy, guidebook, and adventure aspects of Sanderson’s work, this is a classic that undoubtedly influenced the project. 

Project Hail Mary 

By Andy Weir 

Ballantine Books, 2021. 476 pages. Science Fiction

Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he's there—only to slowly realize he's humanity's last hope against an extinction-level threat. As his memories return, he must complete an impossible mission, with help from an unexpected ally. If you like the sci-fi, humor, problem solving, and amnesia aspect of Sanderson’s book, this is another great option. 

ACS

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment 

By Arushi Avachat 

Wednesday Books, 2024. 314 pages. Young Adult 

Arya Khanna’s life takes a Bollywood turn when her sister Alina gets engaged, bringing the family together for shaadi preparations. Arya tries to put aside her resentment towards Alina, mediates family conflicts, and welcomes her future brother-in-law, despite the tension. At school, Arya’s senior year is unraveling as she deals with a breakup between her best friends and a frustrating partnership with her rival, Dean Merriweather. While balancing family and school, Arya learns tough lessons about growing up, including the changing dynamics of her family and friendships. In the end, she discovers that sometimes unexpected people can offer a glimpse of the happiness she dreams of. 

This is a charming contemporary romance full of likeable characters that plays out like a Bollywood film. I loved the rich Punjabi culture, food mentions, and a plethora of Bollywood film recommendations. Navigating relationships in high school is its own challenge, whether it’s friends or family, and the author captured that struggle expertly. If you’re in the mood for a light, contemporary romance, this is it. 

If you liked Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment, you might also like: 

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating 

By Adiba Jaigirdar 

Page Street Publishing Co., 2021. 345 pages. Young Adult 

Hani Khan, a popular high school student, comes out as bisexual but faces rejection from her friends, leading her to lie about being in a relationship with Ishita "Ishu" Dey, a serious and academic overachiever. In exchange for Hani's help with her popularity, Ishu agrees to pretend to be in a relationship, but the two girls begin to develop genuine feelings for each other. As their relationship deepens, they must navigate external challenges and cultural obstacles to find their happily ever after. 

Stay with My Heart

By Tashie Bhuiyan 

Inkyard Press, 2024. 376 pages. Young Adult 

Accidentally sabotaging an up-and-coming local band, music fanatic Liana Sarkar makes it her mission to secretly undo the damage she's caused, but when she falls for the lead singer, she finds it harder to hide the truth. 

ACS

Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm (Empyrean #3)

By Rebecca Yarros 

Red Tower Books, 2025. 527 pages. Fantasy 

After nearly 18 months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there's no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it's impossible to know who to trust. Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves--her dragons, her family, her home, and him. Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find--the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath. 

In this third installment of the Empyrean series, Yarros has expanded her world even further, both in terms of territory covered, and individual characters. With so many names and places it can be a challenge to keep everything straight, but it works with the scope of the story she’s telling. This is the midpoint of the series, so it’s clear there’s a lot of setup for what is to come, but each stop Violet and crew makes on their journey in OS is action-packed, suspenseful, and enriches the world. I immediately had to start rereading FOURTH WING as soon as I finished Onyx Storm, just so I could look for the breadcrumbs of foreshadowing that were left earlier in the series. 

If you liked Onyx Storm, you might also like: 

The Serpent & the Wings of Night  

By Carissa Broadbenty 

Bramble, 2023. 464 pages. Fantasy 

Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, enters the deadly Kejari tournament to prove she’s more than prey, facing fierce warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, she forms an uneasy alliance with the dangerous and mysterious Raihn, a ruthless vampire who may be both her greatest threat and her unexpected attraction. 

When the Moon Hatched  

By Sarah A. Parker 

Avon, 2022. 547 pages. Fantasy 

Raeve, an assassin for the rebellion group F́íur du Ath, is captured by powerful fae after a rival bounty hunter disrupts her life, leading her into a political nightmare. Meanwhile, Kaan Vaegor, haunted by the loss of his love, finds himself on a quest that leads him to Raeve's prison, where their tangled past resurfaces. 

ACS

The House of My Mother

The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom 

By Shari Franke 

Gallery Books, 2025. 320 pages. Memoir 

Shari Franke's childhood was marked by a constant struggle for survival under her mother's strict and oppressive rule. Ruby Franke, who cultivated a perfect family image on their popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, hid a much darker, tyrannical parenting style behind the scenes. As the family's fame grew, Ruby's delusions of righteousness intensified, leading her to adopt even harsher disciplinary tactics. Influenced by relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby and Jodi implemented a cruel and unforgiving regime on Shari and her siblings. 

Wow. Listening to this audiobook, read by the author, was gut-wrenching. I came across the 8 Passengers channel years ago and fell for the sham. I assumed (wrongly) that the family were all happy and willing participants in Ruby’s vlogs, and now learning the extent of what was happening behind the camera makes me sick. Shari’s raw honesty not just about her family’s actions and inactions, but also the greater psychological impact that had on her, is devastating. Despite the mental and emotional scars that mar her life, Shari’s story is one of strength, resilience, and hope for a brighter future. The short chapters and fast-pace of events makes this hard to put down. Highly recommended. 

If you liked The House of My Mother, you might also like: 

Counting the Cost  

By Jill Duggar 

Gallery Books, 2023. 271 pages. Memoir 

For the first time, discover the unedited truth about the Duggars, the traditional Christian family that captivated the nation on TLC's hit show 19 Kids and Counting, as they share their story, revealing the secrets, manipulation, and intimidation behind the show that remained hidden from their fans. 

I’m Glad My Mom Died  

By Jennette McCurdy 

Simon & Schuster, 2022. 320 pages. Memoir 

The iCarly and Sam & Cat star, after her controlling mother dies, gets the help she needs to overcome eating disorders, addiction and unhealthy relationships--and finally decides what she really wants for the first time in her life. 

ACS

Kill Her Twice

Kill Her Twice 

By Stacey Lee 

G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2024. 390 pages. Young Adult 

In 1932 Los Angeles, Lulu Wong, a famous movie star from Chinatown, is found dead. The Chow sisters, Lulu’s former classmates and neighbors, recognize her body. Suspecting foul play and a potential cover-up, the sisters are frustrated by the police’s lack of interest and the powerful forces seeking to frame the murder as evidence of Chinatown's criminality. With the neighborhood’s future at stake, they decide to investigate Lulu's death on their own, hoping to uncover the truth. However, their quest for justice soon puts them in grave danger as they draw closer to the killer. 

This is an intricately plotted and suspenseful read that fans of the Stacey Lee’s other works are sure to enjoy. The two eldest Chow sisters take turns narrating the novel, which is clearly distinguished by the reserved and careful nature of May, and the bold recklessness of Gemma. As happens with siblings of such different personalities they occasionally clash, but their shared determination to find out what happened to Lulu drives them forward. Fans of YA historical mysteries are sure to be pleased. 

If you liked Kill Her Twice, you might also like: 

Foul Lady Fortune 

By Chloe Gong 

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2022. 511 pages. Young Adult 

In 1931 Shanghai, two Nationalist spies pose as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders causing unrest in the city. 

The Silver Blonde

By Elizabeth Ross 

Delacorte Press, 2021. 388 pages. Young Adult 

In 1946 Hollywood, 18-year-old Clara Berg dreams of becoming a film editor and going on a real date with handsome yet unpredictable screenwriter Gil, until she stumbles upon a murder mystery. 

ACS

Snowglobe

Snowglobe 

By Soyoung Park 

Delacorte PRess, 2024. 372 pages. Young Adult 

Snowglobe is a climate-controlled city surrounded by a frozen wasteland, where its citizens live in safety and comfort while their lives are broadcast 24/7 to the less fortunate outside. Chobahm, a devoted viewer of the city’s television programming, dreams of a life like the stars she watches, especially Goh Haeri, Snowglobe’s biggest star. When Haeri dies, Chobahm is chosen to take her place, but life inside Snowglobe is far from the glamorous illusion she expected. As she navigates this new reality, Chobahm uncovers dark secrets, realizing that the truth behind Snowglobe is hidden, and the perfect society is far from it. 

This was an action-packed, complexly plotted dystopia that includes the richness of Korean culture. The cast of characters is quite large, so that can feel a bit overwhelming and hard to follow, but it adds layers to the story since everyone has their own unique perspectives about Snowglobe. If you enjoy YA dystopias, mysteries, and K-media, this is a book you won’t want to miss. 

If you liked Snowglobe, you might also like: 

This Is Not the Real World 

By Anna Carey 

Quirk Books, 2022. 283 pages. Young Adult 

After months of living in the outside world, Jess Flynn returns to the reality show she was unknowingly trapped in for most of her life to expose the dark truth about the production company behind the show. 

Into the Sunken City 

By Dinesh Thiru 

HarperTeen, 2024. 347 pages. Young Adult 

In a world where the rain never stops, impoverished Jin Haldar is offered the score of a lifetime--a massive stash of gold hidden in the sunken ruins of Las Vegas and must do what she promised herself she'd never do again: dive.

ACS

Come Home Safe

Come Home Safe 
By Brian Buckmire
Blink, 2023. 199 pages. Young Adult 

On the subway ride home, Reed just wants to watch videos of his soccer idol, but then police officers question him about a suspect who matches his description. With tact and poise, Reed defends himself while his sister, Olive, films the interaction. Ultimately, they know there is no easy way out of this conflict. In another instance, this time at a café, a woman accuses Olive of stealing her phone and demands to see it. Startled and indignant, Olive watches as the crowd forms and does nothing to help, even as the woman attempts to weaponize the police against her. 

Come Home Safe is the tale of two biracial siblings who know their rights and do all the right things, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re still targeted and face racial biases for simply having dark skin. The teens’ dad is a black public defender (much like the author) who has instructed them on what to do in difficult situations with the police, making this both an instructive and enlightening read. I really appreciated the author’s ability to make me feel so frustrated for these teens, and give me a lot to think about in relatively few pages. I can easily recommend this to anyone looking for some good realistic fiction, especially is you enjoy works that focus on social justice issues. 

If you liked Come Home Safe, you might also like: 

Dear Martin 

By Nic Stone Crown, 2017. 210 pages. Young Adult 

Writing letters to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 17-year-old college-bound Justyce McAllister struggles to face the reality of race relations today and how they are shaping him. 

Invisible Son 

By Kim Johnson 

Random House, 2023. 404 pages. Young Adult 

After spending two months in a juvenile detention center for a crime he did not commit, 17-year-old Andre Jackson returns home and tries to adapt to a Covid-19 world and find his missing best friend. 

ACS

Dungeons and Drama

Dungeons and Drama 

By Kristy Boyce 

Delacorte Press, 2024. 297 pages. Young Adult 

Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway ... but when Riley takes her mom's car without permission, she's grounded and stuck with the worst punishment: spending her after-school hours working at her dad's game shop. Riley can't waste her time working ... so she convinces Nathan--a nerdy teen employee--to cover her shifts and, in exchange, she'll flirt with him to make his gamer-girl crush jealous ... Soon, Riley starts to think that flirting with Nathan doesn't require as much acting as she would've thought. 

This is definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year. The characters are likable, it’s sweet, it’s funny, and it was hard to put down. The dynamics between Riley and her parents was interesting, and it felt quite authentic. I love that when Riley gets roped into playing D&D, she makes her character a Bard and serenades her group with show tunes when the time is right. As someone learning a bit more about D&D, this book helped me learn and understand the game better in an incredibly fun way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, light-hearted teen romance. 

If you liked Dungeons and Drama, you might also like: 

The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway  

By Ashley Schumacher 

Wednesday Books, 2023. 310 pages. Young Adult 

Raised in the ren faire circuit, 17-year-old Madeline is grieving the loss of her mother when she meets Arthur, the son of the faire's new owners, who encourages her to go on adventures, take chances, and enjoy life. 

With a Little Luck  

By Marissa Meyer 

Feiwel and Friends, 2024. 360 pages. Young Adult 

Jude is a quiet high schooler who loves drawing comics, playing D&D, and working at his parents' vinyl store, aiming to stay out of the spotlight. When he suddenly gains a stroke of supernatural good luck, his dreams start coming true—his art is published, his friend's song becomes a finalist, and he wins concert tickets to ask out his longtime crush. However, as he grapples with his good fortune, Jude begins questioning whether he’s chasing the right girl. 

ACS

Sky's End

Sky’s End  

By Marc J. Gregson 

Peachtree Teen, 2024. 403 pages. Young Adult 

Exiled to live as a Low, 16-year-old Conrad refuses to become heir to his murderous uncle. But Meritocracy is a harsh and unforgiving rule on the floating island of Holmstead, and when his ailing mother is killed by monstrous gorgantauns, Conrad cuts a deal to save the only family he has left. To rescue his sister from his uncle's clutches, Conrad must enter the Selection of the Twelve Trades. Hunter, the deadliest of all the Trades, gains a fresh recruit with Conrad. Now he must endure vigorous training, manipulative peers, and the Gauntlet--a brutal final test that yields riches and status to whichever skyship crew kills the most gorgantauns. Forced to serve in the lowest of stations and unseen by all, Conrad overhears whispers of rebellion in the dark. Conrad had never known anything existed below the toxic black clouds of the Skylands... until now. 

This book has been on my to-read list for a while because of it’s multiple positive professional reviews, but by the time I’d started it I had entirely forgotten the premise so I went into this book not knowing what it was about. There was a lot of backstory in the beginning so it took a little while for me to get into it… but as soon as the action started I was sucked in. It was suspenseful, action-packed, fast-paced, had witty characters, the world was fascinating, and overall was just a fantastic read and hard for me to put down. If you like YA sci-fi/fantasy that really packs a punch and keeps you turning pages, I can’t recommend this one enough. 

If you liked Sky’s End, you might also like: 

 

Monsters Born and Made 

By Tanvi Berwah 

Sourcebooks Fire, 2022. 343 pages. Young Adult 

To ensure her family's survival, sixteen-year-old Koral cheats her way into the Glory Race, a dangerous chariot tournament using sea monsters meant for the ruling elite. 

The Sunbearer Trials  

By Aiden Thomas 

Feiwel and Friends, 2022. 405 pages. Young Adult 

Chosen to participate in The Sunbearer Trials, where the loser is sacrificed to refuel the Sun Stones, Teo, the 17-year-old trans son of the goddess of birds, must compete against more powerful and better trained opponents for fame, glory and his own survival. 

ACS

Into the Sunken City

Into the Sunken City 

By Dinesh Thiru 

Harperteen, 2024. 347 pages. Young Adult 

In the slowly sinking city of Coconino, Arizona, the days are long, the money is tight, and the rain never stops. For Jin Haldar, this life is nothing new—ever since her father died in a diving accident, she's barely made ends meet for her and her younger sister, Thara. Enter Bhili: a drifter who offers Jin and Thara the score of a lifetime—a massive stash of gold hidden in the sunken ruins of Las Vegas. Jin knows it's too dangerous. She stopped diving after her father's accident. But when her sister decides to go, Jin's left with only one choice: to go with her. A high-stakes heist ensues that's beyond even Jin's wildest fears. Crumbling ruins, sea beasts, corsairs, and a mysterious figure named João Silva all lie in wait. To survive, Jin will have to do what she promised herself she'd never do again: dive. 

I really loved the world building in this novel, and the diving (particularly in Las Vegas) reminded me of the video game HOIRZON: FORBIDDEN WEST (not to mention the theme of climate change apocalypse). This novel was action-packed, fast-paced, and kept the tension high throughout. I felt like it was a really nice genre blend of action, adventure, apocalypse fiction, heist, and a bit of romance. 

If you liked Into the Sunken City, you might also like: 

Atlantia 

By Ally Condie 

Dutton Books, 2014. 298 pages. Young Adult 

Rio has always dreamed of leaving the underwater city of Atlantia for life in the Above; however, when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, Rio is left stranded below where she must find a way to unlock the secrets of the siren voice she has long hidden and save Atlantia from destruction. 

Fable

By Adrienne Young 

Wednesday Books, 2020. 353 pages. Young Adult 

Seventeen-year-old Fable joins the young, motley crew of the Marigold to escape the island where her father abandoned her, but she quickly realizes life off the island is more dangerous than she imaged. 

ACS

The Blood Years

The Blood Years 

By Elana K. Arnold 

Balzer + Bray, 2023. 390 pages. Young Adult 

Set in 1939 Romania, Frederieke Teitler and her older sister, Astra, live in a house, in a city, in a world divided. Their father ran out on them when Rieke was only six, leaving their mother a wreck and their grandfather as their only stable family. He's done his best to provide for them and shield them from antisemitism, but now, seven years later, being a Jew has become increasingly dangerous. And when Astra falls in love and starts pulling away from her, Rieke wonders if there's anything in her life she can count on. Then-war breaks out in Europe. Almost overnight, Rieke and Astra's world changes, and every day becomes a struggle: to keep their grandfather's business, to keep their home, to keep their lives. 

I appreciate that this novel highlights the effects of the Holocaust and WWII in an area outside of Germany. It’s a very thought-provoking and emotionally intense read as Rieke sees her neighbors gradually disappear, and starts to pick up on what’s happening around her and how her world has changed. At the same time, she’s dealing with her own physical changes as she’s going through adolescence, but her mother hasn’t provided any sort of guidance on what to expect or do for something as common as a period. Rieke feels like a realistic early teen girl, and I appreciate that authenticity. 

If you liked The Blood Years, you might also like: 

I Must Betray You

By Ruta Sepetys 

Philomel Books, 2023. 319 pages. Young Adult 

Romania, 1989. Communist regimes are crumbling across Europe. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren't free to dream; they are bound by rules and force. Amidst the tyrannical dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu in a country governed by isolation and fear, Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer. He's left with only two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves--or use his position to creatively undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe. Cristian risks everything to unmask the truth behind the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. He eagerly joins the revolution to fight for change when the time arrives. But what is the cost of freedom? 

Girl in the Blue Coat 

By Monica Hesse 

Little, Brown and Company, 2016. 301 pages. Young Adult 

In 1943 Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, teenage Hanneke--a 'finder' of black market goods--is tasked with finding a Jewish girl a customer had been hiding, who has seemingly vanished into thin air, and is pulled into a web of resistance activities and secrets as she attempts to solve the mystery and save the missing girl. 

ACS

Bright Red Fruit

Bright Red Fruit 

By Safia Elhillo 

Make Me a World, 2024. 368 pages. Young Adult 

Samira is determined to have a perfect summer filled with fun parties, exploring DC, and growing as a poet--until a scandalous rumor has her grounded and unable to leave her house. When Samira turns to a poetry forum for solace, she catches the eye of an older, charismatic poet named Horus. For the first time, Samira feels wanted. But soon she's keeping a bigger secret than ever before--one that that could prove her reputation and jeopardize her place in her community. 

This was such and emotionally intense book, full of believable characters and realistic situations. Samira struggles to find her own place in the world under the watchful eye of her mother, so when she retreats to an internet forum and finds someone who expresses appreciation for her work, it’s no wonder she latches onto that approval. Yet, the reader sees the red flags. I really appreciated this thought-provoking coming-of-age novel. It reminded me of some of my own teen years and situations I could have fallen into, but managed to avoid, not fully recognizing the red flags in my own life. Very well done. 

If you liked Bright Red Fruit, you might also like: 

The Poet X

By Elizabeth Acevedo 

Harper Teen, 2018. 361 pages. Young Adult 

Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook. when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out, much less speak her words out loud. But still, she can’t stop thinking about performing her poems, because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent. 

Dear Medusa 

By Olivia A. Cole 

Labyrinth Road, 2023. 377 pages. Young Adult 

Sixteen-year-old Alicia Rivers has a reputation that precedes her. But there's more to her story than the whispers that follow her throughout the hallways at school--whispers that splinter into a million different insults that really mean: a girl who has had sex. But what her classmates don't know is that Alicia was abused by a popular teacher, and that trauma has rewritten every cell in her body into someone she doesn't recognize. To the world around her, she's been cast, like the mythical Medusa, as not the victim but the monster of her own story. Alicia was abandoned by her best friend, quit the track team, and now spends her days in detention feeling isolated and invisible. When mysterious letters left in her locker hint at another victim, Alicia struggles to keep up the walls she's built around her trauma. At the same time, her growing attraction to a new girl in school makes her question what those walls are really keeping out. 

 ACS