We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Genre: Adventure, Contemporary, Romance, Psychological Thriller
Format: Book, Ebook, Downloadable Audiobook
Plot: The book as a whole is about the Sinclair family who have great wealth. The grandparents own an island in which every summer their three daughters and all of their grandchildren come to visit and have fun together. The story revolves around cousins Cadence, Mirren, and Johnny, as well as Gat, Johnny’s cousin that by blood is unrelated to the Sinclairs. The four of them spend every summer together and are best friends until there is an accident that changes everything. The story goes through their relationships and memories, through love and trauma.
Review: Overall, I did enjoy this book. The build-up to the main plot twist was very long so for some people it might get boring but it is definitely worth it. The twist changed my entire perspective on the book and changed the meaning of everything (that is how influential and crazy it was). I do think that other teens would enjoy this book, especially those that love twisted endings. Its hard to put into words without giving anything away but I know for sure that it has an ending that you would never expect.
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~Alyssa, Teen Book Reviewer
Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry
Genre: Adventure, Dystopian Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Science Fiction
Format: E-book, Downloadable Audiobook
Plot: This book is a zombie thriller who’s main character is Joe Ledger. He is brought in to run a team out of a secret government program called the Department of Military Sciences (DMS). He and the rest of DMS are there to stop any major scientifically advanced weapons from being used on the public. They have to destroy a terrorist cell network that have figured out how to make a zombie plague.
Review: This book was really, really good. The entire series is genuinely one of my favorite series of books I’ve ever read. Even though I enjoy it, I don’t really know how others would see it because the plot is very difficult to understand and if you do, you still have to be into zombie horror stuff.
Rating:
~Jonathan, Teen Book Reviewer
Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow by Rainbow Rowell
Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance
Format: Book, Ebook, Audiobook
Plot: Simon Snow is the most powerful magician in the world. He is the Chosen One who will save the future of magic; except he can’t control his power. Watch as he and his friends solve the mystery of the evil Insidious Humdrum all while dealing with his bitter rival and roommate Baz. The good are not always good and the bad are not always bad; everything resolves itself in the end…with a twist. Bad things may happen, but you have to remember to always carry on.
Review: This book is one you will not be able to put down. It is a little confusing at first, since so much information is revealed and it is slow to start but it is worth it in the end. A thrilling story with plot twists and an unforgettable romance; I’d recommend this book to anyone, especially fans of the Harry Potter series as there are many similarities. The author has gotten the nature of teenagers spot on and she definitely puts a modern twist on the witches and wizards of fairy tales. This book has such an important message and amazing representation. It is a great read for all teenagers.
Rating
~Natalia, Teen Book Reviewer
The Tower of Nero by Rick Riordan
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Format: Ebook, Downloadable Audiobook
Plot: Apollo is on the last leg of his journey, almost ready to become a god again. He and his demigod friend, Meg, have traveled the U.S. freeing oracles from Python’s grasp and destroying the evil emperors of the Triumvirate. Now they are back in New York, ready to face Nero, the most powerful emperor and Meg’s ex-stepfather. With their friends at Camp Half-Blood, what could go wrong? Will they succeed in defeating Nero? Will Apollo survive and finally take down Python, his greatest nemesis? Will he live to reclaim his throne on Mount Olympus?
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I think it was a great way to end the Trials of Apollo series. Any teen that enjoyed the Percy Jackson series would love this. I would recommend this book to any lover of Rick Riordan’s works; it is funny and tells such a deep message about acceptance that many teens struggle with. The ending is so sweet and will leave you in tears. Overall, it is such a wonderful story to read.
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~Natalia, Teen Book Reviewer
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Format: Book
Plot: Kaz Brekker, a feared gang leader, is given the job of breaking into the most secure building in the world and stealing a wanted man, who is the creator of a drug that will change everything. He assembles a team of five other outcasts, each with their own problems to complete the job and collect the huge reward. Unfortunately, they must overcome many challenges on the way: they have to outrun rivals, deal with past trauma, and keep each other safe, all while staying under the radar of the government. Deals are broken, plans are rethought, and many other surprises await these six. Will they make it in time?
Review: I love this book. There is no other book that includes such a well-orchestrated diverse group of characters. This book shines a new light on disabilities, both mental and physical, without making them the main theme of the story. This is a must-read book for any fantasy-loving teen, it has an addicting plot with twists and turns at every corner. Trust me, you’ll love it.
Rating
~Natalia, Teen Book Reviewer
Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott
Genre: Romance
Format: Book, Ebook, Audiobook
Plot: Two teens are in love, but there is one thing keeping them apart. They are both hospitalized with cystic fibrosis. They can’t be closer than five feet apart without risking cross contamination. The novel dissects their love story, and whether or not they ever touch.
Review: I liked the book and did not like it at the same time. I personally loved the concept, and liked reading about both of their experiences. However, I wanted more of the book to be based around their romance, and less about their personal lives.
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~Michelle, Teen Book Reviewer
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