THE HUNGER GAMES BY SUZANNE COLLINS
In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place in a brutal televised competition where teenagers must fight to the death. Katniss must rely on her wits and instincts to survive while challenging the oppressive regime.
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE BY J.K. ROWLING
A young wizard, Harry Potter, as he discovers his magical heritage and attends Hogwarts. Harry faces numerous challenges, including his ultimate nemesis, the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who is determined to dominate the wizarding and non-magical world.
PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF BY RICK RIODEN
It follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old demigod who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. The series blends Greek mythology with modern-day adventure as Percy and his friends embark on quests to prevent the rise of the Titans who threatens to overthrow the Olympians.
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS Y JOHN GREEN
Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenager with cancer, meets Augustus Waters at a support group. Their budding romance is complicated by illness and the fragility of life. This emotional story explores love, loss, and existential questions about life’s meaning.
THE MAZE RUNNER BY JAMES DASHNER
Set in a dystopian world where a group of teenagers find themselves trapped in a massive, ever-changing maze with no memory of their previous lives. As they search for a way out, they uncover secrets about their pasts, the world outside the maze, and the mysterious organization that put them there.
SIX OF CROWS BY LEIGH BARDUGO
This book follows six outcasts and criminals in a heist to pull off an impossible mission. Each character brings their unique skills and backstory, leading to an intricate plot filled with action, suspense, and emotional depth.
DIVERGENT BY VERONICA ROTH
The story follows 16-year-old Tris Prior, who learns she is “Divergent,” meaning she does not fit into just one faction. As she navigates her new life in the Dauntless faction, she uncovers a conspiracy to destroy Divergents and must fight to protect herself and those she loves.
A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES BY SARAH J. MAAS
This follows Feyre, a mortal huntress who is taken to a faerie realm as punishment for killing a fae wolf. There, she becomes entangled in a dangerous curse and must fight to save both her world and the fae while navigating her growing feelings for Tamlin, the fae lord who captured her.
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER BY STRPHEN CHBOSKY
A coming-of-age novel that follows Charlie, an introverted teenager, as he navigates high school, friendships, love, and trauma. Told through letters, the story captures his emotional growth, struggles with mental health, and the challenges of finding his place in the world.
THE BOOK THEIF BY MARKUS ZUSAK
Set in Nazi Germany, it follows Liesel, a young girl who steals books to escape the harsh realities of war. As she bonds with her foster family and a Jewish man hiding from the Nazis, she discovers the power of words. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
WE WERE LIARS BY E. LOCKHART
A psychological thriller that follows Cadence Sinclair, a wealthy teenager who spends her summers on her family’s private island. After suffering from amnesia following an accident, she returns to uncover the truth about her family’s dark secrets and the tragic events that occurred during her last summer with her friends, known as the Liars.
THRONE OF GLASS BY SARAH J. MAAS
It follows Celaena Sardothien, an assassin who is offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion. As she navigates the challenges of the competition and forms alliances, Celaena uncovers dark secrets about the kingdom and her own past.C
SHATTER ME BY TAHEREH MAFI
It follows Juliette Ferrars, a girl with a lethal touch that kills anyone she contacts. Imprisoned for her power, she struggles with isolation until she meets Adam, a guard with a mysterious connection to her. As she is drawn into a conflict with a tyrannical government, Juliette must confront her abilities and fight for her freedom, love, and identity.
RED QUEEN BY VICTORIA AVEYARD
Set in a world where commoners have red blood and the elite possess silver blood with abilities. It follows Mare Barrow, a red-blooded girl who has a unique power of her own. Caught in a web of political intrigue and rebellion, Mare must navigate betrayal and challenge the oppressive Silver elite while fighting for justice and her identity.
THE GIVER BY LOIS LOWRY
It follows Jonas, a boy in a dystopian society that values conformity over individuality. Chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, he learns about the depth of human emotions and experiences from the Giver. As he uncovers the truth behind his community’s sacrifices, Jonas faces a choice between accepting his controlled life or pursuing freedom.
TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE BY JENNY HAN
Lara Jean Covey, a high school junior whose secret love letters to her past crushes are accidentally mailed out. As she navigates the fallout, she enters a fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky, to save face. In the story, she explores love, friendship, and her own identity while confronting her feelings for both Peter and her former crushes.
THE CRUEL PRINCE BY HOLLY BLACK
Jude Duarte, a mortal girl living in the treacherous High Court of Faerie after her parents are murdered is determined to prove herself. She navigates the dangerous politics of the fae world. As she faces betrayal and power struggles, she must confront her ambitions and complex feelings for Cardan in a realm where trust is elusive.
TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN BY JOHN GREEN
It follows Aza Holmes, a 16-year-old girl struggling with mental illness. When her childhood friend, Davis, becomes the focus of a search for his missing billionaire father, Aza reconnects with him. As she navigates her condition and the complexities of love and friendship, she explores themes of anxiety, identity, and the impact of mental health on relations.
SCYTHE BY NEAL SHUSTERMAN
Set in a future where humanity has conquered death, and Scythes are tasked with controlling population by “gleaning” people. Teenagers Citra and Rowan are chosen as scythe apprentices and as they train, they grapple with the moral dilemmas of their potential positions. The story explores themes of life, death, and power in a world without natural mortality.
AN AMBER IN THE ASHES BY SABAA TAHIR
The story follows Laia, a scholar girl whose brother is arrested for treason, and Elias, a soldier who secretly wishes to escape his role. Laia agrees to spy for the Resistance in exchange for help rescuing her brother, while Elias contemplates desertion. As their paths cross, they are drawn into a larger rebellion, facing difficult choices about freedom, loyalty, and survival.
THE NIGHT CIRCUS BY ERIN MORGENTERN
A magical competition between two illusionists, Celia and Marco, who are bound by their mentors to duel within the mysterious Le Cirque des Rêves. As the circus evolves into their battleground, the two fall in love, complicating the stakes. Only one can survive the competition, but their bond threatens to unravel the fate of the circus.
THE LUNAR CHRONICLES BY MARISSA MEYER
A sci-fi book which follows Cinder, a cyborg, as she joins forces with other characters like Scarlet, Cress, and Winter to overthrow the evil Lunar Queen Levana. Together, they lead a rebellion to save Earth and the moon colony, Luna. The series blends fairy tale elements with themes of identity, revolution, and technology.
LEGEND BY MARIE LU
The story follows two teenagers: June, a military prodigy from an elite family, and Day, the Republic’s most wanted criminal. When June’s brother is murdered, Day is framed for the crime, and June is sent to hunt him down. As their paths collide, they uncover shocking truths about the Republic, leading them to question everything they know about their society.
THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS BY CASSANDRA CLARE
It follows Clary Fray, who discovers she’s a Shadowhunter, destined to fight demons. When her mother is kidnapped, Clary joins forces with other Shadowhunters, to stop the rogue villain Valentine. Along the way, she uncovers dark family secrets and navigates her new role in the supernatural world.
LOOKING FOR ALASKA BY JOHN GREEN
It follows Miles “Pudge” Halter, who attends a boarding school in search of a “Great Perhaps.” There, he befriends the enigmatic Alaska Young and becomes captivated by her wild, unpredictable nature. When a tragic event strikes, Miles and his friends are left to grapple with grief, guilt, and the meaning of Alaska’s life and death.
THE OUTSIDERS BY S.E. HINTON
It follows Ponyboy Curtis, a teenager from the poor “Greasers” gang, as he navigates life in conflict with the wealthier “Socs” (Socials). After a violent encounter leads to the death of a Soc, Ponyboy and his friend Johnny are forced into hiding, sparking a series of events that challenge their views on class, violence, and loyalty.
THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS AND SNAKES BY SUZANNE COLLINS
It follows a young Coriolanus Snow, who mentors District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird in the 10th Hunger Games. As he helps her survive, Snow begins to navigate the political landscape of the Capitol, fueling his ambition for power. His choices and growing ruthlessness set the stage for his eventual rise to becoming the tyrannical president of Panem.
ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES BY JENNIFER NIVEN
It follows Violet Markey and Theodore Finch, two high school students struggling with emotional pain. After a chance meeting on the school’s bell tower, where both contemplate suicide, they form a deep connection and embark on a journey to explore the hidden wonders of their state for a class project. As their bond grows, they help each other confront their inner struggles.
PAPER TOWNS BY JOHN GREEN
It follows Quentin “Q” Jacobsen, a high school senior who is in love with his enigmatic neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman. After Margo takes Q on an adventurous night of revenge, she mysteriously disappears the next day, leaving behind cryptic clues. Q embarks on a journey with his friends to find her, discovering more about Margo’s true self along the way.
SHADOW AND BONE BY LEIGH BARDUGO
It follows Alina Starkov, who discovers she has a unique power that could save her country from the Shadow Fold, a dark and dangerous wasteland. Taken to train with the magical Grisha, she struggles with her abilities and her bond with the powerful Darkling. As Alina uncovers hidden truths, she must decide who to trust and how to wield her power.
SERPENT AND DIVE BY SHELBY MAHURIN
A fantasy novel that follows Louise “Lou” le Blanc, a witch who has fled her coven and is hiding in the city of Cesarine. In this world, witches are hunted by the Church and through a twist of fate, she is forced into a marriage with Reid Diggory, a witch hunter who is unaware of her true nature. As their relationship deepens, Lou struggles to protect her secret while a greater danger looms.
STALKING JACK THE RIPPER BY KERRI MANISCALCO
The story follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth, who has a passion for forensic science, an unusual pursuit for women of her time. When a series of gruesome murders shakes the city, Audrey becomes determined to uncover the identity of the killer—who might be the infamous Jack the Ripper.
THE SELECTION BY KIERA CASS
Set in a dystopian future where society is divided into castes. The story follows America Singer, a girl from a lower caste who is unexpectedly chosen to participate in the Selection—a competition in which 35 girls compete for the heart of Prince Maxon and the chance to become the next queen.
ILLUMINAE BY AMINE KAUFMANA ND JAY KRISTOFF
A sci-fi novel set in the year 2575, following teenagers Kady and Ezra, who narrowly escape the destruction of their planet when it is attacked by a megacorporation. Fleeing on separate spaceships, they find themselves pursued by enemy forces. As Kady hacks into the ship’s systems to uncover the truth, she and Ezra must work together to survive and save the fleet.
THE 5TH WAVE BY RICK YANCEY
A dystopian sci-fi novel about an alien invasion that decimates most of Earth’s population through a series of devastating waves. The story follows Cassie Sullivan, a teenage survivor, as she navigates a world where humanity has been almost wiped out. After the 4th wave—an invasion tactic that leaves survivors unable to trust one another—Cassie sets out to rescue her younger brother.
FOURTH WING BY REBECCA YARROS
A fantasy novel set in a world where dragon riders are the elite warriors. Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who is forced to join the war college’s deadly dragon rider training program, despite her frail build and her preference for a quieter life as a scribe. Facing brutal challenges, rivalries, and the deadly competition to bond with a dragon, Violet must use her intelligence and inner strength to survive.
POWERLESS BY LAUREB ROBERS
Paedyn Gray, a powerless girl in a world ruled by people with supernatural abilities called Elites. To survive, Paedyn hides her true identity and is forced to compete in the deadly Purging Trials, where she must outwit powerful opponents. Along the way, she forms a complicated bond with Prince Kai Azer, and they both confront secrets that could shake the foundations of their world.
ONE OF US IS LYING BY KAREN M. MCMANUS
A young adult mystery novel that follows five high school students who walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. Simon, the creator of a notorious gossip app, dies under mysterious circumstances, and the remaining four students become prime suspects Each of them has secrets that Simon was about to expose and as they try to clear their names, they uncover deeper lies and hidden truths.
THE RAVEN BOYS BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER
It follows Blue Sargent, a girl from a family of psychics who learns that she will cause her true love’s death. She becomes entangled with a group of boys from Aglionby Academy, especially Gansey, who is searching for a legendary Welsh king. As they embark on their quest, they uncover dark secrets that intertwine their fates and reveal the supernatural forces at play.
KING OF SCARS BY LEIGH BARGUGO
Nikolai Lantsov, the charming king of Ravka, as he grapples with a dark curse that threatens his life and the kingdom. As Nikolai seeks to uncover the truth about the curse, he faces external threats from enemies and internal struggles with his identity and leadership. Meanwhile, Zoya Nazyalensky, a powerful Grisha, joins him in a quest that tests their loyalty and strength.
THE POPPY WAR BY R.F. KUANG
Rin, a war orphan who earns a place at the prestigious Sinegard Academy. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she discovers her shamanic abilities and the deep connections between her power and the brutal history of her country. When the empire faces invasion, Rin must confront her dark past, harness her abilities, and grapple with the moral implications of her choices in war.
THE SONG OF ACHILLES BY MADELINE MILLER
A retelling of the Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, the close companion of Achilles. As Patroclus navigates the complexities of his relationship with Achilles, he witnesses the unfolding events of the Trojan War, ultimately leading to heart-wrenching choices and sacrifices. The story intertwines romance and tragedy, highlighting the characters’ emotional complexities within the context of Greek mythology.
DEFY THE NIGHT BY BRIGID KEMMERER
The book follows Tessa, who secretly distributes medicine in a plague-stricken kingdom where resources are controlled by the elite. Caught in a rebellion, she teams up with Prince Corrick to fight the corrupt leadership. Together, they navigate danger and political intrigue. As tensions rise, they work to bring justice to the kingdom.
A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY BY BRIGID KEMMERER
Prince Rhen is cursed to relive the same season until he finds someone to fall in love with him, but he transforms into a deadly beast if he fails. Harper, a girl with cerebral palsy, is transported from Washington, D.C. to the magical kingdom of Emberfall, where she becomes Rhen’s only hope. Together, they must overcome the curse and face a looming threat to the kingdom.
SORCERY OF THORNS BY MARGARET ROGERSON
It follows Elisabeth, a librarian apprentice who has been raised to believe that sorcerers are evil and dangerous. When an attack on her library unleashes a powerful grimoire, she’s blamed and forced to team up with Nathaniel, a sorcerer, to stop a greater threat. As they uncover dark secrets about the magical world, Elisabeth begins to question everything she was taught.
CLOCKWORK ANGEL CY CASSANDRA CLARE
Tessa Gray, who discovers her shape-shifting ability after arriving in Victorian London to find her brother. Rescued by Shadowhunters Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs, she joins them in battling a sinister clockwork army. As they uncover dark secrets, Tessa becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy and a complicated love triangle.
THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS BY CHOLE GONG
Set in 1920s Shanghai and follows Juliette Cai, the heir of the Scarlet Gang, and Roma Montagov, heir of the rival White Flowers. As a mysterious monster threatens the city’s youth, the former lovers must unite despite their families’ deadly feud. Navigating gang warfare and betrayal, they confront their tumultuous past and fight to save their city from chaos.
THE INHERITANC EGAMES BY JENNIFER LYNN BARNES AMAZON
It follows Avery Grambs, a teenager who unexpectedly inherits a fortune from billionaire Tobias Hawthorne, despite not knowing him. To claim her inheritance, she must live in Hawthorne House with his grandsons, who are determined to uncover her secrets. As she navigates the family’s puzzles and dangerous games, Avery unravels mysteries that could change her life forever.
CARAVAL BY STEPHANIE GARBER
It follows Scarlett Dragna, who longs to escape her controlling father and experience the magical game of Caraval. When she and her sister Donatella attend, Tella goes missing, and Scarlett must navigate a world of illusions and secrets to find her. As the game unfolds, Scarlett learns that trust is essential in a place where nothing is as it seems.
BLOOD AND ASH BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTRIUT
It follows Poppy, the Maiden, who is isolated and destined for a life of sacrifice until her Ascension. Yearning for freedom, she questions the oppressive rules of her society. When she meets Hawke, a mysterious guard, their connection unveils dark truths about her world and the threats that endanger her life.
A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC BY V.E. SCHWAB
Kell, a magician who can travel between parallel Londons: Red, Grey, White, and the dangerous Black. As a smuggler of magical artifacts, he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens all worlds. When he meets Delilah, a clever thief, their fates intertwine, leading them on a perilous journey filled with magic and danger.
DAUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING BY TRICIA LEVENSELLER
It follows Alosa, the daughter of a notorious pirate, who is on a quest to retrieve a legendary treasure map from a rival ship. She allows herself to be captured by enemy pirates, using her cunning to outsmart them, especially the charming first mate, Riden. As she navigates danger and unexpected romance, Alosa must prove her worth in a male-dominated world.
A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE BY BRITTANY CAVALLARD
It follows Charlotte Holmes, a descendant of Sherlock Holmes, and Jamie Watson, the great-grandson of Dr. Watson, as they team up to solve a murder at their elite boarding school. When a student is killed and Charlotte becomes a suspect, they must navigate their families’ legacies and uncover the truth together.
MISTBORN BY BRANDON SANDERSON
It follows Vin, a street urchin with a mysterious past, who discovers she has the ability to manipulate metals through Allomancy. In a world ruled by the oppressive Lord Ruler, she joins a group of rebels led by the charismatic Kelsier, who plans to overthrow the tyrant. As Vin learns to harness her powers, she becomes pivotal in their quest for freedom, navigating themes of trust, sacrifice, and the fight against tyranny.