Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

The novel, “Kingdom of Ash” written by Sarah J. Maas is the last book in the series “Throne of Glass”. Aelin is imprisoned in an iron box by Maeve and must rely on the reason why she endures these tortures; Terrasen. Though her willpower continues to fray with each session of abuse, whether it’s Maeve’s illusions or Carin’s physical torment, knowing that surrendering to Maeve will doom those she loves stops her from breaking. Fortunately Fenrys is there with Aelin, but unfortunately he hates having to watch her suffer and not be able to do anything about it. But while Aelin is no longer there, the others must fight for their queen. Aedion and Lysandra are Terrasen’s last line of defense against total devastation. They quickly learn, however, that the large number of allies they’ve recruited to fight Erawan’s armies may not be enough to save them. Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are all trying to complete different sets of tasks all over Erilea and finding that they don’t have the time. Rowan and his cadre and Elide are desperately searching for Aelin. 

This novel definitely broke my heart, especially close to the end. So much happens; the last and final battle determine everything and so much is lost but the finale is something that cannot be missed. The emotion and passion put into this last novel is impressive, and because this book ending is so amazing you will have to read it yourself to fully understand the extent of my enthusiasm. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy around the teenage phase to the young adult phase.

Written by Julia, Teen Volunteer

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

The novel, “Queen of Shadows” written by Sarah J. Maas is the fourth book in the “Throne of Glass” series. In the previous novel we find out that Maeve is truly evil and after the wyrdkeys herself. We also know that Aelin freed Rowan from Maeve’s blood oath, and surprisingly he pledges a blood oath to her right there and then. Aelin now embarks on a journey back to Rifthold, accepting her title as Queen of Terrasen so she can fight for her people. She seeks out Arobynn Hamel, her former master during her time as an assassin to use his forces and knowledge to delay the King of Adarlan’s cruelty and his demonic Valg minions. She also finds Chaol, but he is upset with her and won’t tell her how to restore magic. Additionally, Aelin’s cousin Aedion Ashryver has been captured for treason and will be executed, so Aelin crafts a plan to rescue him and tries to help Dorian who has a Valg Prince in his body, and not by choice. Lorcan Salvaterre comes hunting for Aelin under the command of Maeve. Lysandra, once a rival with Aelin, begins to develop a friendship with her. Also returning is Manon Blackbeak, a witch with her own point of view in Morath where she is a commander of the thirteen and heir to the Blackbeak line. Her grandmother, the Blackbeak Matron, has been offered a deal of wyverns to take back to the Wastes in exchange for fighting alongside the King of Adarlan and his army of Valg demons. This book introduces Elide Lochan, a crippled servant who is trying to escape Morath and find Aelin, her queen. 

I definitely recommend this novel because it is very exciting with new points of views from several characters. I especially love Manon’s confidence, Elide’s courage, Aelin’s mind; she makes plans ahead of time and thinks of everything. I love all these women; they are so powerful and in turn make me feel all these qualities they possess. This book would be for teens and young adults, but honestly anyone could try it, especially if they enjoy reading a good book about everyone’s tales, regardless of whether they are Fae, human, shifter, etc.

Written by Julia, Teen Volunteer

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

The novel, “Cool for the Summer” written by Dahlia Adler is about a girl named Larissa Bogdan who is head over heels over a boy named Chase Harding but suddenly a girl over the summer might be the one who changes her mind. Larissa was supposed to have a typical summer job, which included babysitting and working at a bookshop, however her mother dragged her to the Outer Banks for work purposes. She stayed in a lavish house with her mom, her mom’s boss, and Jasmine, her mom’s boss’s daughter. Almost immediately they hit it off. Jasmine brought her to parties, outings, and they hung out alot together. They became best friends and started what some may call a summer fling. They kissed and fooled around, but when the summer ended Larissa went back to New York and continued her crush on Chase. But then as Chase starts to show his feelings, Larissa sees Jasmine walking into her school. Not knowing what to do, she and Jasmine both ignore each other, they didn’t talk much, and when they do it’s very awkward. Larissa is really confused and doesn’t understand her feelings, especially since she now has Chase, a perfect gentleman as her boyfriend. Yet Jasmine keeps infiltrating her thoughts. Her emotions are spiraling and she doesn’t know whether Jasmine wants what she wants or whether she’s just being crazy because it’s Chase, the guy she has been mooning over forever.

I definitely recommend this book for ages 13 and up, as well as anyone who loves a contemporary romance read. It was light and to be honest I read it in a day. I love the LGBTQ+ component, because it’s Lara accepting herself and who she is and that is so important. I also love that her mom is so accepting because we know in this world most people shun their kids just for something they can’t control. Anyway, I enjoyed this book.

Written by Julia, Teen Volunteer

The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas

“The Assassin’s Blade” written by Sarah J. Maas is the prequel to the series “Throne of Glass”. This book includes five novellas; The Assassin and The Pirate Lord, The Assassin and The Healer, The Assassin and The Desert, The Assassin and The Underworld, and The Assassin and The Empire. The Assassin and The Pirate Lord is about Celaena and Sam, both assassins from Arobynn’s guild that were sent to set up a deal for their boss. However, they find that this deal required slaves and both Sam and Celaena hated that their master was getting profit from slavery. So Celaena, being who she is, puts her mind to freeing these slaves with the help of Sam, which is shocking because both these assassins have been at each other’s throats for so long. The Assassin and The Healer is about her punishment for freeing the slaves in the previous novella, which is to go to the Red Desert. But to get there, she travels through a small town, waiting for a passage which is several days late. While staying at this inn for the time being, a barmaid catches her attention, whom she saves and teaches how to fight. The girl somehow brings up memories from her past as well. The Assassin and The Desert is about her time at the Red Desert training with the Mute Master. Her punishment requires her to retrieve a letter stating that the Mute Master approves of her skills and whatnot. She also finds acquaintances, her feelings for Sam spark up, and she makes her “first real” friend who may or may not last. The Assassin and The Underworld is her arrival from the Red Desert, where she throws herself into a big mission to distract herself from Arobynn and Sam. The Assassin and The Empire is about what happens to Sam, and it’s not pretty. If you read “Throne of Glass” you would think you would be ready for this sadness, but you won’t be. 

I recommend this book to 13 years and up and that you read this before the actual series because there were so many connections that I didn’t understand. For example Celaena said “I am Celaena Sardothien and I will not be afraid” multiple times during “Throne of Glass” but it didn’t register in my head that it was Sam who said that to help himself and now she says it to help herself. She has that memory that stays with her when she says that phrase. Also there are multiple times where they talk about Sam and reading this prequel allows you to see the love she had for him. Without it, I feel like you wouldn’t be able to understand these emotions. Throughout the rest of the series, there are people from this prequel that come back later in her storyline like Ansel from The Red Desert and Yerene from The Healer. 

Written by Julia, Teen Volunteer

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

The novel “Throne of Glass” written by Sarah J. Maas is a phenomenal novel about a teenage assassin named Celaena Sardothien, who has gone through indescribable events in her life that have led her to the path of death. This first novel hones in on her sentence in the salt mines of Endovier, where she gets an opportunity of freedom from the heir of Adarlan, the Crown Prince. The opportunity is a fight to become the King’s Champion and if she succeeds she will be given a contract as an assassin for the empire she despises. Most of this novel takes place in a corrupt nation with a dictatorial monarch, The King of Adarlan. In the course of her situation, Celaena establishes unexpected relationships and uncovers old secrets from the past. She becomes friends with Princess Nehima Ytger of Eyllwe, Prince Dorian of Adarlan, and even the Captain of the Royal Guard, Chaol Westfall. There is blood, gore, and death due to her profession but without those incorporations the story would simply not be the same. There are also pieces of romance fitted into this complex storyline. 

I definitely recommend this book as it has a fantastic blend of magic, mystery, humor, romance, friendship, morals, and action. It is interesting and makes you want to read more. I have been waiting to read this series for a while and I’m not disappointed to say the least. I read this novel in a day, yes it was that intriguing. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy those elements above, YA fantasy lovers, and people who love unexpected plot twists. I feel as though this book would be for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and young adults. This novel is perfect for the summer because it is a longer series so it requires time and personally I like reading the books as close as possible so I won’t forget anything.

Written by Julia, Teen Volunteer

Every Day by David Levithan

The book Every Day by David Levithan follows Rhiannon, a normal adolescent girl, and A, a person who wakes up in a different body every morning. A normally attempts to respect their hosts’ lives and help them with their day-to-day tasks; but, they fall in love with Rhiannon at first sight and can’t seem to get enough of her companionship. A begins to take greater risks to be with Rhiannon, but they are unable to be together due to two big concerns. One is that A wakes up every day as a different person, in a different area, with a different appearance. The other issue is that Rhiannon continues to cling to her failed relationship with her boyfriend, Justin, who also happens to be the one who introduced A and Rhiannon. This book is more of a romance novel that follows a relationship and the struggles or concerns that follow it. The most common patterns in this book are complicated romance, selfishness, obsessions, damaging people, and evil characteristics.

Written by Elyssa, Teen Volunteer

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

In To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, by Jenny Han, the main character Lara Jean struggles with romance in her teen life. Lara Jean is a high schooler with one older sister and one younger sister. Like many other girls her age, Lara Jean had romantic interest in other people her age. But unlike most teens, Lara Jean wrote letters to them, and her sister exposed her feelings to these people by sending them out.

 After the love letters Lara Jean wrote were sent to five boys, Lara Jean has to deal with the confrontation that follows. Two of these boys, Josh and Peter, are boys Lara Jean has to see during her daily life, since Peter is her classmate, and Josh is her neighbor. Since Josh is now dating Lara Jean’s older sister, Lara Jean lies to him and tells him she lost feelings for him due to the relationship she is currently in. During this on the spot confession, Lara Jean blurts out that she is dating Peter, and to prove it she kisses him in the middle of the school track. 

The pair decide to pretend to be a couple to help each other through the high school drama of feelings and breakups. As the two fake their relationship, they begin to develop a genuine connection that can be seen as more than friends. Continue reading to find out how the connection between Lara Jean and Peter changes throughout the story.

 I would suggest this book to middle and high schoolers. This book is a cheesy romance and a light read. You will most certainly cringe and laugh at the same time as you read this story. Also, this book may appeal to those who watched the movie series To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Overall, this is a great choice for many young readers looking for a good read.

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

The novel, The Fill-In Boyfriend written by Kasie West takes place in the parking lot of Gia Montgomery’s high school on the day of senior prom. Gia’s boyfriend Bradley breaks up with her on the day of prom, right before they go into into the dance. Now the dilemma is she has been telling her friends about him for months and if she shows up with no one, they’re going to think she’s lying. While Gia is in the parking lot of her high school being dumped, she sees a guy in a car staring at her. Gia goes up to this guy and asks him to be the fill-in Bradley for prom, and he surprisingly agrees. Now she owes fill-in Bradely a favor which results in more lies. Fill-in Bradley is actually known as Hayden and his sister asks for him a favor. Hayden’s ex-girlfriend has invited him to a graduation party and his sister doesn’t want him to fall back in love. So Gia goes with him. She then begins to question if she can turn her fake boyfriend into her actual boyfriend. 

I would recommend this book because it is easy and light to read and has classic romance for teens and young adults. There are many components of the elements that one needs to know before venturing off into college and adulthood. This novel shows some of these aspects. Not only is this book super cute and fun but there are life lessons and messages as well.

Written by Julia, Teen Volunteer

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

In the novel Once and For All, by Sarah Dessen, Louna doubts the love and romance that is in the world around her. At the beginning of the book, Louna’s only love, Ethan, is dead and she is feeling hopeless. She works for a wedding planning company but after witnessing the relationships between the brides and grooms, Louna has lost faith in her ability to fall in love. 

While Louna is stuck in this state of mind, she comes across a wedding that requires the help of the bride’s brother, Ambrose. He has a different personality than any other boy she has ever come across; he is more honest, kind, and charming. Despite her thoughts, Louna cannot admit that these are her feelings towards him. 

Louna builds a relationship with Ambrose, but does not allow herself to become too deeply involved. She is still caught up in the death of her previous love, and tells herself love cannot be real. She also notes that Ambrose has had a history of dating many women, which is not a benefit to her feelings towards him. Ambrose works desperately to win her over because he realizes that she is the one for him, and over time, Louna comes to see that his actions are sincere and thoughtful. He is considerate and truly cares for her well-being. The journey throughout this book shows how Louna develops as a person and leads up to her final decision at the end, and whether she will take a second chance at love. 

At the beginning of the book, Louna is distrusting and lacks hope, but she slowly starts to open up to new possibilities. Throughout the book, Louna also gains acceptance in Ethan’s death. As Louna builds trust, she becomes a happier person. This book is a great read that wrapps the reader into the plot. The readers can compare themselves to the actions of Louna, and see how they may have also reacted to the situations she faces.

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

The novel An Abundance of Katherines, by John Green, is about a seventeen year old boy named Colin who is trying to discover himself. Colin is in a depressed state at the beginning of the book. He is considered to be a child prodigy, but is not yet labeled as a genius. He has had many breakups with a variety of girls, all of whom are named Katherine. He tries to develop a perfect formula to get another Katherine to fall in love with him, but in the process he begins to find interest in a girl named Lindsey, who is not the same as his average Katherine. 

Throughout the book, Colin learns more about himself and finds there is not a perfect solution to every situation. Colin is able to find happiness in the world and in himself. This book taught me that logic is not always the answer and that having joy is valued over having knowledge. 

Colin is very book smart, but his journey throughout the novel gives him new realizations about life and the people that surround him. When Colin arrived at this understanding, it led me to find the same message. This book is a great read because you can travel along with Colin as he finds himself.

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer