Summer is the perfect time to pick up a book or start a new series, and there’s something for everyone. Need help picking out a new read? There’s nothing wrong with rereading (guilty!), but this guide might help you find something new to fuel your summer reading!
Fantasy: While reading (or rereading) "Harry Potter" is never a wrong answer, if you are looking for a new series to completely fall for this summer, look into the "Throne of Glass" series by Sarah J. Maas or "The Infernal Devices" trilogy by Cassandra Clare. Each of these beautifully written re-tellings are full of magic, mystery, romance, and danger. "Throne of Glass" was originally written as a retelling of Cinderella that developed into its own story full of fight scenes and secrets, while "The Infernal Devices" books are based on "A Tale of Two Cities," as the books take place in Victorian England (but don’t let the history turn you away) and develop into a heartbreakingly beautiful story of love, war, and magic.
Dystopian: "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" fans, this is for you. "The Legend" trilogy by Marie Lu, "The Maze Runner" trilogy by James Dashner, and the "Shatter Me" trilogy by Tehereh Mafi are sure to take you back to the future with their plots that are both intricate and fast-paced. (And for you "Bachelor" fans, the "Selection" series is the one for you. It’s basically "The Bachelor" in the future… with royalty.)
Contemporary: Rainbow Rowell is your girl. "Fangirl" is lighthearted and sweet, "Eleanor and Park" is heartbreaking and adorable (somehow at the same time), and "Landline" is captivating and funny. If you need a "this is a summer road trip type of book" book, "Paper Towns" by John Green is the one for you.
Supernatural: While fantasy books feature characters with supernatural characters, I would put "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard in a slightly different category because of the interesting way the powers are set up. Those who have supernatural powers are “Silvers” (or those with silver blood), until our main character (a “Red”) starts showing some interesting signs of power that could get her killed.
Urban Fantasy: Defined as a subgenre of fantasy, urban fantasy takes place in a contemporary world where supernatural elements are present (though often carefully hidden). "Rebel Belle" by Rachel Hawkins is a perfect example of urban fantasy, and also the perfect summer read. When Harper Price, a southern belle, cheerleading captain, and student body president of her high school is bestowed with powers to protect her mortal enemy (fellow newspaper writer David Stark), her life takes a rather interesting (and hilarious) turn.
Science Fiction: While "The 5th Wave" by Rick Yancey, "Ender’s Game" by Orson Scott Card, and "The Host" by Stephanie Meyer could all be put into the category of dystopian, they are also strong science fiction novels. Each of these books have been made into movies, but these alien-based books (and don’t let the idea of aliens turn you away) are amazing, action-packed stories worth the read. (And yes, they are better than their movies.)
Action/Adventure: If you are looking for adventure in your stories this summer, try "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir for a story with a bit of a darker feel. The "Percy Jackson" series by Rick Riordan, although it is considered a children’s series, is based off Greek mythology and is sure to satisfy your need for adventure and humor while keeping things lighthearted and fun for summer.
Mind-Bending: "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart. I won’t say much more because this is NOT something you want to be spoiled for, trust me. All I’ll say is that there are two ways to interpret this story, so if you read it, read with a friend for some fun discussion.
Potter Fans: Just in case you needed reminding, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by Queen Rowling comes out on July 31!
Happy reading!
