Allegiant by Veronica Roth
The entire Divergent trilogy boomed in popularity in 2013, just in time for the third book of the series, Allegiant, to make its debut. These young adult, dystopian novels take place in a futuristic world where humanity is separated into five different factions: Abnegation, the selfless; Amity, the peaceful; Candor, the honest; Dauntless, the brave and Erudite, the intelligent. The story follows Beatrice, a sixteen-year-old girl raised in the Abnegation faction, as she approaches the choosing ceremony where she selects her permanent faction.
The series’ quick pace, simple syntax, and strong characters make it a favorite among diverse age groups. The Divergent movie, set to release in March, 2014 has also sparked publicity for the novels.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Life After Life is historical fiction with a ground-breaking, slightly paranormal twist. The protagonist, Ursula Todd, is born in 1910 in England during a blizzard. Ursula dies a few moments after her birth. However, Ursula’s story is not over. It begins again when she is reborn at the same time and in the same location. This time, she lives a little longer, but dies again. Her life continues in this strange direction with Ursula dying and being reborn countless times, journeying a step further in her life with each death. Through her repeated attempts to survive, history changes around Ursula.
The macabre concept of Life After Life takes on a gritty and, occasionally, humorous tone.
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
The master of horror himself, Stephen King, soared to the top of best-seller lists in 2013 with Doctor Sleep, the sequel to his highly acclaimed novel, The Shining. The sequel finds Dan Torrence, the young boy from The Shining, when he is middle-aged. After his battle with the memories of his past, Torrence goes to work at a nursing home where he is known as Doctor Sleep because of his affinity for helping the elderly rest in peace. Eventually, he runs into twelve-year-old Abra Stone, sending him back into the world of the supernatural.
This book departs from the style of The Shining, taking on a voice of its own that echoes loudly and proudly in the world of horror novels. Although a sequel, Doctor Sleep can be easily read and understood without reading its predecessor.
The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman
This is Neil Gaiman’s first venture into the adult fantasy genre. Gaiman has written several best-selling children’s fantasy books, so many fans were eager to get their hands on this 2013 tale. Gaiman’s relatively short novel is a frame story in which a middle-aged man travels to the place he grew up. Once there, the story embarks into the world of the man’s childhood memory of his fantastic experiences with an odd girl he met, Lettie Hempstock.
Although a fantasy novel, The Ocean At The End Of The Lane, explores abstract concepts that are rooted in reality. Its engaging format is both though-provoking and entertaining.
