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Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust Featuring: Soraya, a cursed princess whose poisonous touch keeps her trapped inside the shah's gardens; Azad, the soldier who longs to rescue her; and Parvaneh, the alluring, demonic div whose secret knowledge could upend Soraya's world.
Why you might like it: This lush, twisty fantasy offers a blend of Zoroastrianism, European fairy tales, and the Persian epic The Shahnameh.
You might also like: Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me series or Laini Taylor's Strange the Dreamer duology. | | Girl, Unframed by Deb Caletti What it's about: While spending the summer in California with her irresponsible actress mother, 16-year-old Sydney quickly kindles a romance with the lovable Nicco, but she can't shake the sense of impending disaster -- especially not while her mom's volatile boyfriend, Jake, is around.
How it's told: Each chapter begins with a list of courtroom evidence, keeping you guessing about the crime right up until the end.
For fans of: the multilayered plot, intensifying pace, and feminist perspective of Courtney Summers' Sadie. | | The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune What it's about: When Nick has a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City's bravest super-powered Extraordinary, it's like a scene from his fanfiction -- except that in real life, Shadow Star doesn't fall in love with him. But maybe that could change if Nick becomes an Extraordinary, too…
Read it for: the diverse cast of characters and the funny, knowing spin on superhero stories.
Who it's for: seasoned superhero followers, fanfic-fluent readers, and anyone looking for upbeat LGBTQIA romances. | | I'll Be the One by Lyla Lee Starring: singer and dancer Skye Shin, who defies her mother's fat-shaming to win a spot on a fiercely competitive K-pop competition show.
What happens: Skye is determined to win, both the contest and the heart of fellow competitor Henry Cho. But are her skills, charm, and persistence enough to conquer the judges' prejudice?
Further reading: For another body-positive rom-com, try Julie Murphy's Dumplin'; for another peek into the high-profile, high-drama world of K-pop, pick up Maurene Goo's Somewhere Only We Know. | |
House of dragons by Jessica Cluess Unexpectedly summoned to compete for the throne, five outcasts—including a liar, a soldier, a servant, a thief and a murderer—navigate respective secrets during a trial that tests the limits of their abilities. By the author of the Kingdom on Fire series. Simultaneous eBook.
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The Lost Coast by Amy Rose Capetta Welcome to: the mist-covered redwood forests of Tempest, California, where new arrival Danny discovers she's been summoned by the Grays, a tight-knit coven of LGBTQIA witches.
What happens: The Grays try to help Danny unleash her hidden magical powers, hoping that she can discover the unknown force that's controlling their leader, Imogen.
Read it for: atmospheric, lyrical writing; Danny's relatable yearning to belong; the intensifying heat of her relationship with fellow witch Rush. | | Wicked Fox by Kat Cho Starring: Gu Miyoung, who looks like a modern Seoul schoolgirl even though she's actually a gumiho, a supernatural nine-tailed fox who feeds on the life force of men.
What happens: Ignoring the advice of her overprotective mother, Miyoung reveals her true nature to a human boy she rescues from a goblin -- and in doing so, she triggers a chain of events that will change both of their lives.
Why you might like it: This series opener is packed with angst, action, and romantic drama. | | Carry On by Rainbow Rowell What it's about: During his final year at the Watford School of Magicks, reluctant "Chosen One" Simon Snow should be worrying about how to defeat the magic-devouring Humdrum -- yet all he can do is obsess about his sneering vampire roommate, Baz.
Read it for: sly use of fantasy tropes, a deliciously thorny romance, and an intriguing magic system.
For fans of: Harry/Draco fanfic, as well as Rainbow Rowell's earlier book Fangirl, which introduced the characters in Carry On and its sequel, Wayward Son. | |
The mermaid, the witch, and the sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall Disguising herself as a male pirate to escape poverty, Flora follows a strict survival code that is challenged by her unexpected feelings for a noblewoman on her way to a dreaded arranged marriage. A first novel by the author of Also an Octopus. Simultaneous eBook.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 14 and up!
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