By Ana Turner, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 16, 2013
Lately, all I’ve really wanted in life is to wear knit sweaters and flashy scarves, go to Starbucks, and curl up by a window with a good book. It doesn’t even have to be a life-changing, enlightening, immensely gratifying book—any book will do. Really, the window seat is the key element here. A bit of a howling wind outside, possibly with some stray foliage floating picturesquely past, wouldn’t hurt either. Is that an October thing? Undoubtedly.
A good book, of course, would do more good than harm. Here are the ones that have me on the edge of my seat with suspense:
The Dream Thieves
The sequel to one of my favourite books of 2012, I literally jumped up and down and screamed when I first held The Dream Thieves in my hands. I then proceeded to buy it, leave the bag at the store, and have it stolen, but oh well. C’est la vie. I’ll definitely have to read it sooner rather than later, however, in order to truly capture its autumn feel. Blue and Gansey: here I come.
Ages 14 and up | Publisher: Scholastic | Sept. 17, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-0545424943
The Naturals
I love the premise of this book. The ability to profile and read emotions? A new program issued by the FBI? A “lethal game of cat and mouse with a killer”? I am so ready for the psychological thriller this novel screams. The archetypical love triangle I could do without, but I’m eager to see how it turns out. And hey, if worse comes to worse we can always mock it. (Sometimes I think flouting books is my joie de vivre. Other times I’m not so sure.)
Ages 12-18 | Publisher: Miramax | Nov. 5, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1423168232
Perfect Ruin
Lauren Destefano and I have a bit of a love/hate relationship. As in love the prose and the plot twists/hate the world building, the characters, and just about everything else. Perfect Ruin, however, seems to be our metaphorical olive branch. I am ready to make peace and make way for fall’s newest and hottest dystopia. The only if factor is the potential murderer’s name: Judas. Can’t you see the trial now? “Oh, sure, blame Judas.” Wow, this author cracks me up.
Ages 12 and up | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers | Oct. 1, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1442480612
The House of Hades
By Rick Riordan
Oh, Rick, you cad! When the industry says “end your book with a cliffhanger and publish the sequel a year later,” they don’t actually mean to leave my favourite couple ever hanging off of a cliff. But you always were the trendsetter, weren’t you? And finally, my thirst for Percabeth—actually just for Percy—will be sated. And the best part? They’re trapped in the Underworld. Together. A more romantic sojourn there never was.
Ages 10 and up | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | Oct. 8, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-1423146728
Premeditated
Reading this novel’s synopsis, I got chills. Vengeance carried out on the one responsible for a cousin’s attempted suicide—touchy subject to say the least. Especially because I don’t think a single person can ever really be to blame for another’s depression. But my shackles are down and my curiosity is piqued; I’m ready to take part in what is sure to be a wild ride. Moreover, rumour has it Premeditated’s grand finale is a plot twist…
Ages 14 and up | Publisher: Delacorte Press | Oct. 8, 2013 | ISBN-13: 978-0385743297
Ana Turner is a teenager and a voracious reader. Her favorite genres are dystopian, urban fantasy, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary. Her favorite YA books are Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, and Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. You can discover more of Ana’s favorites on her blog, What Ya Reading?: YA Book Reviews.
