Young Adult Book Reviews

^ Great for guys!
* Contains violence, strong language and/or sexual references.

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A Flash of Romance
by: Sharon René

This talented author and Storyteller Squad member has made her mark on the young adult romance genre.

Loved this collection, inspired by the classics.

What imagination.

I appreciate the clean romance and look forward to reading more of her work.

Check out her three-book Divine Destiny series. My review is below.

Reviewed January 11, 2018

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A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace
by: Sharon René

This terrific book of middle-school devotions offers short stories featuring kids from Biblical times through current day. Each story is followed by a lesson, scripture and prayer.

There’s also a section on life in the Middle Ages and during Biblical times. The book ends with background on each story. My favorite was “Sleeping in the Lion’s Den.” René did a fabulous job writing from the perspective of a lion in the den where Daniel had been thrown. An imaginative twist on that popular Bible story.

I heard through the grapevine that René is wrapping up a three-book young adult series named “Divine Destiny.” Stay tuned.

Reviewed June 22, 2018

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A Nancy Drew Christmas (Nancy Drew Diaries #18)
by: Carolyn Keene

Who knew the much-beloved Nancy Drew stories had been continued? Certainly not me. Imagine my surprise this holiday season when I Googled “Christmas books” and up popped a promo for a new mystery starring the teen sleuth. My excitement mounted when I discovered A Nancy Drew Christmas was #18 in a fresh series published by Aladdin. I’ve never downloaded a book faster.

It didn’t disappoint. Carolyn Keene’s current ghostwriter had put a modern twist on the classic mysteries. The tale included cell phones, modern language and near-death misses. Much edgier than the original series. Throw-back characters from the yellow books make guest appearances halfway through. Middle grade and young adult girls will love this twisting, turning there’s-no-way-you’ll-guess-the-culprit mystery.

Reviewed December 31, 2019

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Concrete Rose
by: Angie Thomas

By the author of the best-selling The Hate You Give, Concrete Rose opens readers eyes to poverty, gangs, and guns. It’s set in the same neighborhood seventeen years before The Hate You Give. If anything, it’s more hard-hitting than The Hate. Told from the point of view of an African American male teen, the story contains ripe language in realistic dialect.

I believe this book is more important for teens to read than The Hate You Give because it focuses on unwise decisions the main character, 17-year-old Maverick, makes and how he chooses to live with the consequences. In The Hate You Give, Starr witnesses a shooting and must deal with her emotions. Only toward the end of the story does she have to make life-altering decisions.

Maverick, on the other hand, keeps digging himself deeper and deeper into a mess of repercussions that he must overcome to have any kind of future. He grows up fast in this story, learning about babies, budgets, and blossoms. Honestly? I liked Concrete Rose better than The Hate You Give and highly recommend it to adults and older teens. The is a great book for a parent and teen to read together.

Reviewed March 15, 2021

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The Courier’s Daughter series
by: C.J. Redwine

C.J. Redwine delivered the concluding keynote speech at the virtual Realm Makers Conference last month. She left me stunned. Never have I been so impacted by a speaker’s backstory and her drive to follow God’s calling. The obstacles she overcame would have flattened me.

This fantasy YA series is told in first person from the perspectives of two main characters, Rachel Adams and Logan McEntire. They live in postapocolyptic Baalboden, so far into the future that the characters have no memories of ferris wheels or cell phones. They get around on horses and wagons. When Baalboden falls to the horrifying creatures that live beneath it, Rachel and Logan must find a way to destroy them and save nearby cities from the same fate. In addition, they must rid the world of Baalboden’s vicious surviving commander, battle against a rival city, and locate Rachel’s father. Through non-stop action, the author excels at fight scenes, showing emotions such as grief and guilt, and slipping in lessons about loyalty, patience and love.

The initial trilogy includes Defiance, Deception, and Deliverance. The author added a prequel, Outcast, about a memorable “Tree Village” character, Quinn. Amazon is currently offering this 72-page novella for 99¢. I recommend this series for older teens for its violent scenes.

Reviewed August 18, 2020

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Court of Swans
by: Melanie Dickerson

I’ll admit that I’m not a huge fan of romance novels, but my Storyteller Squad peeps encouraged me to read this one. So glad I listened to them. Court of Swans turned out to be so entrancing that I couldn’t put it down. The novel has a definite fairy tale flavor with . . . spoiler alert . . . a happy ending. Great for female teens who need a break from real life.

Set in the harsh English society of 1381, this Christian story revolves around Delia, her seven stalwart brothers—three older and four younger—and a generous knight, Sir Geoffrey, who is forced to arrest the brothers for treason. When Sir Geoffrey realizes he’s made a mistake, he works to set them free. Delia, also determined to rescue her brothers, leaves her recently widowed stepmother in her palatial childhood home to secure a job as a seamstress for the queen. She hopes to find the perfect moment to present her brothers’ unfair situation to someone in power who can set them free.

Poor Delia suffers one devastating setback after another until she crosses paths with Sir Geoffrey. Together, they hatch an escape plan for Delia’s brothers. From that point on, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I learned tons about fourteenth century life in England, the Tower of London, and the child-king Richard II. I can’t wait for its sequel, Castle of Refuge, due out in June.

Reviewed March 31, 2021

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Defying Destiny
by: Sharon René

Written by one of my critique partners and co-founder of The Storyteller Squad, Sharon René has woven a Christian dystopian series, The Divine Destiny Chronicles, that prompts readers to imagine life in 2042 when an evil brother-sister duo has conquered the world and the adults are too afraid to challenge them. A group of teen rebels are the only ones brave enough to fight against the Global Collective Council. Defying Destiny is the third in the series.

It’s a thrilling conclusion full of battle scenes and sweet romantic moments. Sierra’s agony over God’s will for her life tore my heartstrings. She learns some hard lessons about loss, trust, deception, and friendship. The author finally reveals some backstory that explains a lot about Hunter and River, the twins who many perceive as evil. The book ends with a small cliffhanger. I really hope she changes her mind and writes another one in this series.

Reviewed October 4, 2022

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Elleson
by: Misha McCorkle

It’s such a thrill to see a manuscript I helped critique transform into a beautiful novel. I have to admit that its content and grammar didn’t need much polishing when I proofed it. Misha is a master with words and gifted with an incredible imagination for realm building.

Elleson follows the story of two teens, Daisy and Brogan, who build a unique friendship after they meet in a small Colorado town. Brogan, hailing from New York City, loved his life until his father transferred to Seoul and sent him to live with his grandparents. Even with his city slicker ways, Brogan adapts better to Layton High School than Daisy, who suffers from a painful hip injury and facial scarring caused by a car accident.

Daisy hates daytime and longs for the night when she can go to bed and dream. As long as she can remember, her dreams have taken her to another world—one in which she’s healthy and beautiful. In her dreams, she scales walls and recovers magical daggers. But each morning, the sun rises and she’s the same old Daisy who buries herself in books.

Shortly after Daisy and Brogan meet at church, strange occurrences unsettle them. Brogan observes Daisy almost merge into a museum painting. Later the same day, they fall into a dark room full of frightening whispers. The next morning, Daisy disappears. Brogan is certain that whatever tried to hold them captive in the dark room has taken Daisy, and he sets out to find her.

At this point, Misha’s imagination soars. Readers are taken into another world, Elleson, packed with amazing settings, ethereal characters, and wild plot twists. Throughout it all, she weaves in lessons from the Eternal One. I love how she offers a Christian message without being overt. I recommend this fantasy to males and females ages 13-17. It’s available in paperback and digitally on Amazon.

Reviewed January 19, 2021

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Good Girls Stay Quiet
by: Jo Cassidy

Like so many children around the world, Cora is stuck in an abusive parental relationship that she thinks is normal.

I’ve never been exposed to anyone in that type of situation, but Jo Cassidy made Cora’s character so credible that I wanted to jump into the pages and scream, “Help yourself!”

I highly recommend it to all young adults.

Reviewed April 5, 2019

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Hesitant Heroes
by: Sharon René

This Christian-based young adult novel is aptly named. Its well-rounded characters tried hard to achieve normalcy in their unusual new school, but didn’t hesitate to step up to fight for their friends’ lives when faced with the choice of following or leading.

They learned to lean on God, sacrifice themselves for the greater good, and overcome their weaknesses. If they’d stepped from the pages, I would have high-fived them.

A brilliant story, great for both male and female older teens.

Reviewed September 15, 2021

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Keturah and Lord Death
by: Martine Leavitt

Kudos to the National Book Award judges. This gothic tale of romance, generosity and friendship certainly deserved to be a finalist. Set in Medieval England, the book contained both the language pertinent to the time period and the poor village setting.

After losing her way in the forest, the beautiful Keturah, famous for her storytelling ability, must weave an entrancing tale to keep Lord Death at bay. We discover Lord Death is real, not a metaphor for the afterlife. Lord Death challenges her to find love. If she does, he’ll save her. Keturah’s mission is two-fold: she must find love and she must intensify her tale forcing him to extend her deadline.

The author did an excellent job developing the characters. Keturah’s relationship with her friends reminded me of several buddies who’ve stuck with me through gossip and challenging times. I loved how the author used job descriptions as names—Cook, Choirmaster and Tailor—to keep the readers from forgetting them. I easily envisioned the icy Lord Death, the frightening Soor Lily, and the amiable John Temsland. I did not predict the ending, so was pleasantly surprised. The author and Keturah both wove delightful tales.

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2017

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Klara and the Sun
by: Kazuo Ishiguro

I love crossover books, and this is one of the best. Both adults and teens will enjoy the unique story of a friendship between a human and a humanoid. I’ve never read anything like this.

The author has a mind-blowing imagination. In a futuristic world, humans can buy humanoids to keep them company. After Klara (the humanoid and narrator) moves into Josie’s house, she discovers that her new teen friend is sick. Klara makes it her mission to make her well again. Her sometimes-strange campaign teaches them both about peer pressure, deceit, parental love, sacrifice, and goals.

Yes, I cried.

Reviewed August 31, 2021

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Live Fearless
by: Sadie Robertson

This YA topic is timely during this freaky shelter-in-place coronavirus pandemic. For one so young, this Christian author is wise. She admits how much fear she’s bottled up over the years, from appearances on Duck Dynasty to the grand finale of Dancing with the Stars. Each chapter features a fear-filled experience she’s overcome. Then, she lists questions for readers to ask themselves, challenges for them to take, and short prayers to memorize.

I loved Chapter 4. She starts out, “At least you’re not a plankton.” Say what? She elaborates on how plankton are the lowest of the low food source. When ridiculed by her brother, she Googled plankton and discovered their importance. She learned that they rise to the ocean’s surface each day to receive the sun’s energy that, in turn, fuels the fish that eat them.

Then, she compares plankton to believers, urging them to rise to the light each day to absorb God’s energy and spread it to others. I like this philosophy, especially during this scary time of self-isolation. Instead of losing ourselves in endless Netflix series, we could be doing small acts of kindness to help others. We could sew face masks, create encouraging sidewalk chalk art, and help with online tutoring.

If you have an extra six minutes, I recommend you check out Sadie’s Crazy Train video on YouTube. She and a friend discuss how miscommunication can put you on a crazy train full of cars that build fear and anxiety. It’s pretty cute . . . and true.

Throughout the book, Sadie talks about “working the word.” This means that we should memorize scripture so that it’s already in our minds when we need it. She even provides pages of scripture addressing fear at the end of the book.

Reviewed April 8, 2020

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Livia Aemilia Mystery Series
by: Lisa Beck

Fellow Redemption Press author, Lisa Betz, is a riot. We met at the February 2022 Christian Product Expo in Concord, N.C., and I enjoyed her company so much that I volunteered to work a second shift at our publisher’s booth so I could spend another hour with her. She’s a terrific storyteller, in person and on the page.

I may or may not have done a little fan-girling as she handed me a free autographed copy of Fountains and Secrets. When I asked what “Fish Pickle” meant (see photo), she replied with an enigmatic grin, “You’ll see.” So I raced home and devoured her story.

Then I discovered . . . bless my heart . . . that it was the second in a series. I almost said a bad word, then decided to use “Fish Pickle” instead, copying the story’s protagonist, Livia. So I downloaded Death and a Crocodile and devoured it even more quickly (now that I knew the characters). I recommend you read them in order, though they’re written in such a way that it’s not necessary.

I’ve never read anything remotely close to her stories. Think of Nancy Drew transplanted in Rome a few years after Jesus died. Like Nancy, sixteen-year-old Livia stumbles into mysteries that impact those close to her. Both girls are curious and will stop at nothing to bring justice to light.

Livia is a new Christian who meets with other believers in a nearby bakery. Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she drops by for a loaf of bread, words of wisdom, and a warm hug.

In Death and a Crocodile, Livia’s father, a senator, is killed under suspicious circumstances. Then an attempt is made on her brother’s life. While modern-day Nancy could zip around in her blue convertible unencumbered by chaperones, ancient Rome Livia must be accompanied by two [gasp] slaves—a maid and a bodyguard—each time she leaves the house. She also must suffer through dinners with parent-arranged suitors. Her sleuthing is dependent on delivering pertinent intel to the right men. It’s amazing what Livia achieves through kindness and persistence.

Livia’s circumstances change in Fountains and Secrets. She has more responsibilities and secrets of her own. When a loved one’s mentor disappears, she pushes everything aside to help. As Livia delves into the mystery, she and the reader both learn about the city’s water system, peristyles, and Roman food.

Kudos to Lisa for providing a list of characters at the beginning of each book and a glossary of terms at the end. She also adds historical notes after the glossary in Fountains and Secrets. I recommend this series to older female teens and their moms.

In addition to writing novels, Lisa blogs about intentional living. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and Scallywag, the inspiration for Livia’s maid’s rambunctious cat.

Reviewed October 20, 2023

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Mele Kalikimaka (Tradewinds #2.5)
by: Taylor Bennett

Olive and her best friend, Jazz, are faced with navigating their first Christmas without their mothers. Then, their other buddy, Brander, is called away on a Christian music tour.

This beautiful story, set in Hawaii, weaves their bitter emotions into a heart-warming novella of acceptance and hope.

There’s even a sweet recipe at the end.

Reviewed December 9, 2019

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Porch Swing Girl (Tradewinds #1)
by: Taylor Bennett

I, like the main character, Olive, was jerked out of my comfort zone and moved to another city halfway through my teens. Olive not only is forced to relocate, but she also has to deal with the grief of losing her mother.

She’s much braver than I was at that age. She sets out on a mission to earn money to fly home, then turns her fundraising campaign into an endeavor to help a new friend.

I highly recommend this Christ-centered book about loss, friendship and the importance of family to older teens.

Reviewed June 28, 2018

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Quest For Celestia
by: Steven James

This is the best book I’ve read in awhile, and that’s saying something because I read a ton. Great for teens and adults, this stand-alone fantasy novel is a reimagining of The Pilgrim’s Progress.

When 16-year-old Kadin’s health deteriorates after an encounter with a strange man, he embarks on an epic journey to determine the cause of his frightening condition. The dangerous quest opens his eyes to the truth that could heal both his body and his mind.

Kadin’s best friend agrees to accompany him, but turns around at the first threat. Later, Kadin makes another friend, Leira. Together, they follow their hearts through a fantastical world of witches, dragons, and giants. They’re tracked by an evil lord who has made it his mission to do anything to keep them from reaching Celestia.

This is an amazing read with mind-blowing twists and turns. Steven James is a master storyteller.

Reviewed April 23, 2021

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Relentless Rebels
by: Sharon René

Sharon René has crafted another mind-blowing, action-packed young adult Christian suspense novel. Check out its awesome book trailer.

In this second installment of the Divine Destiny Chronicles, Councilor Sierra Stone tasks Jordan and her multi-talented friends with promoting her vision of the Global Collective Council (GCC)—one that involves freedom of choice and equality. Set in 2063, Relentless Rebels points out that much remains the same in the future: poverty, power struggles, and greed. Team Seven’s eyes are opened as they travel from one ravaged city to another. They must deal with untimely deaths, betrayals, and physical challenges.

Councilor Stone’s nemesis, River Wallis, has a different concept for the GCC. She has convinced her twin brother, Hunter, that the GCC should be run by a small segment of the world’s population, the European Collective. As the story progresses, Team Seven learns the lengths to which River will go in order to achieve her dreams, including killing Councilor Stone and Team Seven.

River’s followers blame religion for every wrong in the world. Though Team Seven’s leaders, Jordan and Matthew, are Christian, they begin to lose their trust in God as they watch loved ones die and their plans unravel. Thankfully, the author weaves the truth of God’s faithfulness throughout their journeys.

While this story is darker than Hesitant Heroes, there are some light moments. I discovered that good barbeque survived in Old Memphis and that cranky cows can brighten otherwise depressing scenes. The touch of clean romance among several couples also brought smiles to my lips.

I recommend this thriller to older teens, both male and female, because of the violence and romance. Their parents might also enjoy the series.

Once you finish Relentless Rebels, you might want to read Sharon’s earlier books. She’s also published A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, a beautiful collection of children’s short stories, and A Flash of Romance, a sweet YA novel. Check out her website for more information.

Reviewed March 18, 2022

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Remarkables
by: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Margaret Peterson Haddix has done it again. I don’t know how she manages to combine mystery, adventure, and science fiction into one middle grade novel that even parents like to read (check out my blog on crossover fiction), but she does it with hard-hitting sub-plots. The Remarkables addresses bullying, guilt, and depression without any in-your-face lectures or scenes that make readers want to close the book because it makes them sad.

Eleven-year-old Marin (love the name) is forced to move from Illinois the summer before her first year in middle school because her mom snagged an awesome job in Pennsylvania. Soon after arrival, Marin climbs a backyard tree and spies a group of teens on the patio of the house behind hers. The teens are having a great time until . . . they disappear. Marin almost falls out of the tree.

She later meets her next-door neighbor, Charley, who has witnessed the same disappearing act over the past two years. With this in common, she thinks it’ll be easy to befriend him. But it’s not. He’s harboring lots of secrets that she needs to unravel to gain his trust. The only problem is that he doesn’t want to be around her, or anyone for that matter.

The reader soon learns that Marin has secrets of her own—ones that revolve around her best friends from her old school. And while her parents are putting on a brave front, the fact remains that her father still hasn’t found a job. Add a new baby brother to the mix, and poor Marin is beyond discombobulated.

Nevertheless, she’s determined to figure out the mystery of the vanishing teens. When Marin discovers that one girl is a dead ringer for a sixteen year old who didn’t survive a fire in the house behind hers, she’s able to enlist Charley’s help. They launch a full-scale investigation into the teen friends, whom they’ve dubbed the “Remarkables.”

The plot twist at the end blew my mind. And, I have to admit, I may or may not have cried a little. MPH is brilliant. I’ve devoured her books for years. If you’re looking for more mysteries to keep you up past your bedtime, check out MPH’s Greystone Secrets series.

Reviewed September 17, 2020

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Ruthless: An Agata Sea Novella
by: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz

One of the best prequels I’ve ever read. A refreshing fantasy adventure with a breeze of romance and a spiritual message that leaves the reader with a satisfied smile. I read “Unbetrothed” and loved Princess Beatriz. This story about her mother, Cottia, is just as enchanting—perfect for both male and female teens. She and Prince Ezer are strong characters, worthy of a spin-off from this novella.

I recommend that parents also read it to discuss the faith elements of forgiveness and redemption with their young adults. Note there are some violent scenes.

Reviewed March 15, 2024

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Sandcastle Dreams (Tradewinds #2)
by: Taylor Bennett

Life sure is complicated if you’re a teen. Layer on a deceased mom, self home-schooling and a rambunctious puppy, and you have one overwhelmed girl.

Olive does her best to stay strong for her little sister and for her new bestie, Jazz, but is frustrated at every turn, especially when she learns her friend is hiding a secret.

When her other friend, Brander, is offered an opportunity on the other side of the country, she’s left with yet another loss.

I can’t wait for the next book!

Reviewed May 31, 2019

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Spilled Milk
by: K.L. Randis

This is one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read, on par with Tara Westover’s shocking novel, Educated. My 17-year-old niece recommended I read it, and I’m glad I did.

Kelly Randis, writing under the pen name of K.L. Randis, reveals her abusive childhood in this semi-autobiography. Using the fictitious name of Brooke Nolan, she traces her life from age six to present day, not pulling any punches about the mistreatment she suffered from both parents. It’s an eye-opener.

According to Amazon, Spilled Milk is now used by some colleges and high schools to point out the failures of our justice system. It’s a hard read, but I recommend it to older teens and adults. If anything, it’s a lesson in speaking up about abuse sooner than later.

Reviewed October 1, 2021

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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
by: Suzanne Collins

As a huge fan of the Hunger Games trilogy, I didn’t open this prequel with high expectations. How does one top those riveting books that were made into movies? Well, Collins did.

Told in third person, unlike The Games first person point of view, The Ballad provides the backstory of Coriolanus Snow, The Games antagonist and this dystopian novel’s main character. I could not put it down. This hefty (528 pages) story traces the beginning of the Games and Snow’s live-or-die role in it. He’s pushed into an impossible task of mentoring a strange female tribute in one of the early games established after the colonies’ rebellion and subsequent ruin. He must overcome his own poverty and push aside his selfish ambitions to help her.

I now understand what drove his actions in his later years as president of Panem. I recommend this novel for ages twelve and older. Please be aware of the violence and haunting sadness that weaves throughout this tale.

Reviewed August 5, 2020

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The Deception (The Delusion #2)
by: Laura Gallier

Owen’s quest for answers continues. Masonville High still isn’t safe. Abductions and disappearances are keeping the high school’s student body on edge. He realizes the forces upsetting his town are demonic, but is at loss on how to fight them.

When a long-lost figurehead enters his life and offers guidance, he jumps at the chance for direction. He even snaps at his best friend, Ray Anne, when she suggests deceit. What a hard lesson Owen must learn about spiritual warfare.

Darker than the first book, The Deception is a must read for older teens.

Reviewed October 11, 2019

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The Delusion
by: Laura Gallier

This amazing work of Christian fiction—on par with Frank Peretti’s YA nail biters—stretches the imagination while painting a visual of burdened people.

Owen Edmonds, a high school senior, receives a supernatural dose of reality after drinking a cup of well water. He now can see the emotional weight people carry and feels compelled to help them. After all, eleven students have already committed suicide.

The story moves into an epic battle between angels and demons, leaving the reader with biblical lessons on trusting God, loving others and withholding judgement.

Reviewed July 20, 2019

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The Door
by: Lorilyn Roberts

Seeking a Christian novel for young teens? Check out The Door. Not only is it a clean read, but its main character witnesses Jesus’ ministry.

Lorilyn Roberts independently published The Door, the first book of six in her Seventh Dimension fantasy series, using Vellum and Amazon. Kudos to Ms. Roberts for taking the courageous step of indie publishing. I imagine the main reason she chose that route is because most traditional publishers steer away from overtly Christian books. And this book is overtly Christian.

Ironically, the publishing industry has recognized The Door with the following awards:

• 2013 International Book Awards Finalist
• 2013 Grace Awards Finalist
• 2013 Selah Awards Finalist
• 2013 Readers’ Favorite Finalist
• 2014 Book Goodies Best Cover Contest Winner, YA Category

A cross between C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, this novel drops the main character, Shale Snyder, into the King’s garden after she passes through a strange door. Shale soon learns that she has the ability to speak with animals and befriends a donkey (Baruch), a bunny (Cherios), and a dog (Much-Afraid). When evil beings invade the garden and chase the friends into the past—to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry—Shale must choose to help those around her or return to her time period, 2012.

She stays . . . and meets Daniel, a Jew from 2015. Together, they witness Jesus’ miracles and teachings. Both learn valuable lessons of forgiveness, judgement, and using gifts wisely. It’s interesting to read familiar stories from the Bible through the eyes of teenagers.

Shale records her journey on a scroll that serves as her diary. To confuse her stepmother, she writes to “Dog,” which is “God” spelled backward. There are some funny parts to the story that only adults might appreciate, like what happened in politics between 2012 and 2015.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the author’s writing style. The first half of the book is a little disjointed and there are some typos, so don’t give up. Trust me, she finds her rhythm, and the ending has a nice twist. I look forward to reading other books in the series. The books are earmarked for young adults, but I recommend them more for middle graders.

Reviewed November 13, 2020

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The Dream Heist
by: Christina Farley

Have you discovered Kindle Vella? If not, let me sing its praises. As an avid reader, I like to sneak in a few minutes of page turning every chance I get. If I’m waiting in line, I usually hit the headlines on a news app or surf Instagram. Now I find myself in the Vella section of the Kindle app.

Vella is a section of Kindle that specializes in serial stories. That is, it’s a platform that offers thousands of stories in multiple genres for you to binge-read like you would binge-watch TV shows or listen to podcasts. Each episode lasts about five minutes, enough time to shuffle your way to the front of a line. For more information on Vella’s costs and technology, check out my personal blog.

This week, I’m reading Christina Farley’s The Dream Heist, a young adult thriller. The author has posted 73 heart-stopping episodes on Kindle Vella and seems to have no plans to wrap it up anytime soon. She has previously published a three-book series, Gilded, through Skyscape and a stand-alone called The Princess and the Page.

The Dream Heist begins with the main character, Aria Hale, climbing into a sleep pod in her father’s laboratory. In a quest to restore memories to dementia patients, her father has developed a device that allows members of his staff to enter the dreams of his patients. Aria and three friends are part-time members of that staff. Several times a week before school, they climb into sleep pods and enter the dreams of Dr. Hale’s patients to locate their storage vaults of memories.

One morning, Aria discovers herself in a classmate’s dream. How could he be a dementia patient? He’s her age. After she awakens, she quizzes her father, but he brushes away her concerns. Then their house is robbed while he’s home alone. The intruders beat him so severely that he ends up in the hospital, yet he still won’t answer Aria’s questions.

Her classmate starts flirting with her, and a sleep pod colleague begins to put the pieces together. Aria has no idea whom to trust, but she must figure it out before something worse happens to her father and his laboratory. Since there’s no ending to the story, I can’t give it away, but I will say that there are lots of surprises, twists, and turns that have kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend it for both male and female teens.

An added benefit to the serial style of reading is that the author leaves comments at the end of each episode. She discusses the science behind dreams and even writes a little about her grandmother, who suffered from dementia. I love this personal touch.

To access Vella, go to the Kindle app, scroll to the bottom and click the Discover tab, then tap Kindle Vella. You’ll find a robust choice of genres, each featuring hundreds of stories. Like all Amazon books, they have popularity stars, customer reviews, and helpful book descriptions.

Reviewed May 20, 2022

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The Hate U Give
by: Angie Thomas

Tough book to read. Not because of the extreme profanity, but because of the slap in the face it gives us privileged white readers. My eyes are now wide open.

During this time of racial unrest, I recommend this book to those who don’t understand the distrust the African American community has of law enforcement. This story can answer a lot of questions.

Thomas’ main character, 16-year-old Starr, describes in very plain language of how she witnessed a police officer shoot her unarmed childhood friend, Khalil. When his death makes national headlines, the protests launch.

The local police and a drug lord soon begin to intimidate Starr, the only eyewitness to his murder, and her family. How she responds is what makes this book so powerful.

Reviewed June 3, 2020

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The Kingdom Come series
by: Cecelia Earl

Free books, y’all. Right now. Move fast because that’s in the budget. All three of Cecelia Earl’s Kingdom Come novels are listed for $0 through Amazon Kindle. Just because they’re free doesn’t mean they’re not high quality.

The author weaves a tale about how Julia, a hard-working teenage girl who’s lost her father, ends up fighting against the evil in her community. She battles for the lives of her friends and family, all while trying to earn money to help her mom pay the bills. She’s also on a mission to find her father. The novels cast new light on heaven and hell, angels and demons. Be prepared for some serious spiritual warfare. I recommend the series for ages 14 and older. Titles include (1) When Ash Rains Down, (2) When Smoke Rains Down, and (3) When Fire Rains Down.

Reviewed June 17, 2020

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The Milk of Birds
by: Sylvia Whitman

Never have I read a book that has taken me on such of roller coaster of emotions. In one chapter, I’m giggling over K.C.’s crazy schemes, and in the next chapter, I’m holding my hand over my mouth, gasping in disbelief at Nawra’s everyday life.

Some scenes are so horrific that I had to Google certain phrases to double check the author’s credibility. I found her not only credible, but that she’d likely downplayed some of the atrocities.

This work of historical fiction follows the lives of two 14-year-old girls:  K.C. in Richmond, Va., and Nawra in Darfur, Sudan, through their Save The Girls pen pal letters to each other. Though they live on different continents, they discover similar longings and heartaches. As they write, they become more honest and open with each other. They share advice and sayings.

Some of Nawra’s sayings are so profound, I jotted them down. My favorite is “When a tree leans, it will rest on its sister.”

I recommend this book for older teens and their parents.

Reviewed 02.04.21

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The Ripper of Monkshood Manor
by: Mary Gray

Cate Hellstrom is clumsy, naive and somewhat stubborn. When she follows the hot guy of her dreams into his dilapidated old mansion, she has no idea that she’ll soon be running for her life.

With each twist and turn of the plot, she learns whom she can trust and who is out to steal her soul. She encounters exploding aquariums, mysterious stains, and a bipolar dog.

Terrific book for older teens with a quirky sense of humor.

Reviewed October 4, 2019

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The Serafina Series
by: Robert Beatty

Check out Robert Beatty’s four-book Serafina series, set at the turn of the 20th century at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. I bought the first book, Serafina and the Black Cloak, in Asheville’s trendy bookstore, Malaprop’s, in 2015. I’ve grabbed each subsequent book shortly after publication. They’re that good.

The story follows Serafina, daughter of the estate’s mechanic, as she discovers and develops her special powers (and they’re freaky amazing). Biltmore’s owner, George Vanderbilt, names Serafina guardian of the estate after she saves his family from certain death.

Beatty weaves a tale about her friendship with Mr. Vanderbilt’s nephew, their mission to keep evil spirits at bay, and Serafina’s unusual bond with forest creatures. The fourth series installment, Serafina and the Seven Stars, is a true nail biter. I highly recommend it for young teens with a thirst for adventure.

I also recommend a visit to the grand Biltmore Estate. A candlelight tour during the Christmas season will put you in a perfect spine-tingling mood to read this series.

Reviewed September 9, 2020

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The Text
by: Julane Fisher

Fisher is today’s H.G. Wells for young adults. This clean dystopian could happen, and it chills my bones to realize Fisher’s imagination is not far from the truth of our possible future.

I loved everything about this book—its harrowing plotline with numerous twists and turns, its well-developed characters, and its overarching theme of good vs evil.

After penning two award-winning middle grade novels, Fisher has nailed the fast-paced, angst-ridden, high-tech stories that young adults crave.

Reviewed October 6, 2023

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Tinsel in a Tangle
by: Laurie Germaine

Roasted chestnuts! Germaine has lit up the Christmas season with this darling young adult book—an uplifting story about Tinsel, a clumsy elf in search of her talent and, ultimately, acceptance by her peers.

Poor Tinsel, tallest of them all, must right her wrong to save Christmas and win the eye of Santa’s handsome grandson.

I read this straight through, then passed it to my 14-year-old niece, who did the same. Such a fun read!

Hold onto your stockings! Germaine’s writing a sequel to this hilarious festive page-turner. Can’t wait!

Reviewed October 10, 2017

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Tinsel in a Twist
by: Laurie Germaine

Rolling snowballs! What a terrific young adult Christmas fantasy. From the genealogy tree in the front to the glossary of German terms in the back, this lighthearted romp through two Santa workshops keeps readers guessing.

Told from the perspectives of best friends—Tinsel the elf and Gina the barista/doll maker—the story traces their mission of untangling the mystery of the frightening Christmas-stealing Krampus. They encounter secret portals, deceitful relatives, and a wily ex-fiancé.

They and their sweethearts are forced to acknowledge the truth about themselves to fight against the evil invading their beautiful winter wonderland.

A perfect fireside clean read for older teens and new adults.

Reviewed October 8, 2021

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Trinity Row
by: Kelly Martin

The artist who designed the creepy cover did a magnificent job capturing the eeriness inside.

Ivy Black initially embraces the whole renovate-the-haunted-house challenge, but the more she spends time within Trinity Row, the more she questions her sanity.

Who’s alive? Who isn’t? Who wants to kill her? Who doesn’t?

I recommend this book to older teens who can handle the adroit plot twists and violence—who like to read with their hearts in their throats.

Reviewed June 5, 2019

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Turtles All The Way Down
by: John Green

What a strange title. I had never heard the phrase until my niece recommended the book to me. Before reading, I Googled the phrase and discovered that there is a mythological idea of a turtle that supports a flat Earth on its back. That turtle rests on the back of an even larger turtle, which is part of a column of increasingly larger turtles that continues forever.

John Green, author of another amazing bestseller, Fault in Our Stars, uses this head-scratching idea as a metaphor for the main character, Aza Holmes, who suffers from anxiety. She regularly finds herself caught in thought spirals that never end.

While the thread of Aza’s anxiety ties the plot together, the main action centers around the disappearance of the super-rich father of her childhood friend, Davis Pickett. When she and her best friend, Daisy Ramirez, decide to help Davis and his younger brother, Noah, find their father, they learn more than they want to know about his business dealings and his self-centeredness. Along the way, Aza and Daisy realize they don’t have as much in common as they thought, and they must address the disparity in their current living situations and life goals.

Green deserves a shout out for character development. I could feel Aza’s anxiety, Davis’s hopelessness, and Daisy’s push for cheerfulness. He also created brilliant character arcs for Aza’s helicopter mom and Davis’s non-stop gaming brother.

In typical Green fashion, the author pulls in famous quotes and poetry. Kudos to Penguin Radom House for adding discussion questions and a bold interview with Green at the end.Be aware that Green gets real with teenage angst and mild self-harm. He doesn’t shy away from a few colorful words, but there are no sex scenes or violence. I recommend the book to older teens and their parents. The story could spark some great discussion about handling anxiety.

Reviewed October 8, 2024

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Unbetrothed
by: Candice Pedraza Yamnitz

The inside of this book is just as beautiful as the cover.

The author weaves an intriguing tale about a haughty princess who must unravel a confusing message about a gift she’s promised. Her parents nudge her to accept a betrothal to build an alliance among kingdoms, but she chooses to embark on a dangerous quest to receive her gift.

Along the way, she encounters a band of frenemies and learns of a plot to overthrow her family’s kingdom. She must acknowledge her faults and make some tough decisions to save the lives of those she loves and achieve true happiness. Each time I predicted the ending, the author would throw in another twist.

I highly recommend this book to older teens who love adventure and romance.

Reviewed January 13, 2022