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Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper-class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But away from her family she can be whoever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives.
The winding streets and narrow alleys of Karolene hide many secrets, and Hitomi is one of them.
Are some men born evil, no chance of redemption from the moment they draw breath? Perhaps, perhaps not. Grim doesn't seem to think so, and yet, he knows better than to believe that knowledge alone would curb a cruel man's intent... Even if that man is himself.
Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper-class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But away from her family she can be whoever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives.
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At a Glance
Featured Book
(mild romantic elements, moderate fantasy violence, and infrequent mild swearing)
AUTHOR KATE ELLIOTT
COURT OF FIVES
In this imaginative escape into enthralling new lands, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott's first bestselling young adult novel weaves an epic story of a girl struggling to do what she loves in a society suffocated by rules of class and privilege.
Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper-class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But away from her family she can be whoever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives, an intricate, multilevel athletic competition that offers a chance for glory to the kingdom's best contenders. Then Jes meets Kalliarkos, and an unlikely friendship between two Fives competitors--one of mixed race and the other a Patron boy--causes heads to turn. When Kal's powerful, scheming uncle tears Jes's family apart, she'll have to test her new friend's loyalty and risk the vengeance of a royal clan to save her mother and sisters from certain death.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Court of Fives by Kate Elliott can be a great choice for families and readers who enjoy stories with strong female protagonists, layered world-building, and themes of resilience, justice, and personal identity. The book follows Jessamy, a talented athlete caught between rigid social classes in a militarized empire, as she navigates forbidden competitions and dangerous political intrigue. The novel encourages critical thinking about class, privilege, and personal agency, all while maintaining an exciting, fast-paced plot suitable for older middle school or high school readers. Its focus on family loyalty, inner strength, and defying expectations makes it especially appealing to teens and parents looking for books with empowering messages. In terms of content, Court of Fives includes mild romantic elements and some references to sensual attraction, but nothing overtly graphic. Violence is present, including moments of danger, physical competition, and political unrest, but it's portrayed within context and isn't excessive. Language is generally clean, and the book avoids strong swearing. Overall, it would be appropriate for readers who enjoy a mix of action, heart, and thoughtful social commentary. It's a solid pick for families looking for an engaging read that also opens up discussion about society and self-worth.
(suspense, a little bit of romance, and no language)
AUTHOR DAVID BALDACCI
THE FINISHER (BOOK 1)
Vega Jane was always told no one could leave the town of Wormwood. She was told there was nothing outside but a forest filled with danger and death. And she always believed it -- until the night she saw Quentin Herms run away.
Vega knows Quentin didn't just leave -- he was chased. And he left behind a trail of clues that point to a dark conspiracy at the heart of Wormwood. To follow the clues will attract the attention of influential people willing to kill to keep their secrets. If Vega wants to stay safe, she just needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. There's only one problem -- Vega Jane never walks away from a fight.
The #1 New York Times bestseller by David Baldacci now includes a never-before-seen chapter, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Finisher, and a special world guide -- for e-readers only!
He introduces an unforgettable heroine who must think fast, hit hard, and defy all odds to uncover the truth.
(no cursing or explicit sex)
AUTHOR AMY A. BARTOL
SECONDBORN (BOOK 1)
Firstborns rule society. Secondborns are the property of the government. Thirdborns are not tolerated. Long live the Fates Republic.
On Transition Day, the second child in every family is taken by the government and forced into servitude. Roselle St. Sismode’s eighteenth birthday arrives with harsh realizations: she’s to become a soldier for the Fate of Swords military arm of the Republic during the bloodiest rebellion in history, and her elite firstborn mother is happy to see her go.
Televised since her early childhood, Roselle’s privileged upbringing has earned her the resentment of her secondborn peers. Now her decision to spare an enemy on the battlefield marks her as a traitor to the state.
But Roselle finds an ally—and more—in fellow secondborn conscript Hawthorne Trugrave. As the consequences of her actions ripple throughout the Fates Republic, can Roselle create a destiny of her own? Or will her Fate override everything she fights for—even love?
(Some violence and dark themes)
AUTHOR ALEXANDRA BRACKEN
THE DARKEST MINDS (BOOK 1)
Book one in the hit series that's soon to be a major motion picture starring Amandla Stenberg and Mandy Moore--now with a stunning new look and an exclusive bonus short story featuring Liam and his brother, Cole.
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that killed most of America's children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
But when the truth about Ruby's abilities--the truth she's hidden from everyone, even the camp authorities--comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. On the run, she joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp: Zu, a young girl haunted by her past; Chubs, a standoffish brainiac; and Liam, their fearless leader, who is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.
While they journey to find the one safe haven left for kids like them--East River--they must evade their determined pursuers, including an organization that will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. But as they get closer to grasping the things they've dreamed of, Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.
(includes mild violence, brief suicidal themes, dystopian oppression, and minimal swearing but no sexual content or romance)
AUTHOR RAY BRADBURY
FAHRENHEIT 451 (BOOK 1)
Nearly seventy years after its original publication, Ray Bradbury’s internationally acclaimed novel Fahrenheit 451 stands as a classic of world literature set in a bleak, dystopian future. Today its message has grown more relevant than ever before.
Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known.
AUTHOR M. R. CAREY
THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS (BOOK 1)
Melanie is a very special girl. Dr Caldwell calls her "our little genius."
Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh.
The Girl With All the Gifts is a groundbreaking thriller, emotionally charged and gripping from beginning to end.
(contains intense violence, disturbing themes, mild romance, and strong language)
AUTHOR KIERA CASS
THE SELECTION (BOOK 1)
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape a rigid caste system, live in a palace, and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her, and competing for a crown she doesn’t want.
Then America meets Prince Maxon—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
(no sex, language, or anything inappropriate)
(dystopian violence, political rebellion, romantic tension, and societal injustice)
AUTHOR CORDELIA K. CASTEL
THE PRINCESS TRIALS (BOOK 1)
Thirty young women. A handsome prince. A battle to the death
Water is scarce. Deserts have taken over the land. Nuclear war has devastated humanity. Humans live in walled super cities to keep out the irradiated. The land that was formerly known as America is divided into kingdoms ruled by royal elites.
Born into the lowest Echelon of the Kingdom of Phangloria, sixteen-year-old Zea Calico faces a life of hunger, thirst, and toil. The only way out of this drudgery is revolution, and Zea is desperate to help the cause.
When the palace calls for candidates to compete to marry Prince Kevon, Zea joins the Princess Trials to search the palace for weaknesses.
The trials should be a fairytale of sumptuous meals, ballgowns, and romance, but one misplaced word causes Zea to attract the Prince’s attention. When Zea uncovers the man beneath Prince Kevon’s public facade, she is at risk of falling in love and losing sight of her mission.
But the televised beauty pageant turns deadly, and Zea must fight for survival.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and The Selection, this exciting tale of courage, intrigue, and betrayal will have you turning pages.
(intense scenes, violence, no sex, mild cursing)
AUTHOR SUZANNE COLLINS
THE HUNGER GAMES (BOOK 1)
Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun. . . .
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
(mild romantic elements, including kissing, themes of rebellion, and societal control)
AUTHOR ALLY CONDIE
MATCHED (BOOK 1)
#1 New York Times Bestseller
“[A] superb dystopian romance.” – The Wall Street Journal
“Strong feminist ideals and impressive writing that’s bound to captivate.” – The Los Angeles Times
In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.
Look for the sequel, CROSSED, and the epic series finale, REACHED!
(contains some violence, mild sensual content, occasional swearing, and minimal romance)
AUTHOR BLAKE CROUCH
DARK MATTER
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD! • NOW STREAMING ON APPLE TV+
A “mind-blowing” (Entertainment Weekly) speculative thriller about an ordinary man who awakens in a world inexplicably different from the reality he thought he knew—from the author of Upgrade, Recursion, and the Wayward Pines trilogy
“Are you happy with your life?”
Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the kidnapper knocks him unconscious.
Before he awakens to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits.
Before a man he’s never met smiles down at him and says, “Welcome back, my friend.”
In this world he’s woken up to, Jason’s life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college professor but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable. Something impossible.
Is it this life or the other that’s the dream? And even if the home he remembers is real, how will Jason make it back to the family he loves?
From the bestselling author Blake Crouch, Dark Matter is a mind-bending thriller about choices, paths not taken, and how far we’ll go to claim the lives we dream of.
AUTHOR JAMES DASHNER
THE MAZE RUNNER (BOOK 1)
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.
Outside the towering stone walls that surround them is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.
Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
Remember. Survive. Run.
(intense action, violence, suspense, and dark themes of survival)
(revenge, violence, and psychological manipulation, with some romantic elements)
AUTHOR SOPHIE DAVIS
TALENTED (BOOK 1)
With over Half a Million worldwide downloads and Twenty-Eight Million pages read in Kindle Unlimited, readers are raving about the Talented Saga: "X-Men meets Divergent in a new way." "Intoxicatingly good."
Block out thoughts.
Talia Lyons has one goal at the McDonough School for the Talented: learn to use her Talent as a Mental Manipulator to kill the man who murdered her parents.
Block out pain.
She'll deal with anything. The brutal physical demands. The emotional toll. Whatever it takes to reach her objective.
Block out friendship.
With only one year left in the program, Talia is suddenly finding it harder than ever to ignore the rest of her life. Block out love. Even worse, she can't seem to turn off her psychic connection to her first love...or quit thinking about her fascinating new teammate.
Feel only vengeance.
Ian Crane. The man who destroyed Talia's life. The one she's determined to eradicate.
Now focus.
It's time to kill.
The Talented Saga is an award-winning and internationally bestselling Dystopian Romance series about the life of a girl with extraordinary psychic powers, and what happens when a heart is torn between love and rage...
(mild romantic elements, moderate fantasy violence, and infrequent mild swearing)
AUTHOR KATE ELLIOTT
COURT OF FIVES
In this imaginative escape into enthralling new lands, World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott's first bestselling young adult novel weaves an epic story of a girl struggling to do what she loves in a society suffocated by rules of class and privilege.
Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper-class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But away from her family she can be whoever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives, an intricate, multilevel athletic competition that offers a chance for glory to the kingdom's best contenders. Then Jes meets Kalliarkos, and an unlikely friendship between two Fives competitors--one of mixed race and the other a Patron boy--causes heads to turn. When Kal's powerful, scheming uncle tears Jes's family apart, she'll have to test her new friend's loyalty and risk the vengeance of a royal clan to save her mother and sisters from certain death.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Court of Fives by Kate Elliott can be a great choice for families and readers who enjoy stories with strong female protagonists, layered world-building, and themes of resilience, justice, and personal identity. The book follows Jessamy, a talented athlete caught between rigid social classes in a militarized empire, as she navigates forbidden competitions and dangerous political intrigue. The novel encourages critical thinking about class, privilege, and personal agency, all while maintaining an exciting, fast-paced plot suitable for older middle school or high school readers. Its focus on family loyalty, inner strength, and defying expectations makes it especially appealing to teens and parents looking for books with empowering messages. In terms of content, Court of Fives includes mild romantic elements and some references to sensual attraction, but nothing overtly graphic. Violence is present, including moments of danger, physical competition, and political unrest, but it's portrayed within context and isn't excessive. Language is generally clean, and the book avoids strong swearing. Overall, it would be appropriate for readers who enjoy a mix of action, heart, and thoughtful social commentary. It's a solid pick for families looking for an engaging read that also opens up discussion about society and self-worth.
(includes mild romance, references to cloning and drug cartels, moments of violence, and occasional strong language)
AUTHOR NANCY FARMER
THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION
Discover this internationally bestselling, National Book Award–winning young adult classic about what it means to be human with an updated, reimagined cover!
Matt Alacrán wasn’t born. He was harvested.
His DNA came from El Patrón, the drug-lord ruler of the country of Opium. Most people hate and fear clones like Matt—except for El Patrón. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves himself, because Matt is himself.
As Matt struggles to understand his existence, he is threatened by a sinister cast of characters, and realizes escape is his only chance to survive. But escape from the Alacrán Estate is no guarantee of freedom.
(contains minimal romance, no sexual content, moderate violence, and some swearing)
AUTHOR HUGH HOWEY
WOOL
SEASON 2 OF THE ACCLAIMED SILO SERIES — BASED ON BOOK 1, WOOL — NOW ON APPLE TV+
“One of dystopian fiction’s masterpieces alongside the likes of 1984 and Brave New World." — Daily Express
The first book in the acclaimed, New York Times best-selling trilogy, Wool is the story of mankind clawing for survival. The world outside has grown toxic, the view of it limited, talk of it forbidden. The remnants of humanity live underground in a single silo.
But there are always those who hope, who dream. These are the dangerous people, the residents who infect others with their optimism. Their punishment is simple. They are given the very thing they want: They are allowed to go outside.
After the previous sheriff leaves the silo in a terrifying ritual, Juliette, a mechanic from the down deep, is suddenly and inexplicably promoted to the head of law enforcement. With newfound power and with little regard for the customs she is supposed to abide, Juliette uncovers hints of a sinister conspiracy. Tugging this thread may uncover the truth . . . or it could kill every last human alive.
“Claustrophobic and, at times, genuinely terrifying.” — Washington Post
SEASONS 1 & 2 OF THE APPLE TV+ STREAMING SERIES "SILO" ARE BASED ON THE EVENTS IN BOOK ONE OF THE SERIES, WOOL.
(societal control, emotional depth, and mild violence)
AUTHOR LOIS LOWRY
THE GIVER
In Lois Lowry’s Newbery Medal–winning classic, twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal world. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver does he begin to understand the dark secrets behind his fragile community.
Life in the community where Jonas lives is idyllic. Designated birthmothers produce newchildren, who are assigned to appropriate family units. Citizens are assigned their partners and their jobs. No one thinks to ask questions. Everyone obeys. Everyone is the same. Except Jonas.
Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. Gradually Jonas learns that power lies in feelings. But when his own power is put to the test—when he must try to save someone he loves—he may not be ready. Is it too soon? Or too late?
Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.
The Giver has become one of the most influential novels of our time.
Don't miss the powerful companion novels in Lois Lowry's Giver Quartet: Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son.
(violence, death, dystopian themes, mild profanity, and romantic elements with kissing but no explicit sexual content)
AUTHOR MARIE LU
LEGEND
"Legend doesn't merely survive the hype, it deserves it."
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Young Elites
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.
(includes mild romance, implied sexual content, graphic violence, political intrigue, and occasional strong language)
AUTHOR S.J. KINCAID
THE DIABOLIC
“The perfect kind of high-pressure adventure.” —TeenVogue.com
A New York Times bestseller!
Red Queen meets The Hunger Games in this epic novel about what happens when a senator’s daughter is summoned to the galactic court as a hostage, but she’s really the galaxy’s most dangerous weapon in disguise.
A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.
Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.
When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.
As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire.