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At a Glance
(Passionate kissing, moderate swearing, and some violence)
Editor's
Favorite
AUTHOR TAHEREH MAFI
SHATTER ME (BOOK 1)
The gripping first installment in New York Times bestselling author Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series.
One touch is all it takes. One touch, and Juliette Ferrars can leave a fully grown man gasping for air. One touch, and she can kill.
No one knows why Juliette has such incredible power. It feels like a curse, a burden that one person alone could never bear. But The Reestablishment sees it as a gift, sees her as an opportunity. An opportunity for a deadly weapon.
Juliette has never fought for herself before. But when she’s reunited with the one person who ever cared about her, she finds a strength she never knew she had.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series might be a compelling choice for readers who enjoy fast-paced dystopian stories with emotional depth and a heavy dose of romance. The unique writing style—filled with metaphor, internal monologue, and strikethroughs—gives readers an intimate look into the main character’s psyche as she grapples with isolation, power, and trust. The series evolves from a survival story into a high-stakes rebellion, making it appealing for those who love character transformation, romantic tension, and themes of self-discovery and empowerment. That said, the content may give some families pause. The romance, while central to the plot, grows increasingly sensual as the series progresses, with scenes that involve passionate kissing, physical intimacy, and suggestive descriptions, though not explicit sex. There’s also frequent violence, including scenes of torture, death, and emotional trauma, given the dystopian military setting. While swearing is relatively mild, the intensity of the romantic and violent elements may not be ideal for more sensitive or younger readers. Families looking for something lighter or less emotionally intense might want to preview the book first.
(contains mild romance, brief sensual content, violence, and some swearing)
AUTHOR EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL
STATION ELEVEN
This Anniversary Edition of Station Eleven, a finalist for the National Book Award and named a Best Book of the Twenty-First Century by the New York Times, celebrates ten years of this now iconic novel with a new color illustration and a guide to “The Mandelverse”
An audacious, darkly glittering novel set in the eerie days following civilization's collapse, Station Eleven tells the spellbinding story of a nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity.
It is fifteen years after a flu pandemic wiped out most of the world's population. Kirsten is an actress with the Traveling Symphony, a small troupe moving over the gutted landscape, performing Shakespeare and music for scattered communities of survivors. But when they arrive in the outpost of St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who digs graves for anyone who dares to leave. Spanning decades, moving back and forth in time, and vividly depicting life before and after the disaster brought everyone here, this suspenseful, elegiac novel is rife with beauty, telling a story about the relationships that sustain us.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven is a beautifully written, literary post-apocalyptic novel that explores the importance of art, memory, and human connection in the aftermath of a global pandemic. It’s a thoughtful, haunting story that weaves together multiple timelines and characters—including a Shakespearean troupe traveling through the remnants of civilization. For readers and families who appreciate deeper themes, lyrical prose, and character-driven narratives, this book offers a rich, moving experience that lingers long after the final page. However, the novel may not be the best fit for all readers due to its mature content and heavy themes. While there is very little sexual content—mostly limited to brief mentions or implications—Station Eleven includes scenes of death, illness, violence, and emotional trauma, including cult behavior and societal collapse. The tone is reflective and somber rather than action-packed, which may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced plot. Families should consider whether they’re ready to engage with themes of mortality, grief, and resilience in a nuanced, sometimes unsettling way.
(violence, dark themes, mature language, and distressing situations)
AUTHOR PATRICK NESS
THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO (BOOK 1)
A dystopian thriller follows a boy and girl on the run from a town where all thoughts can be heard – and the passage to manhood embodies a horrible secret.
Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Patrick Ness’s The Knife of Never Letting Go and the rest of the Chaos Walking trilogy can be a powerful and thought-provoking choice for families who appreciate complex storytelling, moral questions, and emotional depth. The story explores themes like truth, war, power, and identity through a sci-fi lens that challenges readers to think critically. The main characters are compelling and relatable, and the bond between them adds heart to the harsh world they inhabit. For readers who enjoy books that dive deep into tough choices and the consequences of violence, this series offers a lot to discuss and reflect on. However, this may not be the best fit for everyone. The series contains intense and sometimes disturbing violence, including the deaths of both people and animals, with emotional impact that can be heavy. There is little to no sexual content—just hints of romantic tension—but the emotional and psychological trauma the characters endure might be overwhelming for readers looking for lighter fare. There’s also some swearing, though it’s often stylized or implied. While the series is ultimately about hope and resilience, it doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of human nature, which could be unsettling for more sensitive readers.
( some violence, minors drinking and adult drug use, moderate swearing including some more explicit)
AUTHOR LAUREN OLIVER
PANIC (BOOK 1)
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a captivating, thrilling novel of fear, friendship, courage, and hope that will leave readers gasping for air. Now a television series on Prime Video.
Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a poor town of twelve thousand people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do. Heather never thought she would compete in panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors. She'd never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.
Dodge has never been afraid of panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game; he's sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he's not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for. For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.
Read the book that inspired the series, which the New York Times described as “Reminiscent of ‘The Hunger Games’ but grounded in the real world.”
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Lauren Oliver’s Panic could be a compelling read for families who enjoy high-stakes drama with a gritty, realistic edge. The novel centers on a dangerous game played by teens in a small town, offering suspense, tension, and strong character development. It delves into issues like poverty, fear, courage, and the desire for escape—elements that can lead to meaningful conversations about personal risk and the choices people make under pressure. Readers who appreciate grounded, contemporary stories with psychological intensity may find this book engaging and thought-provoking. That said, Panic includes several content elements that some families might find concerning. The story contains underage drinking, mild to moderate swearing, and references to drug use and physical abuse. There is also some sexual content, though it is not graphic—more suggestive or implied, rather than explicitly detailed. Because the plot deals with dangerous dares and life-threatening situations, the book carries a darker, more mature tone that might not suit readers looking for something more lighthearted or idealistic. Families who prefer to avoid stories involving risky teen behavior or morally complex situations might decide this one isn't the best fit.
(contains frequent violence, mild swearing, survival-related intensity, and some references to sexual violence)
AUTHOR T. L. PAYNE
SEEKING SAFETY (BOOK 1)
The nation goes dark. Technology fails. Help isn’t coming.
An EMP has destroyed the nation’s power grid.
The country is plunged into chaos during one of the coldest midwest winters on record.
Pre-med student Raine Caldwell is in a race against time. Eight hundred miles from home and separated from her parents, Raine is forced onto the dangerous streets of St. Louis, Missouri.
A storm is brewing…
While fires rage, deadly gangs roam the streets. After joining a group of fellow survivors, it becomes a fight for survival as they race to escape the city before the violence and a bitter winter storm overtakes them.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
T.L. Payne’s Seeking Safety is a fast-paced post-apocalyptic thriller that might appeal to readers who enjoy survival stories grounded in realism. The series explores the collapse of society after a devastating power grid failure, following characters as they navigate danger, form alliances, and fight for their lives. It focuses heavily on themes like resilience, loyalty, and preparedness, which can be appealing to those who like action-driven narratives with strong, determined protagonists. For families interested in thought-provoking “what if” scenarios and discussions about emergency readiness, this could be an engaging choice. However, this series may not be the best fit for all readers or families due to its frequent depictions of violence, including shootings, threats, and life-or-death confrontations. While there's little to no explicit sexual content, there are occasional references to sexual violence and off-page implications that may be upsetting for sensitive readers. There’s also mild profanity, though not excessive. Because of its intense and sometimes grim portrayal of societal collapse, Seeking Safety is better suited for more mature readers who can handle dark themes and realistic portrayals of danger and human desperation.
(violence, assassination, kidnapping, war, political intrigue, mild profanity, romantic tension, and non-explicit sexual situations)
AUTHOR MARY E. PEARSON
DANCE OF THIEVES (BOOK 1)
Mary E. Pearson's Dance of Thieves is a new YA novel in the New York Times bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives―and their hearts.
When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.
At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson could be a great choice for families who enjoy rich world-building, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance. The story follows a reformed thief and a newly crowned ruler from rival factions who are forced to work together, and their dynamic creates a compelling enemies-to-lovers storyline. The romance is tender and well-developed, with emotional depth and respect between the characters. While there's some kissing and sensual tension, any sexual content is implied rather than explicit, making it suitable for more mature younger readers or families looking for romantic stories that don’t cross into graphic territory. That said, the book does include moments of violence, including battles, threats, and a few intense scenes involving danger and death. These are typical of the fantasy-adventure genre and are generally not overly graphic, but they may be concerning for sensitive readers or parents wanting to avoid depictions of physical conflict. Still, for families or individuals comfortable with fantasy action and light romantic content, this series offers strong characters, moral dilemmas, and engaging storytelling that can spark meaningful conversations.
(violence, assassination, kidnapping, war, political intrigue, mild profanity, romantic tension, and non-explicit sensual situations)
AUTHOR LINDSEY POGUE
SKIES OF FIRE (BOOK 1)
As volcanoes erupt, wildfires spread, and sinkholes swallow entire cities, Knox and Ava must put a lifetime of grudges aside to survive the shifting landscape.
After an asteroid knocks the moon off its axis, scientists warn of Earth's eventual destruction. Governments, Moon Maniacs, and doomsday preppers brace for the worst, but as the years tick by, life continues mostly unchanged, and it becomes easy to fall into a false sense of security.
Ava Hernandez is no stranger to loss, heartache, and the struggle to survive. Branded a social pariah in her small town for reasons beyond her control, she's grown used to people's stares and mutterings over the years. Working two jobs while taking care of a sickly woman she owes her life to, it's all Ava can do to keep her head above water, let alone prep for "the end."
Knox Bennett is country boy royalty and infamous for holding a grudge. His mother is dead, his father has gone off the rails, his brother has abandoned him, and Ava is to blame for all of it. While he might've been fed with a silver spoon, all the money in the world can't prepare him or save his family's ranch from what comes next.
As fire engulfs the small town of Sonora, Texas, and nearby cities crumble, Ava and Knox are thrust together in the ensuing chaos. With all odds stacked against them, they must rely on each other to reach the safe haven alive.
Skies of Fire is a post-apocalyptic adventure set in the fire-scorched heartland of the American Southwest. This book is a stand-alone, with tie-ins to Waves of Fury, another Surviving Earth Chronicles installment.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Skies of Fire by Lindsey Pogue is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that combines intense survival scenarios with a heartfelt enemies-to-lovers romance. Set in a world ravaged by natural disasters following a celestial event, the story follows Ava and Knox as they navigate personal grudges and environmental catastrophes. The narrative delves into themes of resilience, trust, and the human spirit's capacity to endure, making it a compelling read for mature teens and adults alike. In terms of content, Skies of Fire contains moderate romantic tension and occasional strong language, with no explicit sexual content. The romantic elements are present but not central to the plot, and any intimate scenes are handled with subtlety. Given these aspects, the book is best suited for mid-teens and up. Parents should be aware of the mature themes and consider whether it's appropriate for their family. Overall, the novel offers a richly woven tale that can captivate readers looking for a mature and thought-provoking adventure.
(contains moderate romance, implied sexual content, intense violence, and some swearing)
AUTHOR CARRIE RYAN
THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH (BOOK 1)
In Mary's world there are simple truths.
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.
Now, she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
"A bleak but gripping story...Poignant and powerful."-Publishers Weekly
"A postapocalyptic romance of the first order, elegantly written from title to last line."-Scott Westerfeld, author of the Uglies series and Leviathan
"Intelligent, dark, and bewitching, The Forest of Hands and Teeth transitions effortlessly between horror and beauty. Mary's world is one that readers will not soon forget."-Cassandra Clare, bestselling author of City of Bones
"Opening The Forest of Hands and Teeth is like cracking Pandora's box: a blur of darkness and a precious bit of hope pour out. This is a beautifully crafted, page-turning, powerful novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it."-Melissa Marr, bestselling author of Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange
"Dark and sexy and scary. Only one of the Unconsecrated could put this book down."-Justine Larbalestier, author of How to Ditch Your Fairy
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan may be a compelling choice for readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic settings, survival stories, and strong, independent characters. The book is set in a world overrun by the “unconsecrated,” or zombies, and follows Mary as she struggles to navigate the dangers of her isolated village while seeking to uncover truths about the world beyond. The story is fast-paced and emotional, and it can provoke deep thought about survival, sacrifice, and the meaning of hope. The romantic aspects are secondary to the plot but still present, with some romantic tension that evolves naturally over the course of the story. However, the book is also very dark and violent, with numerous scenes of graphic death, despair, and fear. The horror elements—particularly the creatures and the bleak environment—are intense, which may be unsettling for sensitive readers. While there is no explicit sexual content, there are some moments of intimacy between characters, but these moments are not detailed or explicit. Overall, the book may be a good choice for those who enjoy darker dystopian themes, but the violence and emotional intensity could make it less suitable for more sensitive readers or those preferring lighter, less intense narratives.
( some intense scenes and budding romance)
AUTHOR JORDAN RIVET
WAKE ME AFTER THE APOCALYPSE (BOOK 1)
When a killer comet hurtles for the earth, 18-year-old Joanna Murphy is selected to wait out the apocalypse in an underground bunker. She enters cryosleep with her close-knit team, preparing to resettle the planet after the atmosphere clears in two hundred years.
Joanna is the only one who wakes up.
Faced with a bunker full of bones and a blocked exit, Joanna must claw her way to the surface, figure out what happened to her team, and try not to panic—or die. That’s going to be tricky if she’s the only person left in the world.
From the author of the Lost Clone series, Steel and Fire, and the Seabound Chronicles comes a story of resilience and optimism at the end of the world.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Wake Me After the Apocalypse by Jordan Rivet presents a thrilling, post-apocalyptic world where survival and human connection take center stage. The novel follows a group of people as they navigate a society ravaged by catastrophic events, blending action, drama, and complex relationships. It’s an engaging read for fans of dystopian and survival stories, especially those who enjoy exploring themes of resilience, identity, and rebuilding society. The pacing is strong, with intriguing characters who evolve through their struggles, making it a compelling choice for those interested in high-stakes adventure and deep character arcs. However, the book does contain some violence and tense scenes that could be unsettling for more sensitive readers. The characters experience physical and emotional hardships that may include difficult moments, such as perilous survival situations and character deaths. The romance, while present, is relatively subdued, with a few mild references to physical attraction but nothing explicit. There is a focus on relationships and emotional growth rather than graphic content. As such, the book might be more suitable for readers who can handle mature themes related to survival, loss, and the challenges of rebuilding in a chaotic world. It’s a good choice for readers seeking a gritty yet heartfelt exploration of life after disaster.
(violence, death, dystopian themes, mild language, romantic intimacy-but no explicit content)
AUTHOR VERONICA ROTH
DIVERGENT (BOOK 1)
This first book in Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent series of books is the novel the inspired the major motion picture starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. This dystopian series set in a futuristic Chicago has captured the hearts of millions of teen and adult readers.
Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games and Maze Runner series, Divergent and its sequels, Insurgent and Allegiant, are the gripping story of a dystopian world transformed by courage, self-sacrifice, and love. Fans of the Divergent movie will find the book packed with just as much emotional depth and exhilarating action as the film, all told in beautiful, rich language.
One choice can transform you. Beatrice Prior's society is divided into five factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions.
Her choice will shock her community and herself. But the newly christened Tris also has a secret, one she's determined to keep hidden, because in this world, what makes you different makes you dangerous.
And don't miss The Fates Divide, Veronica Roth's powerful sequel to the bestselling Carve the Mark!
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Divergent by Veronica Roth is a popular choice for readers who enjoy fast-paced dystopian stories that explore themes of identity, societal structure, and rebellion. The novel follows Tris Prior, a young woman who discovers she is “Divergent,” someone who doesn’t fit into any one of the society’s prescribed factions. As she navigates the challenges of her society, she also contemplates loyalty, power, and the importance of choice. The book offers an engaging mix of action, suspense, and emotional growth, making it a compelling read for fans of adventure and character-driven narratives. On the downside, the book contains violence and tense moments that may be difficult for more sensitive readers. There are several intense fight scenes, and some characters die in dramatic and often brutal ways. While the romance between Tris and Tobias (Four) is central to the story, it is relatively mild compared to other books in the genre, with only subtle references to physical intimacy. Though the romance is sweet, it doesn't dominate the narrative, keeping the focus on the plot and Tris’s personal development. However, due to the intense themes of violence, manipulation, and societal control, the book may not be suitable for younger readers or those looking for lighter material. It’s ideal for those interested in a gripping, action-packed dystopian tale with mature undertones.