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Chloe has nine lives. But will nine be enough?
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At a Glance
(paranormal themes, mild violence, romantic tension, and dystopian elements)
AUTHOR K. E. GANSHERT
THE GIFTING (BOOK 1)
"If science is right, then I am crazy. And crazy is dangerous."
In a world where nothing supernatural exists, Tess Eckhart is positive she’s going crazy. After her complete freakout at a high school party, her family is too. So much that they pack their bags and move across the country, next to a nationally-renowned facility for the mentally ill.
Tess is determined to fit in at her new school, despite the whispers and stares. But when it comes to Luka Williams, a reluctantly popular boy in her class, she’s unused to a stare that intense. Then the headaches start, and the seemingly prophetic dreams that haunt her at night. As Tess tries harder to hide them, she becomes increasingly convinced that Luka knows something—that he might somehow be responsible.
But what if she’s wrong? What if Luka Williams is the only thing separating her from a madness too terrifying to fathom?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
K.E. Ganshert’s The Gifting series is a compelling choice for families seeking a clean yet suspenseful young adult dystopian story with a supernatural twist. The narrative follows Tess, a teenager who’s always felt different in a society that claims perfection has been achieved—but her strangeness may be the key to something much bigger. With strong themes of self-discovery, courage, and faith, the story offers plenty of action and intrigue without relying on graphic content. It's a solid fit for readers looking for a thrilling but wholesome adventure with subtle spiritual undertones. From a content standpoint, The Gifting is refreshingly clean. There is no explicit sexual content, and romantic elements are present but kept light and appropriate, focusing more on emotional connection than physical interaction. Violence is part of the story’s dystopian setting, but it's not excessive or graphic. Because of this, the series is a good option for families who want to avoid mature themes while still enjoying a thought-provoking and fast-paced series that touches on identity, purpose, and standing up for what’s right.
(includes mild romance, some kissing, light violence, time-travel peril, and occasional mild language)
AUTHOR KERSTIN GIER
RUBY RED (BOOK 1)
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon—the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
Kerstin Gier's Ruby Red is young adult novel full of fantasy and romance.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Kerstin Gier’s Ruby Red series is a charming and adventurous blend of time travel, mystery, and light romance that can be a great pick for families looking for engaging young adult fiction. The story follows Gwyneth, a teenager who unexpectedly inherits the ability to travel through time, diving headfirst into historical intrigue and secret societies. The tone is lighthearted with plenty of humor and clever dialogue, making it appealing for readers who enjoy fantastical plots without overly dark or intense themes. The romantic subplot adds emotional depth without overwhelming the main storyline. When it comes to content, Ruby Red remains fairly tame. There is no explicit sexual content—romantic tension and a few kisses are as far as it goes. Any violence is mild and mostly in the context of historical danger or suspense. Overall, the series stays well within the bounds of general comfort for most families, especially those seeking a story that’s imaginative and entertaining without graphic or mature material. It’s a fun, clean series that’s ideal for readers who love time-travel stories with a touch of romance and adventure.
(some violence, some kissing, some drinking and smoking, some swearing)
AUTHOR CHLOE GONG
THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS
An Instant New York Times Bestseller!
A BuzzFeed Best Young Adult Book of 2020
Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Serpent & Dove, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.
The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.
A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.
But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights and its series offer a dark, atmospheric, and richly imaginative retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set in 1920s Shanghai. With its mix of historical fiction, political intrigue, fantasy horror, and enemies-to-lovers romance, it’s a great choice for readers who enjoy complex characters and morally gray conflicts. The writing is intelligent and layered, and the story explores deeper themes like loyalty, identity, and the cost of power, which can spark thoughtful discussions. The romance is emotional and tense but doesn’t overshadow the fast-paced plot or the eerie mystery at the heart of the book. In terms of content, this series does include some mature elements that families may want to consider. There is occasional strong language, violence—including monster attacks and political executions—and some intense emotional scenes. The romance remains relatively clean, though it includes kissing and a few sensual moments, nothing explicit. Because of the darker tone and heavier themes, this book may be better suited for readers who are comfortable with a bit more grit and complexity in their fiction. For those who enjoy historical fantasy with high stakes and beautifully written tension, this series could be a compelling choice.
(moderate violence, political intrigue, mild language, and a slow-burn romance with no explicit sexual content)
AUTHOR CHLOE GONG
FOUL LADY FORTUNE
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights.
It’s 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue.
Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging—and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption for her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country.
Code name: Fortune.
But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind’s mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind’s new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed.
To reduce suspicion, however, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong, and though Rosalind finds Orion’s cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong might be a good choice for families who enjoy complex historical fiction mixed with mystery, espionage, and a touch of romance. The story, set in 1930s Shanghai, offers a rich backdrop of political tension and intrigue that can spark meaningful discussions about history, loyalty, and identity. The romance develops slowly and remains emotionally driven rather than physical, making it appropriate for readers who prefer stories that focus on character connection over graphic content. There's no explicit sexual content—just a few flirtatious or romantic moments—so families concerned about mature romance themes will likely find it mild and tasteful. On the other hand, the book does contain frequent scenes of violence, including assassination, political brutality, and intense action sequences, which might be unsettling for more sensitive readers. The atmosphere is dark at times, and while the language isn’t excessive, there are occasional uses of profanity that might be a concern for families who prefer cleaner dialogue. Because of its layered political themes and heavier tone, some readers might find it too intense or complex, especially if they're looking for lighter or more straightforward young adult stories. Families who prioritize uplifting or low-conflict narratives may want to consider whether the book’s darker elements are the right fit.
(contains mild romance, implied sexual content, moderate violence, and some swearing)
AUTHOR THEODORA GOSS
THE STRANGE CASE OF THE ALCHEMIST'S DAUGHTER
Based on some of literature’s horror and science fiction classics, this “tour de force of reclaiming the narrative, executed with impressive wit and insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) debut is the story of a remarkable group of women who come together to solve the mystery of a series of gruesome murders—and the bigger mystery of their own origins.
Mary Jekyll, alone and penniless following her parents’ death, is curious about the secrets of her father’s mysterious past. One clue in particular hints that Edward Hyde, her father’s former friend and a murderer, may be nearby, and there is a reward for information leading to his capture…a reward that would solve all of her immediate financial woes.
But her hunt leads her to Hyde’s daughter, Diana, a feral child left to be raised by nuns. With the assistance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Mary continues her search for the elusive Hyde, and soon befriends more women, all of whom have been created through terrifying experimentation: Beatrice Rappaccini, Catherin Moreau, and Justine Frankenstein.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Theodora Goss's The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter and its series would be a great choice for readers who enjoy classic literature, mystery, and strong female characters. The story combines familiar characters from gothic fiction, such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein's monster, and more, with an original twist. The female protagonists, who are the daughters of these characters, form an unlikely but empowering group as they solve a series of mysterious crimes. It’s a fun and engaging narrative that introduces readers to both the thrill of gothic horror and the complexity of female empowerment, all within an enjoyable, adventurous story. As for content, the book is relatively mild in terms of violence and mature themes. It deals with some darker elements, like murder, betrayal, and unethical scientific experimentation, but these themes are presented thoughtfully and not in graphic detail. There is no explicit sexual content, although there are some mild romantic undertones and moments of emotional tension. The narrative is more focused on character development, mystery, and the exploration of gothic tropes. This makes it an excellent choice for readers who enjoy suspense, intellectual engagement, and classic themes without the risk of explicit content or excessive violence.
(violence, themes of death, mild language, and romantic tension with supernatural elements)
AUTHOR LIA HABEL
DEARLY, DEPARTED
CAN A PROPER YOUNG VICTORIAN LADY FIND TRUE LOVE IN THE ARMS OF A DASHING ZOMBIE?
The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the mores of an antique era. Sixteen-year-old Nora Dearly is far more interested in her country’s political unrest than in silly debutante balls. But the death of her beloved parents leaves Nora at the mercy of a social-climbing aunt who plans to marry off her niece for money. To Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses. Now she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting a fatal virus that raises the dead. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and thoroughly deceased. But like the rest of his special undead unit, Bram has been enabled by luck and modern science to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Lia Habel's Dearly, Departed and its series would be a great choice for readers who enjoy unique takes on the zombie genre, blending romance, adventure, and a Victorian-inspired steampunk setting. The world-building is imaginative, with a post-apocalyptic society where both humans and reanimated corpses, called "Ghouls," coexist. The protagonist, Nora, becomes embroiled in a complex love story with one of these Ghouls, Bram, which adds a fascinating layer to the narrative. Fans of supernatural romance will appreciate the unusual premise and the mix of romance with action and mystery. The themes of acceptance, loyalty, and discovering humanity in unlikely places are explored in ways that will engage readers looking for more than just a typical zombie story. Regarding content, the book includes some mature themes, particularly in its portrayal of the romantic relationship between Nora and Bram. While the romance is not explicit, it does involve sensual tension, with a few kissing scenes and moments of emotional intimacy. There is violence as well, mostly related to the action elements of the story, such as battles with zombies and the social unrest that permeates the setting. The gore is not excessive, but it may be unsettling for some readers. Overall, the book balances its dark themes with a romance-driven narrative, making it a good fit for readers who appreciate a darker, steampunk twist on the zombie genre without too much graphic content.
(violence, dark themes, mild language, and intense emotional situations)
AUTHOR M.K. HARKINS
THE READER
Hunted, shot, and without her memory, eighteen-year-old Ann Baker wakes in shallow water on a deserted Pacific Northwest island. She is soon approached by two young men claiming to be her friends. Something isn’t right, but when gunshots sound, Ann is left with little choice but to allow Devon and Archer to help her escape. Soon she finds herself in their North Bend mountain compound, where the higher evolved humans claim to be mind-readers. While Ann heals, she realizes they believe her to be one of the last and most powerful of all – The Lost One.
She’s welcomed by most with opened arms, but not everyone is happy about her arrival. A jealous adversary has plans for Ann, which spirals the entire Reader community into chaos.
As lies, murder, and betrayal threaten to rip apart the once harmonious mountain dwellers, Ann is thrust into making a decision that could save or devastate not only The Readers, but all of mankind. But there’s just one glitch: by doing so it may require her to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
M.K. Harkins’s The Reader and its series would be an excellent choice for families or readers looking for a blend of action, adventure, and a unique supernatural premise. The story follows the protagonist, Kay, who discovers she has the ability to read people’s emotions and thoughts, a skill that draws her into a world of danger and intrigue. The plot is fast-paced, with a good mix of mystery and fantasy elements, keeping readers engaged throughout the series. The characters are well-developed, and Kay’s growth as she learns to navigate her powers and relationships is a central theme. The book also emphasizes themes of trust, loyalty, and self-discovery, making it both an entertaining and thought-provoking read for fans of young adult fantasy. Regarding content, the book stays relatively light on mature themes, with minimal sexual content. There is some romantic tension and a few moments of kissing, but nothing explicit or overly sensual. The violence is more prominent, with some action scenes involving physical confrontations and a certain level of danger, but the overall tone remains more about emotional tension and the stakes of Kay’s journey rather than gratuitous violence. The book’s level of intensity and its emotional themes make it a good choice for readers looking for an engaging story without heavy gore or sexual content, making it suitable for a wide range of readers.
(mild romance, brief kissing, some violence, some swearing, and drug references.)
AUTHOR HEIDI HEILIG
THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE
Heidi Heilig's debut teen fantasy sweeps from modern-day New York City, to nineteenth-century Hawaii, to places of myth and legend. Sixteen-year-old Nix has sailed across the globe and through centuries aboard her time-traveling father's ship. But when he gambles with her very existence, it all may be about to end. The Girl from Everywhere, the first of two books, blends fantasy, history, and a modern sensibility. Its witty, fast-paced dialogue, breathless adventure, multicultural cast, and enchanting romance will dazzle readers of Sabaa Tahir, Rae Carson, and Rachel Hartman.
Nix's life began in Honolulu in 1868. Since then she has traveled to mythic Scandinavia, a land from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, modern-day New York City, and many more places both real and imagined. As long as he has a map, Nix's father can sail his ship, The Temptation, to any place, any time. But now he's uncovered the one map he's always sought—1868 Honolulu, before Nix's mother died in childbirth. Nix's life—her entire existence—is at stake. No one knows what will happen if her father changes the past. It could erase Nix's future, her dreams, her adventures . . . her connection with the charming Persian thief, Kash, who's been part of their crew for two years. If Nix helps her father reunite with the love of his life, it will cost her her own.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Heidi Heilig’s The Girl From Everywhere and its series would be an exciting choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a fantastical twist. The book follows Nix, a young woman who can travel through time and space with the help of her father’s ship, which is able to navigate the currents of time. The series weaves together elements of time travel, adventure, and rich historical settings, making it a great option for those who enjoy complex plots and well-developed characters. Heilig does a fantastic job of blending different time periods, cultures, and places, which keeps the story fresh and intriguing. It also deals with themes like identity, fate, and the consequences of choices, making it not only an adventurous read but also a thought-provoking one. As for content, The Girl From Everywhere is relatively mild in terms of mature themes. There is some romantic tension and kissing between characters, but no explicit sexual content. The story does touch on emotional complexity, particularly in Nix’s relationship with her father and her own sense of belonging, which gives it some depth. The book also contains some moments of action and danger, with scenes that involve physical threats and high-stakes situations. These elements add intensity to the story, but they are not overwhelming. Overall, this series would be a good fit for readers looking for a mix of adventure, romance, and emotional depth, without delving into graphic violence or explicit content.
(mild language, and minimal violence)
AUTHOR COLLEEN HELME
CARROTS (BOOK 1)
A mind-reader, a mob-boss, and a hit-man. What could go wrong? More fun than you can imagine!
"One of the best and rarest gems of the indie book market."~ Matthew LeDrew
Stopping at the grocery store for carrots shouldn't be dangerous, but for Shelby Nichols, it changes her life forever. During a bank robbery, she is caught in the cross-fire and grazed by a bullet to the head, leaving her with the ability to read minds.
Not only is she hearing what everyone thinks about her, but the gunman who shot her is out to silence her forever. In her fight to stay alive she is saved from certain death by a handsome hit-man with ties to organized crime.
This pulls Shelby even deeper into danger, where knowing someone's thoughts can not only hurt her feelings, but get her killed.
USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Colleen Helme offers a clever mix of mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, and page-turning adventure in the highly acclaimed Shelby Nichols Adventure Series.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Carrots by Colleen Helme is a lighthearted, fast-paced mystery that blends humor, suspense, and a touch of the paranormal. The story follows Shelby Nichols, a suburban mom who gains the unexpected ability to read minds after a stray bullet grazes her head during a bank robbery. Her new talent leads her into a whirlwind of danger involving mobsters, hitmen, and crime-solving adventures. The book is filled with witty dialogue, quirky characters, and comedic situations, making it an entertaining read for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist. In terms of content, Carrots is relatively clean. There is minimal swearing and no explicit sexual content, making it suitable for a broad audience, including teens and adults who prefer their mysteries without graphic elements. The violence is mild and often presented in a humorous context, aligning with the book's overall light tone. However, some themes, such as marital fidelity and organized crime, are touched upon, which may prompt discussions among younger readers. Overall, Carrots is a delightful choice for readers seeking a fun, engaging mystery without heavy or explicit content.
(psychological themes, mild violence, dark supernatural elements, and some romantic tension.)
AUTHOR MICHELLE HODKIN
THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER
Mara Dyer doesn’t know if she is crazy or haunted—all she knows is that everyone around her is dying in this suspenseful and “strong, inventive tale” (Kirkus Reviews).
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.
After Mara survives the traumatizing accident at the old asylum, it makes sense that she has issues. She lost her best friend, her boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s sister, and as if that weren’t enough to cope with, her family moves to a new state in order to give her a fresh start. But that fresh start is quickly filled with hallucinations—or are they premonitions?—and then corpses, and the boundary between reality and nightmare is wavering. At school, there’s Noah, a devastatingly handsome charmer who seems determined to help Mara piece together what’s real, what’s imagined—and what’s very, very dangerous.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Michelle Hodkin’s The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and its series offers a compelling mix of psychological thriller and supernatural elements that will draw in readers who appreciate suspense, mystery, and a deep exploration of mental health. The main character, Mara, is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event and questioning her sanity as strange occurrences unfold around her. The series combines suspense with a slow burn of mystery, keeping readers on edge as they follow Mara’s journey. Its eerie atmosphere, coupled with the complex narrative, makes it ideal for readers who enjoy a darker, more psychological approach to storytelling. On the downside, however, the series deals with some intense themes, including trauma, grief, and mental illness, which may be too heavy for some readers. There is no explicit sexual content, but the series does include romantic moments with some mild physical intimacy, such as kissing and more suggestive content. Additionally, the violence and psychological tension in the book could be unsettling for younger or more sensitive readers. If you’re looking for a lighter or more straightforward story, this might not be the best fit, as it delves into darker, more mature themes. Overall, it’s an engaging read for those who enjoy psychological thrillers, but families should consider the emotional intensity and some of the more mature themes before deciding if it's the right choice.
(mild violence, romantic tension, and some dark themes
AUTHOR CHARLIE N. HOLMBERG
FOLLOWED BY FROST
“Charlie is a vibrant writer with an excellent voice and great world building.”
—Brandon Sanderson, author of Mistborn and The Way of Kings
Seventeen-year-old Smitha's wealth, status, and beauty make her the envy of her town—until she rejects a strange man’s marriage proposal and disastrous consequences follow. Smitha becomes cursed, and frost begins to encompass everything she touches. Banished to the hills, hunted by villagers, and chilled to the very core of her soul, she finds companionship with Death, who longs to coax her into his isolated world. But Smitha's desire for life proves stronger than despair, and a newfound purpose gives her hope. Will regrets over the past and an unexpected desire for a man she cannot touch be enough to warm Smitha’s heart, or will Death forever still it?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Charlie N. Holmberg’s Followed by Frost is an enchanting choice for readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy and character-driven stories. The book introduces a unique world where magic is tied to emotions, and the protagonist, Celia, is a young woman who struggles with controlling her own magic after a heartbreak. The novel is filled with charming moments, character growth, and a slow-burning romance that will appeal to readers who enjoy discovering personal strength and navigating the complexities of relationships. The focus on emotional healing, magic, and personal discovery makes this a heartwarming read for those who like stories with a balance of adventure and introspection. On the other hand, Followed by Frost doesn’t contain explicit sexual content, which is a plus for those seeking more wholesome material. However, there are mild romantic elements, including moments of attraction, kissing, and some tension between characters that evolve over time. The primary focus is more on Celia's emotional journey, magical abilities, and personal growth rather than the romance. Some readers may find the pacing slow or the romance a bit predictable, but for families looking for a lighthearted fantasy with little to no mature content, it’s a safe and enjoyable choice. It’s ideal for readers who appreciate a magical atmosphere and an emotionally driven narrative.