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At a Glance
(a few mild cuss words and some intense scenes. There is violence, but nothing too graphic. It's more the creep factor)
AUTHOR TARA ELLIS
INFECTED
An alien plague. A sixteen-year-old girl. A fight to save the world.
When a rare meteor shower unleashes a mind-altering infection, Alex's loved ones begin to change. They're smarter, faster, emotionless, and they have a plan. One that doesn't include her.
Pursued by friends turned enemies and desperate to save her little brother, Alex flees to the mountains surrounding her home, where the only chance for humanity has lain hidden for thousands of years.
With her only guide a set of cryptic clues, Alex follows a trail of increasingly shocking discoveries. Everything she thought she knew about the past was a lie and it's up to her to save the future.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Tara Ellis’s Infected and its series is an exciting choice for readers who enjoy thrilling post-apocalyptic adventures with a strong focus on survival and the bonds of friendship. The story follows the aftermath of a deadly virus outbreak, as the characters must navigate a world that has been drastically changed. The gripping plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, combining elements of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth as the characters struggle to survive in an uncertain, dangerous world. The series also touches on themes like resilience, courage, and the importance of unity in the face of adversity, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read for teens and adults alike. Regarding content, Infected contains minimal sexual content, with the focus primarily on the characters’ survival, personal growth, and relationships. There are some moments of romantic tension, but the romance is subtle and not central to the plot. The story features some violence and intense action scenes due to the post-apocalyptic setting, but the writing is not overly graphic or explicit. The language used is generally mild, with only occasional strong language. This makes Infected suitable for older teens and families who are comfortable with some action, suspense, and light romance but are looking for a story that focuses more on survival and character development rather than explicit content.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infected by Tara Ellis.
Is Infected a good fit for readers who like dystopian or post-apocalyptic YA? Yes, especially for readers who enjoy books with a teenage heroine, a survival-driven plot, and a mystery threaded through the action. The book is often compared in broad appeal terms to series like The Hunger Games and Divergent, though its hook leans more into infection, conspiracy, and hidden history than arena combat or political rebellion. Reviews also suggest it starts more slowly and then becomes much faster and more intense in the second half. Is there romance in this book? There does seem to be some romantic tension, but it does not appear to be the main focus of the story. The core of the novel is the infection mystery, Alex’s fight to protect her younger brother, and the unraveling clues left by her father. The relationship dynamic between Alex and Chris appears to support the story more than dominate it, so readers looking for heavy romance will probably find this one more plot-centered than relationship-centered. That said, based on the available descriptions and reviews, any romance appears mild rather than central. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? There is no strong indication that this book includes explicit sexual content or any open-door sex scenes. It is marketed as YA, has a listed reading age of 13–18 on Amazon, and the available reviews and descriptions focus on suspense, infection, survival, and mystery rather than sexual content. Because detailed content databases for this title are limited, the safest conclusion is that explicit sexual content does not appear to be a feature of the book. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears moderate for YA sci-fi. The story centers on a spreading infection, people changing in disturbing ways, pursuit by hostile forces, and survival danger, so there is clearly tension and peril throughout. Reviews describe the story as creepy, intense, and increasingly fast-paced, and the premise itself involves a threat to loved ones and humanity at large. Even so, nothing in the sources suggests extreme gore or especially graphic on-page brutality. It sounds more suspenseful and unsettling than gruesome. Does this book contain swearing? There is not much solid source material that catalogs the profanity in detail, so this part cannot be verified with complete confidence. Based on its YA positioning and the way reviewers discuss the book, it does not appear to be known for strong or heavy swearing. A cautious description would be that any profanity is likely limited or not especially prominent. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Infected: The Shiners is book one in Tara Ellis’s Forgotten Origins Trilogy. The next books in the series are Heritage and Descent.
(some harsh language, talk about sex, and violence)
Editor's
Favorite
AUTHOR JAYMIN EVE
FIRST WORLD (BOOK 1)
Abigail Swish’s life is nothing to brag about: gang-ridden city, orphanage style accommodations, and a matron who’s kinda on the evil side.
Not that she has to worry about that for much longer. She’ll turn 18 soon, and then it’s goodbye compound, hello dangerous streets of New York City.
Of course, as her luck would have it, she doesn’t make it to 18 before her world is turned upside down. One ambushed meeting with an accent-bearing, sword-wielding stranger, and suddenly her entire life as she knows it is a lie. Apparently she was just stashed on Earth for safekeeping and has been lost to her family ever since. And it’s time to return home. To First World; a land of unimaginable beauty.
Of course, one should never forget how the old tale goes: beauty often hides the darkest secrets.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Jaymin Eve’s First World and its series is a captivating choice for readers who enjoy fast-paced, adventurous stories with elements of fantasy and paranormal intrigue. Set in a world where magic and unique powers exist, the series follows a group of characters who are forced to navigate a dangerous and mysterious realm. The plot is filled with action, suspense, and twists, making it highly engaging for readers who love stories that keep them hooked from beginning to end. The world-building is immersive, and the characters are well-developed, making it an exciting journey for those who enjoy stories that blend elements of fantasy, action, and mystery. In terms of content, First World includes mild romantic themes, but the sexual content is not explicit or overly detailed. There are some romantic moments and mild tension between characters, but the focus of the series is primarily on the adventure, personal growth, and the discovery of hidden powers. The story does contain action and some violence, as the characters are often in perilous situations, but it is not excessively graphic. The language used is relatively mild, and while there may be some intense scenes, they are not inappropriate for a mature teen audience. Overall, First World is a great choice for families and readers looking for an exciting fantasy adventure with a touch of romance, without focusing on explicit content.
Frequently Asked Questions About First World by Jaymin Eve.
Is First World more fantasy, science fiction, or paranormal romance? It leans most heavily toward young adult fantasy and paranormal adventure, but it also carries strong science-fiction and romance elements. Official series pages describe it as YA fantasy, while retailer and reader listings consistently place it in paranormal romance as well. In practice, that means the book is not just a love story and not just a quest fantasy either; it sits in the middle, combining action, otherworldly powers, prophecy, world-hopping, and a relationship thread that matters to the plot. Is there romance in this book? Yes. Romance is clearly part of the story, and multiple sources classify the novel and the series as paranormal romance. That said, First World still appears to be heavily driven by plot, world-building, danger, and Abigail’s larger role in the saga. Readers who want a fantasy adventure with a meaningful romantic thread will likely find that balance here. Readers looking for a romance-only story may find that the adventure and mythology take up just as much space. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? There is no strong sign that First World contains explicit sexual content or open-door sex scenes. The book is presented as young adult fantasy/paranormal romance, and outside reader discussions repeatedly describe the series as having no sex scenes or at least no explicit ones. Because detailed content databases for this title are limited, the safest description is that romance is present, but explicit on-page sexual content does not appear to be a defining feature of this book. How much violence is in the book? The violence appears to be mild to moderate by YA fantasy standards. The premise involves a dangerous future setting, survival, conflict, training, pursuit, and a larger threat hanging over the worlds involved, so there is clearly action and peril. At the same time, outside reader comments describing the series suggest the violence is present without being especially graphic or gory. This looks like the kind of book where tension, danger, and action matter, but graphic brutality is not the main appeal. Does this book contain swearing? Available evidence suggests that swearing is limited. Detailed profanity breakdowns are hard to find for this title, so this cannot be stated with complete certainty, but reader comments that specifically discuss content tend to describe the series as having little to no strong language. A cautious summary would be that profanity does not seem to be a major issue in First World. Is this book part of a series? Yes. First World is book one in the seven-book Walker Saga. Series listings and the author’s site identify the later books as Spurn, Crais, Regali, Nephilius, Dronish, and Earth. If it is a series, does it become more explicit in later books? The series continues to be marketed as young adult paranormal romance and YA fantasy all the way through to book seven, which suggests it stays within the same general audience range rather than shifting into adult-level explicit content. The romance does remain an important part of the larger saga, and boxed-set descriptions point to soul-mate love stories as part of the appeal. Even so, the available sources do not show strong evidence that the later books become sexually graphic. The better expectation is rising emotional stakes, deeper relationships, and bigger danger rather than a major jump into explicit content.
(includes moderate violence and occasional strong language, with minimal romantic elements)
AUTHOR MATT FATEK
NEW HOPE: GALACTIC WAR (BOOK 1)
Thirty-six years have elapsed since the murder of Jemma Stone. An unsolved case consigned to history – or is it?
Leap back to 1979 in this humorous time-travel whodunnit.
A clandestine organisation requires a Change Agent to alter the past and ensure certain future events are averted. Frank Stone, a rough sleeper, becomes their latest target.
In 2015, as his life spirals downward, Frank has fallen on hard times. However, fate hasn't finished with Frank.
Despite his scepticism, the Correction Years Association send Frank through time, back to 1979, instructing him to change history. As he calamitously tries to readjust to his youthful life, the extensive list of potential murder suspects continues to grow.
Frank is running out of time and, unbeknown to him, he's not the only one attempting to alter the past. Can he identify the killer before time repeats? Will he succeed and change history, and what are the penalties for failure?
If you like time travel, entwined with mystery and humour, you'll love this fast-paced series by Adrian Cousins.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
New Hope: Galactic War by Matt Fatek is a solid pick for readers who enjoy action-packed science fiction with strong world-building and space battles. The story features plenty of adventure and strategic conflict, making it appealing to fans of galactic warfare and interstellar drama. The romance in the series is minimal and not explicit, so readers looking for a story focused more on plot and sci-fi elements rather than relationships will find it fitting. While there is moderate violence typical of war-themed stories, it is presented in a way that balances excitement without becoming overly graphic, making it accessible to those comfortable with some intensity but not extreme content. On the other hand, New Hope: Galactic War might not be ideal for families or readers who prefer lighthearted or nonviolent stories. The presence of occasional strong language and war-related violence means it leans toward a mature tone, which might be unsettling for younger or more sensitive readers. Additionally, the limited romantic content might disappoint those who enjoy deeper emotional or relationship-driven narratives. Overall, this book works best for readers and families who appreciate engaging science fiction with moderate mature themes but prefer to avoid explicit sexual content or heavy emotional drama.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hope: Galactic War by Matt Fatek.
Is New Hope: Galactic War more military sci-fi or character-driven sci-fi? It appears to lean much more toward action, large-scale conflict, and high-stakes science fiction than toward a deeply emotional or literary character study. The summaries consistently emphasize a coming war, hostile alien forces, secret agendas, and humanity’s vulnerability in space. Readers looking for space battles, conspiracies, escalating danger, and a broader galactic backdrop will probably find that this book fits better than readers who want a slow, relationship-centered story. Is there romance in this book? Romance does not seem to be the main focus. The available descriptions center on survival, political or shadow-government intrigue, terrorism, alien danger, and the coming intergalactic war. There are hints from promotional blurbs that some romantic material may be present, but it does not appear to drive the story in the way it would in a romance-heavy sci-fi novel. The safest description is that any romance is likely secondary to the action and larger sci-fi plot. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? There is no strong evidence that New Hope: Galactic War contains explicit sexual content or open-door sex scenes. The available summaries and listings focus on space travel, conflict, alien threats, and military-style danger rather than sensual content. Because detailed content guides for this title are limited, that cannot be stated with absolute certainty, but nothing in the available source material suggests explicit sexual content is a notable part of the book. How much violence is in the book? The violence level looks moderate and plot-important. This is a war-centered science fiction story involving a Moon crash, terrorism, hostile alien forces, and the threat of large-scale conflict, so danger and violent confrontation are clearly part of the book’s DNA. At the same time, the available descriptions do not point to extreme gore or horror-level brutality. It sounds more like action-oriented sci-fi violence than graphic, lingering violence. Does this book contain swearing? There is not enough dependable source material to verify the profanity level with precision. Nothing in the main book descriptions highlights language as a defining issue, but detailed breakdowns of the swearing are hard to find. A cautious summary would be that strong language may appear occasionally, but profanity does not seem to be the main reason readers pick up or avoid this book. Is this book part of a series? Yes. New Hope: Galactic War is book one in the Protagonist Wars series. Available listings identify at least three books in the series: New Hope: Galactic War, New Starship: Discoveries, and New World: Retribution.
(forbidden romance [implied intimacy], some violence and danger, mild swearing)
AUTHOR ANGELA K. FRENCH
ECHOES OF A SEER (BOOK 1)
Abby is an ordinary seventeen-year-old living with her family in Northern California, or so she thinks.
The night of her graduation, everything changes. After a strange accident, Abby wakes up to find she has been transported to another planet named Ozam with beautiful lands and more advanced cities than Earth.
This new world would change everything she had ever believed was true, yet it is a place she somehow knew from the depths of her childhood dreams.
However, just as she is settling into this new way of life, everything starts to shift. She soon learns that she has been a part of this world all along and holds the ability of seeing future events and remotely viewing past and present events as they occurred, ranging powerfully long distances. She is becoming aware of the importance of her gifts and is now being hunted by rival leaders in order to use her visions for their own gains and to prevent any rulers of Ozam from having any future insight from her.
Abby is assigned under the protection of Kaden Zoraan until they can stop her hunters, and though their relationship is strictly forbidden, they are inexplicably drawn to each other.
Can Kaden keep her safe despite his growing feelings for her, or will she fall prey to those who find her?
Echoes of a Seer is book 1 in the Starbinds Series. For the best reading experience, it is recommended to read the books in order.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Echoes of a Seer by Angela K. French could be a great choice for families or readers who enjoy futuristic stories with a touch of the supernatural and a strong emotional core. The book blends dystopian and sci-fi elements with a coming-of-age narrative, featuring a protagonist with psychic abilities trying to survive in a controlling society. It includes a tender, slow-burn romance that remains clean, with only implied intimacy and no explicit sexual content. The violence present is mostly related to action scenes and the oppressive setting, but it’s not excessively graphic, making it suitable for readers who can handle tense or dramatic themes without being overwhelmed. That said, this book might not be the best fit for readers or families looking to avoid darker emotional content or stories centered around societal control and rebellion. Themes of grief, loss, and trauma are woven throughout, which could feel heavy for more sensitive readers. While the swearing is mild and infrequent, the oppressive environment and high-stakes conflict might be unsettling to those seeking lighter or more escapist fare. Ultimately, it’s a compelling, character-driven story, but one better suited to those ready to engage with complex emotions and darker futuristic themes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Echoes of a Seer by Angela K. French.
What kind of book is Echoes of a Seer? This book appears to fit readers who like young adult fantasy with science-fiction touches, a strong supernatural element, and a clear romantic thread. Retail and listing sources consistently describe it as YA fantasy, while genre tags also place it alongside romance, sci-fi, and even space-opera elements. That makes it less of a pure epic fantasy and more of a crossover story with world-shifting adventure, psychic gifts, and relationship tension. Is there romance in this book? Yes. Romance is definitely part of the story. Abby is placed under the protection of Kaden Zoraan, and their connection is described as powerful but forbidden. That relationship appears to matter to the plot, but the larger story still revolves around Abby’s abilities, the danger surrounding her, and the larger conflict on Ozam. This looks more like a fantasy adventure with a meaningful romantic storyline than a romance-only novel. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? There is no strong evidence that Echoes of a Seer contains explicit sexual content or open-door sex scenes. It is consistently marketed as a young adult fantasy novel, and the available summaries emphasize forbidden attraction, danger, and emotional tension rather than graphic intimacy. Based on the available sources, the safer conclusion is that romance is present, but explicit on-page sexual content does not appear to be a defining part of the book. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears moderate for YA fantasy. Abby is hunted for her abilities, rival leaders want to control or silence her, and the story is built around danger, pursuit, and high-stakes conflict. That suggests a steady level of peril and action, but the available descriptions do not point to especially graphic gore or horror-style brutality. Readers should probably expect tension, threats, and some action-based violence rather than lingering graphic content. Does this book contain swearing? The available public sources do not provide a dependable profanity breakdown, so this part cannot be verified with complete confidence. Nothing in the book’s mainstream descriptions suggests heavy or standout language, and its YA positioning points more toward moderate content than strong adult language. A cautious summary would be that swearing does not appear to be a major feature of the book, though exact frequency is hard to confirm from the sources available. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Echoes of a Seer is book one in the Starbinds Series. Goodreads and retailer listings show three books in the series: Echoes of a Seer, Origins of a Seer, and Illusions of a Timeline.
(violence, perilous adventures, and complex moral dilemmas)
AUTHOR ALAN DEAN FOSTER
ICERIGGER (BOOK 1)
A band of humans struggle to survive when they crash-land on an icy planet, in this science fiction adventure by the #1 New York Times bestseller.
A sophisticated interstellar traveler, Ethan Frome Fortune is a businessman on board the interstellar transport ship Antares. He isn’t one for heroism or adventure. That would be his fellow passenger (and giant of a man), Skua September. Regardless, both soon get a chance to test their mettle . . .
Tran-ky-ky is an icy, desolate planet sharply carved by hurricane-force winds. It’s a terrible place for an emergency landing, but a botched kidnapping on the Antares sends Ethan, Skua, and some of their fellow travelers hurtling toward the stormy planet. Now, surrounded by hungry killer plants and cat-like natives, this ragged bunch of castaways led by Ethan must keep their wits about them if they ever hope to escape . . .
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Alan Dean Foster's Icerigger and its series is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy thrilling science fiction with rich world-building and imaginative adventure. Set on the icy planet of Tschai, the series follows a group of characters navigating an alien landscape full of danger and intrigue. The plot is filled with action, exploration, and the pursuit of survival, as the protagonists must adapt to their surroundings and face both natural and human threats. Foster’s ability to create immersive worlds and vivid settings makes Icerigger a captivating read for those who enjoy sci-fi that blends the thrill of discovery with complex characters and high stakes. In terms of content, Icerigger is suitable for a wide range of readers, including families, as it focuses more on adventure and problem-solving than explicit themes. While there are moments of tension and danger, including some mild violence, the story does not contain graphic sexual content. Any romantic elements are subtle and not a major focus of the plot, allowing the story to remain accessible to younger readers. The language is relatively clean, and the primary themes revolve around friendship, loyalty, and overcoming adversity. This makes Icerigger an engaging yet family-friendly choice, perfect for readers who enjoy an exciting adventure without excessive violence or explicit content.
Frequently Asked Questions About Icerigger by Alan Dean Foster.
What kind of science fiction book is Icerigger? This is much closer to old-school adventure sci-fi than to hard science fiction or dystopian fiction. The appeal is in the alien setting, the clash between very different personalities, the journey across a brutal frozen world, and the sense of danger and discovery. Reviews and summaries tend to highlight action, wit, charm, and entertaining worldbuilding more than deep scientific detail or emotional intensity. Is there romance in this book? Romance does not appear to be the main focus. The book is driven much more by survival, conflict, and the strange dynamics between the stranded humans and the inhabitants of the ice world. There may be some interpersonal attraction or light romantic material depending on how a reader interprets certain interactions, but the novel is generally remembered as an adventure-centered science fiction story rather than a romance-led one. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears moderate. There is clear danger throughout the story, including the crash, physical threats, pursuit, harsh survival conditions, and conflict with others on the planet. Even so, the tone described in reviews is more adventurous and lively than grim or gruesome, so the violence seems more in line with classic action-oriented science fiction than graphic or horror-style brutality. Does this book contain swearing? Detailed profanity breakdowns are hard to find for this title, so that part cannot be pinned down with complete certainty. Nothing in the commonly available descriptions suggests especially heavy or aggressive language, and the book’s reputation leans more toward fun adventure than harsh grit. A cautious summary would be that swearing does not appear to be a major issue, though exact frequency is difficult to verify from public sources alone. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Icerigger is the first book in the Icerigger trilogy. The later books are Mission to Moulokin and The Deluge Drivers.
(sci-fi violence and mild interspecies romance but no explicit sexual content or strong swearing)
AUTHOR B. A. GILLIES
RETURN TO THE GALAXY (BOOK 1)
Return to the Galaxy – Winner of the London Book Festival 2025 (Science Fiction)
The Humans Are Coming. The Galaxy Better Be Ready.
The astonishing truth? The human race didn’t evolve on Earth.
Ewan Scott was a dying SAS veteran, until a 300-year-old alien AI Avatar offered him a second chance: rebirth in a bio-engineered body, fitter, stronger, and movie-star handsome. His mission? Reunite humanity with its parent civilization, the Saret Federation, before merciless enemies erase all life on Earth.
Frigate Captain Velal, haunted by her past and bound by impossible orders, fights to save what’s left of her civilization. As worlds fall to alien invasion and nuclear fire, the ancient monsters she dreads are hunting for Earth.
An ancient empire falls to betrayal. A merciless enemy closes in. Earth lies defenseless. Its last hope a flawed hero reborn, and a woman who will fight until the stars go dark.Join Ewan, Velal, and wise-cracking Jera in an epic, fast-paced space opera.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Return to the Galaxy can be a great pick for readers who enjoy adventurous science fiction with strong characters and an imaginative interstellar setting. The story blends suspense with light, non-explicit interspecies romance, while violence is moderate and typical of action-driven sci-fi. Swearing, if present, is minimal, and there is no explicit sexual content. Families seeking an exciting space adventure with approachable themes will likely find this series both entertaining and accessible. However, Return to the Galaxy may not suit everyone. Readers who prefer stories without danger, battles, or even mild romance may find some elements less appealing. The action, while not graphic, does involve interstellar conflict, peril, and tension, and the subtle romantic undertones could distract those who prefer strictly non-romantic plots. Overall, the book’s content is mild to moderate, and whether it’s a good fit depends on a family’s comfort level with science fiction violence, suspense, and hints of romance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Return to the Galaxy by B. A. Gillies.
What kind of sci-fi book is Return to the Galaxy? This looks much more like fast-moving space opera than hard science fiction. The emphasis in the available descriptions is on alien war, human survival, high-stakes conflict, and galaxy-spanning danger, while reader-facing listings place it in categories connected to alien invasion, space marines, space fleets, and broad adventure storytelling. Readers looking for tactical conflict, momentum, and big-scale plot will probably find that here more than dense scientific explanation or literary character study. Is there romance in this book? Romance does not appear to be the main focus. The available public descriptions push the war, invasion, resistance, and large-scale sci-fi conflict far more strongly than any relationship thread. That does not completely rule out some personal or emotional material, but based on the sources that are easy to verify, this book seems driven much more by action and survival than by romance. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears significant in terms of frequency and stakes, but not clearly presented as graphic gore. This is an alien-invasion war story, so readers should expect combat, danger, destruction, and sustained threat throughout the plot. The available material repeatedly frames the book around war and resistance, which points to a steady level of action violence, even though the public-facing descriptions do not highlight horror-style brutality or lingering graphic detail. Does this book contain swearing? That is the hardest detail to verify from public sources. The listings and series pages do not give a dependable profanity breakdown, so this part cannot be pinned down with confidence. A careful summary would be that strong language is not emphasized in the book’s marketing or reviews snippets, but the available sources are not detailed enough to promise that swearing is absent or especially mild. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Return to the Galaxy is the first book in the Return to the Galaxy series. Series listings show later books including Reach for the Galaxy, Seek the Galaxy, Explore the Galaxy, Fight for the Galaxy, Stand for the Galaxy, and Defend the Galaxy.
(slow-burn teen romance with kissing and occasional implied intimacy, light time-travel peril, mild swearing, and no graphic violence)
AUTHOR LEE MATTHEW GOLDBERG
MILES IN TIME (BOOK 1)
From the Author of the Runaway Train series comes Miles in Time, a Thrilling Time-Travel Mystery for Young Detectives.
Solve the mystery, save the future…
14-year-old Miles Hardy spends most of his time as an amateur Sherlock Holmes and running his detective agency with his good friend and loyal assistant, Kevin. However, in sleepy Frontier, Iowa, it’s been hard to snag a case bigger than finding some old lady’s missing cat—until Miles’ genius older brother, Simon the inventor, winds up dead.
Using his knack for uncovering hidden truths, Miles stumbles upon a secret lab where his late brother, Simon, created a groundbreaking time machine. Among the discoveries is a chilling video Simon recorded before his death, revealing his fear of being followed and a dire warning: if anything happens to him, Miles must use the time machine to uncover who is after the invention and stop them. The stakes couldn’t be higher—if the device falls into the wrong hands, the future itself could be at risk.
From suspicious classmates to shadowy corporations, no one is above suspicion as Miles races against time to solve his first real case. But one wrong move could change everything—and running into his past self is strictly off-limits.
Can Miles crack the case, save his brother’s life, and protect the future? Or will time run out before he uncovers the truth? Grab your copy of Miles in Time today and find out!
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Miles in Time by Lee Matthew Goldberg can be a great pick for families who enjoy time-travel adventures mixed with relatable coming-of-age themes. The story follows a young protagonist navigating both literal and emotional journeys, including friendship, self-discovery, and personal growth. There’s a light romantic thread with some kissing and flirtation, but nothing explicit or overly mature, making it accessible for readers ready for stories that touch on teenage relationships without diving into graphic territory. The book’s focus on time travel and emotional stakes keeps the pacing quick and engaging, appealing to both reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike. However, some families may want to be mindful of a few content elements. While violence is minimal, there are moments of tension and mild peril related to the time-travel plot that might feel a bit intense for younger or more sensitive readers. There’s also occasional mild swearing, used sparingly to reflect realistic teen dialogue. The romantic elements stay clean but do include emotional intensity and a few moments of implied intimacy—nothing shown, just hinted. Overall, the book is a solid choice for readers ready for thoughtful, slightly more mature storytelling without crossing into anything graphic or highly objectionable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miles in Time by Lee Matthew Goldberg.
What age group is Miles in Time best suited for? This book appears aimed most directly at middle grade to younger YA readers, especially those who like mysteries, puzzles, and time-travel stories. The protagonist is fourteen, the publisher copy emphasizes “young detectives,” and retailer listings place it in the teen category with a suggested age range of 13–17. That makes it a better fit for readers who want an accessible, adventure-forward sci-fi mystery than for readers looking for older YA with heavier romance or more mature content. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears mild to moderate. The story begins with the death of Miles’s older brother, and the mystery clearly involves danger, suspense, and high-stakes confrontation. Even so, the way the book is marketed suggests an adventure-thriller tone rather than graphic brutality. Readers should likely expect peril, emotional tension, and some action tied to the mystery, but not horror-level gore or lingering graphic violence. Does this book contain swearing? That is harder to verify precisely from the available public sources. No major listing or review source located here gives a dependable profanity breakdown. What can be said is that the book is positioned for teen readers and is described in ways that emphasize fun, mystery, and adventure rather than edgy or mature language. A cautious summary is that strong swearing does not appear to be a defining feature, but exact frequency is not well documented in the sources reviewed. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Miles in Time is the first book in the Miles in Time series. Author and retailer pages point to a sequel titled Time Fixers, and Goodreads also lists Time Fixers as book two.
(contains mild swearing, some graphic medical and body horror elements, and a subtle romantic subplot)
AUTHOR MIRA GRANT
PARASITE (BOOK 1)
From New York Times bestselling author Mira Grant comes a vision of a decade in the future, where humanity thrives in the absence of sickness and disease.
We owe our good health to a humble parasite — a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the Intestinal Bodyguard worm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system — even secretes designer drugs. It's been successful beyond the scientists' wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them.
But these parasites are getting restless. They want their own lives . . . and will do anything to get them.
"A riveting near-future medical thriller that reads like the genetically-engineered love child of Robin Cook and Michael Crichton." —John Joseph Adams
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
New Hope: Galactic War by Matt Fatek is a solid pick for readers who enjoy action-packed science fiction with strong world-building and space battles. The story features plenty of adventure and strategic conflict, making it appealing to fans of galactic warfare and interstellar drama. The romance in the series is minimal and not explicit, so readers looking for a story focused more on plot and sci-fi elements rather than relationships will find it fitting. While there is moderate violence typical of war-themed stories, it is presented in a way that balances excitement without becoming overly graphic, making it accessible to those comfortable with some intensity but not extreme content. On the other hand, New Hope: Galactic War might not be ideal for families or readers who prefer lighthearted or nonviolent stories. The presence of occasional strong language and war-related violence means it leans toward a mature tone, which might be unsettling for younger or more sensitive readers. Additionally, the limited romantic content might disappoint those who enjoy deeper emotional or relationship-driven narratives. Overall, this book works best for readers and families who appreciate engaging science fiction with moderate mature themes but prefer to avoid explicit sexual content or heavy emotional drama.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parasite by Mira Grant.
What kind of book is Parasite? This is best described as adult sci-fi horror with a strong medical-thriller angle. The book’s appeal comes from its unsettling biological premise, corporate intrigue, ethical questions, and steadily rising dread. Reviews and publisher descriptions consistently frame it as tense, creepy, and idea-driven, with body horror and suspense playing a larger role than action spectacle or emotional romance. Is there romance in this book? Yes, there is a romantic relationship in the story, but it is not the main reason most readers pick up the book. Sal has a boyfriend, Nick, and that relationship matters to her personal life and some of the emotional stakes. Still, the novel is much more focused on identity, biology, corporate secrecy, and the escalating parasite crisis than on developing a romance-centered plot. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? There is no strong evidence that Parasite is built around explicit sexual content or repeated open-door sex scenes. Public descriptions and most reviews focus far more on body horror, medical experimentation, conspiracy, and violence than on sensual content. At the same time, some reader-generated warning material does flag sexual-violence-related concerns, so this is not a book that feels completely free of sexual-content sensitivities. The safest summary is that explicit consensual sex does not appear to be a defining feature, but the book may still contain mature material that some readers will want to approach cautiously. How much violence is in the book? The violence level is fairly high. This is not extreme splatter horror on every page, but it does involve disturbing medical situations, infected or altered people, attacks, deaths, and a steady sense of physical danger. Reviews regularly describe the premise as creepy, nauseating, and frightening, and the story’s horror elements come from both the science and what happens to human bodies when things go wrong. Readers comfortable with tense sci-fi horror will probably be fine, but readers who avoid body horror or medical horror may find it intense. Does this book contain swearing? Detailed profanity counts are hard to verify from reliable public sources, so this part cannot be pinned down with complete precision. Given the adult tone, contemporary setting, and thriller style, some swearing would not be surprising. But the available sources do not treat strong language as one of the book’s standout content issues. A careful summary would be that profanity is likely present, though it does not appear to be the book’s most notable concern compared with its horror and medical content. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Parasite is the first book in Mira Grant’s Parasitology trilogy. The later books are Symbiont and Chimera. If it is a series, does it become more explicit in later books? The series definitely continues its mature sci-fi horror direction, and later entries appear to deepen the disturbing biological and identity-based themes. There is not strong evidence from the available sources that the trilogy turns into a sexually explicit series, but it does continue leaning into unsettling material. Reviews and series descriptions suggest the bigger escalation is in horror, parasite takeover, and the collapse of normal life rather than in open-door sensual content.
(contains mild romance, some violence, no sexual content, and occasional swearing)
AUTHOR TAMARA GRANTHAM
THE 7TH LIE
Only the seven lies can save them.
A hostile civilization hidden beneath a dome. A murderer lying in wait. A world on the brink of a devastating solar flare. Sabine Harper will confront them all to find the seven lies.
After the death of her mother and grandmother, and the same prognosis for her father, Sabine Harper is desperate to save the last of her family. Sabine survives her grueling training by the Vortech Agency, but now she must protect the world from a devastating solar flare by finding seven energy stones. If she refuses, they’ll terminate her father’s life-sustaining medical treatments.
Sabine is transported to an isolated civilization hidden beneath a dome. She assumes the identity of the invalid prince’s caretaker and finds herself attracted to the prince. But she's perplexed by this strange island’s many mysteries. The air smells mechanical. Every blade of grass is identical. The island’s dimensions are bigger than they should be. What Vortech told her may not be true. She may not even know where she is. And someone doesn’t want her to leave—at least not alive.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Tamara Grantham's The 7th Lie and its series offer an exciting blend of fantasy, mystery, and adventure, making it a great choice for readers looking for a thrilling and imaginative story. The series follows the protagonist, Abigail, as she navigates a world filled with magic, deception, and secrets. The plot is rich with suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Abigail uncovers the truth behind the lies that bind her fate. The mix of supernatural elements and thrilling twists provides an engaging experience for readers of all ages, particularly those who enjoy strong female protagonists and stories with a touch of mystery. In terms of content, The 7th Lie is a relatively safe and family-friendly option, with no explicit sexual content. While there are moments of tension, danger, and some violence typical of fantasy adventures, the focus remains on the mystery and the characters' emotional growth. The themes of friendship, trust, and uncovering hidden truths are central to the story, offering readers valuable lessons in perseverance and self-discovery. The book is suitable for teens and young adults, but also enjoyable for older readers who appreciate well-crafted fantasy without the inclusion of graphic or inappropriate material. This makes The 7th Lie an excellent choice for families looking for a clean yet captivating fantasy series.
Frequently Asked Questions About The 7th Lie by Tamara Grantham.
What kind of sci-fi book is The 7th Lie? This book looks much more like fast-paced speculative adventure than hard science fiction. The emphasis in the available descriptions is on a covert mission, a concealed civilization, a murderer, a looming solar disaster, and Sabine trying to figure out what is true and what is not. Readers who like mystery-driven sci-fi with danger, secrets, and a capable heroine will probably find that angle stronger than dense scientific explanation. Is there romance in this book? Yes, there is romance in the story, but it does not appear to overpower the main plot. The author’s description specifically notes that Sabine finds herself attracted to the prince while undercover on the island, which suggests a meaningful romantic thread. Still, the larger story is built around the mission, the seven lies, the hidden world, and the danger closing in on her, so the romance appears to be present but secondary to the suspense and science-fiction plot. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? There is no strong evidence that The 7th Lie contains explicit sexual content or open-door sex scenes. The public descriptions focus on the mission, survival, hidden civilization, and mystery rather than sensual content. Because detailed content guides for this title are limited, that cannot be guaranteed with complete certainty, but nothing in the available summaries suggests graphic sexual content is a defining part of the book. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears moderate. The premise includes a murderer, a high-pressure mission, threats to Sabine’s life, blackmail tied to her father’s treatment, and a world-level disaster looming in the background. That points to regular danger and some action-oriented violence, but the available descriptions do not suggest horror-level gore or especially graphic brutality. This seems closer to tense, plot-driven science fiction danger than to graphic violence. Does this book contain swearing? That is harder to verify from public sources. The available mainstream listings do not give a dependable profanity breakdown, so this part cannot be pinned down with high confidence. A cautious summary is that strong language is not highlighted as a defining feature of the book, but exact frequency is difficult to confirm from the sources available. Is this book part of a series? Yes. The 7th Lie is book one in the Chronicles of Ithical. The author’s site lists The 7th Lie and The End of Never, and Amazon’s series listing identifies it as book one of two.
(sci-fi violence and swearing)
AUTHOR N. W. HARRIS
THE LAST ORPHANS (BOOK 1)
One horrifying day will change the life of sixteen-year-old Shane Tucker and every other kid in the world.
In a span of mere hours, the entire adult population is decimated, leaving their children behind to fend for themselves and deal with the horrific aftermath of the freak occurrence. As one of the newly made elders in his small town, Shane finds himself taking on the role of caretaker for a large group of juvenile survivors. One who just happens to be Kelly Douglas—an out-of-his-league classmate—who, on any other day, would have never given Shane a second glance.
Together, they begin their quest to find out why all of the adults were slaughtered. What they find is even more horrifying than anything they could have expected—the annihilation of the adults was only the beginning. Shane and his friends are not the unlucky survivors left to inherit this new, messed-up planet. No, they are its next victims. There is an unknown power out there, and it won’t stop until every person in the world is dead.
A spine-tingling adventure that will have you gasping for breath all the way until the last page, The Last Orphans is the first book in an all-new apocalyptic series.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
N.W. Harris’s The Last Orphans and its series is a gripping post-apocalyptic adventure that blends action, science fiction, and heart-pounding suspense. The story follows Shane, a teenager who must step into a leadership role when all the adults in the world mysteriously die, leaving the fate of the planet in the hands of surviving kids. With themes of resilience, friendship, and survival, this series offers a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat experience that’s particularly appealing to teens and young adults who enjoy dystopian narratives with emotional depth and character growth. As for content, The Last Orphans keeps things relatively clean in terms of language and romance. There is some violence, as expected in a survival-based story with high stakes, but it is not gratuitous or graphic. Romantic elements do exist, but they are mild and age-appropriate, with no explicit sexual content. Because of this, the series can be a great pick for families looking for something exciting and thought-provoking that doesn’t push the boundaries of mature content. It’s especially suited for older teens and adults who enjoy stories of leadership, courage, and the power of youth to change the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Last Orphans by N. W. Harris.
Is The Last Orphans more post-apocalyptic or alien-invasion sci-fi? It is both, but the first book seems to lean especially hard into survival and post-apocalyptic chaos before widening into a clearer alien-conflict story. Early descriptions focus on Shane trying to protect younger survivors and keep a group of kids alive after the adults die, while later series descriptions make the alien threat much more explicit. That makes the opening novel feel like a survival-heavy YA sci-fi story with the larger alien plot steadily coming into focus. Is there romance in this book? Yes, but it does not appear to be the main focus. Public descriptions and review snippets suggest that Shane has feelings for Kelly and becomes protective of her and her younger sister, which adds an emotional thread to the story. Even so, the main weight of the novel seems to stay on survival, leadership, fear, and the mystery of what destroyed the adult population. The romance looks secondary to the action and larger sci-fi plot. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? There is no strong public evidence that The Last Orphans contains explicit sexual content or open-door sex scenes. The book is consistently classified and marketed as young adult science fiction, thriller, and dystopian fiction, and the available summaries focus on catastrophe, survival, and alien danger rather than sensual content. Based on the sources available, explicit sexual content does not appear to be a defining feature of the book. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears moderate for YA dystopian sci-fi. The premise itself is intense: adults die off suddenly, children are left to fend for themselves, and the story builds toward conflict connected to alien forces. Reviews and retailer copy describe it as suspenseful, horrifying, and action-heavy, but nothing in the readily available material suggests extreme gore or horror-level brutality. The stronger impression is peril, chaos, and action violence rather than graphic violence. Does this book contain swearing? That is harder to verify with confidence. The sources that are easy to confirm do not provide a dependable profanity breakdown, and the public-facing descriptions focus much more on the survival plot, pacing, and alien mystery than on language. A careful summary would be that swearing may be present, but it is not highlighted as one of the book’s main content concerns in the available source material. Is this book part of a series? Yes. The Last Orphans is the first book in The Last Orphans series. Goodreads lists The Harvest and Enslaved as the next books in the series, and Amazon also shows later entries tied to the same sequence.
(intense scenes, mature themes, clean romance)
AUTHOR J. L. HENDRICK
WORLDS AWAY: CLEAN SCI-FI ALIEN ROMANCE (BOOK 1)
Voted top 50 BEST BOOKS OF 2016 by readers of Read Freely (won spot # 36)
Slavery, or mate to an Alien Commander? Which would you choose?
Paris had lost her parents at a young age and instead of going into the foster system, she ended up on the streets. Sure, life was tough for a 17-year-old girl with no one to turn to, but she made her way on the streets of Los Angeles for years. That is, until one day when she was no longer on the streets.
Commander Venay of the V’Zenian Empire was a man on a mission. It was his responsibility to ensure a good lot of human slaves made it back to his planet each year. But this time it was different, he saw her across a field and knew he had to have her, at all costs.
The choice was simple, Paris could be a slave on the V’Zenian home world, or she could become Venay's mate and provide him with the offspring his people so desperately needed! Until the V’Zenian's most venomous rival, the Zateelians, attacked Venay’s ship and forced them to crash land on a distant planet. Paris had a new choice to make: save herself or help Venay exterminate aliens who have a sinister plan for the humans.
Come and join J.L. Hendricks on her next voyage! Worlds Away is the first in a Sci-Fi Romantic/Adventure trilogy where aliens abduct women for more than just slavery, they abduct them to continue their own race! If you like Ruby Lionsdrake, then you will enjoy Worlds Away! This is a mostly clean romance with an HEA in each book.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
J.L. Hendricks’s Worlds Away series is a fun and imaginative ride through space, offering a unique blend of science fiction adventure and lighthearted alien romance. The story kicks off with a human woman abducted by aliens and taken to another world—but instead of going dark or gritty, the series leans into humor, heart, and quirky world-building. With a strong female lead, engaging characters, and a fast-paced plot, it’s a great choice for readers who enjoy sci-fi that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers on story and character development. One of the standout features of Worlds Away is that it’s intentionally written as a clean romance series. That means there’s no graphic sexual content—romantic tension and affection are definitely present, but any intimacy remains fade-to-black or off-page. This makes it a safe and enjoyable option for both teen readers and families looking for content that’s entertaining without being overly mature. If you’re looking for something light, adventurous, and sweetly romantic, this series could be a perfect pick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Worlds Away by J. L. Hendricks.
Is Worlds Away really a clean alien romance? That is one of the first questions many readers are likely to ask, and the available listings strongly suggest that the answer is yes in the sense of sexual explicitness. The book is repeatedly marketed as “clean sci-fi alien romance,” and retailer pages frame it for teen readers with a listed reading age of 15–18. At the same time, the premise itself is not light or fluffy. It includes abduction, threats of slavery, mating pressure, and survival stakes, so “clean” here seems to refer more to the level of graphic sexual content than to an absence of intense themes. Is there romance in this book? Yes. Romance is central to the book. The story is built around Paris and Commander Venay, and the main emotional and plot tension grows out of their connection. This is not a science fiction story with only a small romantic subplot tucked into the background. It is much more accurate to describe it as a romance-driven sci-fi adventure with alien-abduction and survival elements. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? The strongest available evidence points to no graphic open-door sexual content. The book’s public branding consistently emphasizes that it is a clean sci-fi alien romance, and both Amazon and Goodreads results reinforce that positioning. That said, the story still deals with mature ideas such as mating, coercive circumstances, and reproductive pressure, so readers should not confuse “clean” with “free of all adult themes.” The better description is that the premise is mature, but the sensual content does not appear to be graphically explicit. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears moderate. The plot includes abduction, threats of enslavement, enemy attacks, and survival danger, which suggests regular tension and action. The publicly available descriptions lean more toward adventure and peril than toward graphic gore, so this seems closer to action-based sci-fi violence than to horror-level brutality. Readers who are comfortable with danger, conflict, and a darker setup will likely find it manageable, but the story does not sound especially gentle. Does this book contain swearing? That part is harder to verify with confidence from public sources. The listings and series pages do not provide a dependable profanity breakdown. Still, because the book is marketed as clean romance and positioned for teen readers, strong language does not appear to be one of its main content concerns. A careful summary would be that swearing is probably limited, but the exact amount is not well documented in the sources available. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Worlds Away is book one in a trilogy. Amazon lists it as book 1 of 3, and Goodreads identifies the related series as the Alpha Alien Abduction Tale with Worlds Collide as book two. Amazon also lists Worlds Entwined under the same sequence, confirming that the story continues beyond the first novel.
(contains political intrigue, moderate violence, some sensual content, and occasional mild swearing)
Editor's
Favorite
AUTHOR FRANK HERBERT
DUNE (BOOK 1)
When House Atreides is betrayed, the destruction of Paul’s family will set the boy on a journey toward a destiny greater than he could ever have imagined. And as he evolves into the mysterious man known as Muad’Dib, he will bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream.
A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Frank Herbert’s Dune and its iconic series are an exceptional choice for readers who love deeply layered science fiction with political intrigue, philosophical depth, and epic world-building. The story of Paul Atreides navigating the harsh desert planet of Arrakis is not just about survival—it’s about leadership, destiny, and the clash of powerful factions in a futuristic society. This series is a great choice for families or readers who enjoy discussing complex themes like ecology, religion, and human nature, making it especially engaging for older teens and adults who enjoy thought-provoking literature. In terms of content, Dune contains some mild sexual references and implications of relationships, but there are no graphic scenes. Romance and intimacy are handled in a mature and restrained way, with the focus remaining primarily on character development and political maneuvering. For families looking for a science fiction series that’s intellectually rich without being explicit, Dune offers a compelling and meaningful reading experience that can spark great conversations long after the last page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dune by Frank Herbert.
Is Dune hard to read? That is one of the most common questions readers ask, and the honest answer is yes for many people. Dune is famous for its deep worldbuilding, unusual vocabulary, layered politics, and philosophical themes, so it can feel demanding compared with faster, more accessible sci-fi novels. Readers who enjoy intricate settings, complex power dynamics, and slow-build storytelling often find it rewarding, but readers looking for a light or breezy read may find it challenging. Is there romance in this book? Yes, but romance is not the main focus. Relationships matter in Dune, especially the emotional bonds around Paul, Jessica, Duke Leto, and later Chani, but the novel is much more centered on politics, survival, destiny, warfare, and Paul’s transformation than on a romance-driven storyline. The romantic elements are present and meaningful, but they stay secondary to the larger plot. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? In the first book, explicit sexual content does not appear to be a defining feature. Public summaries and publisher material focus overwhelmingly on power, prophecy, conflict, and the struggle for Arrakis rather than sensual content, and reader-generated content warnings for Dune tend to flag mature themes like violence, drug use, slavery, and some sexual-content concerns without suggesting that the first novel is built around graphic open-door scenes. A careful summary would be that Dune includes mature themes and some sexual-content elements, but it is not generally known as a sexually explicit novel. How much violence is in the book? The violence level is moderate to fairly strong. Dune includes assassination attempts, warfare, betrayal, combat, death, torture-related material, and a steady sense of danger. Even so, it is usually more intense in theme and consequence than in graphic gore. The book’s violence supports its political and survival story rather than turning it into horror, but it is still a serious, sometimes harsh novel rather than a gentle sci-fi read. Does this book contain swearing? Strong language does not appear to be one of the book’s standout content issues, but exact profanity levels are hard to verify from authoritative public sources. Reader-submitted content warnings suggest some cursing may be present, yet the more consistently flagged concerns are violence, drug use, and mature themes rather than heavy swearing. The safest description is that profanity is not usually treated as the main reason readers would avoid Dune, though it is probably not completely absent. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Dune is book one in Frank Herbert’s original Dune Chronicles. Macmillan lists the original sequence continuing with Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse Dune.
(some kissing, no swearing-some course high school phrases)
AUTHOR BRENDA HIATT
STARSTRUCK (BOOK 1)
The middle of nowhere just got a lot more interesting!
Nerdy astronomy geek Marsha, M to her few friends, has never been anybody special. Orphaned as an infant and reluctantly raised by an overly-strict "aunt," she's not even sure who she is. M's dream of someday escaping tiny Jewel, Indiana and making her mark in the world seems impossibly distant until hot new quarterback Rigel inexplicably befriends her. As Rigel turns his back on fawning cheerleaders to spend time with M, strange things start to happen: her acne clears up, her eyesight improves to the point she can ditch her thick glasses, and when they touch, sparks fly--literally! When M digs for a reason, she discovers deep secrets that will change her formerly mundane life forever . . . and expose her to perils she never dreamed of.
Book 1 of the award-winning Starstruck series, where teen romance blends with science fiction to open a whole new world of action, adventure and discovery.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Brenda Hiatt’s Starstruck series is a delightful blend of young adult science fiction and sweet romance, making it an appealing choice for readers seeking an engaging and wholesome story. The narrative follows Marsha, a nerdy astronomy enthusiast who discovers her true identity as the long-lost princess of a secret civilization, leading to a series of adventures filled with action, discovery, and personal growth. The story is praised for its well-developed characters and realistic portrayal of a teenage heroine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starstruck by Brenda Hiatt.
Is Starstruck a clean YA sci-fi romance? Yes. This is a clean young adult series, and that is one of its biggest draws for readers looking for science fiction with romance but without sexual content. The story still includes emotional tension, attraction, and relationship development, but it stays firmly in a clean lane. That makes it a good fit for readers who want chemistry and romantic stakes without open-door scenes or explicit material. Is there romance in this book? Yes. Romance is a major part of Starstruck. Marsha’s growing connection with the new quarterback is one of the key forces that drives the story forward, and the emotional pull between the characters matters from early on. Even so, the book is not only about romance. It also leans into mystery, danger, identity, and science-fiction elements, so the relationship thread works alongside a larger plot rather than replacing it. Is there explicit sexual content or an open-door sex scene? No. There is no sex in this series, and Starstruck does not include explicit sexual content or open-door sex scenes. The romance is present, but it stays clean. Readers can expect attraction, emotional closeness, and some romantic moments, but not graphic sensual content. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears mild to moderate by YA standards. There is danger, suspense, and life-threatening conflict tied to the larger science-fiction plot, so the story is not entirely light. Still, it does not come across as graphic or brutal. The emphasis is more on tension, risk, and adventure than on gore or disturbing violence. Does this book contain swearing? Strong swearing does not appear to be one of the book’s standout content issues. The series is generally known for being clean in tone, and while exact language levels are harder to pin down in detail, this does not seem like a book readers usually single out for profanity concerns. A cautious summary would be that any swearing is likely limited and not a defining part of the reading experience. Is this book part of a series? Yes. Starstruck is the first book in Brenda Hiatt’s Starstruck series. It opens a larger story world that continues across multiple books, with the relationships, secrets, and science-fiction elements developing further as the series goes on. If it is a series, does it become more explicit in later books? No. Since there is no sex in this series, readers do not need to worry about it becoming sexually explicit later on. The emotional stakes and romantic tension may deepen as the story continues, but the series stays in a clean YA lane rather than shifting into open-door or graphic content.
(contains moderate sci-fi violence, occasional strong language, and mild romantic elements)
AUTHOR NATHAN HYSTAD
THE SURVIVORS: THE EVENT (BOOK 1)
The ships came at dawn.
Dean’s wife is dead. Her last words: When the ships come...wear the necklace.
Then the ships arrived.
Cities all around the world reported strange alien vessels descending. Some saw them as the heralds of a new age; others fired everything they had at them. All were taken as the beams lashed down and drew them into the sky.
Dean was left behind, seemingly the last man on Earth.
A trail of clues left by his dead wife guide Dean on a perilous journey across America and beyond, to learn the truth behind the mysterious ships and save humanity from its doom.
But not everything is as it seems.
The Event is the epic first novel of the best-selling Survivors series.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Survivors by Nathan Hystad and its series could be a great fit for readers who enjoy science fiction with suspenseful plots, alien encounters, and a strong sense of mystery and survival. The story is fast-paced and imaginative, centered on a group of people waking up on an unfamiliar world after Earth’s fall. It’s an engaging read for those who appreciate post-apocalyptic adventures with high stakes, teamwork, and layered intrigue. The romantic content is mild and secondary to the plot, making it accessible to readers who like some relationship dynamics without the focus turning overly sensual or explicit. However, this series might not be the best fit for families sensitive to moderate sci-fi violence, occasional strong language, or darker themes like betrayal, death, and existential threats. While the violence isn’t gratuitous, there are scenes involving combat, alien attacks, and survival scenarios that may feel intense for more sensitive readers. The language and tone also reflect a more mature, gritty atmosphere, so readers looking for lighter sci-fi or younger audiences may want to approach with caution. Overall, it's better suited for readers who can handle morally complex decisions and a sometimes bleak setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Event by Nathan Hystad.
Is The Event more alien-invasion sci-fi or survival sci-fi? It is both, but the opening book seems to lean especially hard into survival and mystery after the invasion setup. The alien ships and global catastrophe create the hook, but much of the tension comes from Dean moving through a devastated world, piecing together clues, and trying to understand what happened. Readers looking for fast-moving alien-threat science fiction with a lonely post-disaster atmosphere will probably find that blend appealing. Is there romance in this book? Romance does not appear to be the main focus of The Event. The emotional center of the story seems to come more from Dean’s connection to his dead wife and the clues she left behind than from an active romance plot in the present timeline. The larger series does eventually include friendship, love, and family across Dean’s life, but the first book is much more clearly driven by survival, grief, mystery, and alien danger than by a romance-forward storyline. How much violence is in the book? The violence level appears moderate. The premise itself is intense: alien ships descend, humanity is taken, cities are thrown into chaos, and Dean’s journey is described as perilous. Readers should expect danger, destruction, survival threats, and action-oriented sci-fi conflict, but the available descriptions do not point to horror-level gore or especially graphic brutality. This looks more like tense post-apocalyptic and invasion-driven violence than graphic splatter. Does this book contain swearing? That is hard to verify precisely from dependable public sources. The pages that are easy to confirm do not provide a reliable profanity breakdown, and reviews visible in search snippets focus more on the premise and pacing than on language. A cautious summary would be that swearing may be present, but it is not highlighted as one of the book’s main content concerns in the available source material. Is this book part of a series? Yes. The Event is the first book in Nathan Hystad’s The Survivors series. Goodreads lists later entries including New Threat, New World, and The Ancients, while Amazon’s series page shows that the series eventually expands far beyond those early books.