Taking a look at some of the most recent additions gracing the shelves of our YA department.
The Queen's Secret by Melissa de la Cruz
In The Queen's Secret, Lilac is born into the position as ruler of the nation of Revonia and forced marriage makes her the Queen of Stavin also. But being a ruler does not mean making the rules. For Lilac, taking the throne means giving up the opportunity to be with the love of her life. When Lilac and her love are separated, they must fight separate, but equally dark, battles to come back together.
"Romantic fantasy turns into lovelorn politicking in this duology closer and follow-up to The Queen's Assassin." -- Kirkus Reviews
The Betrayed by Kiera Cass
In The Betrayed, after fleeing Coroa and leaving the memory of her beloved Silas behind, Hollis is unsteadily adjusting to life in Isolte. The Eastoffe family's affection is a balm on her weary spirit, though Etan, a surly cousin with a deep distaste for Coroans, threatens to upset the uneasy peace she's found. While tensions at home ratchet up, disquiet in the kingdom of Isolte is reaching a fever pitch. The Eastoffes may have the power to unseat a tyrannical king, but only with Hollis's help.
"Kiera Cass brings another sparkling romance to a stunning conclusion in this sequel to the instant #1 New York Times bestseller The Betrothed." -- Goodreads
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
In Ace of Spades, we follow Devon, a talented musician who buries himself in rehearsals, and Chiamaka, the head girl who isn't afraid to get what she wants. They both attend Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because an anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing these two students' dark secrets to light. Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces.
"An incendiary and utterly compelling thriller with a shocking twist that delves deep into the heart of institutionalized racism, from an exceptional new YA voice." -- Goodreads
Go the Distance by Jen Calonita
In Go the Distance, we follow the story of Hercules after proving he's a true hero and regains his godship. All seems right in the world. That is, until Zeus tells Meg that she can't be with Hercules because she's mortal. Luckily, Hera has a solution, offering Meg a chance to prove herself worthy of a spot on Mt. Olympus, as a god. All Meg has to do is complete a mysterious quest. Will she be able to complete the quest put forth by Hera, or will she fail and not be able to be with Hercules again?
"Chapters move between past and present, adding depth to Meg's character and her backstory of independence, lost love, and working for Hades. This is a fun story full of action, twists, and film references, but ultimately it reads a bit like fan fiction." -- Kirkus Reviews
Baby & Solo by Lisabeth Posthuma
In Baby & Solo, we follow seventeen-year-old Joel Teague who has a new prescription from his therapist -- a part-time job -- the first step toward the elusive Normal life he's so desperate to live ever since The Bad Thing happened. Joel works his way up the not-so-corporate ladder without anyone suspecting What Was Wrong With Him. That is, until he befriends Nicole "Baby" Palmer, a smart-mouthed coworker with a chip on her shoulder about...well, everything, and the two quickly develop the kind of friendship movie montages are made of.
"Though the book takes place in 1996, the issues it addresses, including the lingering effects of trauma, remain relevant." -- Publishers Weekly
Panic by Lauren Oliver
In Panic, we follow Heather and Dodge, two graduating seniors who participate in Panic, a legendary game where the stakes are high and the payoff is even greater. Heather never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought. Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he's sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he's not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.
"Oliver brings a high-concept, high-stakes concept to Main Street USA, and the result is as uncomfortable as it is thrilling." -- Publishers Weekly
It Ends in Fire by Andrew Shvarts
In It Ends in Fire, we follow Alka who, as a child, witnessed her parents' brutal murder at the hands of Wizards before she was taken in by an underground rebel group. Alka is deep undercover at the most prestigious school of magic in the Republic: Blackwater Academy, a place where status is everything, where decadent galas end in blood-splattered duels, where every student has their own agenda. To survive, Alka will have to lie, cheat, kill, and use every trick in her spy's toolkit. And for the first time in her life, the fiercely independent Alka will have to make friends in order to recruit the misfits and the outcasts into her motley rebellion.
"With dark magic, rebellion and a vengeful protagonist, It Ends in Fire is a high-stakes fantasy with a dark academia setting that will appeal to graduates of the Harry Potter series." -- Barnes and Noble
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
In For the Wolf, we follow Red, the only Second Daughter born in centuries, which gives her a purpose - to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wood in the hope he'll return the world's captured gods. But the legends lie. The Wolf is a man, not a monster. Her magic is a calling, not a curse. And if she doesn't learn how to use it, the monsters the gods have become will swallow the Wilderwood-and her world-whole.
"The novel seamlessly blends Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast into an un-put-down-able fairy tale that traces the boundaries of duty, love, and loss." -- Kirkus Reviews
This writing brought to you by BPL Student Advisor, Braden Unruh, with story synopsis from Goodreads.
