When looking for books to read, who best to go to than the experts? In this case, we have authors Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, who both separately have written multiple books and series, and have come together for their amazing Illuminae Files series. With their new book, Gemina, out last month, it seems like a prime time to delve into their minds to see the YA books they love best.
Be sure to check out the sequel to their hit book Illuminae, Gemina, which continues their sci-fi saga with space travel, galactic fighting, all through the eyes of coming-of-age characters. One creative aspect of the book is that it is written through the use of a dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics. Oh and just to keep you looking forward to 2017, know that the third book, yet to be titled, in their
1. Tattoo Atlas by Tim Floreen
This science fiction novel is one that explores the issues and problems that people face in this day and age, but looks at those issues through the lens of the future. In the words of Kaufman and Kristoff, “It’s essentially a study in the nature of human evil, and asks the question of whether it can be controlled or if it’s simply innate, and how much of it lives inside all of us.” A book that is sure to make you wonder about the intricacies of humanity, Tattoo Atlas is a must read!
2. All the Rage by Courtney Summers
Contemporary author Courtney Summers has written many books for YA, including 2012’s hit This Is Not A Test. This time though, she has created a timeless work that is sure to be read for ages with Romy, a girl who was sexually assaulted, and the fallout that happens after the event. Timely and telling, this book was written with a lot of care and is “a brilliant insight into an all-too-common and yet horrific crime, and the impact it has not only on the lives of victims, but entire communities.”
3. Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin
In this alternate history story, Graudin takes us into the world post-WWII, but this time if the Allies had lost the war. Written with historical knowledge and a thrilling plot, Wolf by Wolf follows a heroine who is out to assassinate Hitler. In the words of Kristoff and Kaufman: “The settings are evoked in incredible detail, and you really do feel every bump in the road along with the characters.”
4. Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie
A fantasy tale that is not to disappoint, Kathryn Purdie has written a must-read debut with Burning Glass. It is a dark novel searching for answers to our human instincts and actions. Telling the story of Sonya, a girl born with the gift of physically and emotionally sensing what others feel, she becomes entangled in courtly affairs as she serves the emperor. “Full of heart-pounding action and deadly intrigue,” this is a must-read.
5. Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
Another recommended historical novel, leading us to 1849 and the Oregon Trail. Bringing together a memorable duo in Samantha and Annamae, a Chinese musician and a runaway slave, Lee skillfully narrates the gold rush and quest for a new life through these two girls eyes. This book is more than just an adventure story, or historical narrative, it “speaks beautifully and thoughtfully to female friendship, and quite simply picks you up and takes you with her to another time and place.”
With these five choices, you are sure to keep busy! Which book do you want to pick up first? Have you kept up with Kaufman and Kristoff’s series?
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h/t Bookish