Lightlark is a novel that features Isla Crown, ruler of Wildling, one of the six realms endowed with a wicked curse- the inability to love without murder and to devour a human heart every month for survival. In order to free her realm of this curse that has haunted them for six hundred years, Isla must participate in the Centennial, the special one hundred days that the island of Lightlark appears in order for the rulers of all realms to break their curses and wield fierce power by finding the heart of Lightlark.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is a murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. Roger Ackroyd was a man who apparently knew too much. 24 hours after the Widow Ferrars dies of an overdose of Veronal, Mr. Ackroyd, is murdered. Ferrars and Ackroyd were engaged, but he uncovered a truth from her past that had him questioning things. In a baffling case involving death and blackmail, Hercule Poirot reaches the most startling conclusion in his whole career.
Egg Drop Dead is a murder mystery novel by Vivien Chien. When Lana Lee hosts her first ever catering event, what was supposed to be a relaxing evening turns into madness when domestic worker is found dead. All fingers are pointed toward the host and owner of the Asia Village shopping plaza, Donna Feng. Now Lana has to lead her own investigation and figure this out before the killer plans to strike again.
This book was a miraculous roller coaster. The Way I Used to Be is a young adult fiction novel by Amber Smith that explores mature themes of sexual violence in an incredibly personal and intimate way. The novel follows Eden, a young girl in high school, and the adversities she faces when trying to speak up about being a victim of assault. Normally, I'm not the type of person that gets emotional about books, but the way Amber Smith approaches serious themes is truly inspiring.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey is by far one of my favorite books I’ve read. It explores life within a psychiatric hospital utilizing comedic undertones. The book highlights a power struggle between McMurphy (the cowboy-esque patient) and Nurse Ratched (the tyrant ward nurse). The book is incredibly unique because it presents unreliable narration and forces the reader to continuously guess what’s upcoming.
Dim Sum of All Fears is a murder mystery novel by Vivien Chien. The Ho-Lee Noodle House is a place of serenity, familiarity, and great food. But not for very long. Just after Lana Lee solved her first murder case, she’s thrown back in the chaos. Soon after newlyweds Isabelle and Brandon open a store next to the restaurant, Lana and Isabelle become friends. They bond over their love of murder mystery novels, but not long after, they are found dead. Will Lana be able to solve this mystery too?
Slaughterhouse-5 is an incredibly well-written novel and one of my favorite works by Kurt Vonnegut. In his novel, he explores the meaning of life (and no, I’m not kidding), World War II, time travel, and more. Slaughterhouse-5 is brilliant and complex, but not hard to understand. Vonnegut introduces serious themes of war and violence and approaches them in his writing with a humorous tone.
The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a dystopian thriller by Suzanne Collins. Set after the Civil War between the Capitol and the Districts, the book follows a young President Snow as he is given the task to mentor a tribute from District 12. Unfortunately for him, he is given Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from the most impoverished district. Slowly, him and Lucy hatch a plan to manipulate the Games in her favor. This leads to the formation of a tyrant.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is set in the world of Ravka, a nation split into two because of The Fold, an area covered in darkness and filled with monsters. This land is ruled by the Grisha, who are born with magical powers. Alina Starkov, an orphan, is revealed to have powers of her own when her regiment sent into The Fold is attacked and her friend goes missing. Alina is sent to live with the Grisha, and be trained by the Darkling. Alina meets friends and foes while
All In, the third book in the Naturals series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, is about Cassie Hobbs and the Naturals going to Las Vegas to investigate three brutal murders. This killer changes method, with his identifying mark being a tattoo of numbers on his victim’s wrist. Cassie’s mother’s case has also had a breakthrough, and Cassie must juggle her personal issues with the case the Naturals have to solve.
