In a cruel society where the population is separated into two castes — Enchanteds and Outsiders — Astrid and her family are considered the lowest of the low, without citizenship or magic. As the surrogate for Princess Renya, Astrid receives physical punishment if Renya steps out of line. It is truly a miserable existence — but it is one Astrid might be able to escape. Enter the Race of Oblivion, in which the drug Oblivion is used to wipe racers’ memories. It’s not an easy race — Astrid could very well end up dead.
The Selection is a dystopian romance novel about a sixteen-year-old girl named America. She lives in Illea, a country divided by castes. In Illea, the Selection is a contest in which girls are selected from different castes compete for the love of the prince, Maxon. America is one of the 35 girls selected to compete. But the only thing she desires is to have a relationship with her secret boyfriend, Aspen.
Kiera Cass has written a thrilling, magical, suspenseful novel that will leave readers wondering what comes next. The One continues the story of the competition, and America discovers who her true love really is. At the same time, the rebels attack frequently, setting a charged atmosphere throughout the entire story. America fights her way to Maxon, and discovers that her rivals aren’t to be underestimated.
Red Queen is a Fiction, Fantasy novel by Victoria Aveyard. This book tells the story of a 17-year-old girl, Mare Barrow, in an Alternate reality. In this world, the color of your blood determines whether or not you have superpowers. People with red blood are powerless, and people with silver blood have superpowers. Mare has red blood and lives in a poor town called the Stilts, but when she finds herself working in a silver palace, she discovers that she has a power of her own.
Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte is captivating, dynamic, and contains numerous twists and turns. This fantasy fiction book consists of murder mystery and hints of romance and sci-fi. Perplexing characters with complex motives and a fascinating fantasy world elevated this book to another level. The novel is centered around Keralie Corrington, a seventeen-year-old girl who steals, lies, and deceives for a living. Mackiel, her childhood friend and employer tasks her with stealing a case.
Kiera Cass's fifth and final installment of The Selection series, The Crown, wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst. I have a few problems with this book, the major one being the development of Eadlyn and Eikko's relationship, or lack thereof. Their relationship was predictable, but it had no growth; it seemed like they just kind of ended up together.
Majesty is the second book of the American Royals series, where America is ruled by a monarchy, so warning: spoilers ahead. Now that her father is dead, Beatrice must learn how to rule her upset nation and manage her increasingly complicated love life. Meanwhile, Samantha and Nina need to get over their recent heartbreak, but for Daphne moving on is not an option. Like always, she’ll stop at nothing to get Jeff back.
American Royals explores the idea of a monarchy in America. Beatrice, the perfect eldest daughter, is in line for the throne. Her parents are pressuring her to get married, but want her to pick from a small list of potential suitors. Samantha the next oldest. She and her twin Jeff love to party, but Sam endures the wrath of the press while her brother is adored. Nina is Samantha’s best friend and often feels overshadowed. She’s secretly in love with Jeff.
The Beholder by Anna Bright has the perfect hints of familiar fairy tales scattered throughout her book, but also has elements that make The Beholder an original adventure story about a girl named Selah. Selah is in line to be the Seneschal of Potomac, but her stepmother sends her away to find a husband without giving Selah much of an option, and her sick father doesn’t really have a choice either.
As the daughter of the duke, Ekata was born into a world of cut-throat politics and tenuous alliances. Unlike her siblings, though, all she wants to do is escape and study the life sciences she finds so fascinating. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances throw her into the thick of the court politics she has tried all her life to avoid. She must learn quickly how to navigate her situation and hold her head high if she wants to retain her position- and her life. I love the political intrigue throughout the book.
