Best Unputdownable Teen Books of 2013

Narrowing down the 64 books I read this year to the five that were completely, absolutely unputdownable was not easy. I read fantastical adventures, swoon-worthy romances and even a few unconventional selections. I used the words ‘love’ and ‘adore’ a lot (maybe too much) in my personal book journal. And I committed myself to reading an undisclosed amount of sequels. *cough* Too many. *cough* But I did manage to select five awesome, unputdownable YA books that provided all the necessary feels. And some unnecessary ones too.

 

Eleanor & Park: Rainbow Rowell
         

Released February 26, 2013

The realness of Eleanor and Park’s relationship is what got me about this book. I wasn’t expecting something that appeared normal (young, inexperienced love) to be so extraordinary (but it was). The descriptions of their love, first hand-holding to first kiss, were beautiful and fresh. This book was both heart-warming and heartbreaking, which is quite a feat. I deem this a must-read of 2013!

Siege and Storm: Leigh Bardugo

Released June 4, 2013

The primary reason why I love this book: Sturmhond. And I’m only partially kidding. He’s mysterious yet over confident, talented and desirable. He’s multi-dimensional, as are most of the characters in this book and series. Alina (the Sun Summoner) is deep and so wrought internally that I’m still in awe. With the tension level at a near-constant high, I found this book hard to part with, even after I finished it. The action was non-stop and I wished so whole-heartedly (still do, in fact) that I could have kept reading right through to the end of Ruin and Rising.

 

Earthbound: Aprilynne Pike

Released July 30, 2013

The story of star-crossed lovers who are drawn to each other across time has been done before. But Earthbound was different—there’s more to the story. It’s not just the love but ancient secret societies (who doesn’t love a good secret society?) with fancy Latin-sounding names. The main character, Tavia is compelling and strong, and I adore that she is her own woman, not just a bland reincarnation of the women before her (but she still has their knowledge!). Earthquake (the sequel, not the natural disaster) cannot come soon enough!

Crown of Midnight: Sarah J Maas

Released August 27, 2013

The end to this sequel FLOORED me. The slow flow of secrets throughout the novel led to a full-blown, head-turning, artfully-divulged stunner at the very end. I was reeling for days after finishing it. The depth of character and story was outstanding as well! Celeana is not the heartless assassin she may seem, but multi-faceted, intelligent and intriguing. And the love triangle? I’m still swooning. This series will be on my must-read list for years to come.
 

Just One Year: Gayle Forman

Released October 10, 2013

When I picked up this book, I knew what happened at the end. But somehow (due to Forman’s expertise, I’m guessing) the anticipation made this book unputdownable. The sharp, strong voice of Willem, a lost boy who was attempting to find Allison, a girl he spent just one day with in Paris, kept me entrenched. The absence of Allison for the majority of the novel (I was dying to see her again!) and the everyday experiences that were both menial and great, added up to an unforgettable journey.

What books were unputdownable for you this year?

Most Anticipated Teen Books: Fall 2013

Autumn is upon us! Leaves are falling and the breeze has turned cool, so grab your favorite pumpkin-flavored drink and curl up with these new YA releases!

October 1

Perfect Ruin –Lauren DeStefano

What it’s about: Morgan Stockhour knows getting too close to the edge of Internment, the floating city in the clouds where she lives, can lead to madness. If she ever wonders about the ground and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in her best friend, Pen, and in Basil, the boy she’s engaged to marry. Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city and Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially once she meets Judas. Betrothed to the victim, he is being blamed for the murder but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find—or whom she will lose.

Why I’m excited: Because a floating city in the clouds makes me think of the Cloud City and all the awesome developments and devastation that took place there. The concept behind this new series is intriguing (even minus the Star Wars correlation): murder mystery in a floating city. Yeah, I’ll be reading this one, especially since DeStefano has already hooked me with her Chemical Garden trilogy and hilarious Twitter feed. 

October 8

Tandem –Anna Jarzab

What it’s about: Sixteen-year-old Sasha Lawson never believed her grandfather’s stories of parallel worlds—until she finds herself thrust into one against her will. To prevent imminent war, Sasha must slip into the life of an alternate version of herself, a princess who has vanished on the eve of her arranged marriage. If Sasha succeeds in fooling everyone, she will be returned home; if she fails, she'll be trapped in another girl's life forever. As time runs out, Sasha finds herself torn between two worlds, two lives and two young men vying for her love—one who knows her secret and one who believes she's someone she's not.

Why I’m excited: Because I adore Jarzab’s previous two novels, and consider her debut one of the best teen books of 2010. All Unquiet Things and The Opposite of Hallelujah were realistic fiction novels, so I am thrilled that this novel is fantasy. Okay, I’ll admit that I’ve already read the DRC, but I’m still excited for this book’s release, so I can grab my own copy and shout its greatness to the world!

October 10

Just One Year –Gayle Forman

What it’s about: After spending an amazing day and night together in Paris, Just One Year is Willem's story, picking up where Just One Day ended. His story of their year of quiet longing and near misses is a perfect counterpoint to Allyson's own as Willem undergoes a transformative journey, questioning his path, finding love, and ultimately, redefining himself.

Why I’m excited: Because Just One Day grabbed my heartstrings and pulled in all the right places. I devoured Allyson’s story and I’ve been waiting for Willem’s side ever since. I feel that these books are two parts of a whole, and this companion novel will help fill in all the missing pieces of their engrossing, relatable yet foreign love story.

October 15

Unsouled –Neal Shusterman

What it’s about: Connor and Lev are on the run after the destruction of the Graveyard. They’re running toward answers, in the form of a woman Proactive Citizenry has tried to erase from history itself. If they can find her, they may discover the key to bringing down unwinding forever. Cam, the rewound boy, knows that if he can bring Proactive Citizenry to its knees, it will show Risa how he truly feels about her. And without Risa, Cam is having trouble remembering what it feels like to be human. With the Juvenile Authority and vindictive parts pirates hunting them, the paths of Connor, Lev, Cam, and Risa will converge explosively—and everyone will be changed.

Why I’m excited: Because I had no idea this was coming so soon! I was expecting another many year wait (which was the case between Unwind and Unwholly.) So the fact that the final novel in this evoking trilogy is nearly within my grasp makes me want to dance down the teen aisle of my local bookstore! Don’t worry, I won’t… probably.

October 22

Allegiant—Veronica Roth

What it’s about: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties and painful memories. But Tris's new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Why I’m excited: Because… well, do I really need to explain? The cliffhanger at the end of Insurgent made me want to throw the book across the room, in a good way. The possibilities for this trilogy-ender are outstanding, and I can’t wait to dive into what will surely be a thrilling, heart-wrenching, provoking novel.

November 26

Pawn—Aimee Carter

What it’s about: Kitty Doe can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. If she says yes, Kitty will be surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous, adored and for the first time, she will matter. There's only one catch. She must stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered and the same one that got her killed. She must decide which path to choose and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game.

Why I’m excited: Because tough choices are what makes good books into great ones, and there are many such choices laid out for Kitty in this novel. Therefore, I’m expecting Pawn to be a nail-biting, edge-of-my-reading-chair, great story. I haven’t read Carter’s Goddess Test series, but I’ve heard wonderful things, so I imagine that her foray into dystopian fiction will be captivating in its own right.

December 3

Rebel Spring—Morgan Rhodes

What it’s about: Auranos has been conquered and the three kingdoms are now unwillingly united as one country called Mytica. Cleo is a prisoner in her own palace, forced to be an ambassador for Mytica as the evil King Gaius lies to her people. Magnus stands to inherit the new kingdom but is still obsessed with his feelings for his adopted sister, Lucia, while she is haunted by the deadly outcome of her magic that allowed her father to capture the kingdoms. Jonas watches at the palace gates, a troop of rebels behind him, planning to overtake King Gaius. When Gaius announces that a road is to be built into the Forbidden Mountains, linking all of Mytica together, he sets off a chain of cataclysmic events that will forever change the face of this land.

Why I’m excited: Because Falling Kingdoms was an epic tale of four teens poised to change their world, which was already on the brink of war and revolution. I loved flying across the kingdoms to the adventures of each Cleo, Magnus, Lucia and Jonas, and I’m anxious to see how their paths cross in this sequel.

 

Happy Fall!

*Book descriptions were adapted from those appearing on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.

15 Must-Read Teen Books: 2013 Update

Just about a year ago, I gathered a list of the top 15 must-read teen books (that can be found in the teen section in a bookstore). At the time, I thought it was a pretty solid (though slightly subjective) list. Recently, I took a look back and decided I would change a few things. (That happens with time.) So here’s my 2013 update, with many repeats, but with some new (though not necessarily newly published) and awesome teen books!

All Unquiet Things: Anna Jarzab (new)

Truthfully, this should have been on last year's list. All Unquiet Things is murder mystery set in California. It’s intelligent, intriguing and profound not to mention one of the best teen books I read in 2010. Jarzab's debut continues to impress me, as well as her follow-up works The Opposite of Hallelujah and Tandem.

Boy Meets Boy: David Levithan (new)

This is an expertly crafted book about a boy who loves another boy and the crazy unique high school that they attend. Its ground-breaking impact continues to be felt throughout the YA genre, especially as it’s celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year.  

Divergent: Veronica Roth (new)

When Tris Pryor chooses to leave her family behind for the danger of the Dauntless, she has no idea the hard work, controversy and ultimately the consequences and heartbreak that will come. Roth creates a magnificent dystopian tale where Tris, Four and others are not only in the midst of the action, they are the action.

Eleanor & Park: Rainbow Rowell (new)

The relationship of Eleanor and Park is not only moving, but makes for an astounding and unputdownable read. It's ground-breaking in its realness, and their love is relatable in its imperfection. This is the only book on my list published in 2013, and it's quickly becoming a headliner of YA.

Ender’s Game: Orson Scott Card

Ender's tale is not only a teen mainstay but a science fiction classic as well. With the story soon to grace the big screen, the popularity (and controversy) will surely increase in the coming months.

Graceling: Kristin Cashore

This is Cashore's debut novel, and a repeat on this list. Katsa is a strong, Graced but flawed girl struggling to break from her uncle's control. Her world is medieval fantasy, and the story is definitely worth the read. Katsa appears in the sequel Bitterblue and briefly in the companion Fire.

Heist Society: Ally Carter

Kat Bishop is from a family of thieves but strives to use her skills for good, which equals an intriguing yet mischievous female Robin Hood. Carter writes light-hearted teen novels that are fun yet entrancing reads. Heist Society is the first in her second series, and is a repeat from last year on this list.

If I Stay: Gayle Forman

Mia is in a coma after a devastating car accident that took the lives of her family. In an out-of-body experience, she relives past events and watches her friends and family gather around her. Will she join her family on the other side, or wake to the everyday struggle that is life? This is a profound, moving YA book about the importance of choices and the will to fight. This is its second year on this list.

Levithan: Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld writes an alternate version of WWI in a story that pits the Darwinists (British, French) and their living creatures against the Clankers (Austro-Hungarians, Germans) and their war machines. Imaginative, full of action with sprinkles of history, this tale is not only a repeat on this list, but on the forefront of YA steampunk.

Shadow & Bone: Leigh Bardugo (new)

When Alina, a lowly mapmaker in the nation of Ravka, discovers an ancient and terrifying power, she's whisked away by the mysterious yet alluring Darking. Bardugo crafts an intriguing, new tale with hints of Russian legend and lore. I devoured this debut as well as its sequel Siege & Storm and am anxiously awaiting the third and final in this must-read trilogy.

The Book Thief: Marcus Zusak

This historical fiction novel has quickly become a modern classic, and is a repeat on this list. Narrated by Death during the Holocaust, the story follows Liesel and her life in Nazi Germany. This is a fascinating, powerful tale and a new take on this time in history.

The Fault in Our Stars: John Green (new)

Hazel and Augustus’ story caused my heart to break and to leap with joy (though not at the same time). Admittedly, I took my time picking this one up, which is why it's not a repeat this year but a new addition. It will surely be a bestseller, must-read and feat of YA fiction for years to come.

The Giver: Lois Lowry

A classic dystopian novel, this is a quick, intriguing read that leaves the reader thinking. A precursor to today's dystopian sub-genre and a repeat on this list, Lowry created a classic in her telling of Jonas and his seemingly perfect world. Son, the last in the Giver quartet, was released just last year.

The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games will likely be immortalized as the poster-child for YA dystopia. In a televised fight to the death in a futuristic world where the U.S. has fallen and the Capitol controls twelve districts in a grueling manner, one girl starts a revolution. With the movie sequel to be released this November, if you haven't heard of the awesomeness of this trilogy, then I don't know where you've been hiding.

Thirteen Reasons Why: Jay Asher

This thought-provoking novel lists the thirteen reasons why Hannah committed suicide. It's a heart-wrenching, masterfully-written story and a must-read for the YA genre (as it's a repeat on this list). Asher has only one other YA novel, The Future of Us co-authored with Carolyn Mackler.

 

Let me know your thoughts! Thanks for reading!

Most Anticipated Teen Books: Summer 2013

Here are eight novels coming this summer that will be perfect reads for the beach, pool or anywhere the sun's shining! (Okay, they're good for dreary days too...)


July 9

Half Lives – Sara Grant

What it’s about: Half Lives follows two unlikely heroes as they fight to survive, centuries apart but with surprising ties. Icie’s parents have news of an imminent viral attack, so they give her cash, a map to a secret bunker and tell her to get there by any means necessary. Along with three other teens, Icie lives locked away for months with no news of the outside world. Decades into the future, a mysterious cult worships on the same mountain where Icie’s secret bunker was located, and they’re ruled by a teenager with surprising ties to Icie.

Why I’m excited: Because Grant’s from Indiana (though now she lives abroad), and the concept behind the book is particularly intriguing. I’m curious about the cult and their teenage leader, since the book description is particularly vague on that aspect. I read Grant’s YA debut Dark Parties, which is a thrilling dystopian book and although this new release seems more post-apocalyptic, I bet she will shine just the same.

July 30

Boy on the Bridge – Natalie Standiford

What it’s about: American Laura Reid studies abroad in Leningrad during the height of the Cold War in 1982. A young Russian artist named Alexei becomes her guide and she is soon immersed in the real Russia, but their relationship must remain a secret. If found out, Laura could be sent home and Alexei could be punished for associating with Americans. When Laura’s return to the United States approaches, Alexei asks Laura to marry him. She’s not ready to settle down, but what if Alexei is the love of her life? Can she leave him behind?

Why I’m excited: Because I have a soft spot for well-done YA historical fiction, and I’m betting this will be quite well-written. I’m not familiar with too many Cold War era teen books, and I’m interested to see how Standiford will write the love of a young American and Russian in the midst of such deep tension. Also I adore that this is a historical romance novel set barely thirty years ago, so even though it will feel like long ago, it isn’t quite outside of my life span and therefore closer than one might think.

Earthbound – Aprilynne Pike

What it’s about: After Tavia Michaels is the sole survivor of a plane crash that killed her parents, she starts having visions of a boy she’s never spoken to in real life. Tavia searches for answers, but when she discovers that the aunt and uncle who took her in after the plane crash may have been responsible for her parent’s deaths, she flees for safety of Maine, where the boy in the visions tells her to go. Suddenly, Tavia is on the run with no one to trust, and is torn between Benson, the boy who has been by her side the whole way and the mysterious boy who appears to her at night.

Why I’m excited: Because Pike impressed me with her debut series, Wings, and I’m curious to see how she’s grown as a writer. This is her second new release in just a few months, though I haven’t gotten to Life After Theft yet. The book description is detailed and vague at the same time (isn’t that intriguing?) which will surely make the read full of surprises, twists and turns. I’m expecting a mysterious, cross-country adventure with life-changing decisions that will surely make this an unputdownable read!

August 20

Doon – Carey Corp & Laurie Langdon

What it’s about: Veronica starts seeing a mysterious blond boy wherever she goes, and soon she realizes she’s the only one that can see him. When her best friend, Mackenna, invites her to spend the summer in Scotland, Veronica jumps at the chance. But when the imaginary boy follows her to Alloway, she and Mackenna discover a strange set of rings and an unnerving letter, they soon find themselves transported to a land that defies explanation. Doon seems like a real-life fairy tale, but the girls learn it has a dark underside as well. If they break the enchantment, they might end up trapped in a world that has quickly become a nightmare.

Why I’m excited: Because it’s a retelling of Brigadoon, only updated and YA-ified. Scotland plus a fairy tale-like hidden village and the potential for love? It all adds up to Brigadoon come to the 21^st century, which is a fairly unexplored concept in teen fiction in my experience. I’m excited to see these authors collaborate to take on this legend, and I’m sure the read will be fun and fantastical!

August 27

Love in the Time of Global Warming – Francesca Lia Block

What it’s about: Penelope has lost everything—her parents, younger brother and her home. This world is on the edge of destruction, but still beautiful and lovely at the same time. As Pen navigates this dark world which is full of strange creatures, she gathers companions and loses them, finds love and loses it, and comes face-to-face with her mortal enemy.

Why I’m excited: Because Block is a YA mainstay, with over 30 novels to her name. The title itself is intriguing (remember Love in the Time of Cholera?), and even though the book description is short, I have a feeling this will be a full-tilt adventure, maybe with a little social commentary on global warming mixed in. I’ll be sure to pick this one off the shelf come late August!

Two Boys Kissing – David Levithan

What it’s about: Based on true events, this novel tells the story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-old boys who take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing in hopes of setting a new Guinness World Record. While the two teenage boys are locking lips, they are trying to figure out their own feelings for one another. But they manage to become the focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out and gender identity issues. This novel comes as the 10^th anniversary of the publication of Levithan’s ground-breaking, Boy Meets Boy, is being celebrated.

Why I’m excited: Because Levithan is a YA master, and I’m sure this will be another revolutionary read. I’ve been trying to catch up on his collection ever since I read Boy Meets Boy last winter, and even though I have a ways to go, I think this will be my next selection. It sounds like a great exploration of gay teen culture and I’m expecting a read full of realness and relatability no matter your gender, age or orientation.

September 10

Fangirl – Rainbow Rowell

What it’s about: Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Well, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan isn’t just part of her life, it is her life. Cath and her sister Wren ensconced themselves in the fandom to get them through their mother leaving, but while Cath’s sister has grown up and away from Simon Snow, Cath can’t let go. Now they’re going to college and Cath is on her own, with a surly roommate, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the world and a handsome classmate who wants to talk about words. Can Cath let go of Simon Snow and start living her own life?

Why I’m excited: Because I adored Eleanor & Park for its realness and freshness (enough to read Rowell’s adult fiction novel), and I’m expecting the same from Fangirl. The concept is relatable—who hasn’t gotten a little over-obsessed with a book, movie or band? Cath could easily be a Potterhead or Twihard, which I think is exactly what Rowell is going for. I’m sure this story will suck me in and become quite unputdownable in its reality and relatability.

Relativity – Cristin Bishara

What it’s about: Ruby Wright knows that wishes can’t come true and that some things can’t be undone. But if she had her way, her dad would never have married her stepmother Willow, her best friend George would be more than a friend, and of course her mom would still be alive. When Ruby discovers a tree in the middle of an Ohio cornfield with a wormhole to nine alternative realities, suddenly Ruby is seeing what could have happened if her wishes came true. Her ideal world—one with everything and everyone she wants most—could be within reach. But is there such a thing as a perfect world?

Why I’m excited: Because parallel universes are in, at least in my world (see my review of Tandem, coming this October). I think it’s an up-and-coming niche for YA, and Relativity sounds like a well-done take on this concept. The idea that Ruby has not just one parallel universe but nine to explore will surely make this a complex tale. This is Bishara’s debut effort and I’m eager to dive into what will hopefully be an intriguing yet heart-wrenching story.

 

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

Thanks for reading!

 

*Book descriptions are adapted from those on the Barnes & Noble website.

MORE Teen Books-to-Movies 2013 & Beyond

The quest to discover the next great teen book-to-movie blockbuster continues! Last October I discussed five movies, some which have since been released and some which are still months away from gracing the screen. But five movies is barely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to YA books that are being made into movies, especially if we consider those in development. However these five teen flicks are more of a sure thing and will be coming to a theater near you soon(ish)!   

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Release Date: August 7, 2013                      Status: Post-Production

In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters to find the mythical Golden Fleece and to stop an ancient evil from rising.

Why I’m Excited:

Okay, so maybe excited isn’t the right word for my feelings toward this movie. Curious and intrigued would be better descriptions since I was underwhelmed with the movie version of Lightening Thief. Even though I’m surprised Sea of Monsters got the green light, I enjoyed the first one enough to continue on. Also, I adore that Nathan Fillion is playing Hermes!

*My Viewing Choice: Redbox

Catching Fire

Release Date: November 22, 2013            Status: Post-Production

Katniss and Peeta are dethroned from their respective victory riches and are put back into the arena for the most climatic and menacing of the Hunger Games, known as the Quarter Quell.

Why I’m Excited:

Because the first movie didn’t disappoint at all (for me). I’m thrilled/anxious/waiting impatiently for the sequel, and still wishing it wasn’t due out 7 months from now (20 months after Hunger Games was released!). I’m excited for the hype of the Quarter Quell, the beginnings of the revolution and more of the Katniss-Peeta-Gale love triangle. But seriously, the Harry Potter movies only got better as they progressed so I’m wishing/hoping/praying the same will be true for Hunger Games.

My Viewing Choice: 3D Theater

The Book Thief

Release Date: January 17, 2014                  Status: Filming

While subjected to the horrors of WWII Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. Under the stairs in her home, a Jewish refuge is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

Why I’m Excited:

Because the book is narrated by Death, and I’m curious to see how that is translated to the big screen. It has the potential to be masterful, eerie yet intriguing. In my imagination, a movie version of this book would be a cross between Spielberg’s Schindler’s List and Scorsese’s Hugo, which I can only hope will be close to the truth. It should be timeless yet imaginative.

My Viewing Choice: Matinee or Budget Theater

Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters

Release Date: February 14, 2014               Status: Pre-production

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half human/vampire, guardians of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discretely within our world. Her legacy is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal Vampires, the Strigoi. This is her story.

Why I’m Excited:

Because even though vampires may be passé, I’m anxious to see how they will be portrayed in this movie and who is willing to take the risk in the post-Twilight scene. This series is quite popular, and the movie version has potential depending on the trailer and marketing. It could be a cult classic, or it could fall by the wayside (like, say, Beautiful Creatures).

My Viewing Choice: Redbox

 

The Maze Runner

Release Date: February 14, 2014               Status: Pre-production

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, young Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.

Why I’m Excited:

Because it’s a dystopian book that I devoured, and I’m glad to have discovered that it’s nearing production! Full of mystery, the book was unputdownable for me and I’m especially glad that the author James Dashner is one of the screenplay writers. However, I am curious in regards to its release date, which is just a month before another teen dystopian book-turned-movie, Divergent. There may be a showdown heading our way.

My Viewing Choice: Theater

*Even though I would love to see all of these in theaters, movie ticket prices don’t coincide with my budget. Therefore I’ve decided to add a section to give an easy describer of how important each movie is to me by how much I’m willing to spend to see it. (I should note these are the average prices I’ve come across in Indiana.)

3D Theater: $15                                        

Theater: $10

Matinee or Budget Theater: $5                                 

Redbox: $2

Please Note: The movie descriptions are courtesy of IMDB.

Most Anticipated Teen Books: Spring 2013

Here are six soon-to-be-released teen novels that will hopefully put a spring in your step and drive away those dreary April showers. Enjoy.

March 21

17 & Gone – Nova Ren Suma

What it’s about:

Visions are impeding on Lauren’s life. They are of girls who are 17 and gone, missing without a trace. As Lauren, also seventeen, struggles to deal with these visions, she wonders why the girls are speaking to her. Can Lauren help the girls? Or is she the next to go missing? After a brush with death, everything begins to unravel and clues turn to a monumental truth.

Why I’m excited:

Because I’ve been hearing about this book on Suma’s blog for months and I’m eager to see it in my to-read pile. I have a feeling it will be suspenseful and thrilling and potentially even unputdownable!

April 2

Dark Triumph – Robin LaFevers

What it’s about:

LaFevers returns to 15^th century France in this thrilling story of love, history and magic.  A sequel to Grave Mercy, Sybella arrives at the convent grief-stricken and half mad. One of Death’s trained assassins, the convent views her as a weapon and forces her back into the life that drove her mad. After she discovers an unexpected ally in the dungeons, she realizes there may be other reasons to live than for vengeance.

Why I’m excited:

Because this is the sequel to Grave Mercy, a historical fantasy novel that I adore. The idea that main characters Ismae and Sybella are Death’s assassins is intriguing and I look forward to devouring this story of another girl from that era and life.

May 7

Icons – Margaret Stohl

What it’s about:

The day that Earth lost a war it didn’t know it was fighting was the day that Dol’s family dropped dead. Unsure why she survived, Dol takes up a simple life in the countryside, away from the power and shadow of the Icon. When Dol and her best friend Ro are taken to the Embassy off the coast, she becomes immersed in conspiracy that is no coincidence. Joined by Tima, a hostage, and Lucas, the Ambassador’s son, Dol must piece together their past in order to save the future.

Why I’m excited:

Because I love the idea behind this book! The description is quite intriguing and has the word “conspiracy” (need I say more?). Plus, Stohl is a co-author of recent bestseller-turned-blockbuster Beautiful Creatures, which means Icons will surely be a hit as well.

June 4

The Moon and More- Sarah Dessen

What it’s about:

Luke and Emaline have been together all throughout high school in Colby, a beach town where they both grew up. He’s the perfect boyfriend but when Theo, an ambitious New Yorker, drops into Emaline’s life, she wonders if perfect is good enough. Emaline is split between her roots and her potential. She may want the moon and more, but can she balance where she comes from with where she’s going?

Why I’m excited:

Because Dessen’s novels are always relatable and realistic. She’s the Nicholas Sparks of teen fiction in that she writes about romance and real issues in the Carolinas but of course that is a narrow definition of her talent. I’m sure The Moon and More will be another swoon-worthy bestseller. Also, I love Dessen’s down-to-earth Twitter presence.

Siege & Storm – Leigh Bardugo

What it’s about:

Darkness never dies, and Alina can’t outrun it for long. In the sequel to Shadow and Bone, the Darkling has emerged with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan. Alina must return to the country she abandoned to fight the gathering forces. As she slips deeper into the Darkling’s game, she glides farther from Mal, forcing her to chose between country, power and love—or risk losing everything in the coming storm.

Why I’m excited:

Because I’m eager to dive into Shadow and Bone, the first in the series and this sequel sounds just as good, if not better. The concept behind the series has piqued my interest since the first book’s release, and truthfully I should have read it months ago. Now I'm planning on waiting until June so I can dive into both books at once!

June 18

Watcher in the Shadows – Carlos Ruiz Zafón

What it’s about:

When fourteen-year-old Irene moves with her family to Cape House in Normandy, she meets a local boy named Ishmael. They soon fall in love, but a dark mystery shrouds their romance and darkens the skies. When a young girl is found murdered, their summer of love turns to terror as they try to piece together the mysteries and secrets of a town torn apart by tragedy.

Why I’m excited:

Because The Prince of Mist was mysterious, magical and unputdownable and I’m betting this novel will be the same. Normandy is a bold and powerful setting, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Zafón integrates that choice with the thrilling plot.