Summer, to me, has always been a leisurely break in which I read, write, and generally contemplate the existence I have and the existence I want to have. This summer, however, was quite different. Reading and writing were activities pursued only when I wasn’t cleaning horse stalls, caring for animals, or instructing horse camps and riding lessons. That being said, I had little time to read. I did not get to read all the books I wanted to, but I did finish a handful of novels, and the ones I read were all really good. If you haven’t read these books, I recommend you get your hands on them!

The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson

When Adrianne comes face-to-face with the mermaid of Windwaithe Island, of whom she has heard terrible stories all her life, she is convinced the mermaid means to take her younger sister. Adrianne, fierce-willed and courageous, is determined to protect her sister from the mermaid while saving her family from starvation.

However, the mermaid continues to haunt Adrianne in her dreams and with her song. Yet, when the islanders find out about Adrianne’s encounters with the mermaid she is scorned, for this small and superstitious community believes the mermaid will bring devastation to the island if Adrianne does not give herself to the sea.

A powerful and lyrical story of one girl who must choose between having everything and having those she loves.

Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas

My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight, an ability to see into the future. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution, where all Seers are raised and trained. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning the mark of the raven’s wings tattooed by my eyes. And when I turned seventeen, one of my Visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution now depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemies, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m keeping a secret from everyone. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me…

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.
 
Remember. Survive. Run.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

High Born by Natalia Leigh

Sixteen-year-old Blaer Woods doesn’t want to get married. She’s in love with a prince, but her mother is determined to marry her off to a pauper. In a rush to escape her arranged marriage, Blaer runs away. Under the cover of night, she takes to the forest, a place that most folks of Rivermoor go to lengths to avoid. She doesn’t mean to get captured and imprisoned, nor does she expect to meet Rowan, a handsome boy with strawberry hair and a secret straight out of a fairy tale. It is with his help that she must save those who she loves, or risk losing them forever. In a medieval world full of mystery and myth, Blaer discovers more about her mother’s mysterious past, her father’s disappearance, and the truth about who she really is.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy—until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save—or destroy—the Empire.

 

Okay, I’ll admit I only read half of Eragon. But I felt that it deserved to be on this list anyway! I’m currently reading The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross, so you can expect a review on that one soon.

Classes start tomorrow, people! I look forward to seeing you all again, and best of luck this semester! (And good luck navigating around Eddy. I’m already dreading the traffic jams that will no doubt occur.)

Natalie