Nick and Friends' Random Gibberish (19) : Quiet YA Catalog - Underrated Books + Giveaway
Nick's Random Gibberish is a weekly post here at Nick's Book Blog where I, Nick, will talk about random topics from personal posts to discussion posts.
Today, I have a very exciting post that has been brewing ever since I saw the #quietYA hashtag on Twitter. The basic gist of the hashtag was to share underrated books. With all the hyped titles, there are just so many books that fly under my radar frequently. Plus, when you're a blogger, you have a tendency to focus on upcoming reads instead of already released older titles. The conversations on Twitter were very eye-opening because I came to realize just how many great books out there go unread because they are shoved away by other bigger titles. They deserve more love too and it made me sad that I wasn't hearing more about these quiet books.
Which is how I came up with the idea for this post. I asked a few of my good blogger friends to share some underrated or unread YA titles with a short note to convince readers to check out the books. Thanks to this post, I have added SO many more books to my TBR pile and I can't wait to check them out soon. This is obviously just a very small portion of these quiet YA books, but my hope is that this will push you to check out more underrated/unread books and discover that even those books that aren't too highly publicized can turn out to be amazing.
Here is the wonderful list and be sure to scroll down for a giveaway.
Danielle from Love at First Page
What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton
Realistic teen fiction at its finest. It deals with heavy themes, but you'll fall in love with the narrator, Sid, and root for her every step of the way. There's also gorgeous, amazing Corey, who is one of those supportive boyfriends we don't see enough of in YA.
Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara
The writing reminds me of Jessi Kirby; lyrical and bittersweet. Great themes of love - romantic and father-daughter - and forgiveness.
Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil
Pure nerdy fun with an authentic male voice. A romantic comedy for teens.
Free to Fall by Lauren Miller
This book was released just last year, but I think it deserves more attention. A realistic, technological approach to dystopian fiction, and one of my favorite love stories in 2014.
Shadows by Paula Weston
Are you looking for your next fix after Penryn and the End of Days? This series features angels and forgotten memories and a sizzling, chemistry-filled love story.
Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson
There is a lot of power packed into this short read (less than 200 pages) and it is one that you do NOT want to miss out on. So many feelings while reading this. I thought about it long after I put it down, this is the kind of story that changes you and sticks with you.
The Guards of Shadowlands Trilogy by Sarah Fine
Sarah is an amazing writer and her Guards of the Shadowlands is by far one of the most unique, dark, and just down right fun series out there in YA literature. She is talented beyond belief and all her books are hard to put down.
The Soul Eaters Trilogy by Eliza Crewe (third book comes out this fall!)
This is such a unique YA series with a sarcastic heroine that is anything but the hero of the story. Meda..is, well Meda and someone you don't want to miss out on.
Like Water on Stone by Dana Walrath
This book, written entirely in verse, is all about the horrors of war, focusing specifically on the Armenian Genocide of 1915. It's horrifying, it's sad and it's heartbreaking but it's also beautiful and hopeful and you should read it.
The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun Hutchinson
A recent release, this beauty hasn't been getting nearly the amount of attention it deserves. It features a gay character whose struggle isn't with his sexual identity but rather with the fact that he recently lost his family. Andrew starts off as a character who is entirely questionable and ends up being a character who is entirely lovable. Also the OTP in this book *nods head* So in other words, definitely give this one more than just a glance.
All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill
More people need to know about this action packed time travel novel where the story of two girls intertwine in the past and present. A heart pumping, mind-boggling novel with fantastic twists and a romance where the best friend wins (YAY!)
The Sky So Heavy by Claire Zorn
THE most realistic apocalyptic novel I've ever read. Set in Australia, the nuclear winter suddenly hits and Fin is faced with starvation, survival and finding his loved ones. It really makes you think what you'd do if the apocalypse suddenly hits - would you throw all of your morals out the window...or would you survive or perish?
Pawn by Aimee Carter
A twisted dystopian filled with corruption, manipulation, mind games and power plays. Kitty becomes Masked as the most powerful family family in the country, and becomes wedged between two powerful people with opposing agendas. What will become of her - will she be used for revenge, power or danger?
Blood Will Tell by Samantha Young
Not only is this world fascinating - Eden has to literally battle herself in order to do what SHE feels right verses what she must do to live, which isn't easy. Not to mention the loss she endures, the secrets she learns and the love she finds is heartbreaking but beautiful.
Broken Skies by Theresa Kay
I just recently discovered this one myself - and I am so happy I did! Jax is fierce, loyal and stubborn to the core. She's had her fair share of trauma, but I love that she doesn't let it define her and the world is pretty fascinating!
Chime by Franny Bilingsley
I read this with Lyn from Great Imaginations and my words are just... gone. Circular, poetic writing + a protagonist who's unreliable because she hates herself & thus undergoes significant character growth + unique atmosphere / swamp setting that's like its own character + quirky, bizarre characters & creatures (e.g. Muckyface). Unique, odd, and like nothing else out there. Compared my experience with this magical realism to the one I had reading The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Probably good for those fans & fans of The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab.
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
Small Review once recommended me this book and said: "It's like a fantasy Pride and Prejudice with an imperfect main character who grows throughout the omnibus, a swoony slow burn hate-turned-love romance, and lots and lots of political intrigue. Since you liked Grave Mercy, Graceling, and P&P, I think you'll like this." (Spoiler: I LOVED IT). If you're someone who loves this current high fantasy trend, why not also go back to the YA classics like Crown Duel, The Hero and the Crown, and The Queen's Thief series? Also, one with less focus on romance: Witchlanders by Lena Coakley.
Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson
This isn't without its flaws (cc: first Goodreads review), but if you're looking for a college set contemporary romance that's got a snarky protagonist and plenty of humor and psychology tidbits, here's an underrated gem.
The Glass Sentence by S.E. Grove
This, for me, was like if you took the magical adventure of Harry Potter and mixed in the world-building scope of something like The Bone Season. HUGE potential that 100% delivered. Map magic, alternate history & diverse cultures (The "Great Disruption" threw all the continents into different Ages), a heroine whose flaw is that she loses track of time (i.e. there are some children’s books where the protagonist miraculously saves the day without you really understanding *why* that protagonist is so special, why only she can achieve this task. The Glass Sentence is not one of them. The way Grove handles Sophia’s character growth and the perception of her flaw is masterful, leading to a universal theme about making of time what you want.). A wonder of imagination, brimming with colorful characters, cultures, and scenery and featuring an engaging heroine and adventure story.
Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund
This is set at Eli, aka Yale, and it just drowned me in college nostalgia. It's got the pranks that you might expect of a book featuring secret societies (e.g. if you liked The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks), the romance of a book set in college, and the real life concerns a student faces after the college bubble pops.
Adaptation by Malinda Lo, either of Kate Karyus Quinn's books, the Tin Star duology by Cecil Castelucci, and Salvage by Alexandra Duncan. The last two are set in space and on futuristic versions of planets, and have really fantastic world building. Adaptation is sci fi with a creepy conspiracy thriller vibe and Kate Karyus Quinn has this way about her writing that makes for unique atmospheres and completely unpredictable turns.
Diary Queen Series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
These are the covers that I bought and honestly from seeing these covers, I would probably not consider giving them a go, books about farmers? Who would want to read that? I certainly wouldn't. But let me just say Murdock goes above and beyond this. I was able to form such a strong connection with D.J. Schwenk in the first book, that I wanted more of her and her crazy family asap. And I'm glad that I didn't pass up on this series, as this series just gets better and better as the series progresses. The Schwenk family became one of my favourite YA families, and honestly it was a tough time saying goodbye to this fantastic series. Murdock mixes it up well with a crazy family, sports and will make you create such strong connections with the characters that you find your heart breaking at times, but don't worry all the heartbreak is definitely worth it! This is one really underrated series, that I think a lot of readers need to consider giving a go.
The Rephaim Series by Paula Weston
The Rephaim series by Paula Weston is one of my favourite series ever. I'm always a little wary when it comes to Paranormal YA reads, but I'm glad that I didn't pass up the chance up on this one, as Weston's world building just blew me away. Weston is great at creating a suspenseful read with lots of swoon, I do like my books that end in cliffhangers, as I always want to be left wanting more and let me just say, these have killer endings. So much so that I had to pre-order two of them from Australia, just so that I could get my hands on these pretties a few months earlier. I'm glad that publishers in the U.K. Canada and the U.S have picked this series up, as everyone needs to read it. I have been pushing this series hard on my blogger friends and I'm glad that they've been able enjoy this one too. Just a heads up though Rafa is mine! ;)
Fairy Queens Series by Amber Argyle
For fantasy lovers.
The Taking Trilogy by Melissa West
For Sci-Fi lovers.
The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram
For Contemporary lovers.
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Graffiti Moon tells a wonderful story about two very different individuals that take on a midnight mission and discover the truth about one another along the way. The book will warm your heart and have you wanting a crazy night of your own. I definitely recommend if you want an easy and happy read. An added bonus: Dual POVs and takes place in Australia!
Kindness for Weakness by Shawn Goodman
Kindness for Weakness is a heartbreaking contemporary about a good kid in a bad life. The story follows James’ year in Juvie after he gets busted for selling drugs for his brother. His experience is both eye-opening and condemning and your heart can’t help but go out to him as he’s obviously not like the rest of the kids there. The growth in this book is tremendous as James rises above the circumstances of his life. KfW isn’t an easy read but it is though-provoking and feels-inducing for sure.
Amber House by Kelly Moore, Larkin Reed and Tucker Reed
Amber House is one of the most fun books I’ve ever read. It is about a girl who discovers that she can see “echoes” of the past that took place within the walls of her family estate, three centuries worth of family history. But what begins as a walk down memory lane (so to speak) soon turns into a life-threatening and history-altering endeavor. This book is a must read for fans of history, architecture, thrillers, fun, books, etc. Bonus: the sequel is just as amazing!
Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe
In this fantastic, unique matriarchal world there's a strong protagonist with mercury flowing in her veins, a delightful prince, plenty of monsters made of your nightmares and battles to life and death. Definitely not to be missed!
OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu
Corey's "OCD Love Story" offers diversity in every way possible. The quirky narrative and humorous scenes enlighten the hardships one has to go through when battling OCD and the love story is just as cute yet emotional as you'd hope for it to be.
Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross
If you're looking for a story about finding your place in the world, reaching for your dreams, a cutie pie slow-building ship, a great father-daughter relationship and some complicated family stuff, this book is 100% for you!
Torched by Andrea Colt
Torched was my first surprise five star indie book of 2013. I am thrilled that this little book hooked me and kept me reading well past my bedtime. These days, it takes a lot for a book to thoroughly keep me entertained and this book did that and more. If you are in a bit of a reading rut and you want a intriguing mystery paired with an adorable romance do not hesitate....Get yourself a copy of Torched immediately. I will absolutely be reading the next book by Ms. Colter.
Cornerstone by Misty Provencher
If you are in a bit of a reading rut and you are looking hungrily for something exciting, I highly recommend Cornerstone. It is a book that has an imaginative an unexpected storyline, along with terrific characters. The secondary characters are just as engaging as the protagonists. Not to mention it has one of those slow budding romances filled with sparks and tension and when it finally blooms it is magic. The ideas presented in this book left my head spinning. I can hardly wait to dive into book two.
Me
The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas
This is one of the most underrated YA books that I know. Not many people have read it and it makes me so sad because this is the kind of coming-of-age story that I think is so useful to teens and adults alike. It's the story of a young girl learning to overcome grief, find love (with a very cute boy) and grow as an individual. I highly recommend this one if you're a fan of YA contemporaries.
Confessions Series by Louise Rozett
This is yet another series that is underrated and has some great great character development. Rose is a lovely main character whom you can't help but root for. Watching her grow to become this brave young woman is an adventure in itself. The author just recently released another book in this series.
Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
If you love fun YA mystery books and haven't read Deadly Cool, you are seriously missing out. There are so many laugh out loud moments and can I just say how cute the boy in the book is? But the romance is not the only great part, the friendship between Hartley and Krupa is endearing. This is another series not to be missed!
Giveaway
Rules:
- Must be over 13 years of age
- Open Internationally as long as The Book Depository ships to you
- Runs 1 month
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I want to thank all the lovely bloggers who helped come up with these great recommendations. I could not have done this post without your help, so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.
Now, it's your turn, readers. What are some underrated YA books that you think needs to be read more? Be sure to share your recommendations in the comments below.
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