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The Latest from Amanda Hocking, R.L. Stine, and More | YA Series Update

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1508-SeriesYA-CVs

Barnholdt, Lauren. One Moment in Time. 304p. Bk. 2. 2015. ISBN 9780062321411.

––––. From This Moment. 272p. Bk. 3. 2015. ISBN 9780062321435.

ea vol: (The Moment of Truth). ebook available. HarperCollins/HarperTeen. pap. $9.99.

Gr 9 Up–The final volumes of the trilogy present the events of Heat of the Moment (HarperCollins, 2015)—told from Lyla’s point of view—from the perspectives of Aven and Quinn. These former best friends wrote emails back in freshman year to their future selves about the one thing they hope to accomplish before they graduate. In the middle of their senior trip to Disney World, Quinn strives to do something crazy in One Moment in Time, and Aven struggles to reveal her true feelings to best friend Liam in From This Moment. This fun, frothy series is just right for vacation reading.

Casey, Jane. Hide and Seek. 288p. (Jess Tennant Mysteries: Bk. 3). ebook available. St. Martin’s Griffin. Aug. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250040671.

Gr 9 Up–In the latest entry of this female-led mystery series, Jess has embraced life in a small English town, especially amid the bustle of the holiday season. When one of her classmates is kidnapped, it’s up to the teen sleuth to find her before it’s too late. The relatable protagonist, the quaint setting, and the well-done mystery will entice fans of whodunits.

Cummings, Lindsay. The Death Code. 512p. (Murder Complex: Bk. 2). ebook available. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062220035.

Gr 9 Up–This chilling sequel begins only weeks after its predecessor The Murder Complex (HarperCollins, 2014) ended, providing alternating perspectives of its complex characters. Zephyr is struggling with the knowledge that Meadow holds the key to the Murder Complex’s end, while Meadow will stop at nothing to rescue what’s left of her family. Cummings has crafted an action-packed thriller that will appeal to fans of Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games and Veronica Roth’s Divergent.

Despain, Bree. The Eternity Key. 368p. (Into the Dark: Bk. 2). ebook available. Egmont USA. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781606844670.

Gr 9 Up–This modern adaptation of the Persephone and Hades myth continues to hit all the right notes. After choosing his love for Daphne over his family honor and the survival of the Underrealm, Haden, along with Daphne and friends, must uncover the Eternity Key. Rich world-building and a swoon-worthy romance will thrill fans of mythology-based sagas and will keep readers anticipating the conclusion.

Dixon, John. Devil’s Pocket. 352p. ebook available. Gallery. Aug. 2015. pap. $10.99. ISBN 9781476738666.

Gr 9 Up–Still trapped as part of the Phoenix Force, orphan–turned–super soldier Carl Freeman is sent to compete in grueling combat on the volcanic island known as Devil’s Pocket. When he encounters former flame Octavia on the island, escape becomes more than just a hopeless dream in this sequel to Phoenix Island (Gallery, 2014). A strong selection for fans of gritty dystopian combat novels.

Duncan, S.L. The Salvation of Gabriel Adam. 388p. (Revelation Saga: Bk. 2). ebook available. Medallion. Aug. 2015. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9781605426020.

Gr 9 Up–Gabriel finds his health failing under the ring used to battle demons, his primary weapon in the ongoing war between the light and dark realms. However, heartbroken demon Lilith is determined to reunite with her one true love, at the risk of unleashing hell upon Earth. Duncan draws upon diverse religious lore to craft a teen-friendly novel of salvation.

Edwards, Janet. Earth Flight. 360p. (Earth Girl: Bk. 3). ebook available. PYR. Sept. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781633880924; ebk. $11.99. ISBN 9781633880931.

Gr 8 Up–In this conclusion to the science fiction trilogy about Jarra, a teen whose immune system keeps her from traveling to space, the archaeology and military star is now a celebrity. But increasing prejudices, pressure to solve the mystery of an alien artifact, and her aspirations to travel to other planets motivate Jarra to buck conventions once again. Well-done world-building, an unforgettable protagonist, and an even-paced plot will satisfy sci-fi fans.

Elfgren, Sara B. & Mats Strandberg. The Key. 864p. (The Engelsfors Trilogy: Bk. 3). ebook available. Overlook. 2015. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781468306736.

Gr 8 Up–In this final trilogy installment, a YA sensation originally published in Sweden, Minoo and her friends may be the only thing preventing an all-out apocalypse. With nods to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a mix of slow-burn character development with breathless episodes of intense action, this volume will entice teens to read the first book in this captivating series.

Garcia, Kami & Margaret Stohl. Dangerous Deception. 352p. (Dangerous Creatures: Bk. 2). ebook available. Little, Brown. 2015. Tr $19. ISBN 9780316370349.

Gr 9 Up–Bad girl and Siren Ridley Duchannes goes missing, and her boyfriend Link and his friends suspect Silas Ravenwood. They’ll have to travel through the Caster Tunnels and on to New Orleans in order to rescue Ridley. This is the sequel to Dangerous Creatures (Little, Brown, 2014), a spin-off from the best-selling “Beautiful Creatures” novels. Accessible and fast-paced, this Southern gothic will be embraced by fans of the first installment.

Glines, Abbi. Hold on Tight. 288p. (Sea Breeze: Bk. 8). ebook available. S. & S./Simon Pulse. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481420839; pap. $11.99. ISBN 9781481420815.

Gr 10 Up–The series continues with the return of Sienna Roy, the beautiful girl who left town to raise Dustin Falco’s baby on her own. Dustin’s brother Dewayne has loved Sienna all their lives; now that the two are reunited, their painful past gives way to an undeniable connection. Fans of Glines’s sultry new adult works will welcome this new addition.

Gowans, Jacob. Secrets of Neverak. 512p. (A Tale of Light and Shadow: Bk. 2). ebook available. Shadow Mountain. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781609079789.

Gr 7 Up–After the battle at the Iron Pass, Henry and his friends must travel, defeated and broken, through strange new lands. Meanwhile, Isabelle is enslaved in Neverak, separated from her loved ones, surrounded by enemies. Purchase this series where YA readers are hungry for high fantasy, rich medieval settings, and romance.

Greenfield, Amy Butler. Chantress Fury. 336p. (Chantress: Bk. 3). ebook available. S. & S./Margaret K. McElderry Bks. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781442457119.

Gr 8 Up–The final volume in a finely written and sweeping fantasy trilogy. Set in 17th-century England, the series centers on Lucy, the last Chantress who has the power to sing magic into the world. King Henry employs Lucy to investigate a supernatural murder—just as London begins to flood. Magic, history, and romance combine to great effect, buoyed by Greenfield’s graceful writing. A strong series that will likely find both YA and adult readers.

Hagen, Bethany. Jubilee Manor. 400p. (Landry Park: Bk. 2). ebook available. Dial. Aug. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780803739499.

Gr 9 Up–Madeline Landry gave up her gentry upbringing in defense of the lower-class Rootless in Landry Park (Dial, 2014). When members of the wealthy class are murdered, the teen begins to question the new revolution and her comrades; love and life hang in the balance. The thrilling conclusion to this postapocalyptic duology with a Downton Abbey twist will satisfy fans of dystopians with a romantic bent.

Hocking, Amanda. Crystal Kingdom. 432p. (The Kanin Chronicles: Bk. 3). ebook available. St. Martin’s Griffin. Aug. 2015. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9781250049889.

Gr 9 Up–The author’s spin-off trilogy of her “Trylle” (St. Martin’s Griffin) series come to an explosive end. As Bryn fights to clear her name and restore her rule in the kingdom, she must also choose between the love of the dangerous Konstantin or that of the steadfast Ridley. Hocking’s paranomal romance expertise shines through.

Johnson, Erin. Her Cold Revenge. 272p. (Wanted: Bk. 2). Switch. Aug. 2015. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781630790073.

Gr 7-10–Grace Milton continues to hunt for the Guiltless Gang—responsible for killing her family—in this Western romp, and it might cost her a chance at happiness. A female bounty hunter, she’s ready to settle down with Joe until she catches wind of nearby Guiltless gang members. The teen has to choose between love and vengeance in this rollicking tale.

McCune, Joshua. Invisible Monsters. 448p. (Talker 25: Bk. 2). ebook available. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062121943.

Gr 8 Up–In this dystopian thriller in which humans are pitted against dragons, Melissa Callahan has just escaped from a secret government facility where she was forced to kill dragons for a television show. She’s hoping to recover in peace and quiet, but a group of rebels capture her friend Allie, forcing Melissa back into the fray. Elements from various popular dystopian franchises combine in this mix of science fiction and fantasy. Purchase where the first book has fans.

McGowan, Jennifer. Maid of Wonder. 336p. (Maids of Honor: Bk. 3). ebook available. S. & S. Aug. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781481418263.

Gr 9 Up–Sophia Dee, niece of the mystic John Dee and one of Queen Elizabeth I’s Maids of Honor (or secret spies), is struggling to control her psychic powers before a horrifying prophecy destroys the queen, the kingdom, and her friends. The well-balanced mixture of intrigue, romance, action, and historical setting makes this gripping series entry just as unputdownable as the last.

Rose, Kathryn. Avalon Rising. 360p. (A Metal & Lace Novel: Bk. 2). ebook available. Flux. 2015. pap. $9.99. ISBN 9780738744896.

Gr 8 Up–In this sequel to Camelot Burning (Flux, 2014), Vivienne, Merlin’s former apprentice, builds an aeroship on orders from the Lady of the Lake. When her brother and love interest go missing, she takes command of the ship in order to save them. Elements from Arthurian legend mix with action and romance. For collections where the first book circulates well.

Sandford, John & Michele Cook. Outrage. 336p. (The Singular Menace: Bk. 2). ebook available. Knopf. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780385753098.

Gr 8 Up–Picking up right where Uncaged (2014) left off, Shay Remby and her allies have just rescued a mysterious girl, along with Shay’s brother Odin, from the Singular Corporation’s secret lab. The shifty corporation was experimenting on the teens, trying to download memories from other people into their brains. A fast-moving techno thriller for fans of action-oriented sci-fi.

Stine, R.L. Don’t Stay Up Late. 304p. 2015. ISBN 9781250051622.

––––. The Lost Girl. 272p. Sept. 2015. ISBN 9781250051639.

ea vol: (Fear Street). ebook available. St. Martin’s/Thomas Dunne. Tr. $17.99.

Gr 7 Up–In these “Fear Street” additions, death and disappearance continue to plague the town of Shadyside. Troubled Lisa Brooks is haunted by hallucinations in Don’t Stay Up Late. Eagerly taking up the task of babysitting a cherubic boy, Lisa thinks she is en route to recovery—until the murders begin. Lizzy Palmer is an intriguing new student in The Lost Girl. Michael is drawn to her, while girlfriend Pepper remains suspicious, and soon the couple is caught in a twisted ghost story of death and betrayal. Two creepy contributions to Stine’s horror series for the older crowd.

Taylor, Nicole M. Emergent Behavior. 208p. (Bots: Bk. 1). ebook available. Epic Pr. Aug. 2015. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781680760019.

Gr 9 Up–In the first book of Taylor’s six-part series, Edmond West has discovered a way to rid the world of its darkest deeds: humanoid robots that will take the brunt of humanity’s abuse. Hart is his ideal creation, but things go awry when the robot proves just as unpredictable as its human counterparts. An exciting series for avid fans of futuristic, artificial intelligence narratives.

Weber, Mary. Siren’s Fury. 352p. (The Storm Siren: Bk. 2). ebook available. Thomas Nelson. 2015. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781401690373.

Gr 8 Up–In this mix of fantasy, romance, and steampunk, Nym, a former slave and Elemental who risked her life to save her embattled homeland, is bereft at the loss of her storm-summoning powers at the hands of the villainous shape-shifter Draewulf. In this sequel, she stows away on an airship and encounters Lord Myles, who offers her a solution whose price may be too high. Purchase where teen readers enjoyed the first book.


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