Must-read YAs: 'Wonder,' 'Rite of Rejection,' 'Losing Romeo'
Wonder (Books of Marvella, book 2) by Travis Thrasher
What it's about (from publisher TH1NK):
As the town of Appleton is rocked by the death of a teenager, the high school year begins under a dark shadow. Brandon continues to pursue Marvel while trying to discover what she believes will happen to her. It's easy to fall more in love with her. It's easy to forget she thinks God told her she will have to sacrifice herself to save others. But Brandon can't forget about the shapeless evil that seems to watch him around corners and seep through the streets of his town. Strange things start to occur to Brandon. He starts looking for clues about the dead student, thinking this might be related to whatever evil Marvel is talking about. He also continues to battle against the guys picking on a nerdy senior named Seth Belcher. Marvel falls in love with Brandon, and he truly accepts her faith even though he doesn't understand what to make of it. Something is growing in the darkness. Something is coming. Will Brandon be able to stand up against the malice that draws ever closer? Will he be able to save Marvel from the horrors to come?
Why you should read it: In Wonder, the second volume in the Books of Marvella series, Travis Thrasher hits the mark with precision and excellence. Brandon is a masculine teenage romantic who never crosses the line into sounding "like a girl," even when declaring his love (as he does, regularly, both subtly and overtly). And although we see Marvel only through Brandon's adoring eyes, she is just as real. Their romance rings true with a simple loveliness that defies convention, though a number of threats loom over their every moment together ... and apart.
This novel is published by an inspirational imprint, but it is well-suited for general YA market shelves. Its fast pace and fresh cover art make it accessible reading for both male and female YA readers. I can hardly wait for the next book in this edge-of-your-seat, supernatural and romantic YA thriller! Make sure you read book one, Marvelous, first, but don't miss this series!
Rite of Rejection by Sarah Negovetich
What it's about (from the author/publisher):
Straight-laced, sixteen-year-old Rebecca can't wait for her Acceptance. A fancy ball, eligible bachelors, and her debut as an official member of society. Instead, the Machine rejects Rebecca. Labeled as a future criminal, she's shipped off to a life sentence in a lawless penal colony.
A life behind barbed wire fences with the world's most dangerous people terrifies Rebecca. She reluctantly joins a band of misfit teens in a risky escape plan, complete with an accidental fiancé she's almost certain she can learn to love.
But freedom comes with a price. To escape a doomed future and prove her innocence Rebecca must embrace the criminal within.
Why you should read it: This story starts out with the usual "sort the kids" scene we find so often in dystopian YA, but the twist — having a machine that "predicts" who will become a criminal so they can be removed from good society — makes for a draw-you-in read.
Rebecca is naïve, but still a very easy-to-like character. Readers will empathize as she questions the depth of her own character and succumbs to the depression of being judged a criminal, though she has yet to commit a crime. As Rebecca comes into her own, she discovers that love doesn't always appear or behave like society tells you it should — and that there are some things for which it is worth becoming a criminal.
Rite of Rejection is highly recommended for fans of dystopian and YA romance. Originally written as a stand-alone title, the author has caved to reader demands and is working on the sequel. HEA has the scoop on that title reveal: Rite of Revelation is due out this summer!
Losing Romeo by Cindi Madsen
What it's about (from Cindi Madsen Books, edited):
Before taking the pill Romeo Montague included in his love letter, Rosaline Capulet had always followed the rules. But that mistake lands her in jail and earns her a one-way trip to Middle of Nowhere, Arkansas. Forced to live with her aunt, the threat of military school hanging over her head, she's sure she's ruined her life—all over a boy who disappeared from the party with her cousin Juliet.
Bryson Mercer's motocross career was destroyed the night he was attacked, his knee shattered. Now he can no longer race, the thing he loved most in the world, and has to walk with the help of a cane. He's kept to himself for a long time, but then Rosaline moves in next door with her aunt. Even though Bryson's sure the girl's trouble, as well as out of his league, he can't deny his attraction to her.
The more time Rosaline and Bryson spend together, the closer they get, and they both find themselves doing the one thing they said they'd never do again—fall for someone. Meanwhile, Romeo and Juliet's relationship is igniting the Capulet and Montague feud back in Verona, and people are getting killed over it. Rosaline's starting to think losing Romeo was the best thing that could've happened to her. But when the words she speaks to Juliet lead to a chain of devastating events, the repercussions might not only tear her family apart, but also make it impossible for her and Bryson to be together.
Why you should read it: In the original play, the character of Rosaline never actually appears on stage. She is present in name only, as the original object of fickle Romeo's affection (he drops-her-like-it's-hot when he sees fair Juliet. Jerk.). Most people who've made it through freshman lit know the details of Romeo and Juliet's tragic end, and diehard Shakespeare fans do not need to fear the offense of a happy ending for the play-named pair, but allow me to reassure you romance readers: Rosaline is not so cursed!
As one would expect from author Cindi Madsen, numerous laugh-out-loud and snort-worthy moments give this modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet a spunky kick of fun. Losing Romeo does not shy away from the violent tragedies of the original tale, but it refuses to be bogged down by them, keeping a snarky, romantic teen vibe flowing throughout. I highly recommend this novel, even for those who aren't fans of the Bard. Grab it!
A writer, performer and accomplished partaker of dark chocolate, Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband and two daughters. Her Eyes of E'veria series — The Ryn, The Remedy and The Seahorse Legacy — is out now. You can find out more about her at serenachase.com.