1. Gone Series by Michael Grant (6 books in total, medium length)

Warning: Everyone over the age of fifteen disappears and the remaining teens and children start developing supernatural powers. Soon, some are tasked with creating a new civilization for the teens despite in-fighting, political struggles, and a total lack of resources. These books are all-time greats! They pull no punches about what it takes to survive and include several of my favorite characters/relationships to date. The series is at times hilarious, dark, profound, horrifying, romantic, and inspiring. 

 

2. Cinder Series by Marissa Meyer (4 books in total, begins with medium length, but last book is long)

Warning: A new spin on Cinderella and other fairy tales, but this Cinderella is a cyborg/princess/revolutionary. And she just happens to be an integral part of a decades-long space war between Lunar and Earth. One of the best casts of characters I've ever encountered, each character feeling fresh, interesting, and complex. I was smiling every page, hoping that Cinder would get the end she deserves and save the world.

 

3. Mara Dyer Series by Michelle Hodkin (3 books (1 spin off series!), medium length)

Warning: Mara Dyer thinks she’s going insane, stalked by bloody visions and old memories of death and mystery. Only a broken, charming boy named Noah will help her unravel it all. Mara's voice is sharp and romantic, blending horror and love seamlessly. I couldn't finish it fast enough. 

 

4. Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan (5 books, medium length).

Warning: A new story for Percy Jackson and his friends, plus some newbies. I love the mythology, the dashes of romance, and the humor. A favorite of mine and a mood booster. Who doesn't want to imagine Greek gods in the modern era? And who doesn't love a sarcastic, wise-cracking cast of demigod children trying to stave off titans and giants hoping to bring about the end of the world? 

 

5. Six of Crows Series by Leigh Bardugo (2 books, long length)

Warning: Bardugo weaves a mind-blowing plot and complex, nuanced characters. Basically, one cutthroat and intelligent teen creates a team of moral criminals to plan an elaborate, magical heist. I'm obsessed! The characters each have demons to face, but they learn to lean on each other and change the corrupt system they are a part of. Bardugo puts everything together with an enchanting ease.

 

6. Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown (3 books, long length)

Warning: Extremely brutal and raw, but absolutely spectacular. Darrow used to be a slave working in the mines of Mars, until he is asked to infiltrate the upper classes of his corrupt space-oriented society. He must enter a dangerous gladiatorial-like set up to become one of the elite and save his fellow slaves. The society Brown crafts felt both familiar and new, but Darrow's struggle to maintain his identity in the face of harsh competition and extreme power was the core of the series. His journey was enough to catapult these books to some of my all time favorites. 

 

7.The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Stand-alone book, medium length)

Warning: Two magical circus owners pit their apprentices against each other in a dangerous game. But what if they fall in love instead of killing each other? Can they alter the rules of a deadly competition? The magic in these books felt lush and luxurious, untouchable and unknowable to most. 

 

8. The Reader by Traci Chee (3 Books Series, medium length)

Warning: This series has a very endearing romance and characters, plus an interesting take on magical powers. It makes reading and words a type of magic. But if something is written, does that make it permanent? Can the fierce couple at the helm of this series change the story that has already been written about them? Especially if that story writes them as war villains? 

 

9. Passengers Series by Alexandra Bracken (2 books series, medium length)

Warning: An interracial couple falls in love as they complete a dangerous, important time-traveling mission. With exotic locations and impressive characterization, these books stick with you.

 

10. The Wrath and the Dawn Series by Renee Ahdieh (2 books, medium length)

Warning: A wonderful take on ancient folktales, with an exciting romance. She’s supposed to be just another one of the king’s sacrificial wives, but will her determination to save him stop the magic killing his wives? Will she figure out why seemingly he has a good heart, but his wives never manage to survive more than a night? 

 

11. The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig (2 books, medium length)

Warning: A romance that made me swoon and a time-traveling pirate ship, what more could we ask for? The captain's daughter, Nix, is determined to save her father from a deadly debt and create a legacy for her crew, but will old wounds reopen in the process? Can she make the right choices? 

 

12. Ashfall Series by Mike Mullin (3 books, long length)

Warning: A dystopian saga about global warming and what would happen if Old Faithful erupted. With a cute, wickedly smart couple at the helm these books are so gritty and so likable. These books were too smart for their own good and I return to them frequently.  

 

13. Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson (3 books, long length)

Warning: Intricate plots, unique magical powers, and lots of politics. Vin comes from nothing, until she is taught magic related to the energy within various metals. Her new powers catapult her into a new, more powerful position in society. Can she change things for the better? Can she survive? Sanderson always captivates!

 

14. Insignia Series by S. J. Kincaid (3 books, medium length)

Warning: Kincaid builds an interesting vision of the future, a fun cast of characters, and some mind-blowing space ships! Sort of (definitely) like Hogwarts for the space program.

 

15. Razorland Trilogy by Ann Aguire (4 books, short length)

Warning: Obsessed with the romance and new twist on dystopian diseases/zombies. The only surviving humans either hide underground or arm themselves to the teeth in tiny villages. But what do you do if you are between those two options and on the run? The prose is raw, cutthroat, and ultimately full of heart.

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16. The Burning Sky Series by Sherry Thomas (3 books, medium length)

Warning: Thomas writes a really intriguing fantasy world and sweet romance. Some highlights include a magical realm hidden within a book, shape shifting, a male-only school for magicians where our protagonist goes undercover, and courtly intrigue.

 

17. The Raven Boys Series by Maggie Stiefvater (3 books, medium length)

Warning: Amazing characters, strange plot, and beautiful prose that reads like music. If she kisses her true love he dies, but can they change their fate? Where do they fall in the magic of the world? Each character was their own brand of strange and broken and hopeful.

 

18. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Travel to a stunning island where they race magical (carnivorous) horses for a grand prize! A boy and girl each desperately deserve and want to win the competition, but it becomes even more difficult when their connection to each other grows. With Steifvater's customary lilting, gorgeous prose, every page was magic.

 

19. Michael Vey Series by Richard Paul Evans (7 books, short length)

Warning: Main character is normal guy with Tourette’s syndrome who finds out that he has electric powers! He soon realizes he’s not the only one effected and he builds an incredible team to help save the world from a corrupt corporation trying to create super soldiers with similar powers. A wonderful look at friendship and being the good guys.​

 

20. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Lots of video game references, but a great adventure. What if you could be inside the video games? What if they could lead you to fame and fortune if you win? In 2044, a great virtual reality pioneer has died and staged a competition for the control of his company to any player in the world that can beat his quest. Wade Watts is just an ordinary kid, but he soon gets drawn into the multi-level, cutthroat competition. With romance, nostalgia, and action in spades, these books have something for everyone.

 

21. Lux Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout (5 books, medium length)

Warning: Extremely relatable and hilarious protagonist falls in love with the sarcastic, extra-good-looking guy next door. Also: he’s an alien! One of the most likable female protagonists and couples I’ve read. These books will lift your spirits and cause you to become an Armentrout addict!

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22. Everlife Series by Gena Showalter (5 Star Review, 3 books, medium length)

Warning: The public has a choice between two different types of afterlives and those afterlives fight a war to have the most souls on their side. One afterlife pushes for morality and justice, the other for immediate satisfaction and competition. Tenley has always tried to push her choice aside and fight for elements in both afterlives, but her indecision soon becomes a world-wide issue. This series has a fun romance and narration, as well as some heart-stopping action sequences. Love me some Gena!

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23. Covenant Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout (5 books, medium length)

Warning: The Greek gods keep having demi-god children, but they treat them like slaves and pit them against each other. Alex is determined to buck the system and her parentage. She loves causing trouble for the gods and helping her friends in the process. The love triangle can be exhausting, but the guy you adore wins in the end!

 

24. The Stars Never Rise Series by Rachel Vincent (2 books, medium length)

Warning: Demons have taken over and try to eat souls. One guy’s soul becomes free and can hop from body to body. Our protagonist soon falls in love with the soul-hopper and they go on the run searching for reprieve from their Hellish surroundings. Having a partner without a body is difficult enough, but avoiding demons and demon-worshippers is near impossible. I loved the dark elements and the complex romance.

 

25. The Farm Series by Emily Mckay (3 books, medium length)

Warning: Vampires are taking over society, but are they all bad? Told from the point of view of two sisters, one of them being autistic, the narration is intense and beautiful. They lead a rebellion while simultaneously seeking answers.

 

26. Halo Series by Alexandra Adornetto (3 books, medium length)

Warning: She’s a young angel sent down to earth to help maintain balance, he’s a teenage boy with a good heart and natural charisma, but can heaven stop them from being together? This series is almost too sweet to take.

 

27. Croak by Gina Dimarco (3 books, medium length)

Warning: Our hilarious main character Lex is ripped from her old life only to become one of society's grim reapers, a job her Uncle Mort mentors her in. She soon meets other teens who also work as soul collectors, including a cute boy. It's hilarious, morally fascinating, and surprising up until the very end.

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28. Defiance by C.J. Redwine (3 book, medium length)

Warning: In this world, women are sold into marriage at a young age, but will Rachel escape that fate with the help of her father’s apprentice? Will they show everyone the value of love and build a revolution? They soon escape to the harsh Wasteland, full of unseen monsters and a pack of assassins. These books were dark and determined. Rachel was a wonderful protagonist fighting against an oppressive system. 

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29. Black City Series by Elizabeth Richards (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: The city is split between the blood-drinking Darklings and the wealthy humans who treat them poorly. Will a boy and a girl from each side create a new world with their love? Their connection could get them executed, but it could also heal a broken system. These books were action-packed and entertaining. 

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30. Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: Everyone is forced to live in domes to protect themselves from the dangerous outside world, or at least that’s what they’re told. What will happen when they leave it behind and find people outside? A guy and girl from each side come together to help each other figure out the full truth. 

 

31. Fire and Flood Series by Victoria Scott (2 book series, short length)

Warning: A Hunger-Games-like-set-up has been created, but instead of the competitor's survival, the winner receives a cure for the deadly disease killing their family member. Scott's books always hold dashes of humor, exciting romances, and larger moral questions. How far would you go to save someone you love? 

 

32. Article 5 Series by Kristen Simmons (3 book series, short)

Warning: It’s illegal to be divorced or have too many kids, but she has a single mom and no ties to her father. When the government takes her away she reconnects with an old flame who works on the inside. Can they escape together and find her mom? Equal parts gritty and hopeful, Simmons has that same fire each time!

 

33. The Game Series by Eve Silver (3 book series, short)

Warning: A spin on virtual reality gaming is the only way to fight aliens, but most people are unaware of the fight. With fierce protagonist Miki at the helm and mysterious hottie Jackson by her side, there's no way they won't win and end the game for good. 

 

34. The Forsaken Series by Lisa M. Strasse (3 book series, short)

Warning: Alenna lives in a brutal, dystopian version of North America. When she fails an exam at sixteen that says she has a high likelihood of committing intense violence in the future, she is sent to a criminals-only island called The Wheel. When she arrives she creates an alliance with the enigmatic Liam and they try to escape the robots and convicts turning the island into chaos. It was smart, action-packed, romantic, and ultimately blew me out of the water. 

 

35. Nil Series by Lynne Matson (3 book series, medium)

Warning: A strange portal took them away from their old life to a dangerous island where other teens are kept. She falls for the charismatic leader and together they try to escape. The connections between the characters and the building desperation to get home made these books an engrossing experience. 

 

36. Alienated by Melissa Landers (3 book series, short length)

Warning: After Earth discovers an alien planet similar to theirs, an alien representative is sent to earth to create good relations. He stays with a feisty earthling girl and sparks fly. Who should he be loyal to? The new planet and the new girl, or his old way of life? With lots of humor, fun romance, and a look at why we live the way we do, I love Landers' books.

 

37. Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (3 book series, long length)

Warning: Told using chats, documents, and pictures, these books are a fantastic space-romance about uncovering a crazy conspiracy.  The series holds sparking romances, a rogue A.I. system, government cover-ups, mutliple realities, and space pilots. I flew through the action and endless twists! These are top ten material. I read them again and again!

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38. Starbound Triology by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: Various planets in the solar system are at war and it’s up to help stop the confusing battles. Heart-stopping romances and interesting conspiracies lead to an unforgettable voyage. Also, did I mention aliens? Many of these planets are terrified of them and their strange mental powers, but what kind of threat are they really? What side is the right one? 

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39. Across the Universe by Beth Revis (3 book series, long length)

Warning: He lives on a dying space ship where she floats in a year-long sleep. He wakes her up in one last desperate attempt to make his life mean something and they try to fix the ship before it’s too late. I loved the moral gray spaces Revis constructed as well as the relationship between a couple never meant to know each other. 

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40. Rook by Sharon Cameron (Stand alone, medium)

Warning: Paris is entirely changed in this dystopian world as the guillotine and other harsh historical structures resurrect. She leads a rebellion all behind the façade of Rook, but one clever guy is on her tail. Will they fight together for justice? Sharon Cameron's mind is an enigma. I love every fresh idea she comes up with. Rook felt so new and so lush. 

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41. The Coldest Girl in Cold Town by Holly Black (Stand alone, medium)

Warning: Vampires now live in little reservations made by the government, but are worshiped like celebrities on reality TV. Tana wakes up one day to a house full of her massacred classmates and knows the answers lie with the vampires. She teams up with an alluring vampire named Gavriel who also has reasons for entering the reservation. Are vampires as terrible as they seem? With an apt cold beauty to the prose and a relatable protagonist, this was the perfect mix. 

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42. Places No One Knows by Brenna Yannanof (Stand Alone, medium)

Warning: Haunting and moving, two teens with difficult home lives find each other in their dreams and change for the better. Familial expectations, identity crises, mental health struggles, and hope for something more are all included in this moving piece. I cried and smiled in equal amounts. Yannanof always knocks it out of the park. 

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43. Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles (2 book series, medium length)

Warning: This story centers around the shocking romance between X and Zoe, Zoe being your average girl with a strange home life, X being born in Hell and raised to pick up the dying souls on earth. As Zoe learns more about his world and what he is asked to do, she wants to help him escape and live a normal life. But what is normal, and can X ever be it? A book with just the right amount of heart, humor, and danger.

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44. Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta (3 book series, long length)

Warning: A high-fantasy trilogy with an exciting new world. The kingdom of Lumatere is cursed after the brutal murders of their royal family. Finnikin was just a young boy when the tragedy strikes, but the consequences are harmful for the entire kingdom even as years go by. He soon meets a young woman named Evanjalin, who claims she has prophetic dreams of a surviving royal that might break the curse. The journey they go on is unusual, heartbreaking, and filled with hope. These books show anyone can be a hero. I loved every character, big and small. 

 

45. Invictus by Ryan Graudin (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: He's been training his whole life to be a time traveler like his mom was before she disappeared. But someone begins meddling with his future and he soon learns that the stability of the universe is in danger. The person messing with his timeline thinks he can help. Will he and his team of outlaws stop it from collapsing? With a dash of romance, a fun cast of characters, and an incredible twist, I couldn't put it down! 

 

46. The Traitor’s Kiss by Erin Beaty (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: Set in a society with warring kingdoms, our protagonist is recruited to be a spy. But will her spying lead her to love? The twist in this story knocked me off my feet. It changed all the words before it and enriched every layer. I loved it. 

 

47. Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton (Stand-alone series, medium length)

Warning: Her family life is falling apart and it could be because they’re cursed by their ability to use Blood Magic. When a new boy comes in town and tries to help, together they stir up the wrath of a very dark prince. Really beautiful prose and story about grief.

 

48. The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron (2 Books, medium length)

Warning: In a society where everyone forgets their lives each year, your book of memories is all that’s keeping you sane. But she never forgets, and with the help of a charismatic glassblower, she tries to find out what is happening to her people. Who set up this system and why? The premise is an intriguing mystery and the revelations do not disappoint. 

 

49. Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones (2 book series, medium length)

Warning: She’s always had a hard edge, created by her family treating her like she’s invisible. When a tortured goblin king takes notice of her she finds a new part of herself. But is he all good? Is she? The chemistry between these two makes it difficult to care! And the prose is cold, icy, bewitching. Every word feels like a magic spell or a haunting melody. 

 

50. The Iron Queen Series by Julie Kagawa (4 book series, medium length)

Warning: Megan’s brother is kidnapped by faeries from another realm and she must venture into the dangerous Winter and Summer courts to save him. Cue a smoldering, lovely winter faerie prince and danger around every corner. The crafting of these worlds was wonderful, both shocking and exactly how you would expect. I loved Megan and her band of adventurers. 

 

51. The Girl with the Steel Corset by Kadie Cross (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: Steampunk is at large and our protagonist is caught in the cross hairs of a strange scheme involving murder and machines. After she befriends an enigmatic duke with a genius mind, the two team up to solve the mysteries surrounding their city. These are fun, fun, fun. Surprising, romantic, and everything you hoped steampunk would be (look at that title!).

 

52. The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Absolutely beautiful prose and a love story from the point of view of two very different circus actors. But is there some magic to their acts? McLemore touches on those difficult to talk about subjects and those difficult to capture emotions. I would have appreciated even the attempt, but every word feels weighted and right. 

 

53. Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: She lives in a society where you receive one vision of the future sent by your future self to guide you and your future. But when she receives a vision of her dismantling the entire system, what will she do? The use of time in these books was ambitious and electric, almost dizzying. 

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54. The Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima (4 book series, long length)

Warning: Warring factions fight for dominance in this fantasy world, but will one orphan who goes undercover change the fate of their conflict? Fabulous, twisting plot, layers upon layers. Just when I thought I understood every piece of the puzzle, I found something new. An incredible reading experience. 

 

55. Dreaming Awake Series by Gwen Hayes (2 book series, short length)

Warning: She’s been sheltered her whole life, until a dangerous, beautiful demon falls for her. Can they stop Hell from invading? This book includes some great friendship goals, a star-crossed-love-type of romance, and of course demons. So many demons. 

 

56. All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: A charming couple keeps going back in time to stop their ex-best friend from destroying the world. Will they have to kill him in order to save society? With a complex, intriguing look at morality and an action-movie level of danger because of those trying to stop them, I loved every sentence.

 

57. The Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: A beautiful Italian inventor-artist creates an in-between realm with a river of time. He uses this to travel to the 21st century where he teams up with a normal teenage girl to stop the river from being taken over by people with bad intentions. The romance here is sweet, the characters are extremely likable, and the new spin on time travel was a welcome change.

 

58. Indigo by Gina Linko (Stand-Alone, short length)

Warning: Her touch can kill, so she distances herself from her powers and her family. When she moves to New Orleans she meets a dangerous, sensitive artist who helps her understand who she is and what she can do. This read is haunting and artistic.

 

59. The Collector by Victoria Scott (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: He’s smoking hot, charming, and ruthless. As one of Hell’s soul collectors he doesn’t have any qualms with being immoral to get the job done. That all changes when he meets self-proclaimed nerdy and nice girl Charlie. Now what will he do? These books are the fun you crave, with some danger and character growth as a lovely bonus.

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60. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard (3 books, medium length)

Warning: Victorian Times and necromancy mix in this saga to create some high-stakes quests and relationships. Turns into a bit of a sob-fest, but the journey was worth it.

 

61. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier (3 books, short length)

Warning: With spunky characters, a torturous romance, and some maddening time-travel adventures this sweet series settles just right.

 

62. Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep (6 books, short length)

Warning: She goes to a boarding school for children of Greek Gods and mythological creatures, but her origins have always been kind of muddled. Cue some laugh-out-loud narration, a sizzling romance with a Spartan, and murder for an exciting series.

 

63. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Marg aret Stohl (4 books, long length)

Warning: Set in the deep, lush South, Ethan and Lena’s love is never meant to be. It’s cursed. But, are they willing to accept such a grim fate? Can they stop the dark forces against them?

 

64. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulten (3 books, medium length)

Warning: Her nightmares show her being stalked by terrifying creatures. But then Will comes along and shows her that those dreams are actually past memories. She has the power to hunt the reapers hungry for human souls. Will she come to understand her past and her present?

 

65. A Million Junes by Emily Henry (Stand-Alone, medium length)

Warning: June O’Donnell’s family has always feuded with the Angerts. They are never to mix, both bloodlines being cursed by the magic of their tainted land. But when Saul Angert comes into her life will she be able to resist him and his offer to uncover what haunts their families? A lush setting and beautiful story of forbidden love.

 

66. Plus One by Elizabeth Fama (Stand-Alone, medium length)

Warning: Society has been split into two classes, the upper Day and the lower Night. Each are only allowed to go about their business during their part of the day. But she’s desperate to save her younger brother and when she stumbles upon a sympathetic Day hospital intern he offers to help. Chaos ensues.

 

67. Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter (4 books, medium length)

Warning: Take Alice, put her in the 21st century—but her Wonderland is actually zombie infested. She meets a team of slayers led by the wicked, alluring Cole. They team up for some butt-kicking.

 

68. Bone Gap by Laura Ruby (Stand-Alone, short length)

Warning: In Finn’s hometown of Bone Gap, people are known for disappearing. But when the beautiful, mysterious Rosa disappears Finn knows it was a man who took her. The problem is, he’s faceless. With a haunting prose style and an unforgettable setting, Bone Gap will worm its way into your heart.

 

69. The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee (One book (so far!), short length)

Warning: With a fun mix of Chinese folklore, teen romance, and general hilarity, Yee’s novel will have you questioning why it doesn’t get more attention. Genie Lo has always thought she was just a regular, overworked, desperate-to-get-into-college girl. When Quentin swoops into her life claiming to be a reincarnate of the Monkey King, everything changes. Because, according to him, if he’s the Monkey King, then she’s a human version of his favorite weapon. That’s right, she’s his favorite stick.

 

70. Ravenspire Series by C.J. Redwine (4 books (so far!), medium length)

Warning: Each book can be read without the others, as each one is a dark, heart-pounding twist on a fairytale. The Traitor Prince is by far my favorite, though they all have their magical creatures, familial problems, and unforgettable romances!

 

72. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo (Stand-Alone, medium length)

Warning: Lira’s the daughter of the most dangerous, deadly siren of all time, but she’s not gentle either. Known for taking princes' hearts, Lira is sent to mingle with the human Prince Elian in order to take his as well. Unfortunately for her, Elian is nothing like she imagined, and she’ll have to make a choice about where her loyalties lie.

 

73. Pitch Black by Courtney Alameda (Stand-Alone, medium length)

Warning: Two teens from different centuries crash into each other’s lives when their ships literally crash. Together, they must try to stay alive aboard a ship infected by monsters that were once human. But how did they become monsters? Who caused the ship to crash? A terrorist group called Pitch Black might have something to do with it. Heart pounding, at times terrifying, and politically charged, Alameda shoots to kill with this one.

 

74. Powerless Series by Tera Lynn Childs and Tracy Deebs (2 book series, short length)

Warning: In a world ruled by heroes, being branded a villain means living as an outcast. Kenna believed villains were all the heroes said they were, until she realizes the world isn’t so black and white. A non-stop thrill ride with smart action, a fun cast, and a wonderful romance, Powerless packs a powerful punch.

 

75. Beyond a Darkened Shore by Jessica Leane (Stand-Alone, medium length)

Warning: With wonderful glimpses of Irish/Northern history and myth, this book is everything it promises to be with a crackling romance between enemies, action-packed battles, and strange magical creatures.

 

76. Zeroboxer by Fonda Lee (Stand-alone, short length)

Warning: Carr is one of the very best in the new sport of zeroboxing, the weightless, in-space version of the original sport. After gaining a following in the ring, he is assigned Risha, a beautiful alien who is supposed to turn him into a star. Basically, it’s Rocky in space. You’re lying if the comparison doesn’t totally thrill you.

 

77. Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh (2 book series, medium length)

Warning: In a futuristic, military-driven version of Seoul, Korea, military school student Lee is just trying to graduate and get out of his gang-infested hometown. But when he receives an assignment through school that partners him with a beautiful, mysterious super-soldier, he begins to wonder where his allegiances should lie. With incredible world-building and a full cast of lovable characters, I couldn’t put it down.

 

78. Kalahari by Jessica Khoury (Stand-alone book, short length)

Warning: A group of five teens journey to Botswana to experience an incredible safari run by Sarah and her father. When her father is kidnapped by poachers and the group finds evidence of strange experiments on local animals, Sarah uses her knowledge of the Kalahari semi-desert to help them survive. Part action-movie, part coming-of-age, this novel will delight.

 

79. Fire and Heist by Sarah Beth Durst (Stand-Alone, short length)

Warning: Were-dragon Sky is having a rough year. Her mother has disappeared with no explanation and her boyfriend dumps her. Determined to save her family’s reputation, Sky assembles a crew to help her with a daring heist that will catapult her to celebrity status in her were-dragon community. Funny, heart-warming, and action-packed, Sky’s story has everything you need.

 

80. Toxic by Lydia Kang (Stand-alone, short length)

Warning: A group of convicts assembled to do a deadly job, a sheltered girl who doesn’t know anything about the outside world, and a living, sentient space ship that helps keeps its inhabitants healthy and happy—what else do you need? How about the spaceship dies, and starts to take everyone with it? With a sweet romance, heart-stopping action, and an interesting premise, Kang thrills across the board.

 

81. Unearthed Series by Amie Kaufman and Meghan Spooner (2 books, medium length)

Warning: Jules and Mia find themselves on a barren, faraway planet with different motives but the same goal: beat other raiders to artifacts left behind by mysterious aliens. The high-stakes, romantic adventure that ensues is non-stop excitement. 

 

82. Black Hole Sun by David Macinnis Gill (3 books, medium length)

Warning: They've always worked together as sort of space-mercenaries taking the tough jobs and the cash. But as they grow closer and the suffering across the universe is revealed they decide to do what they can to save it. I loved the world-building and the slow burn of their relationship. 

 

83. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (3 books, long length)

Warning: A witch who works as a rare books historian falls for a vampire who knows how to time travel. Chaos and sizzling romance ensue. These books are pure research and cleverness, though the relationship between the main couple certainly could have carried these books too!

 

84. Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer (5 books, medium length)

Warning: A group of brothers are blessed, or cursed, each with an elemental power. Each novel focuses on one brother, his struggle with his powers, and the girl/boy he falls for. These books were romantic and held surprisingly powerful messages about identity and family. 

 

85. Defy Series by Sara B. Larson (3 books, short length)

Warning: She uses her connections to get a competitive job as one of the prince's guards. The only trouble is that she must disguise herself as a man. The even bigger trouble is she soon begins to fall for the prince. With elements of Mulan and other great fairy tales, Larson's novel is delightfully easy and entertaining.  

 

86. Starling by Lesley Livington (3 books, medium length)

Warning: The Norse mythological world is real and her abrupt involvement in it leaves her head spinning. The constant throughout is a boy who is prophesied to be the catalyst to the end of the world. Together can they save the world from a cast of feuding gods? The plot is complex and unique with characters you'll root for. 

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87. Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith (Stand-alone (as of right now!), medium)

Warning: It's bloody, it's biting, it has everything you'd need in a book. With witch trials, a disguised princess, blood magic, political intrigue, a heady romance, and an impending apocalypse, Smith makes the story feel both wonderfully familiar and incredibly fresh. Read it! Do it!

 

88. Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim (Should be a series, only 1 book currently, medium length)

Warning: A girl like Maia would usually only make her mark by securing a good marriage. But, Maia’s skill as a designer and tailor is unparalleled and she wants to serve the emperor as his Imperial Tailor. Disguising herself as a boy, she travels to the capital, juggling the cutthroat competition for the position and an enchanter who works for the emperor and likely sees right through her disguise. It’s unique, charming, romantic, and includes some insane descriptions of clothing. It’s almost certainly magical.

 

89. Stain by A.G. Howard (Stand-alone, long length)

Warning: Howard spins another fairytale, but one that is utterly unique. The prince and princess falling in love in this story are fated to come together to unify the sun and moon kingdoms who have hated each other for centuries. Both othered by their people because of their connection to the opposing kingdom, they eventually are overthrown and removed from their throne. Trying to find each other proves difficult when they have to fight against magic, angry Pegasus, soul splitting, amnesia, and enemy imposters. Howard twists so many familiar tropes into this unfamiliar landscape, it was entirely impressive!

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90. Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller (2 books series, medium length)

Warning: Alosa is the daughter of the infamous pirate king which means she's always chasing down a hefty legacy. Sent on a mission by her father, she allows herself to be kidnapped by a rival pirate gang in order to steal a valuable map off their ship. The map supposedly will lead to treasure guided by the dangerous sirens. Alosa is cutthroat, stubborn, and captivating. As she battles wits with her handsome, kind interrogator she begins to understand more about herself and who she wants to be. Alosa's narration is full of spunk and attitude, I loved every second! 

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91. The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning; Ryn is trying to keep her family afloat by doing what she does best: digging graves. But her job becomes increasingly difficult when those dead bodies keep resurrecting and haunting her tiny village. When mapmaker Ellis wanders into town the two realize that the after effects of an old faerie curse are what’s causing the resurrected bodies, which Ryn calls “bone houses”. The two decide to work together to save the village and unravel the strange curse’s backstory. This work had perfect pacing, two interesting and complex protagonists, as well as fresh take on zombies!

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92. The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout (2 book series (3rd coming), medium length)

Warning: If you loved the world of Lux, Armentrout pens a wonderful spin-off. The world has been changed permanently by the arrival of the alien species the Luxen. Protagonist Evie might think that she’s just a human, but when arrogant, charming alien Luc crashes into her life, she realizes that her life as a normal human girl is over and that there are gaps in her memory that beg for explanation. Filled with the usual amount of romance, action, and government cover-ups, Armentrout kills it!

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93. Wicked Fox by Kat Cho (Stand-alone (for now!), medium length)

Warning: Miyoung has been hiding in plain sight her whole life, masquerading as a human in order to hide her identity as a half-gumiho, a mythical fox creature that needs to consume the energy of men. In order to keep her morality, Miyoung has taken to only eating the souls of bad men. Otherwise, she stays out of human affairs. This all changes when she saves Jihoo, a laid-back, kind teenage boy, from a goblin attack. During the attack, Miyoung’s soul is damaged and the two have to work together to save her life without revealing what she is. With dynamic twists, a magical Seoul setting, and a deep look at love and who deserves it, Cho’s work truly had everything you could need!

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94. Lifestyles of Gods and Monsters by Emily Roberson (Stand-alone, short length)

Warning: The daughter of Minos is a princess of Greece and her life is similar to many of the stories from Ancient Greece, full of: gods and goddesses, fate, heroic competitions, and sticky family situations. But her princess status comes with some 21st century twists, her family is constantly under scrutiny and her life is projected as a popular reality show the public is obsessed with. When kind, compassionate hero Theseus comes from Athens to compete in their kingdom’s annual competition to slay the minotaur, she realizes she has some decisions to make about how she presents herself and her family. The setting is a wonderful twist on traditional Greek myths and the romance was sweet and pure!

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95. The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennet (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Theodora Fox is the daughter of two treasure hunters and scholars. Her mother died working with a cursed artifact and ever since her father has tried to keep her away from the work their family does. And, to make matters worse, her best friend and boyfriend Huck is banished from their home when her father finds out they are together. It’s been a year since she has seen Huck, but he randomly shows up to her hotel in Turkey saying that he had been with her father on a work trip and her father had been chased away by people hunting for the same artifact as him. Of course, this artifact is Vlad the Impaler’s, or Dracula’s, cursed ring made with blood magic. Set in the 1930s, this book is full of interesting history, a hint of magic, and a blistering, strong romance.

 

96. Treason of Thorns Laura E. Weymouth (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Violet has long been convinced of her connection to the magical, great house Burleigh. Burleigh is an estate that is connected to the surrounding area and its magic helps keep crops going and regulates climate. Violet’s father used to manage the house’s magic, but he commits treason by trying to separate the house from the King’s rule. After her father’s death in isolation, Violet has to go back to a house that she is not sure how to save and the boy she has always loved. How much will she have to sacrifice to save her poisoned home? How long before she burns it to the ground? With an intriguing premise, an interesting moral debate, and a cast of delightful characters, Weymouth’s book impresses.

 

97. Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Currently 1 book (more?!), long length)

Warning: Reid and Lou are on different sides of a centuries old conflict. Reid was orphaned as a child and was left to be raised by the Church, an entity that actively tries to burn witches and kill other hints of magic. Lou is a witch, and is not ashamed of being so, but had to run away from her coven after learning a dark secret of her mother’s. After an explosive meeting, the two are forced into marriage to hide their secrets. They are fundamentally different, but their hatred soon turns to passion. Lou’s mother begins hunting her down, and the couple must fight on the same side. The world was dark and seedy, and the characters were complex and honest. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!

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98. An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Based on the very real events of an assassination plot against the King of France, this story tries to predict what would have happened if the plot succeeded. King Louis XIV is killed in front of his people using a very fast-acting poison created by a web of corrupt noblemen and alchemists. Mirabelle loves alchemy and concocting drafts for her mother, but the deadly consequences of her most recent creation cause her to question what her mother stands for and whether she has been harming France all along. Soon she meets bastard prince and runaway Josse de Bourbon and despite their immediate prejudice towards each other, they agree to team up and fight against Mirabelle’s mother and the rest of the Shadow Society. The story is fraught with historical details, a tempestuous, exciting romance, and the potential power of true alchemy and sorcery if it had run rampant in 17th Century France.

 

99. House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: This twist on the tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” reads more like a gothic Nancy Drew as main character Annaleigh struggles to unearth the reason her elder sisters keep dying. The villagers think her family is cursed, and though the rest of her family dismisses it, Annaleigh begins to wonder. Hints of magic and glimmering portals to other realms sneak into the story, drawing Annaleigh’s suspicions as well as her own intrigue. It’s dark, it’s romantic, and the questions keep on piling up!

 

100. Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: The deceiving, harsh desert environment plays a key role in the world of Warrior Princess Kateri. For years she has swallowed her father’s lies about the decisions he makes. Whether it be the gladiatorial-style competitions he imposes on any of her suitors or the terrifying, strict rations he forces on the lower class, he always had an excuse for his privilege and ruthlessness. But she soon grows suspicious of her father and runs away to the desert, hoping to be trained by a powerful gang leader her father has always tried to capture. Together, they desperately try to tame the desert and take the throne away from her father. Kateri is the type of princess you will want to root for!

 

101. Mind Games by Shana Silver (Stand-alone, short length)

Warning: Arden sells memories to her classmates for all kinds of things: to help them cheat on an exam, find out where their significant other is at night, or trick their parents. She has no qualms about the small damages it causes, knowing she is the very best at manipulating the memory program that they all use. This invention was intended to help individuals relive their own memories and keep track of important moments in history, but soon it is being hacked and abused on a daily basis. Her attitude about the memory server and her own business quickly changes when she meets Sebastian, who tells her that he has no memories at all. And strangely, she can’t find any trace of him in her own memory and finds that many of her memories have been erased in the server. Someone wanted all their interactions erased. The conspiracy soon unravels, and Arden has to decide whether having all your memories tracked and available to others is truly an inviting concept. The plot is fresh and thrilling, with real moral dilemmas presented on each page.

 

102. Bright Star by Erin Swan (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: After a traumatic childhood event working as a servant in the Chief Judge’s estate, Andra chooses to be mute and avoid confrontation with her abusive employers. But she’s always been a fighter, and when revolutionary dragon rider Kael stages an assassination of the Chief Judge, she takes a chance and escapes with them. She soon finds her own voice and her own power, helping Kael and the resistance. The character growth was powerful, and the romance was deep and heady. A wonderful addition to the fantasy landscape!

 

103. Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi (Series in Progress, Medium Length)

Warning: The luxurious, yet classist, landscape of 19th century France is not ready for the band of cons, academics, and thieves that is about to take over their capital. Severin was disgraced and shut out of his family legacy, causing him to go on a journey for vengeance and seek a team of brilliant people to help him steal precious artifacts that will put his name back on the map. The cast of characters is diverse and interesting, while the magic system feels fresh and strongly intertwined with history. It was a fantastical, cutthroat journey!

 

104. Nyxia by Scott Reintgen (3 book series, medium length)

Warning: Emmett has been chosen for a cutthroat competition aboard a space ship funded by Babel Corporation, the leading company in space technology and space relations. He and a group of other teens are chosen because the aliens that live on Eden, the planet they are flying to, revere youth and will likely treat the teens kinder than other adults. But Babel is only choosing a select group of them to actually go planet-side and Emmett will do almost anything to get to the top of the pack. Not only will the salary pay his mother’s medical bills, but he’ll prove that he's worth something. As the competition continues, it becomes clear that Babel chose each contestant for similar reasons, they all need money or recognition as badly as Emmett does. With an honest, determined narrator and a fascinating, diverse cast, Nyxia was a non-stop thrill ride!

 

105. Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Hannah just wants to get back to her normal life in Suburbia, but this is proving surprisingly difficult after the murder of her best friend Lillian. Especially when Lillian’s ghost won’t leave her alone, urging her to figure out who is killing girls in their town. Hannah’s life grows even more complicated because of her inexplicable draw to Finny, a sometimes delinquent who displays a large capacity for kindness. Like many of Yovanoff’s books, the romance burns slow and deep and tone sounds haunted.

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106. Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson (2 Book Series, long length)

Warning: Kazi works for one of the few moral monarchs in the area and she takes her duty as a queen's emissary seriously. Her newest mission is to infiltrate the ruling Ballenger family's stronghold and investigate charges that the Ballenger family has been harming new settlers in their territory. She plays a dangerous game, hiding a darker past and trying to ignore her growing connection to the heir to the Ballenger empire, Jase. The more she gets to know Jase, the more she realizes he and his family were not the people who hurt the settlers. But who did?  Will Jase and Kazi lose their power, or their hearts? Every twist of the plot was thrilling and every romantic encounter was heart-pounding. A must-read for fantasy lovers!

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107. Burning Brightly by Alexa Donne (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Stella is stuck working as an engineer on one of the oldest spaceships left in the fleet. After humans had to flee earth and find a home in space, classes quickly separated and certain more impoverished groups were left with little resources and power. Stella longs for an escape and manages to become a teacher on a tiny, wealthy ship called the Rochester. There she meets the mysterious, brooding captain and encounters mysterious sabotage occurring towards the ship and its people. Inspired by the classic Jane Eyre, you'll find the same gothic elements and romance, as well as some added heroics and moral dilemmas. A great spin on a famous tale!

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108. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Roberson (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Elisabeth has always known that sorcerers were dangerous. An orphan, Elisabeth grows up apprenticing in one of the world's Great Libraries, a place full of magical books that sorcerers use to harness deadly magic. When the library is attacked and Elisabeth is one of the only librarians left alive, she travels to the city looking for help. There, she encounters all types of sorcerers. She meets Nathaniel and his demon servant and they slowly learn to trust each other. But can they stop the attacks on the libraries and uncover the reason behind them? Equal parts action-packed, romantic, and charming, Sorcery of Thorns becomes an easy favorite. Nathaniel, Elisabeth, and their demon servant Sebastian share an interesting relationship that keeps you guessing until the end.

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109. The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross (2 Book Series, medium length)

Warning: Brienna has been working her whole life to find a passion that suits her. Mastering one of the passions, including knowledge, art, music, drama, or wit, means living life with a patron paying for your expenses and being secure in your social standing. After switching between several, Brienna finally settles on knowledge, trained by the enigmatic and kind Cartier. Despite her hard work, she is not chosen by a patron. After several months, she hears from a strange duke who hatches a wild scheme. Soon, Brienne becomes ensnared in a revolution meant to overthrow a ruthless king and put a queen back on the throne. With a sweet romance, intriguing plot, and a splash of magic, this is a fantasy everyone will want to read!

 

110. Want by Cindy Pon (2 Book Series, medium length)

Warning: Jason Zhou lives in a near-future version of Taipei that is overrun with pollution and sickness. The elite and wealthy can purchase suits that filter air and help them live longer, while regular citizens waste away. After Jason and his group of friends are punished for investigating the city’s corruption, they hatch a plan to overthrow the city’s wealthiest corporation. Jin Corporation is harming the population and Jason infiltrates their wealthy inner circle, hoping to shut down the corporation from the inside. What he didn’t expect was Jin Corporation’s CEO’s daughter, Daiyu, distracting him along the way. Can he help the people of Taipei or will his deception be found out? Jason and his friends make for an electrifying team, full of passion and purpose. With a clear look at how big business and pollutants can damage entire nations, Pon’s work was razor sharp!

 

111. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (2 book series, medium length)

Warning: Several generations ago, humanity tried to play god and created a genetic experiment that caused deformity and weaker genes in some of the population. The wealthy, elite class then banned all technology and began living like they were in the nineteenth century. Elliot has lived on one of these old-fashioned estates her whole life and she knows that it is dying. Her family cannot produce enough food and she considers using technology, even though she was taught it was immoral, to help her family survive. When her first love arrives in a solar powered airship, most of wealthy are shocked by the display. But Elliot wonders just how fair her people have been to cut off the world from modern medicine and other amenities. With a close look at classism, technology, and first love, Peterfreund creates a slow-burning, dazzling story.

 

112. The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes (1 Book Series (more coming!), medium length)

Warning: Set in a fantastical version of Mayan society, two children of kings are put to the test. The world is broken up into various kingdoms, each harnessing a different type of magic: water, volcanic, animal, and plants. Each of these kingdoms answers to the Sun King, who sheds his blood every morning to life the sun into the sky. When the Sun King dies suddenly, his son must carry the mantle and choose a bride from one of the other kingdoms. A competition begins, one with deadly consequences for the losers. With a fascinating setting, elements of historical fact, and tricky moral dilemmas, Forbes’ novel felt fresh in every way.

 

113. Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer (Stand-alone, medium length)

Warning: Echo’s life changed drastically after being attacked by a strange, mythical wolf. The wolf runs away unharmed, but Echo’s face is forever disfigured. Her village shuns her and her future of trying to attend college seems far away. When her beloved father disappears, she ventures into the frozen forest looking for him. Instead, she finds the strange wolf and he requests she come with him to live in a strange castle. If she does, her father will be safe. Echo agrees and unwittingly becomes the tenant of a temperamental, magical castle. Inside she finds a library made of mirrors, spiders that spin silk to hold the walls together, and a dark history she never knew. Echo’s determination and fierceness as a character makes this version of the famous myth East of the Sun and West of the Moon a worthwhile read.