Since I was young I’ve always been an avid reader. Reading helps me join fantastic worlds that give me a break from reality. Even though I don’t read as much as I used to, reading is still one of my favorite pass times. As constant required reading is thrown at us, it can be hard to pick up a book in our free time. Don’t let required reading kill your mood and hopefully, you find a book that catches your eye.
- Cloaked and Shadow by Ben Alderson
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A fantasy book that not only incorporates magic but also LGBTQ characters. Zacriah Trovian is an elf who lives a simple life hiding from his past lover, but that all changes when he is recruited from his small town to join King Dalior’s legion of shapeshifters. During his time there he has to uncover his dormant powers in order to prepare for a war that is brewing.
- Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
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Yelena made a choice that changed her life forever. Instead of facing execution, she accepted to be the new food taster for the Commander of Ixia. As her life hangs on the line, she not only has to deal with figuring out an escape plan but also with the sudden magical powers she’s obtained.
- The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
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This book incorporates elements of The Hunger Games and is also part of a trilogy. In a different world, the United Commonwealth collects the brightest students from 18 colonies to attend University. There they must go through a series of tests to determine the future leaders of the Commonwealth. The testing is mandatory and if a candidate fails to meet the requirements then they must face deadly consequences.
- Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
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Karou, an art student in Prague, constantly sketches monsters her friends believe she’s made up except they might not be made-up. Around the world, mysterious handprints with sightings of beautiful angel-looking creatures appear as Karou searches to discover who she is. Haunted by memories that seem from someone else she has to unravel her past right as she meets Akiva, who may be the answer to or cause of all her problems.
- Stalking Jack the Ripper by Karrie Maniscalo
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In the late 19th century, Audrey Rose Wadsworth finds herself living a double life as a lord’s daughter by day and a forensic student by night. As she goes against everything her father and society believe in, she must uncover clues to help track down Jack the Ripper.