Young Adult Books for Summer Break
By: Hidden Gems on July 25, 2023
Do you know any young adults looking for books to devour over summer break? Our Hidden Gems ARC readers recently loved the following titles, and we bet the YA reader in your life will, as well. Who knows – you may find yourself a fan of the following young adult books, too.
Freezing Reign by L.A. Goff
With 125+ reviews and a 4.6 average star rating, Freezing Reign is a dystopian thriller which follows Mirari as she navigates a future where she’s the only woman who survived a deadly virus.
“This book has an incredibly creative plot,” Tim M. writes in his five star Amazon review. “The choice that Mirari has to face is one that will leave all readers on the edge of their seats. And the character development was executed perfectly by the author. Would definitely recommend this for lovers of science fiction.”
Lori A. continues in her five star Amazon review, “Freezing Reign: A Dystopian Thriller (The Reign Series Book 1) will not disappoint. I am a fan of this genre of book, but this particular book really stands apart. It had me hooked at the first chapter and I could not put it down. It is chilling, yet very thought provoking and very well written. I cannot wait for the next one!”
Deep by Melanie Bokstad Horev
With 60+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Deep is the first in a three book dystopian series, which takes place in an underwater colony. It follows Ryler and his friends, as they investigate the death of his grandmother, the former president of the colony.
Sarah writes in her five star Amazon review, “This book really exceeded my expectations. It was the first book I’ve read in this genre, and it blew my mind. It was written beautifully, and the characters’ personalities and lives were developed so well. The plot development was also amazing! I was not expecting the twist at the end, but the way the author tied it into all of the prior events was genius…If you’re looking for a book that’ll keep you interested AND on the edge of your seat, this is the one for you!”
“…Melanie Bokstad Horev has enthralled the reader with her latest adventure, an emotional YA sci-fi novel that has three friends facing down danger at every turn of their being,” Primer continues in their five star Amazon review. “In this story, Ryler and Anna’s blossoming romance must be kept at a simmer on the back burner as they, with the help of friends, attempt to save their city, Deep Blue, from certain disaster.”
When We Lost the Moon by Samantha J. Won
With 20+ ratings and a 4.4 star average, this paranormal romance novel follows Aera, who is forced to try and save her nemesis, Gray, a werewolf who seems destined to die.
Joey writes in his five star Amazon review, “…I adore Aera, and Cole, and Gray, adored watching their story come together and trying to guess how everything would end up. Won has an amazingly talented teenage voice and the way she wrote all the POVs had you able to pick out their distinct thoughts without needing to know which POV you were in. I did not see that ending coming, and once it was revealed I was gasping and desperate to know how it’ll all end up. Highly recommended to all who love the paranormal!”
“…This book was a gripping page turner,” Leslie T. agrees in her five star Amazon review. “Clairvoyance, shifters and hunters. Aera is a great character that develops the ability to see into the future. Does end on a cliffhanger with twists all along the way. A great read!”
Finding Gilbert by Robin Martin
With 10+ ratings and a 4.7 star average, this hidden gem follows May, a teen who can see ghosts. May embarks on a journey to learn more about Gilbert, a ghost who suddenly appears to her and needs her help.
“…Martin did an incredible job creating well rounded characters that are easy to empathize with, relate to, and get attached to,” Angie H. writes in her five star Amazon review. “I really enjoyed the historical aspect to the story as May dives into the past to help Gilbert escape from his own guilt, as well as the book he has been attached to since his death. I love how Martin connected Gilbert’s past with the present, leaving no loose ends. It is truly a beautiful story that proves the importance of gratitude, family, and freedom…”
Sue D. continues in her five star Amazon review, “This was a well-crafted book that linked the past and present seamlessly…While May can be difficult at times she has a soft heart and is touched by Gilbert’s story and so she is moved to help him rediscover his roots. I found that combination of sweetness and spunk intriguing. A great read with funny parts, serious parts, some history and a touch of romance!”
The Wayman’s Code: Darkness by R.J. Wilson
With 8 ratings and a 4.8 star average, The Wayman’s Code: Darkness is the second and final installment in The Wayman’s Code series, a supernatural whirlwind.
Andre T. explains in her five star Amazon review, “…This book goes UP in the action, character development, the horror, overall the pacing. Definitely an action packed book that just bleeds hope and has a deep message when you really pay attention to the overall message in the book. I HIGHLY recommend reading this if you are into fantasy, crime novels, and/or anime but with that urban twist to it. This movie has something for many different fans of subgenres for novels.”
“I’d been looking forward to this since finishing book one,” Joscelyn S. concurs in her five star Amazon review. “Maleek’s world continues to be turned upside down, first he learned about angelic beings and magic now he has a dark whispering voice inside. This was a great addition to Maleek’s newly fantastical life and I enjoyed every minute…”
Hidden Gems readers got to read these young adult books first, so if you want more stories to add to your summer reading list, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. All authors want is for you to consider leaving an honest review of them on Amazon when you’re done reading!
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