Books I’ve enjoyed, with brief reviews of what made each one worthwhile.
- Assassin’s Apprentice: My favorite book ever, this is a slow-burning, emotionally devastating fantasy that feels impossibly real because the characters are written with so much depth.
- Bridge to Terabithia: I read this in 4th grade, and I still love this book—sue me. An adorable and heartbreaking story that stays with you long after, even if it emotionally ambushes you. (I love you Leslie)
- Divergent: A quick and enjoyable dystopian read, which I was way too young to read when I did. The ending was honestly one of the reasons this book made it to the list; it shook my 8-year-old self to the core.
- Eragon: Such a cute and exciting read for younger readers, I dreamt about having a dragon for months after reading this.
- Fablehaven: Brandon Mull (the author) genuinely formed my childhood. I have read all of his works, and this is definitely what kicked off my obsession. Such an enjoyable read, full of magic and mystery.
- The False Prince: This was my favorite book for a good three years—super enjoyable plot with fleshed out characters that you can understand and appreciate.
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon: Beautifully written modern fairy tale that I reread almost every time my mom went to the library for a few months.
- The Hunger Games: A super classic trilogy that lives up to its reputation. Brutal, smart, and gripping, with a heroine who’s easy to admire.
- The Jumbies: A spooky, folklore-rich adventure that’s a little creepy in all the right ways.
- Keeper of the Lost Cities: Even with an overpowered main character and repetitive arcs, this series feels magical, warm, and nostalgic in a way that made the long wait for the final book worth it (almost)
- Legend: A sleek, intense dystopian thriller with main characters who balance each other perfectly—I loved the romance and how it was integrated. Overall, super duper cute.
- The Lost Years of Merlin: I still love this series, to be honest, I’ve been rereading it on and off since I was 11. Incredibly atmospheric and enchanting retelling that feels like the most magical version of Merlin’s origin.
- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children: A quirky, eerie adventure whose vintage-photo aesthetic makes it a truly memorable experience. I enjoyed this book at my brother’s recommendation and it didn’t disappoint.
- North: A quiet, beautifully told story that feels like a breath of cold, fresh air.
- Once Upon a Broken Heart: A romantic, glittery fantasy that’s messy but addictive—in my opinion, that chaos makes it perfect.
- Percy Jackson the Series: A hilarious, fast-paced adventure that makes Greek mythology feel alive and fun.
- The Cruel Prince: The best fantasy romance I’ve read to this day, the twists and turns were so exciting, and every book in this series deserves a review.
- The Wicked King: The second book in this trilogy—dark, tense, and manipulative, with court politics that make it impossible to look away.
- Queen of Nothing: The final and best book in the series, this book wraps up the story beautifully.
- Red Queen: Dramatic, twisty, and very political, though the betrayals sometimes hit harder than the characters do.
- Six of Crows: A brilliantly crafted heist with found-family vibes and some of the most memorable characters in YA fantasy. I loved every book by this world and I highly recommend it.
- A Thousand Heartbeats: A dramatic star-crossed romance that totally transports you into their world.
- The Unwanteds: A fun, imaginative fantasy where creativity powers magic.
- We Were Liars: Incredible plot that’s entirely a setup for a crazy twist—it may be obvious to you, but I was shocked.
- Where the Sidewalk Ends: Whimsical and clever, this poetry collection set up my reading obsession, and I read it to this day.
- The Young Elites: A dark, gripping story about power and corruption with a main character who’s fascinating to watch unravel.
- X-Isle by Steve Augarde: a post-apocalyptic survival story with engaging thriller elements.