Sci Fi/Fantasy Novel Recommendations

John Cleaver by Dan Wells

 Romantic subplot: … yes.

Humor: Yes, it’s darker.

Moving: YES.

 Sad parts: YES.
Mystery: YES.

Summary: The series follows the sociopathic teenager John Wayne Cleaver as he fights inner and external demons. John has enough trouble fighting his sociopathic tendencies, and when murders start occurring in his small hometown, he struggles to stay afloat in his own twisted mind. The main character’s cunning and wit make him a unique protagonist, to whom the villain is a successful foil. It’s definitely a deeper, more poignant series. It can be slower at certain points because it primarily falls into the mystery and horror genre. However, the plot never stalls out or fails to be amusing, and the supernatural elements and deep psychological aspects make it a novel anyone can read and enjoy. It is a character-driven, unforgettable series.

 Rating: 4.5/5. For young adults, but can be enjoyed by anyone.


Full Tilt by Neal Shusterman

 Romantic subplot: Not really. But that's a good thing, trust me.

Humor: Yes.

Moving: YES.

 Sad parts: Yesss.

 Mystery: Some.

 Summary: Full Tilt follows Blake, a sixteen-year-old prodigy with a mischievous little brother named Quinn. Blake receives a mysterious invitation to a phantom carnival. When Quinn accepts the invitation, Blake is obliged to follow and must save his brother from the deadly rides that await them. Like all of Shusterman’s novels, Full Tilt is moving, witty, interesting, and addresses real-world teen problems like depression and perfectionism. Blake’s aspirations, past, and relationships inform the plot and create a relatable voice.

Rating: 4.5/5. For young adults, but can be enjoyed by anyone.

Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer


 Romantic subplot: YES!!

 Humor: Yes.

Moving: Yes.

Sad parts: Yes - relatively few.

Mystery: Yes.

Summary: Meyer’s stunning series retells four popular fairy tales: Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. The series follows a cyborg girl named Cinder (and her friends in later installments) who must stop an evil alien queen from taking over Earth. The characters are wildly witty and interesting. The plot is fast-paced, twisty, and incorporates the setting well. A truly brilliant and modern take on classic stories.

 Rating: 5/5. For young adults, but can be enjoyed by anyone.


Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman

 Romantic subplot: Yes.

 Humor: Yes.

Moving: Yes.

Sad parts: Yes.

Mystery: At some parts, yes.

Summary: The dystology follows Conor, Risa, and Lev, three kids who come from wildly different backgrounds, but ultimately suffer the same fate. They are destined to be unwound. That is until they kick AWOL. The series examines different social issues, most notably abortion. Shusterman tastefully shows every side of the issues through well-developed, funny characters and a poignant plot.

Rating: 5/5. For young adults, but can be enjoyed by anyone.



Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness

 Romantic subplot: Yes. Becomes more prevalent in subsequent installments.

 Humor: Yes.

 Moving: Yes.

 Sad parts: Yes.

 Mystery: Yes.

 Summary: The Chaos Walking trilogy follows a soon-to-be fourteen-year-old boy named Todd who lives in a world where everybody’s thoughts can be heard, and there are no females. Then Todd stumbles upon an area of silence in the Noise and discovers the horrifying secret surrounding the town he lives in. Ness uses superb dialect to convey a witty and vibrant main character who drives one of the tensest and mystifying plots I’ve ever read. Ness, I believe, has created an equally character- and plot-driven series with a genius setting.

Rating: 4/5. For young adults/middle schoolers, but can be enjoyed by anyone.

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