I am an avid reader.  I read between 10 and 12 books per month.  Too avid, perhaps? Is there such a thing? Pffft, please.

Summer is now upon us, and to keep you and your young adult readers busy, I have compiled a list of my favorite reads from the past year or so.  I have personally read every single one of these titles, and in my opinion, these would be suitable for any age group from young adult on up – with exceptions noted below.

Books to Read this Summer (That I have Personally Read)

Matched by Ally Condie – This is book one in a trilogy with Crossed and Reached as second and third respectively.  All three were great reads – and quick too!  With a similar feel to some other dystopian young adult novels, you’ll fall in love with the characters, and there is a light romance as well – totally appropriate for teenage readers.

The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston – All of Paula Brackston’s novels that I have read have been wonderful – but this is by far my favorite.  I’ve read this one three times! Magic and spells, this book starts in 1627 and ends in modern day.  Very good, quick read, and if you enjoy this one, I can also highly recommend The Winter Witch and The Midnight Witch.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon – Book one of dystopian set, this story line is set in the near future.  Characters have powers and exercise them to gain strength. Book two The Mime Order completes the set and I couldn’t read either book fast enough.  I have read each twice and highly recommend if you’re into sci-fi with a light romance.

The Eighth Guardian by Meredith McCardle – I have actually “met” this author during a book club meeting of mine, and she is fantastic! This book is one of two, with Blackout being the second.  These are chock full of time travel, lots of espionage and a little bit of young romance.

Great, quick reads.

The Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness – Oh my goodness, you guys. I love, love, love this entire trilogy.  Couldn’t get enough of it, I’ve read them all twice.  Actually, I read book one, then re-read it before book two Shadow of Night came out, and then when book three The Book of Life came out I read the first two over again to get back into the story line.

THAT good!

This trilogy has witches and vampires, and a very special manuscript.  Time travel and mastery of magic – it is truly one of my very favorite series of all time.  I might have to read them all again just talking about it!  They are long books, which lure you in until you can’t set them down.  Must read! I’ve heard they will be making a movie of it, and I’m so hoping that is true.  Love it!

The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey – This one I read for my book club, and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter.  With a lot of twists and turns, and a whole bunch of unexpected, this one will leave you on the edge of your seat.  Might be made into a movie as well? I’d totally watch – and in the theater.  Now that is saying something.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers – Assassin nuns.  Need I say more? Book one of a trilogy, these novels are set in the olden days, and gave me chills several times when reading.  Geared toward young readers, there is a slight romance, but as an adult I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed all three novels of the His Fair Assassins trilogy. Book two is Dark Triumph and book three is Mortal Heart.  All highly recommended.

You’ll thank me later.

If you are into hilarious and slightly steamy (there are a few very steamy scenes – I wouldn’t let my teenager read them personally) you have got to check out Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series.  She is the Grim Reaper and a private investigator that falls in love with the son of Satan.

She is HILARIOUS and fun, quick witted and as I said – slightly steamy, but not really until book four.  There are currently 10 books in this series, and I loved every single one of them.  You won’t regret reading if you’re in for a good laugh! I literally laughed out loud at some (many) points.

Have a book you think I might be interested in? I’m all ears, pun intended.