We continue our series of posts featuring some of the best books in the CA Library collection — today’s featured titles are all Action & Adventure stories. Follow the links for each book to learn more from the CA Library catalog!
If an eBook and/or audiobook is available, links are also provided (Sora login is required).
Beware The Night by Jessika Fleck — When her world divides, pitting light against dark, Veda must join a dangerous revolution to save her grandfather and fight against injustice…even if it costs her the boy she loves. “Finely tuned and masterfully written, this is a must for all fantasy shelves” (School Library Journal).
A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney –This isn’t the Wonderland you remember. The first time the Nightmares came, it nearly cost Alice her life. Now she’s trained to battle monstrous creatures in the dark dream realm known as Wonderland with magic weapons and hardcore fighting skills. “Menacing, lush, and unique and populated by nuanced characters that are fleshed out and refreshingly authentic. This is the Alice in Wonderland retelling the world has always needed” (Booklist).
Deeplight by Frances Hardinge — When 15-year-old Hark finds the still-beating heart of a terrifying deity, he risks everything to keep it out of the hands of smugglers, military scientists, and a secret fanatical cult so that he can use it to save the life of his best friend. “Equal parts dazzling fantasy, swashbuckling adventure, and tender coming-of-age tale, this ambitious novel cautions against xenophobia, zealotry, and greed while using boldly drawn characters to illustrate storytelling’s power and fear’s role in faith” (Publishers Weekly). Get the eBook (Sora login required)
Exile From Eden by Andrew Smith –Arek, having lived his sixteen years in a hole with his small family, sets out into a monster-filled world with his friend Mel to find his father and, perhaps, another human. “Smith’s latest is a marvel — endlessly inventive, witty stand-alone postapocalyptic fiction that delivers a happy ending and will inspire deep discussions” (Booklist).
Hood by Jenny Elder Moke –Sixteen-year-old Isabelle learns that she is the daughter of Robin Hood when her mother, Marien, sends her from their priory to get an urgent message to her father, aided by the Merry Men. “A twisty, fast-paced adventure that is an excellent pick for fans of mythology, legend, and historical fiction” (School Library Journal).
The Iron Will of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee –When Genie Lo learns of a cosmos-threatening force while the Jade Emperor is absent, she leads a party of quarrelsome Chinese gods through multiple planes of reality on a quest that will require sacrifice, not strength. The second book in the Genie Lo duology. “A satisfying conclusion that packs a triple punch of action, humor, and heart” (Kirkus Reviews).
Keep This To Yourself by Tom Ryan –After high school graduation, Mac focuses on finding the serial killer who murdered his best friend the previous summer, while working through his own feelings for the deceased. “A tightly plotted mystery with an unforgettably unnerving reveal” (Kirkus Reviews). Get the eBook (Sora login required)
King Of Scars by Leigh Bardugo –Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war – and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army. “With twists and revelations cleverly dispersed up until the very last page, this novel is a must-have for any book shelf” (School Library Journal). Get the eBook (Sora login required)
The Loop by Ben Oliver –Luka Kane has spent 736 days wrongfully imprisoned inside the Loop awaiting his execution. But whispers of war are circulating, and strange things are happening to the prisoners. Then the warden delivers a message: Luka, you have to get out… “This gripping tale moves right along, pulling readers into the world of the Loop” (School Library Journal).
Surrender Your Sons by Adam Sass — Connor Major and other queer teens trapped at a conversion therapy camp work together to escape–and expose the camp’s horrible truths. “Sass presents readers with a searing commentary on the continuing practice of conversion therapy through the eyes of a protagonist who not only survives, but ends up thriving, even in the wake of seemingly insurmountable obstacles” (Booklist).