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).
Above All Else by Dana Alison Levy — Eighteen-year-olds Rose and Tate are best friends and climbing buddies, and now they are embarking on the greatest climb of all — Mount Everest. But as the climbers encounter physical and emotional challenges the higher they go, the expedition starts to slide toward disaster, testing the teens’ courage, determination, and their feelings for each other. “An engrossing, suspenseful, and thought-provoking adventure” (Kirkus Reviews).
Beyond The Mapped Stars by Rosalyn Eves — Seventeen-year-old Mormon girl Elizabeth is torn between becoming an astronomer and familial duties and faith when she navigates a whole new world of possibility, in this sweeping adventure set in Colorado in the late nineteenth century. “An excellent addition to YA historical fiction collections for fans of Ruta Sepetys and Stacey Lee” (School Library Journal). Get the Audiobook
The Block (The Loop, Book 2) by Ben Oliver — Luka is a prisoner once again. But this time it’s a fate worse than death. In the Block, he must toggle between enduring an Energy Harvest for twelve hours of the day and surviving complete immobilization. The only semblance of relief is the Sane Zone, created to keep prisoners from going completely mad. “While some second novels dip or stall, this volume aptly does its job, building background knowledge for the series, creating more tension, and setting up a riveting cliffhanger for the series conclusion” (Kirkus Reviews).
Containment (The Sanctuary, Book 2) by Caryn Lix — In the thrilling second book in a series best described as Alien meets The Darkest Minds, Kenzie and her friends find themselves on the run and up against another alien invasion headed towards Earth. “The cliff-hanger ending will have readers ready for the next extended episode of this space adventure” (Booklist).
Graceling: The Graphic Novel by Kristin Cashore, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds — This graphic adaptation of a best-selling fantasy novel retells the story of Katsa, a girl who lives in a world where some people are born with supernatural abilities called Graces, and who seeks redemption from her own horrifying Grace, the Grace of killing. “Hinds’ expressive, detailed, full-color art serves the tone of the story well, and the sweeping landscapes and dynamic action sequences add new layers” (Kirkus Reviews).
The Great Destroyers by Caroline Tung Richmond — Jo Linden lives in a world where there are no atomic weapons, and the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union is played out in the Pax Games, fought with powerful robotic mecha war machines operated by young pilots; Jo needs the prize money to save her father’s mecha repair shop, but when competing pilots start dying from poisoning, Jo discovers that it is not only her family’s survival at stake — she may have to prevent World War III. “A must-have novel about a robot fighting competition that explores America’s historical racial injustices” (School Library Journal).
In The Serpent’s Wake (Tess of the Road, Book 2) by Rachel Hartman — Tess Dombegh sails south as a spy, hunting for evidence of politically-motivated crimes, while also hunting for the last World Serpent that could save her friend, Pathka. “This is a much-needed book about people forgiving and then sharing the ‘messy imperfections of [their] heart'” (Kirkus Reviews). Get the Audiobook
Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tang — Ahn has no past and no family. Altan is a lost heir, his future stolen as a child. When they meet, Altan sees in Ahn a path to reclaim the throne. Ahn sees a way to unlock her past. But both come with a deadly price. “Readers will be transported by Tan’s fantasy, which draws upon Chinese mythology and xianxia and wuxia genres, making for an exciting blend of imagination and action” (Booklist).
The Sisters of Reckoning (Good Luck Girls, Book 2) by Charlotte Nicole Davis — In an alternate Old West, the Good Luck Girls reunite to undertake a wildly ambitious plan to free all dustbloods who live as prisoners to Arketta’s landmasters and debt slavery. “Davis has a knack for effortlessly tying in character development to the fast-moving plot. Recommend reading Good Luck Girls first. Perfect for fans of Snowpiercer and Firefly” (School Library Journal).
Star Wars, The High Republic: Out Of The Shadows by Justina Ireland — Sylvestri Yarrow is drawn into a squabble between two of the Republic’s most powerful families over a patch of space on the frontier. Tangled up in familial politics is the last place Syl wants to be, but the promise of a big payoff is enough to keep her interested. “An essential tome for die-hard Star Wars fans, although others will find much to enjoy” (Kirkus Reviews). Get the Audiobook
Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson — Stevie and Kat, two high school seniors heavily involved in theater, leave Connecticut for a night of fun in New York City, but soon they find themselves without their phones or each other. “Matson (Save the Date, 2018) delivers another high-energy contemporary adventure that’s bursting with drama, and readers will happily join in for the fun” (Booklist).