This Is Where It Ends
This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp is a powerful and harrowing young adult novel that takes place over the course of a tense 54 minutes. The story is set in a high school where a shooting takes place, and it unfolds from multiple perspectives, giving readers a view into the lives of four students who are caught in the terrifying event. As the shooter, a fellow student, locks down the school, the characters—Tyler, Autumn, Sylvia, and Claire—each have different emotional and physical experiences of the crisis. The novel explores themes of fear, trauma, survival, and the impact of gun violence, while also shedding light on the complexities of personal relationships and the hidden struggles of each character. This Is Where It Ends offers a raw and emotional look at the immediate effects of a school shooting, drawing attention to the need for empathy, communication, and societal change. It’s an intense and thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to think about the realities of violence and the resilience of those affected by it.
This Time Its Real
This Time It's Real by Ann Liang is a delightful young adult romance that follows the story of Liya, a high school student who gets caught up in a fake dating scheme with the most popular guy in school, Aaron. The arrangement starts as a way for both of them to solve their respective problems—Liya needs a date for a family event, and Aaron wants to improve his social status. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to develop real feelings for each other, complicating their initial plans. The book explores themes of identity, family expectations, and the challenges of navigating relationships during adolescence, all with humor, warmth, and a touch of sweetness. It's a charming and relatable story for fans of romantic comedies.
This Woven Kingdom
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world inspired by Persian mythology and culture. The story follows Alizeh, a princess who has been forced to live in hiding, concealing her true identity as the heir to a powerful, ancient dynasty. Alizeh’s life takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with Kamran, the crown prince of a rival kingdom. As they become entangled in a web of secrets, political intrigue, and forbidden love, Alizeh must grapple with her destiny and the dangerous forces that seek to control her. Kamran, who is unaware of her true lineage, finds himself drawn to her in ways he cannot explain. The novel explores themes of power, betrayal, identity, and fate, all set within a richly imagined world of magic and intrigue. With lush world-building, complex characters, and a slow-burn romance, This Woven Kingdom is the first book in a series that promises to be an epic journey full of twists and turns. Ideal for fans of high fantasy, romance, and stories about self-discovery.
Those Who Wait
Those Who Wait by Haley Cass is a contemporary romance novel that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances. The story centers on Emory, a woman who has spent years waiting for her long-term boyfriend to come back from his deployment in the military. Throughout their relationship, she has been steadfast in her loyalty and patience, despite the challenges that distance and time create. However, as time passes and her life begins to change in unexpected ways, Emory must confront her feelings, reassess her relationship, and decide whether she is still waiting for a future that may never come. The novel delves into the emotional complexities of love, personal growth, and the difficult decisions that arise when life doesn’t go as planned. With heartfelt writing and relatable characters, Those Who Wait offers a poignant look at the sacrifices made for love and the courage required to move forward when faced with uncertainty.
Thousand Autumns Qian Qiu Vol. 1
Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu) Vol. 1 by Meng Xi Shi is a Chinese danmei (BL) novel that follows the complex relationship between the virtuous yet cold Shen Qiao, a fallen martial arts sect leader, and the cunning, ambitious Yan Wushi. As Shen Qiao struggles to recover his lost strength, Yan Wushi challenges his beliefs, leading to a dynamic tale of martial arts, philosophy, and slow-burning romance set in a turbulent historical backdrop.
Thousand Autumns Qian Qiu Vol. 2
Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu) Vol. 2 by Meng Xi Shi continues the journey of Shen Qiao, a once-powerful martial arts sect leader recovering from betrayal, and Yan Wushi, a ruthless strategist who constantly tests his resolve. As their fates intertwine, Shen Qiao faces new challenges that push him to redefine his beliefs, while Yan Wushi's motives remain enigmatic. This volume deepens their relationship amidst intense martial conflicts, political intrigue, and philosophical debates, making for a gripping continuation of this wuxia danmei saga.
Thousand Autumns Qian Qiu Vol. 3
Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu) Vol. 3 by Meng Xi Shi continues Shen Qiao's journey as he struggles to regain his strength and navigate the treacherous world of martial arts and politics. Yan Wushi remains a constant presence, challenging Shen Qiao's ideals and forcing him to confront the harsh realities of the world. As alliances shift and new enemies emerge, their relationship deepens in complexity. This volume delves further into Shen Qiao's inner growth, the evolving dynamics between him and Yan Wushi, and the larger conflicts shaping the martial world.
Thousand Autumns Qian Qiu Vol. 4
Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu) Vol. 4 by Meng Xi Shi continues Shen Qiao’s journey as he fully regains his strength and establishes his place in the turbulent martial world. As political tensions rise and sects clash for power, Shen Qiao must navigate treacherous alliances while staying true to his ideals. Meanwhile, Yan Wushi’s enigmatic motives become clearer, leading to more intense and thought-provoking interactions between him and Shen Qiao. This volume delves deeper into their evolving relationship, the shifting power struggles, and the ultimate test of Shen Qiao’s unwavering principles.
Thousand Autumns Qian Qiu Vol. 5
Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu) Vol. 5 by Meng Xi Shi marks a pivotal point in Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi's journey, as their relationship is tested by the ever-changing political and martial world. Shen Qiao, now stronger and more resolute, faces new challenges that force him to confront both his past and future. Meanwhile, Yan Wushi’s motivations become clearer, revealing the depth of his character and his evolving connection with Shen Qiao. As conflicts between sects escalate and betrayals emerge, this volume delivers intense action, emotional depth, and philosophical reflections on power, morality, and trust.
Three Sisters
Three Sisters by Heather Morris is a poignant historical novel that tells the story of three sisters—Cecilia, Małka, and Lusia—who are separated during the Holocaust. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel explores their struggles for survival, the bonds of family, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. As the sisters navigate the dangers of Nazi-occupied Europe, they each take different paths, facing their fears and challenges while holding onto hope for reunion. Morris's storytelling emphasizes themes of love, sacrifice, and the strength of sisterhood, highlighting the enduring connections that persist even in the darkest times. This powerful narrative serves as a tribute to those who suffered and a reminder of the importance of family and the will to survive.
Throne of Glass
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is the first book in a high fantasy series that follows Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin who is imprisoned in a salt mine after being betrayed. She is given a chance at freedom when the crown prince, Dorian Havilliard, offers her the opportunity to compete in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion. As Celaena navigates the brutal trials, she uncovers dark secrets about the kingdom, faces dangerous enemies, and grapples with her past. The novel is filled with intrigue, romance, and action, set in a richly detailed world where magic and power collide. It's an engaging story of strength, survival, and discovering one’s destiny.
Throne of Power
Throne of Power by Rina Kent is a dark, gripping romance that blends elements of power struggles, intrigue, and intense emotional dynamics. The story centers around a dangerous and compelling relationship between two characters—Zane, a powerful and ruthless man with a secret agenda, and the woman he becomes entangled with, a figure from his past. Set in a world of wealth, manipulation, and authority, Zane's quest for control over his empire and his complicated feelings for the heroine draw the reader into a world of high stakes and forbidden attraction. As their connection deepens, they navigate personal betrayals, rivalries, and difficult choices that test their strength, loyalty, and desire. The book is full of tension, twists, and drama, making it ideal for readers who enjoy romantic suspense with a darker edge, where love and power are intertwined in dangerous and unpredictable ways. Throne of Power is part of a series, offering more complex character development and a slow-burn romance set against a backdrop of high-stakes business and emotional conflict.