Teen Patron Reviews

Legacy

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Legacy by Shannon Messenger, 2019.

Sophie seeks to learn more about her upbringing and her family. She wishes to learn the truth after having been lied to and deceived about her past. Sophie has to rethink who she is able to trust and whether they’re willing to go behind her back. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I rate it a 4 of 5 stars because this book was really intriguing and had me invested in the plot of the story. I really liked the storyline for this book and it was a really relevant edition to the series. – H. Patel

Unlocked

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Unlocked by Shannon Messenger, 2020

Picking up after the cliffhanger on Legacy, this book includes fun extras and stories related to understanding the world of the lost cities deeper. It includes Sophie’s and Keefe’s perspectives following the events of the previous novel. Rating: 5 of 5 stars. I rate this book a 5 of 5 stars because this book dwells on the dynamics of the lost cities and their world. It’s a fun book that shows insight on the background of the lost cities. – H. Patel

Stellarlune

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Stellarlune by Shannon Messenger, 2022

Sophie and her friends find themselves in a high stakes situation where each and every decision matters. Her trust is split and Sophie is unsure which of her allies is most trustworthy. She decides to trust herself and follow the path of Stellarlune and Elysian. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I rate it a 4 of 5 stars because this book was a nice addition to the series. It was interesting to notice Sophie’s character growth compared to earlier books. – H. Patel

Legendary

Legendary by Stephanie Garber, 2019. Book 2 of the Caraval series.

Donatella (Tella) Dragna finds herself jumping in to play the next Caraval just after she played the last one, where she still feels chills haunting her from the events that ultimately unfolded. She’s risking everything she has in search of someone she believes to know and love fondly. She knows better than to believe Caraval is real, but it feels different this time. Careful who she puts her trust in she needs to win Caraval, unmask Legend himself, and save this person very dear to her all without falling too deep. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I rate it a 4 of 5 stars because this book had me instantly hooked from the beginning. I loved the main character, Donatella Dragna, because of her amazing display of independence and witty attitude. – H. Patel

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, 2008. Book 1 of the Hunger Games series

After being chosen to play in the Hunger Games, where 2 individuals from each of 12 districts are put in an arena to fight for their survival solely for the purpose of entertainment, Katniss has to find a way to impress the audience and wow the people into being in her favor. She has to find a way to charm everyone and put on a show by finding allies and loopholes to this cruel punishment. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I rate it a 4 of 5 stars because this book was a great introduction to the dystopian genre. I loved Katniss Everdeen and her attitude and rebellion towards the capital. She shows leadership qualities and rises up and speaks up about what she believes in. -H. Patel

Better Than the Movies

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, 2021.

Liz gains the help of her next door neighbor Wes to scheme to get with her childhood crush who recently moved back to town. Through their scheming Liz and Wes become close, which is unusual considering they hated each other previously. Liz ultimately has to weigh the balance between what she truly wants and what she thought she wanted. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I rate it a 5 of 5 stars because this book felt like reading a rom-com. I loved the characters and the story line was perfect. I enjoyed the writing style of this book because it felt like reading a movie. – H. Patel

Flashback

The Inheritance Games

The Inheritance Games, released in 2020 by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, is a fast-paced, mystery packed novel that creates a fusion between puzzles, drama, and romance. It is perfect if you are interested in stories that keep the gears in your brain running while still being an enjoyable read. The book follows the character of Avery Grambs, a typical high school student who unexpectedly inherits a huge fortune from a billionaire she has never met. In order to receive it, she must move into the Hawthorne mansion, a massive estate filled with secrets and puzzles at every corner, and live with the billionaire’s four grandsons, who are confused and angry about being cut out of the will. As Avery searches for answers on why she was chosen, she is pulled into the high-stakes game full of codes, chaos, hidden meanings, and tense family dynamics. This book is a 4.5 star read and is an amazing pick for those who enjoy mystery, problem-solving, and clever twists. Its short chapters, straight-forward dialogue, and suspenseful feeling make it easy to keep reading. The Inheritance Games is definitely worth picking up if you love stories with smart characters, rich settings, and secrets that slowly unfold themselves. – T. Patel

The Hawthorne Legacy

The Hawthorne Legacy, released in 2021 by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, continues the mystery-filled story of the first book, The Inheritance Games, but this time with even higher stakes, more puzzles, and deeper secrets. This book follows the story of Avery Grambs as she adjusts to her new life connected to the powerful Hawthorne family while facing growing threats, high tensions, and unanswered questions. As Avery digs further into the mysterious billionaire’s past, she uncovers newfound riddles, hidden locations, and layers upon layers of mystery that encourage her to rely on her intelligence and instincts. The Hawthorne grandsons remain crucial to the story, adding tension, teamwork, and complicated relationships as the game expands beyond the mansion. The book is a 5 star read, even better than the last, and ideal for those who enjoy witty mysteries that build over time rather than quickly wrap up. If you enjoyed the clever puzzles, suspense, and character dynamics of The Inheritance Games and are looking for a bigger and more intense story, then The Hawthorne Legacy is the perfect book for you.  – T. Patel

Powerless

Released in 2023, Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a romantic fantasy story that takes place in the kingdom of Ilya, where society is divided into those with magical abilities (Elites) and those without (Ordinaries). Paedyn Gray is an Ordinary who has survived all her life by pretending to have powers and staying hidden in the slums. When she unexpectedly saves a prince from death, she gets drawn into the deadly Purging Trials, which are competitions meant for the most powerful Elites of all, even though she has no real abilities of her own. In the trials, Paedyn must rely upon her wits and courage to stay alive while keeping her true identity a secret. As she competes in these trials, she faces danger, political tension, and a tense, complicated relationship with the prince she previously saved. Being a 5 star read, it is ideal for those who enjoy fantasy worlds with magic systems, immense amounts of suspense, and slow-burn romance. If you are looking for your next read and happen to enjoy stories about secret identities and high-stakes competitions, Powerless might just be the perfect read for you.  – T. Patel

Reckless

Reckless, released in 2024 by Lauren Roberts, is the second book in the Powerless trilogy, picking up right after Powerless. The kingdom of Ilya is in shambles, erupting with chaos while Paedyn Gray, the Ordinary with no magical powers unlike the rest, has killed the king and created a resistance against the oppressive rule of the Elites. While on the run, she must undergo dangerous lands and avoid capture while dealing with the consequences of her actions. Meanwhile, Prince Kai Azer has become Ilya’s Enforcer under his brother Kitt Azer, the new king. He is charged with finding Paedyn, even though his feelings for her complicate the task. Their chase takes them into hostile territory and forces them to confront the tension between duty and desire while navigating life-threatening situations. This book, like the last, is a 5 star read and perfect for those who enjoyed the worldbuilding, suspense, and romantic tension of Powerless and are looking for more action and emotional stakes. It blends fantasy, rebellion, and complicated relationships for a story that raises the stakes and deepens the bond between Kai and Paedyn.  – T. Patel

The Cousins 

Released in 2020, The Cousins by Karen M. McManus is a twisted mystery about family secrets, lies, and surprising connections. The story follows three teenagers, Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story, who are cousins but barely know one another. They have never met their wealthy, isolated grandmother, who cut off all contact with their parents years ago for reasons no one knows. One day, each cousin receives an ominous letter inviting them to spend the summer working at their grandmother’s luxury island resort in hopes of earning back their family’s favor. As they settle into their summer jobs, it becomes clear that something is extremely strange: their grandmother didn’t actually send the letters, and the island holds dark secrets and unanswered questions about what really happened in their family’s past. With being a 4 star story, this book is just the book for those who enjoy character-driven mysteries with lots of twists and evolving relationships. If you enjoy suspense, family drama, and trying to piece together clues alongside the main characters, The Cousins is a read that will truly captivate you.  – T. Patel