The Seven Realms Series by Cinda Chima Williams

 I starting reading these books for the first time when I was in 7th grade. I still read them often and are by far one of my favorite series. My brother read this series with me and got just as excited if not more so about these books. This author is wonderful and I love all her books.


Background: There are suitors, wizards, clans, assassins, forbidden romance, sacrifice, and so much more. This series follows two main characters: Raisa the crown princess of Fells. Raisa is not ready for the responsibility of her status. Often her strong-will fights against her mother's. Raisa struggles between different sides: clan and royalty, love and responsibility, sacrifice and desires. With all of this how does she always end up falling in love with someone totally forbidden to her? Han is a poor boy in the slums of Fells. He has spent many summers in the clans and has only recently retired as the gang lord of Fellsmarch. Han is soon drawn into dark secrets that in danger him, his friends and his family. Things only become more complicated as he is framed for many crimes. When will Han finally be able to relax and maybe give love a chance?


Characters: Raisa is very strong willed. She is also very caring and many times gives up her own desires for the greater good. Raisa is also very loyal to family and friends even when they make mistakes. Raisa is a bit of a romantic to though. Even though she tries so hard to not fall in love, Raisa often lets herself take a chance.

Han's life has been filled with one challenge after the other. It is no surprise that he can tend to put up walls. Even though he has been lied to more than once, Han puts lots of trust in his friends. Likewise, Han is always there when his friends need him. If you peel back the layers, you will find Han is actually quite sensitive, which can be good and bad.

Amon is very dedicated to his work and his friends. He always put his duty as being on the guard before his own wants or wishes. Amon is a loyal friend to Raisa and is often the only person on her side. Amon is who you would want watching your back as chaos erupts. Dancer is an outcast in the clans and the real world. Despite this you find someone eager to help his friends and everyone else. Dancer takes the bias against him with extreme dignity. Dancer also helps Han when Han needs him most. Dancer is one of the few who Han can constantly depend on.


Appropriateness: There is some violence in these books. There are quite a few assassination attempts and some are pretty intense. There are also series of murders where the bodies are found as well as other murders. A main character is also tortured extensively (this is not described in detail). There is quite a bit of kissing and seduction spells, even though illegal, are used more than once. Nothing is ever described in this book. However, Dancer's mom has a spell put on her and later finds out that she is pregnant with Dancer. This encounter is not described though.

Really great series that mixes adventure and magic with romance. Unlike many teen novels, these books show a great amount of loyalty as well as sacrifice. Han and Raisa are great examples of sticking to your beliefs amid betrayal and destruction.

Inhuman by Kat Falls

This book is a fun apocalyptic read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Description: Lane's father is in trouble. She must cross across the Feral Zone to retrieve an object that may be her only chance to save him. The Feral Zone is a part of America where the Ferae virus still rages. The Ferae killed 40% of America's population and now Lane must risk contamination everyday in order to save him. Luckily for her, Lane has the help of the handsome Everson and the roguish Rafe. Will Lane be able to save her father and what will she give up in order to?


Characters: Lane is by no means a perfect heroine. She has been behind the Titan wall for most of her life and is really outside of her comfort zone. Lane makes mistakes but always has the best intentions at heart. Although, this gets Lane and her friends into some trouble, it is an admirable quality. Lane is also very loyal and kind, even to strangers.

Rafe is pretty much the opposite of Lane and Everson. His life has been pretty rough in the Feral Zone. Rafe has hardened himself to survive. As you read the book you will begin to sand away these edges and come to love him. Everson is a solider who is trying to help find a cure. Even though he didn't grow up in the Feral Zone, his past has had plenty of trouble. Even though these two fight quite a bit they only want to help Lane and her dad. They often put aside their differences to help out Lane.


Appropriateness: This book is definitely more of an adventure book. Likewise it is a tad more intense. The Feral Virus causes people to morph into animals. This is sweet but can also be a tad creepy. There is a tad bit of romance but there is like one kiss and some crushing. It is almost frustrating how little romance there is but refreshing that they don't fall in love at first sight. 


Really great book. I am sure both boys and girls would really like it. I have seriously starting having fantasies about which animal I would want to morph into.

The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

 This series is one of my favorites of all time. It is a cute romance that makes you want to keep reading more.

Background: The author wrote with the idea of what it would be like to be in a competition for the crown and king like Ester from the Bible. The Prince Maxon is coming of age and so a letter was sent out to all the eligible young ladies of Illéa. America is only a lowly five but her mother desperately wants her to sign up for the Selection. Not only does America not want to be royalty, she doesn't want the Prince. America has been secretly seeing a six named Aspen. Although marriage between them would be very discouraged, she has no fallen in love with him. However, after Aspen and America's mother convince her to submit her application, America's life is turned upside down. Read the books to see what happens.


Characters: The main character is America who is witty, smart, stubborn, fiery but also  very sweet and loyal. It is so easy to connect with her in the book and it is always entertaining to see what she will say next. America loves her family and will do anything for them. She also shows her love and loyalty to many friends throughout these books. America's selfless acts and understanding help us to love her more.

Aspen is very hardworking and overall pretty great. Although there are times he frustrates you to bits, it is hard not to love him. Maxon is sweet and sort of awkward. It is great to see a guy who isn't perfect all the time but still is amazing. Maxon is super dedicated and as you read this book you only want him to pop off the pages. Both boys you have to love and if you are like me you will be conflicted about this love triangle through the books.

 Marlee is one of the friends America meets. Even though, she originally very into the idea of the Selection, Marlee quickly finds her own way. Marlee is a great example of a kind and dedicated friend but also an example of courage. America also has her three darling maids. These four are constantly caring for each other and genuinely care about one another.


Appropriateness: There is a some kissing. Anything past that never occurs. There are laws about not doing certain things before marriage but there is never any activity described or really even mentioned. There is some violence with the on-going rebellion. This however is not described in any detail and is only mentioned vaguely.


This book is a fun book for many ages. My friends and I all loved it completely as well as my older sister. I hope you love this book!

Purpose

I know the struggles of finding a good and also appropriate book. I am starting this blog to help my fellow readers who also want to not read those really popular steamy romances. I hope that I can help you find a great book that you will love.


If you have any recommendations I would love to hear them!