Ten must-read books for the summer — from shadowhunters to spies!
By Bethany Lam
An asterisk (*) indicates that it can be found in the school library.
1. The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare*
In Cassandra Clare's urban fantasy novel City of Bones, 15-year-old Clary Fray's world is turned upside down when she witnesses a strange murder at a nightclub. She soon discovers that the killers were not ordinary humans but Shadowhunters - an ancient lineage of demon-hunting warriors sworn to protect our world from the threats of the supernatural Shadow World. Clary is quickly drawn to the Shadow World, not realising the dangers of Idris, the home of the Shadowhunters. Soon, she discovers that she must save both the mortal and Shadow World as she battles complicated emotions, relationships, and newfound powers.
Fall in love with an angel-looking boy who acts like the devil, a girl who is much more than what’s on the surface, and a boy who just wants to protect his friends.
Rating: 4.5/5
Level: Fairly easy
Age: 12+
Genre: Urban fantasy, paranormal, romance, young adult
Opinion: This book is so wonderful, and the storyline is amazing. I am curious to know how Cassandra Clare came up with it - all of those characters, relationships, and backgrounds. You should definitely read all of these and more of her other books. You will see how it intricately overlaps. It gets a little dark in some parts throughout the series; I cried in parts. However, it would be a great read over the summer as it is engaging and exciting. I also noticed that my English improved significantly after reading The Mortal Instruments Series, and if you finish reading the series in the summer, your next semester's English grades will definitely go up.
2. The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare*
In the prequel of The Mortal Instruments, young American Tessa Gray goes to Victorian London to find her missing brother Nate. Instead, she is swept up with the Nephilim, the Shadowhunters. They include beautiful, brooding Will Herondale, who is cursed that whoever loves him will die, and Jem Carstairs, Will’s brother, who is so sick he can’t do what Shadowhunters do best. Follow these orphans as they unravel the mystery of Tessa and Nate, grow attached to these beloved characters, and cry for them afterwards as they unknowingly fall deeper into darkness.
Rating: 4.6/5
Reading Level: Moderately easy
Age: 12+
Genre: Fantasy, romance, young adult, historical fiction, paranormal
Opinion: This book is unbelievable. Filled with amazing characters, it is no wonder that it is amongst my favourite books; and I’ve read a lot of books. I wish that I had met the characters sooner. I cried so much reading this book, and it has filled me with so much happiness and sadness. After reading this, I didn’t want to go to school the next day. I just wanted to keep reading it forever. Since there is plenty of time during the summer, this is the perfect opportunity to read The Infernal Devices.
3. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson*
Five years ago, a high school senior, Andie Bell, went missing and was allegedly murdered by Sal Singh, who later committed suicide. Something felt wrong about this. The novel follows Pip, a high school student who decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project. She gets closer and closer to proving Sal’s innocence, but someone starts sending her threats to stop the case immediately. Will she continue? Or will the case of Sal Singh forever be a mystery?
Rating: 4.3/5
Level: Easy
Age: 13+
Genre: YA, fiction, thriller, crime, mystery, romance, suspense
Opinion: This book isn’t fast-paced, but there are so many jaw-dropping moments. The ending was the best part of the book; it was so unexpected. Something I didn't like about this book is that it's not as fast-paced as I hoped for, and in my opinion, the first few chapters were slow and dragging. Nevertheless, if you ever decide to read this book, get ready for an emotional rollercoaster.
Amazon/Holly Jackson
4. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
In a world where supernatural powers were gifted by the Plague, only those who are Elites are entitled to live. Any Ordinaries that step foot into the kingdoms are slaughtered by Imperials. Lacking an ability suddenly became a crime. 18-year-old Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary, needs to survive by stealing. She has been living in the Slums ever since her father was murdered in front of her, and she poses as a Psychic to blend in with the other Elites. When Paedyn unexpectedly saves one of Ilya’s princes, she gets selected for the Purging Trials, a trial that showcases the power of the very thing Paedyn isn’t.
Rating: 4.2/5
Level: Easy
Age: 16+
Genre: Fantasy, romance, YA, fiction
Opinion: I finished this book within a week, which is quick, considering my relatively slow reading speed. The characters are super lovable. Something I didn’t like was that the plot twist was predictable and expected. If you enjoy romance, Powerless is for you.
The Spy School Series by Stuart Gibbs* (the library has 1-5 & 9)
Ben Ripley, a 12-year-old math genius, is chosen to join the Academy of Espionage, run by the CIA. Though Ben’s geeky and awkward personality does not exactly scream “secret agent”, it is extremely fun and entertaining to watch him try. His initial goal was to try and be the best spy he could be, but that wasn’t the case after someone attempted to kill him. His new goal is to survive.
Rating: 4.1/5
Level: Very easy
Age: 8+
Genre: Mystery, fiction, comedy, espionage, spy fiction, YA
Opinion: I think this book is such a good book to read if you want to start reading but want something easy. There are so many books in this series, so if you like it, you can continue. This book is great for a light read and is one of my comfort books.
6. Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald
The goddess of flowers, Kore, has a name that means maiden and obedient. The goddess of life and yet Queen of Hell, Persephone, has a name that means chaos bringer. When Kore realises she is trapped in marriage, she jumps into the most feared place to escape. Hell. The Underworld. But, she notices that there is more than what meets the eye… including the tall, dark, and handsome king of the Underworld, Hades. As Kore transforms into Persephone, so do Heaven, Hell, and the Earth. But for better or worse?
Rating: 4.06/5
Level: Easy
Age: 13+
Genre: Fantasy, romance, mythology, YA
Opinion: Although this book is pretty short, I loved it! It’s so spicy and frustrating, in a really good way. It's quite new compared to the other books on this list, but it is already among my favourite books. It is very easy to read and not complicated at all, which is why it is perfect to read during the hot summer days; it doesn’t cause headaches. The storyline is creative, and I really like the cover. Though it is based on the classic Greek myth, the way the main character just changes the whole plot throughout the book is extremely captivating.
7. The One of Us Is Lying Series by Karen M. McManus*
The lives of five teenagers are turned upside down after they are sent to detention. Simon Kelleher, the owner of a gossip app called About That, dies, and the police realise it's a murder. And what's worse, the police find that Simon was going to post juicy, life-changing secrets about Yale-ready Browyn Rojas, Homecoming princess Addy Prentiss, athletic super-star Cooper Clay, and troublesome drug dealer Nate Macauly. And with that, they are suspects. But all of them have secrets, and one by one, they are revealed, but how far does it go?
Rating: 4.6/5
Level: Easy
Age: 14+
Genre: Mystery, thriller, YA, crime, romance, contemporary
Opinion: This book is very easy to read - not complicated at all and easy to follow. A lot of tension and suspense is built, but it doesn’t effect the fast pace of the novel. It gets to the point and pushes me to want to read on. It's thrilling, and each storyline is creative but not confusing. It is my favourite non-fantasy book. However, the last two books get a little boring because the plot drags a little, though it is still a great read!
8. The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead
In the world of Osfro, an Osfridian countess steals her servant Adelaide’s life after she doesn’t get the offer of a lifetime: To study and become a part of the exclusive Glittering Court. To make a ‘smart match’ with a wealthy Adorian from The New World. Follow her as she pretends to be Adelaide and fools everyone. Everyone except Cedric Thorn, the son of the rich owner of the Glittering Court. As their journey progresses, Adelaide realises there is more than what appears on the surface. Difficulties and obstacles appear when the rest of the Glittering Court finally arrives. However, the biggest challenge is what Cedric is hiding, which just might be the death of him.
Rating: 3.5/5
Level: Fairly easy
Age: 12+
Genre: Fantasy, YA, romance, dystopia, adventure
Opinion: As I write this, I have still not finished reading this series, but I simply have to recommend it for the summer. It is enchanting and easy to read, perfect for the days when the sun is shining brightly and you're sitting next to the beach. It isn’t hard nor a heavy read; it doesn’t have too many metaphors or purple prose. It’s relaxing, and although it doesn’t provoke strong feelings, it still makes me want to read more. From the first chapter, The Glittering Court had already captured my attention. The ending seems a little long, and I wish it quickened up a bit, however, the second and third books are even better and definitely worth reading!
9. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Alchemist Sydney Sage travels to the hot deserts of Palm Springs to protect Jill Dragomir, a Moroi and the only living relative of the 18-year-old vampire queen, after going rogue to help Dhampir Rose Hathaway recover her reputation. Sydney only intends to fix her career and accomplish this mission, but realises there is more to fix. Starting to have close relationships with the Moroi and Dhampirs, like Adrian Ivashkov, just makes her job more complicated. The Alchemist’s job is to handle them, but is usually disgusted by the vampires. Alchemists hate magic, which the Moroi can wield, but everything just complicates even more when Sydney realises she can perform magic too, and the beliefs she has held her entire life are challenged for the first time.
Rating: 4.6/5
Level: Fairly easy
Age: 12+
Genre: Romance, urban fantasy, dark fantasy, paranormal, magic
Opinion: This book is amazing and is one of my favourites. I love this book so much, and the characters are so lovable. It is easy to read and doesn’t require a lot of brain cells unless it is for processing why Richelle Mead could do this to us. It’s perfect for summer. I would have liked it more if the last two books were a little more unexpected like the rest of the series. It has no unnecessary parts, but some of it isn’t very interesting. Overall though, it was really great!
10. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard*
In this world, people are separated. It isn’t by race, sexuality, height, or religion but rather by blood. Mare Barrow is a normal Red. Poor, dirty, and distrustful. However, everything changes when she enters the Hall of the Sun to serve the Silvers, as she finds out that she possesses the power of the Silvers. She must pretend to be a Silver princess, and she goes further and further into the world of the rich. Mare encounters different people, including the contrasting Prince Cal and Maven, as well as the Scarlet Guard, the rebellion for the Reds. But meeting them isn’t all she does with them; Mare dances between betrayal, death, and romance.
Rating: 4.6/5
Level: Fairly easy
Age: 12+
Genre: YA, dystopia, romance, fiction, fantasy, magic
Opinion: I think that this book is great. The storyline is interesting and creative. The characters could be a little more developed, but nevertheless, they are lovable, and you can’t help but root for them. It isn’t difficult to read, but some details are a little too complicated because, like any made-up world, the locations and customs are fictional and unfamiliar. I wish the storyline could go a little faster because it has a really fascinating storyline, but it drags a little too much. Even though the age rating is 12+, I think it would be more enjoyable for older students. Reading this in the summer will give you enough time to process it, and even with all of its flaws, it is still a great book.
