Book Recommendations by Esther Jung (Year 12)
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” and “Heroes of Olympus” series - Rick Riordan
Perhaps you’ve watched the movie. Maybe that’s put you off Percy Jackson, and honestly, I don’t blame you (it was pretty bad. VERY BAD). But I stand by my principle that the book is better than the movie. These books will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s a perfect blend of humour, grim adventure, fantasy and friendship! It had me hooked (and laughing!) from start to finish; Riordan has a spectacular way of writing that makes his books accessible and suitable for all age groups. Percy Jackson is also a very fun introduction to the wonderful (and at many times, weird) world of Greek mythology! So many reasons to pick up this AMAZING book series (and any other of Riordan’s works)!
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Humour
Perfect for: Everyone
Alice Miranda series - Jacqueline Harvey
I don’t have much to say about this book (mostly because I read it back in primary, so I don’t remember much). It’s cute, with a very lovable heroine. She goes on adventures, wrangles people (both willing and unwilling) into her ever-growing friend group, and solves mysteries. It’s generally just a fun time, with relatable characters and exciting plots. It’s a great book for those of you who want something short, sweet and fluffy.
Genre: Children’s literature
Perfect for: Year 7
Dragonkeeper series - Carole Wilkinson
Although I read this back in primary school, Dragonkeeper is a lovely book that can be read by anyone. It is a coming of age story of self-discovery that is refreshingly delivered with beautiful descriptions and captivating storylines. It is heartwarming in its depiction of struggle and friendship, with fantastic characters and mythology that solidify Dragonkeeper as a great read.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Perfect for: Year 7
The Throne of Glass series - Sarah J Maas
One of my all-time favourite series! There’s never a dull moment, especially with the heroine. Instead, it’s just plot twist after plot twist as Celeana pulls through with the craziest plans. You’ll be reaching for the next book the moment you’ve finished the previous one, thoroughly invested in this unique, thrilling blend of adventure, murder (because assassins… y’know?), romance and scheming!
Perfect for: 14+
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic - Leigh Bardugo
The Language of Thorns is a compilation of re-imagined fairytales, myth and folklore, beautifully written, delightfully dark and hauntingly characterised by Bardugo. I love everything about this book, from the way it’s written, to the actual stories and to the clever, stunning illustrations that border each page. Bardugo’s version of these fairytales are guided by a sense of dissatisfaction with traditional fairytales, by the acute sense that no one is who they seem to be, that maybe the villain isn’t the villain, that the love of a prince isn’t everything. I could go on and on about this book, but you need to read it to understand the magic and timeless wonder found within each word, sentence and page.
Genre: Fantasy
Perfect for: 13+
The Infernal Devices series - Cassandra Clare
Cassandra Clare’s witty writing and fantastic characterisation makes this series a very enjoyable read. It’s set in the same world as The Mortal Instruments (but you don’t need to have read that to understand this series) and it centres around Tessa Gray, William Herondale and James Carstairs as it explores the workings of the London Institute and the threats that they face. You’ll be rooting for all the characters as they face their own demons -- and that’s a pun (you know if you know ;) ) -- thoroughly immersed in Clare’s amazing, vivid world and character building.
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Romance
Perfect for: 13+
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
Classics can be intimidating. They’re long, and made longer still by the fancy, flowery prose that they’re renowned for. However, Austen’s witty, playful voice makes Pride and Prejudice a delightful read as she introduces you to bickering families, sweeping romance and the juicy gossip of the reserved 18th century. Its sly satire and humorous musings leave you grinning, and the clumsy declarations of love by one Mr Darcy gives you a dose of second-hand embarrassment that grounds this romance into a more realistic, endearing depiction (somewhat reminiscent of more contemporary romance books). The best part of this novel is undoubtedly our heroine, Elizabeth. She’s funny, headstrong, intelligent and witty, and honestly a breath of fresh air within the classical literary landscape. So, if you’re looking to get into classics, Pride and Prejudice is perfect!
Genre: Classic, Romance
Perfect for: Those of you up for a challenge
Animal Farm - George Orwell
You may have heard of this book, and it might seem kind of daunting; it’s political, with a heaping of human morality and a side serving of historical parallels. Good news: it’s short. Each simple sentence of Orwell’s 112-page novella carries a hefty weight as he delivers a clever, satirical allegory around Soviet totalitarianism and human society as a whole. Using animals, Orwell portrays the stages of revolution and the cyclical return to oppressive rule, just under a different face of power, and weighs the meaning of equality within a corrupt society. Animal Farm is concise, comprehensive and compelling in its exploration of humanity, but it’s also a great read. (It’s also pretty historical, and an easy way to learn about communism, the reasons for its failure and the role of key historical figures in Soviet history -- killing two birds with one stone!). Handy tip: it’s also a great related text for those of you in senior year!
Genre: Dystopian
Perfect for: 14+ (but really, anyone who’s interested)
The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give is well-written, emotionally-charged and unputdownable, but most importantly, it sends a powerful, potent message about hate and racism. It’s emotional, it’s real and it’s so very, very eye-opening. The Hate U Give doesn’t sugarcoat, and rightfully so. You’ll be angry, you’ll be outraged because this is a book about the presence of injustice and the justification of injustice within this society. However, it’s also a beautifully heartwarming and heartbreaking story of family, dimensional in its portrayal of relationships and its unapologetic sociopolitical commentary. The Hate U Give is bound to leave you with something; an emotion, a thought, a reflection, an understanding.
Genre: YA
Perfect for: 15+
And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None is a nightmarish murder mystery and a provocative psychological thriller that leaves you on the edge of your seat. The premises for this novel are harrowing; 10 strangers are invited to spend a weekend at a solitary mansion via an unusual invitation with an absent host. The only connection between them is a haunting past that they are unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. Christie imbues And Then There Were None with a psychological depth, and as such the best part of this non-traditional mystery novel is the importance of WHY rather than WHO, making it a page-turning and grimly intriguing read.
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Crime
Perfect for: 15+
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