Young Adult Books for August 2020
These fun filled reads have everything from witches to vampires to drag queens in this month's picks for young adults. Perfect for a good stay-in!
Wuthering Heights: A Retelling by Tanya Landman, Helen Crawford White
The night that Heathcliff, an unkempt orphan, arrives at the Heights, Cathy's life will change for ever but theirs will not be a happy love story. From a harsh childhood to a foolish marriage, a troubled path of pain and punishment lies ahead. Yet no matter how they suffer, they cannot stay apart for whatever souls are made of, Cathy's and Heathcliff's are the same. After all these years, will Cathy s ghost find the peace that life denied her?
Borrow Wuthering Heights: A Retelling →
The Challenger by Taran Matharu
In a realm of monsters and warriors, Cade is an unwilling contender in a deadly tournament controlled by the brutal alien overlord Abbadon. Cade may have won the first round but the fight isn't over yet. For his next battle he must duel a seven-foot-tall, clawed monster - the reigning champion of an alien race. Desperate for anything that may give him an advantage, Cade sets off on an expedition into the jungle to scavenge weaponry to help him win. But there he is captured by gladiators, and before he knows it he finds himself participating in a deadly new game where the prize is his freedom.
Second in The Contender series
Secrets of the Witch: An initiation into our history and our wisdom by Elsa Whyte
'Secrets of the Witch' is an essential guide to sorcery, or grimoire for the young witch. Discover the rich and troubled history, learn to read the symbols of witchcraft, reveal the magic of crystals and become familiar with the spellbinding lore of the witch.
A highly illustrated history and exploration of the culture of witches, delivered with a feminist slant
Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, 'Midnight Sun'. This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?
Boy Queen by George Lester
Life's a drag until you try. Robin Cooper's life is falling apart. While his friends prepare to head off to University, Robin is looking at a pile of rejection letters from drama schools up and down the country, and facing a future without the people he loves the most. Everything seems like it's ending, and Robin is scrabbling to find his feet. Unsure about what to do next and whether he has the talent to follow his dreams, he and his best friends go and drown their sorrows at a local drag show, where Robin realises there might be a different, more sequinned path for him. With a mother who won't stop talking, a boyfriend who won't acknowledge him and a best friend who is dying to cover him in glitter make up, there's only one thing for Robin to do: bring it to the runway!
Mad, bad & dangerous to know by Samira Ahmed
It is August in Paris and budding art historian Khayyam should be having the time of her life - but even in the City of Lights she can't stop worrying about the mess she left back home in Chicago. Only when she meets a cute young Parisian - who happens to be a distant relative of the novelist Alexandre Dumas - do things start to get interesting, as she starts to unveil the story of a 19th century Muslim woman whose path may have intersected with Dumas, Eugène Delacroix and Lord Byron. 200 years earlier in the Ottoman empire, Leila is the most favoured woman in the Pasha's harem. Her position is meant to be coveted; but she is struggling to survive as she fights to keep her true love hidden from her jealous captor. Echoing across centuries, as Khayyam uncovers the scintillating truth of Leila's long-forgotten life, her own destiny is transformed forever.
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FOXES by M.A. Bennett
Can Greer, Shafeen and Nel work out what Rollo de Warlencourt is planning for his deadly Boxing Day Hunt at Longcross in time to save Ty - who has now gone silent? Or will history horribly repeat itself? A thrilling, richly complex instalment in the 'S.T.A.G.S' series.
Third book in the STAGS series.
Heartbreak boys by Simon James Green
Jack and Nate find themselves dumped as their respective exes start up a new relationship together and start posting pics showing the world how fabulous their new life together is. Jack and Nate decide to make it look like they're having an even better time. But faking the best summer ever is harder than it looks!
Eight Pieces of Silva by Patrice Lawrence
Becks is into girls but didn't come out because she was never in. She lives with her mum, stepdad and 18-year-old Silva, her stepdad's daughter. Becks and Silva are opposites, but bond over their mutual obsession with K-pop. When Becks' mum and stepdad go on honeymoon to Japan, Becks and Silva are left alone. Except, Silva disappears. Becks ventures into the forbidden territory of Silva's room and finds the first of eight clues that help her discover her sister's secret life. Meanwhile, Silva is on a journey. A journey to make someone love her. He says he doesn't, but he's just joking. All she has to do is persuade him otherwise.