The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Renegades is a YA science fiction novel by New York Times' Bestselling Author Marissa Meyer. The first in a series, Renegades tells the story of Nova and Adrian, two teenagers with extraordinary abilities and secret identities. Nova, also known as Nightmare, the niece of a well-known Anarchist, hates the Renegades. Her one mission in life: to take them down. Especially their newest member, the Sentinel. Adrian, also known as the Sentinel, is the adopted son of the two most famous Renegades. He's also on a mission: to find the true identity of Nightmare.  Sex: None. There are some flirty scenes and Adrian was adopted by two dads, but romance isn't a huge aspect of this book. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several battle scenes, fights, and deaths. Final Note: This series is going to be amazing! I couldn't put this book down. Marissa Meyer is a phenome...

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   The Road to Ever After is a middle grade fiction novel by Moira Young. Davy David loves drawing pictures of angels. He's an orphan and too poor for pencil and paper, so he uses a broom to sweep his pictures into the dust. When the local minister, Reverend Fall, decides that he's had enough of Davy's art, he makes it his own personal mission to run Davy out of town. Luckily for Davy, he meets the elderly Miss Elizabeth Flint. She hires him to drive her to her childhood home, so that she can die on her own terms on Christmas Day. But there are more adventures on the open road than they expect. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: Miss Flint drinks a few times and lets Davy try a sip of something as well. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Miss Flint intends to kill herself. The local boys meanly destroy Davy's home. Death is a main topic. Final Note: This was an eerie, but interesting, book. It...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Wizards of Once is the latest middle grade novel by Cressida Cowell, the author of the How to Train Your Dragon series. Wizards and warriors have always been taught to hate each other. The wizards stay in the forbidden Badwoods and the warriors live in their iron castle. But when Xar, a wizard, and Wish, the warrior queen's daughter, meet each other in the woods, they find that they must work together to fight the one thing everyone is afraid of: witches. Sex: None. Language: None. Xar uses his own cursing. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few suspenseful scenes and battles, but nothing too over the top. Final Note: This book was cute, but it wasn't my favorite. It would be a good stepping stone for younger readers who are showing an interest in things like Harry Potter , but who aren't quite old or mature enough for that particular series.

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Orphan Island is a middle grade fantasy novel by Laurel Snyder. Nine children live on a perfect island. Everything is wonderful and nothing ever changes, except one day a year. On this day, a boat arrives, carrying a new young child. The children on the island take the new boy or girl in, and the oldest child on the island leaves in the boat, never to be seen again. Where does the boat go? Where does it come from? No one knows and no one seems to wonder, except Jinny. When it's Jinny's turn to leave, she decides she doesn't want to go. But will the island stay perfect if she doesn't follow the rules?  Sex: There is no sex, but a character starts her period and this is something parents need to be aware of in case they haven't had that discussion with their child. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few frightening scenes and a few instances where kids a...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Apprentice Witch is a middle grade fantasy novel by James Nicol. When Arianwyn flunks her witch's assessment, she's sent to the town of Lull as an apprentice. Arianwyn is worried that she'll never become a real witch, but when she arrives in Lull, she finds that there are plenty of things requiring her assistance. Along the way, she makes many friends, both human and magical. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are a few attacks and scary scenes. Arianwyn's mother died when she was young. Final Note: I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! It was included in an Owlcrate Jr. box. I've been making my way through the Owlcrate Jr. books and this one did NOT disappoint! A wonderful fantasy book for middle grade readers, this novel also has great lessons regarding friendship and believing in yourself!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! York: The Shadow Cipher is a middle grade science fiction mystery novel by Laura Ruby. The Morningstarr twins had big plans for New York. Using technology never before seen, they created the city of the future. But when they suddenly disappear, the architects leave behind something called the Old York Cipher, a puzzle within the city with a treasure as its prize. Unfortunately, no one has ever been able to solve it, and most people have stopped trying. Until now. Siblings Tess and Theo, and their friend Jamie, decide to try to solve the Cipher once and for all, and save the city and buildings they love so much. (This is Book One in a new series!) Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several suspenseful scenes and they are some seedy violent characters. There is nothing too graphic. It's all to add to the sense of adventure. Final Note: This is going to be a...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The latest novel by the bestselling author of Divergent , Carve the Mark is a YA fantasy book by Veronica Roth. Cyra lives in a universe where everyone is connected by the current. Her brother is a ruthless leader and Cyra is forced to use her current gift however he deems fit. Akos comes from a different part of the galaxy. Born into a family of prophets, he is later kidnapped along with his brother and whisked away to the land of Shotet, where Cyra resides. Although they are supposed to be enemies, Cyra and Akos are able to form an unlikely friendship. Will their bond be strong enough to face Cyra's brother and rescue Akos' brother as well?  Sex: It is alluded to, but there are no graphic scenes. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: There are some drugs used, but they are fictionalized and particular to this series. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are many fights and deaths in this book. Final Note: I w...

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth is a middle grade science fiction novel by Frank Cottrell Bryce. Prez has just come to live with the Blythes when Sputnik, claiming to be his relative, but who is really from outer space, arrives at the door. Everyone besides Prez sees Sputnik as a dog. Soon, adventure and chaos ensue as Sputnik and Prez begin writing Ten Things Worth Doing on Earth, a book to keep Earth from being destroyed.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Lots of adventure and a little suspense, but nothing too scary. Final Note: This was a wonderful science fiction novel for middle grade readers! Prez and Sputnik are characters unlike anything I've read before. Both boys and girls will enjoy this story!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! Me and Marvin Gardens is a middle grade fiction novel by Amy Sarig King. Obe Devlin's family has had their farm taken over by developers. The only thing Obe has left is the creek. He doesn't even have his best friend Tommy anymore.Tommy found new friends when the development kids moved in. One day, Obe spots a creature that is unlike anything he's ever seen or read about before. He names him Marvin Gardens and the creature becomes his best friend. But when something strange starts to happen, Obe must decide if he can share his secret. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is some bullying and fist fighting. Final Note: This book was super cute! I recently read Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere and this book was pretty similar, but with a deeper story line. I think middle school boys and girls will really enjoy this unique novel!

Purchase this book on Amazon here! The Black Pearl is a middle grade fiction novel by Scott O'Dell. It won a Newbery Honor in 1967. Ramon has always followed in his father's footsteps. Now he's sixteen years old and learning all about the pearl business. His dream is to find the biggest pearl of all. But when his dreams seem to come true, disaster strikes.  Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several deaths. Ramon is threatened with violence by another character. There are also a couple of suspenseful scenes with sea creatures.  Final Note: I've been working my way through the Newbery winners and honor books for several years now. I've come to find that age doesn't matter. A lot of these Newbery books, no matter how old, are still absolutely wonderful. This book was a quick read but still full of adventure. If young and middle grade readers can look past the old cover, I...

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   Siren Sisters is a junior fiction novel by Dana Langer. Lolly's sisters are different from most girls. Instead of spending their nights sleeping, they are often called to the ocean to sing ships to their destruction. On her thirteenth birthday, Lolly will fully become a siren as well. But what if that isn't the life she wants? Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several deaths. It's a known fact that the sisters sing for ships to crash, but the scenes aren't super graphic. Final Note: I've read several books about sirens this year. This was the first junior fiction one I've read and it wasn't my favorite, but it was still pretty good. My biggest complaint is that the ending seemed rushed. But overall, Lolly was a very likeable character and the story was interesting. 

RoseBlood is a YA fantasy novel by A.G. Howard. It was inspired by The Phantom of the Opera. Rune Germain has the voice of an angel. But every time she sings, she becomes physically ill. When her aunt arranges to send her to RoseBlood, a French arts conservatory, Rune is terrified because of the building's links to the Phantom. Can she learn to control her voice and discover the truth about the Phantom? Sex: While there's no actual sex, there are many very sensual scenes. Language:I don't remember any bad language. If there was, it was mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Just a very strange Rave experience. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The entire book is very suspenseful, mysterious, and frightening. Final Note: I'm not going to lie. I didn't enjoy this book at all. Although I'm a Phantom of the Opera Fan, the twists in this book were just too far-fetched for me to enjoy. Teens who enjoy fantasy will either love or hate this book.

The Siren is a YA fiction novel by Kiera Cass, the author of The Selection series. Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean in exchange for 100 years of servitude as a Siren. Kahlen makes it 80 years before the unthinkable happens: she falls in love. What can she do? And what will the Ocean do when she discovers the truth? Sex: There are no sex scenes, but sex is discussed and implied. Language: I don't recall any strong language. Drug/Alcohol Use: Minor drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The Sirens sing people to their death to feed the Ocean. This affects the main character, Kahlen, very deeply. Final Note: This book was completely different than the Selection series, but still very enjoyable. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. A very interesting take on sirens, especially after reading Daughter of the Pirate King.

Soundless is a YA fantasy novel by Richelle Mead. For as long as Fei can remember, no one in her village could hear. But now, it seems as though people are losing their sight as well. When Fei suddenly regains the ability to hear sounds, she and a friend decide to finally descend the mountain and seek help for their village. But what they find isn't what they expected. Sex: None. There is some mild kissing but nothing more. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: One scene of mild drinking. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several suspenseful scenes and deaths. Final Note: This was such an interesting concept! I'm not sure if this will have a sequel. I think it could stand alone or lead to other stories. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, but overall, it was a good book to read. I think both upper middle school and high school lovers of fantasy will enjoy this novel. 

The Star Thief is a junior fantasy novel by Lindsey Becker. Honorine is an orphan and a maid for the Vidalia family. One night, she follows a mysterious girl with wings outside and finds herself swept away into the world of constellations. Stuck in the middle of a battle, Honorine struggles to decide who to trust and defend. Along the way, she discovers many new things about herself and her true potential. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There are several suspenseful fight scenes throughout and some frightening creatures near the end. Final Note: This is a great book for kids who enjoy fantasy. Honorine and her friend Francis are both strong and likeable characters. There's just enough action and adventure to keep it interesting.

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book is a YA fantasy novel by Jennifer Donnelly. A retelling of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Lost in a Book tells the story of Belle as she adventures through the Beast's library. When she finds a book called Nevermore, Belle discovers that she can enter the book and escape the prison of the Beast's castle. But fantasy is not always better, and sometimes things are not quite what they seem. Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Several suspenseful scenes near the end of the book, but nothing too scary. Final Note: This was a delightful addition to the Beauty and the Beast story! It kept all of the well loved aspects and added a special spin to Belle. It was interesting to read Belle's perspective and feelings about her captivity and how she started to love the Beast.

Heartless is a YA fantasy novel by New York Times' bestselling author Marissa Meyer. It is an Alice in Wonderland retelling - but it's not what you would think. Catherine has her future all planned out. She's going to open a bakery with her best friend and be the most successful baker in all of Hearts. But when the King of Hearts sets his sights on Cath for marriage, she can see her plans quickly slipping away. Cath's situation is further complicated when she meets the handsome Jest. Will she be able to have the life she so desires? Or will she become the Queen of Hearts? Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: There is a frightening monster, the Jaberwock, that attacks from time to time. Several characters die. Final Note: I LOVED THIS BOOK. I cannot express how amazing this book is! Marissa Meyer did an amazing job putting her own spin on the world of Wonderland. I'm really hoping she'll write som...

Flawed and Perfect are the two books in a YA dystopian duology by Cecelia Ahern. Celestine North has a wonderful life. Her parents have the best jobs, she's extremely well-liked, and she's dating the popular Art Crevan. In a society where anyone who makes a mistake is considered Flawed, Celestine seems like perfection. But when she makes an instinctive decision that breaks the rules, Celestine is faced with life-changing consequences. Sex: Celestine is intimate in the second novel. It's not graphic, but readers will know it happened. Also, the Flawed are forced into immodest attire as part of a punishment in one later scene. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mild. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: These are very suspenseful books. People who are Flawed are branded with an 'F' on their body. The location of the brand depends on the flaw. Several characters must go into hiding and several people are abused and harmed. Final Note: I loved this ser...

Bless This Mouse is a junior fiction novel by Newbery Award winning author Lois Lowry. A rather large group of mice call St. Francis their home. Led by Mouse Mistress Hildegarde, their biggest fear is the Great X, also known as the exterminator. When some of the church mice are discovered, the Great X is called. Armed with bravery and quick wit, the church mice face their foe and hope to save their home Sex: None. Language: None. Drug/Alcohol Use: None. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: The church mice fear for their lives. There are a few suspenseful situations, but nothing terrible. Final Note: This book is so cute! The mice are just as endearing as Despereaux from Kate DiCamillo's novel. The story is set in a Catholic church and it's the perfect atmosphere for this mouse colony. I think kids in early-mid elementary would really enjoy this book.

The Elite and The One are YA fiction novels by Kiera Cass. Books two and three in the Selection Series, The Elite and The One continue the story of America and her fight for Prince Maxon's heart. Sex: There are no explicit scenes, but there are a few moments of intimacy between characters in both books. Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Mild. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Several deaths over the course of the two books. The rebels often attack and those scenes are suspenseful. Final Note: I'm still really enjoying this series! I have a couple of books left to finish, but so far I've been pleased. These books are definitely for older teenagers, but it shows the romantic aspects without being too terribly steamy or detailed. The story line is very intriguing as well.