Five YA Series to Keep You Company in Quarantine

Am I the only one who has lost count of days during shelter-at-home? If you're like me, you have a zillion books in your TBR (to be read) pile, but there's something extra fun about picking up your favorite books and rereading them. Below, you'll find five of my favorite young adult series.

1. Beautiful Creatures series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl



If there was ever a series that captured my heart, it was this one. These two lovely writers tell the story of a magical girl and her nonmagical love. There are so many things for them to overcome and experience in their small southern town. If there was ever a movie that spoiled a book, it was by far this one, but for fun, you can always watch it after you've read your way through this series.


2. Princesses of the Midnight Ball series by Jessica Day George



I'm a huge fan of Jessica Day George. I love her writing style and the stories she chooses to tell. This series is perfect for those of us who love retelling and princesses. She manages to tell the stories we've all heard before in such a fun, new way. Who knew yarn was so useful? This series is perfect for just about everyone.


3. The Lost Heroes series by Rick Riordan



You've heard of Percy Jackson, but did you know that his story continues in The Lost Hero? I loved this series! There are so many new friends to meet, and new problems to solve (thanks a lot, Hera). If you like Greek Mythology-based stories or hilarious prose, this series is a must-read.


4. Wings series by Aprilynn Pike



If you like relatively nice fairies, this series is for you. It's your classic fairy baby gets raised by human parents, and now has to go back to learn the ways of the Fae. Aprilynn does a fabulous job of keeping things whimsical and interesting without making the protagonist so Fae-like that you feel disconnected from the story. This series is a lovely way to spend your safer-at-home time.


5. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas


The main character in this series is an assassin. She's clever, determined, and lethal. This series can be pretty intense at times, so it might not be the best read for younger readers. That being said, if you like powerful women protagonists, this will be right down your alley. This is one of those series that's hard to put down, so prepare for some late nights reading.


Have you read any of these series before? What did you think? Did I name a favorite of yours? Or do you have a series to recommend to us? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Either way, I hope you're all fairing well at home (or work if you're an essential employee). Until next time, happy reading!

Missing My Assassin by CJ Burright

For most people, November means Thanksgiving and family. For the writers, it might also be about Nano WriMo. For me, November also equals Assassin’s Creed. At least, it had for the last eight years.

 

I work full-time and write on the side, so my free time is nonexistent. But in 2007 for Christmas my fabulous hubby gave me a Playstation and the first Assassin’s Creed game. He’s smart. I love swords and all things medieval, so yep. I was hooked, and every year since, smart hubby brings me the newest Assassin’s Creed on release day, Christmas or not. For the month of November, chores are left undone. Writing slows to a snail crawl. Dinner? Grab a box of cereal, people.

Except for this year.

No new game. Ubisoft says, “It will be back when it’s ready.” People are guessing 2017, but all I know is…moping, whining, and longing to play an assassin. To be fair, fans aren’t completely let down. There’s a new Ezio collection out this week and an Assassin’s Creed movie out in December. Even so, I’m longing for my new game!

So, in honor of my Assassin’s Creed yearning, I'm celebrating a few of my favorite literary assassins.

Kylar Stern from the Night Angel series by Brent Weeks. I loved, loved, LOVED Kylar. We get to grow up with him, watch him change from starving street rat to the best assassin ever. Yet, he holds onto his compassion and honor somehow, and never stops hoping for a better future. The moment he finds love and realizes he’s accepted as is…sigh. This series is one of my all-time favorites.

Celaena from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. I haven’t read the entire series yet, but Celaena is one tough chickie. She’s survived a year of slavery in the salt mines and is selected to enter a competition to become the king’s assassin. She rocks. While she’s snarky and testy (understandably so), she still manages to see goodness in the people she once thought of as enemies, and she’s not afraid to fight for the people she cares for. Another assassin with honorable shards. Must be a theme. J

Vitala Salonius from Assassin’s Gambit by Amy Raby. Vitala was also groomed from childhood to become an assassin. She believes in her cause and will do whatever it takes for the resistance to gain the upper hand. She’s smart, talented, and doesn’t believe in love…until her target knocks her socks off. Nothing better than an assassin falling for her target.

So there are three of my favorite assassins. Who’s your favorite, and if you’re an Assassin’s Creed fan feeling the pain, please feel free to join in my woe.