Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2024) Featured Review: A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgen

  • A Door in the Dark
  • by Scott Reintgen
  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
  • Release date: March 28, 2023
  • ISBN: 9781665918688

Working class wizard, Ren Monroe, does her best at Balmerick University to prove her magic prowess so she can be recruited for a career in one of the major houses. When a portal spell malfunctions, she is transported with five other students to dangerous wilderness days from home, and must survive with her unlikely companions who are telling lies and keeping secrets.

A Door in the Dark is action-packed, with a “don’t trust anyone” vibe that makes for a suspenseful, engaging read. Ren is a well-developed main character, with a unique voice and her own motivations that create new twists as the stories of her companions are slowly revealed.

This title is perfect for teen readers who want accessible fantasy where worldbuilding is peppered in while the action is already going.  Readers who enjoy thrillers like One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus will appreciate this adventure full of backstabbing and lies, with plenty of magic and monster fighting as well. A large cast of relatable, vibrant characters will appeal to fans of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.

-Emily Williams

The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.

Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten.
The Best Fiction for Young Adults Committee appreciates teen feedback as members evaluate the nominated titles. Teen librarians are encouraged to share the List of Potential Nominees under consideration with their patrons and solicit feedback using the link: https://bit.ly/BFYA24TeenFB

Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2021) Nominees Round Up, December 11 Edition

Click here to see all of the current Best Fiction for Young Adults nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly Book Cover
Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly

Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly
Scholastic Press 
Publication Date: October 20, 2020
ISBN: 978-1338268492

Her whole life, Sophia was told by everyone that her soft heart made her weak. After losing her heart to the queen’s huntsman (who also narrates the story), she gets a clockwork replacement from the seven men of the woods, and begins a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she gains some unlikely alliances, who all help her see that kindness and empathy have a power of their own.

In this feminist retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, characters are often not what they first appear: a frighteningly large spider proves to be a gentle chef, a charming prince may be a heartless opportunist, and a wicked queen is a female ruler trying to hold her own in a world dominated by powerful men. Sophia grows from a browbeaten princess in need of rescuing to one who recognizes her own worth and figures out how to save not only herself but her entire kingdom.

Continue reading Best Fiction for Young Adults (#BFYA2021) Nominees Round Up, December 11 Edition

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2021) Nominees Round Up, June 2 Edition

Click here to see all of the current Quick Picks nominees along with more information about the list and past years’ selections.

Ashlords by Scott Reintgen
Crown Books for Young Readers / Penguin Random House
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
ISBN: 978-0593119174

Scott Reintgen, author of the Nyxia series, returns with the first title of a new duology. This action-packed fantasy thriller shadows three competitors through their journey in the Races: a fierce multi-day competition where eleven riders of phoenix horses must use cunning, alchemy, and riding skill to emerge victorious, bringing riches and glory to their people as Champion.

Continue reading Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2021) Nominees Round Up, June 2 Edition