Top 3 YA Reads
The Blades of Acktar by Tricia Mingerink
Book in the series
Deal, Dare, Deny, Defy, Destroy, Deliver, Decree
Recommended Ages
15 and up
Profanity/Crude Language
There is a character that is said to curse under his breath, but you are not sure what words he said.
Romance
There are a few kissing scenes but nothing beyond kisses.
Spiritual
Christian aspects that mirror our world today
Violence
Filled with different fight scenes. A few executions. Torture but it does not go much into detail. Nothing over PG13.
Drugs
None
Personal recommendation
I would recommend this book to many of my friends as a fun read that will help you pass time and free you from the confines of your house. Renna is definitely my favorite character because I can connect to her the most. Like her when the trails and hard times come, I want to give in to the feeling that God cannot save me. I also feel stronger, like she did, after all the trials I go through. Many times, my faith is strengthened by the people around me. It is ridiculously hard to pick my favorite character though. Each of the characters is developed in a way that makes you fall in love with each and every one. Leith is another character that is my favorite. I love watching the way that his faith grows throughout the books. Its amazing seeing that Leith was never truly evil. Deep down he has always been really caring but when he became a Blade, he had to bury that part of him. I love the way that you see how Leith’s faith has matured. I love how he says, “When I get to Heaven, I want to remember every sin so I can thank Christ for saving me from each one of them.” This quote hit me hard because I never thought of all the scars and pain as a reminder of what the Lord has saved me from. This quote will always have a special place in my heart.
The Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L Knight
Book in the series
Half-blood, Resistance, The King’s Scrolls, Samara’s Peril, Bitter Winter, Lacy, Tyra
Recommended ages
15 and up
Profanity/crude language
In this series, there are characters that use harsh words towards others.
Romance/Sexual
Yes, there is one book in this series, called Lacy, that has a girl who works at a bar. It is said that she has given herself to many men but it does not go into detail.
Spiritual
As a Christian book, Knight writes about Elôm, a representation of God. Her stories are meant to point you to the truth found in the Bible about the one, true God.
Violence
In this book, the Christians are persecuted and they are at war.
Drug
In some of the books, the setting does take part in a bar.
Personal recommendation:
I would recommend this series to many of my friends as a fun read that will help you pass time and free you from the confines of your house. This series shows you that no matter what you have done you can come to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. That seems to be the over theme of these books, that you are never too far gone. My favorite would probably have to be Timothy because of the way that he gave his life resembles the way that the Lord gave it all for us.
The Giver Series by Lois Lowry
Books in the Series
The Giver, Messenger, Gathering Blue, Son
Recommended ages
11 and up
Profanity/crude language
None
Romance
As the medicine fades, Jonas becomes more aware of Fiona.
Spiritual
None
Violence
Jonas learns about how when people are “released” that they are murdering people for going against everyone else or not growing at the same pace as others.
Drug
When the kids in the community become of age, they are required to take a pill to prevent “stirrings” from happening.
Personal recommendation:
I enjoyed this series because of how it gives me a real sense of what the world can come to. We can convert to a world that everything is chosen for you; from your parents all the way to who you married. This is something that we do not see happen to us now but as newer drugs and technology come out we are filled with a sense that cannot choose your life but rather it is chosen for you. This is because there are so many ways that people suggest that you act and how you raise your children. In this series I really loved Jonas. I love seeing the scared boy turn into the person who helped remind everyone about how life used to be.