ERIC’S INTO SNUFF: A Young Adult Bloody Love Story (Tales of Screams and Blood Book 3)

Her story is already a legend. Halloween masks floating down that same river the kids jump into. But just as one slaughter is not enough for Billie Jean, our masked killer, one victory is not enough for Lindsay. In the field of country noir—the dark side of rural and small-town America—Lansdale staked his claim to East Texas with The Nightrunners. She must visit a man confined to a high-security facility for the criminally insane and interview him. Hannibal Lecter, is a former psychiatrist with unusual tastes and an intense curiosity about the darker corners of the mind.

When their car breaks down in the middle of the seediest part of the inner city, a group of teenagers take refuge in an abandoned row house. But its not abandoned at all. The inhabitants are a family of mutated madmen who dont take kindly to intruders. Many people have a hobby that verges on obsession. Welcome to Hopkins Bend. A place where outsiders are tortured, raped, and eaten. Where local law enforcement runs a sex trafficking ring.

And the woods hold even more monstrous secrets. Today four unlucky travelers will end up in Hopkins Bend. If they want to ever get out alive they will have to become just as vicious and violent as their pursuers. Alfred Hitchcock too was captivated, and turned the book into one of the most-loved classic films of all time the year after it was released. Norman Bates loves his Mother. She has been dead for the past twenty years, or so people think.

Norman knows better though. He has lived with Mother ever since leaving the hospital in the old house up on the hill above the Bates motel. One night Norman spies on a beautiful woman that checks into the hotel as she undresses. Mother is there though.

She is there to protect Norman from his filthy thoughts. She is there to protect him with her butcher knife. Lisa was looking forward to spending time alone with her husband-and telling him that they are going to have a baby. Instead, it becomes a nightmare when her husband is arrested and Lisa is kidnapped. They want Lisa herself. What they have in mind for Lisa is unspeakable. They plan to torture and murder her as graphically and brutally as possible, and to capture it all on film. Now a new generation of readers will ask — how far would you go to survive?

A century ago it was an exclusive resort hotel. Now, after twenty-five years of rumors and ghost stories, the overgrown grounds are showing signs of being tended. The building itself has been repaired. Castle House has new occupants. What was once a haven for the elite is now a madhouse, a private asylum for pregnant women.

But are all the patients really insane? And is it just a coincidence that people have begun to disappear from the nearby town? Rockford and his house of secrets. He will learn the meaning of the red X painted on the basement door…and he will know the ultimate fear, the horror of… THE 13TH.

Get A Copy

When eight people go on a cruise in the Bahamas, they plan to swim, sunbathe and relax. Getting shipwrecked is definitely not in the script. Now if he goes to his colleagues for help, he risks being arrested for murder. Ray, Tim, and Jennifer were just three teenage friends hanging out in the campgrounds, drinking a little. Then they saw what he did to the two girls at the neighboring campsite—and knew he was dead serious.

Four years later, the 60s were drawing to a close. No one ever charged Ray with the murders in the campgrounds, but there was one cop determined to make him pay. Ray figured he was in the clear. Tim and Jennifer thought the worst was behind them, that the horrors were all in the past. The worst was yet to come.

A teenage girl is held captive and brutally tortured by neighborhood children. Based on a true story, this shocking novel reveals the depravity of which we are all capable. Roxie is the goth girl of your dreams. This book had the potential to finish off a well rounded and well written series that could have became my favorite series of all time. However, the ending of this book went against everything I stand for in my fictional realm of la la land.

I mean that's why I read so many romance books, because I want to escape too la la land every night for an hour or two. Everyday I wake up and go through case after case of crazy mofos killing and abusing and hurting I was very invested in these characters. So, when I escape to la la land at night I expect a happy freaking ending, no matter how unrealistic, I don't care how you have to do it. It's a fictional realm of romance for crying out loud!

I loved every single moment of the first two books and all of the third book except the end. These characters are dysfunctional enough, they had enough drama to write twenty books, so killing a MC added very little to the book in my opinion. That being said, I can't allow death into my romance la la land, there is already enough sad crap in everyday life.

All in all, the low rating has nothing to do with the book nor author, it has everything to do with a personal preference. Before this book I would have auto-bought this author, now I must hunt down spoilers to make sure MCs are still alive at the end. It's a sad day when another must buy favorite author bits the dust into the land of maybe authors.

Don't kill off MCs folks, it's not cool and the only people that can get away with it was the writer and director of Titanic. Nov 03, Diana's rated it it was amazing Shelves: Sooo bitter-sweet but I wouldn't change a thing.. I've waited three days to allow myself time to regroup and accept the events in this book. I don't think I could have predicted a tenth of the events in this series finale even with a gypsy tarot card reader!

TDD picks up where book 2 ended, Nikki and Eric's breakup. Those two are so miserable without each other. They're destructive together and even more so apart. Eric literally goes off the deep end. He's back on a rampage Nikki is still searching for Ethan, the sensitiv I've waited three days to allow myself time to regroup and accept the events in this book. Nikki is still searching for Ethan, the sensitive loving guy who existed before he became cold and dark Eric.

After all, they both have something to live for now. Nikki is willing to keep things under wraps until Eric agrees to counseling. Of the three books in the series, TDD is the most revealing, the most dramatic. This story will exploit every emotion you possess. This story will tie you up in knots and painfully wring every tear you possess. This story especially the end will gut you and will force you to question whether destiny and soul mates truly exist. You will question if the ultimate sacrifice is worth the debilitating pain that will most certainly follow if such a sacrifice truly exists.

Is it acceptable for one part of the soul to make a decision of such a magnitude that would surely cripple the entire soul for the greater good? Readers, I can only say prepare yourself to question every illusion you've ever encountered , read about, or witnessed in the finicky subject of love and obsession.

This series displays one of the most emotionally graphic displays of love, obsession, and physical interdependence I've ever read. This three book series is beautifully dark, beautifully written and is one of my favorite. Five gazillion emotional, sexy, obsessive, stars!

Nov 22, Jennifer Gauthier rated it it was amazing Shelves: Dark, twisted, loving to the bitter end. What a hell of a ride, Courtney has taken me on. I received some pretty strange looks. The roller coaster of emotions I felt while reading the conclusion of Dr. Eric and Nikki's story was amazing.

There were quit a few times I had to just walk away from the Kindle. Both characters in my opinion grow so much in this conclusion. However, read the warnings if you are looking for a beautiful romantic ending, think again. Nothing is as it seems. This book has left me in such a hangover, I need more Dr. God I love that man Oct 22, Fre06 Begum rated it did not like it. I respect the author for her writing this book but for me as a reader who was severely invested with Eric and Nikki this ending was not how I wanted it to go, I loved the first book and just feel so let down!

Mar 10, Terri rated it it was amazing Shelves: This story was brilliantly executed from start to finish. The writing was mesmerizing. Nikki and Eric have a journey like no other filled with layers upon layers and many twists and turns. I was given an ARC from the Author for honest review. This is one hell of a ride and such an explosive and bittersweet ending to an amazing series. One of my all time series and it will stay with me for a long time to come. If you do go ahead and read this it is not a standalone. Nov 03, Elissa rated it it was amazing.

Everything you could ask for in the crazy world of Dr. Eric Benton and Nikki was captured in this series finale. Once I found out this would be a series I tried, I really did to just ignore it. Well the more I could ask for is found in this book! I can't believe me, who loves the tidy little Ci Everything you could ask for in the crazy world of Dr. I can't believe me, who loves the tidy little Cinderella endings would be okay. You know what though? I was more than okay. I was torn, distraught, hurt, and when I turned that last page, I was sorrowful yet somehow I was healed.

No one else can do this folks. Honestly, how do you take a horrid man and pair him with a broken woman and find out everything ends just as it should be. As my book friend Emma stated "the perfect ending to an imperfect couple. Nov 03, Cat G. I still have yet to come down off the emotional high I got from it. Please read the warning before going through with this book and enter at your own risk.

Now that I've said that, I couldn't even begin to imagine what she had in store for us with all the angst, emotions and twists that she gave us. She had me doubting my feelings for Eric then turned around to make me doubt everything I had learned with all the secrets that Eric and Nikki had been keeping. He is still one of my favorite characters though after taking this journey with him.

I was blown away by all the answers we finally got and then the ending of this book. This just proves to me why I love Courtney and her work so much. This is a must read if you think you can handle a great mess with your mind type of series. Feb 14, Tanaka K rated it it was amazing Shelves: Really was beyond amazing and I enjoyed it so much. It was dark, disturbing and wow a total mindfuck. Had me on the edge snd guessing a lot. Not everything was what it seems. It was fantastically and beautiful written and I praise Courtney Lane. Oct 21, Julz marked it as to-read. After the shocking ending of book 2 this one is an epic story of manipulation, perceptions and misdirection.

The player's hand are all set "I'm so tired of feeling like I'm standing in the middle of a high security insane asylum, surrounded by deranged assholes who behave as if they are in full control of their mental facilities when I'm the sanest one there.

The player's hand are all set to be revealed yet the results are not the expected! Nikki commences her journey to recovery, forcing herself to go cold turkey she does the unexpected and seeks help from a therapist to unlock her secrets. Through her sessions she starts to remember. Things she was meant to forget. The pieces come together and Nikki becomes clear in her directives although she is lost in a game of cat and mouse that commenced many years ago. A product of nature or nature, is Nikki and Eric the culmination of their upbringing or their genetics?

Eric is overwhelmed by the game he choose to play, no longer able to rely on his senses rheostat manipulator has lost his edge as he did the one thing he never thought he was capable of and fell in love. Like a puppet on a string he reacts to every jerk with immense repercussions, his actions leave irreparable damage Stuck in the middle of a power play, nothing as moral as good and evil, more like various shades of dark Nikki and Eric are pawns in a bigger game.

Unaware of their tangled past and the warring factors that rightly or wrongly brought them together they must complete their parts to fruition. Sadly not everyone gets what they deserve and the ending was magnificent in its unexpectedness. This story is filled with suspense and intrigue, providing many answers but always creating more. As always Courtney Lane delivers an impassioned volatile love story that encompasses the darker side of human nature and explores the depths of evil we are willing to partake in for further development of our own fortunes.

Never one to shy away from sensitive subjects this story is making no excuses for the characters behaviour or trying to justify it either which is totally refreshing to read. Nikki becomes someone better by the end of this story, her pain was her path to finding peace. I thoroughly enjoyed this series, the writing style, plot line and characters. Amazing and slightly awed. A five star freaking marvellous read. Nov 24, Melissa Mendoza rated it it was amazing. It was a kiss that made my knees weak and stirred up things inside me I thought were dormant.

He separated slightly from our kiss, permitting me the time to swallow down the sob that tempted to spill forth and ruin everything. Ugh what an ending!!! A lot of questions are answered in this book and loose ends are tied up nicely. I loved this journey that we go on with Nikki and Eric, it was dark, twisted and beyond words really! I love a great dark series, and I will say that this book is beyond that! It takes you on an emoitonal journey and has twists at every corner. ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club Dec 14, Eva Mcfarden rated it really liked it. Nikki and the baby are in danger. Eric must keep control of himself and the chaos that has started. Nikki can only watch as her life unravels as Eric slowly looses his path, if only for just a second. That second is all she needs to see what she must do to save her baby and Ethan.

The past has been revealed, the lies, the secrets all entwine as the past collides with the present and will destroy the future. Eric must play the part in which to save 4. Eric must play the part in which to save Nikki, but with him the control is beginning to bring him to his knees.

The Starkest Truth

Their enemies are all around them and making great strides to take everything away. Nikki knows what must be done to save her destiny, along with her family. Self sacrifice, seeing the future of her family, the love of her life, Ethan and now their baby is the only thing that Nikki can see. This love story is full of darkness, secrets, lies, betrayal, survival, heartache, but a love so deep that the end is the means for their love to survive. Disturbing but yet addictive. I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end and when I did, I was completely numb.

So much emotion and feelings through the whole series. Faint of heart should be careful with this read. A perfectly, perfect, fucked up twisted ending to a wild ride. My ticker took one for the team with this book, my heart racing and pounding as pages flew by. This book hits close to home I understand mental illness and I understand the writers need for the perspectives she was able to give. It's a sick twisted world we live in and not all things are shiny and perfect, but can still be beautiful. I couldn't flip through pages fast enough.

• At Home in Nature - Vol. 1: Cacti (At Home in Nature - A Users Guide).
• Wild Love [Werewolves of Forever, Texas 1] (Siren Publishing Menage Everlasting)!
• The Darkest Descension;
• The Best Slasher Horror Books.

Book 3 f A perfectly, perfect, fucked up twisted ending to a wild ride. Book 3 felt more on pace to the way I felt in book 1. While book 2 had its peaks and had lots of important information. I didn't feel the rush and urge quite the same as I did with books 1 and 3. Recommended audience would be those who love a wild ride, an I perfect perfect.

I would warn of the 18 and older warning, take heed to all the earning the author has posted! This book is a complete rollercoaster of emotions!! The plot twists a were unpredictable and unforgettable and even though they made my heart all beoken,msome healed it from the first heartbreak fro WOW!! The plot twists a were unpredictable and unforgettable and even though they made my heart all beoken,msome healed it from the first heartbreak from The Sordid Promise!

With an ending like the one in The Darkest Descension I have to say Courtney Lane have talent! Not many authors would be brave enough to do what shw did here! View all 4 comments. Nov 21, Thai Holman rated it it was amazing. Unfortunate events launch her into a career as a mercenary, aided by Kethry, who introduces her to her magical sword, and her friend Tarma, a retired mercenary.

Her mentors are amazing, turning her into a deadly weapon. Kerowyn's mind is as sharp as her sword, and has a need to be self-sufficient and free. While this is technically 9 in the Valdemar universe, it is written as a stand-alone and it really is as self-sufficient as its protagonist is marvelous.

It's a great place to introduce yourself to the very prolific Mercedes Lackey. By the Sword stays true to typical Lackey style including incredibly noble people in an incredibly ignoble land, and intelligent, complicated romance. It is one of the few Valdemar books where the heroine is free of sexual violence. It may be mentioned, but Kerowyn herself experiences some of the most healthy, consensual relations and relationships in the series, which is refreshing.

Speaking of Classics, we cannot have a list featuring strong female heroines and leave out Wonder Woman. With the movie featuring Gal Gadot there's been renewed interest in her stories, and I can't complain. This boxed set was released by DC at the end of featuring the golden age of Wonder Woman in pages of her best stories, and they really represent the best of what this iconic superhero has to offer.

She is benevolent, prefers the route to peace, but uses force when needed. She is described as more beautiful than Aphrodite, wiser than Athena, faster than Hermes, and stronger than Hercules. Wonder Woman really is the ultimate feminist role model, sacrificing none of her femininity while exuding strength on every front. Though really, that's a good thing. Song of the Lioness. Many fantasy-loving women got hooked on fantasy with Alanna as teens. She has her heart set on being a knight, even though it's not "what girls do," and that passion and drive puts every one of us on a horse and on the adventure of a lifetime with her.

Alanna's stubborn determination and bravery carry her far, but she makes mistakes, doubts herself, and has a wicked temper. She's a thoroughly real heroine, unique in the canvas of white male knights in high fantasy. While it's written or rather edited; the first pages were reportedly scrapped because it was too racy to be a YA novel, the plot is madly complex and captivating, thoroughly engaging readers of all ages. There is some romance in the series, and I love that Alanna is clearly in control of her sexuality. She chooses who she sleeps with and when, and takes precautions to be responsible.

She's been an inspiring role model for generations and hopefully many more. Couldn't leave this one out. Yet Immortals takes us on a totally different thread. The fact that there are reading guides out there for this book should tip you off that it's more than a simple children's book. It's chock full of cultures, immortal creatures, and a pantheon who like to meddle. Daine is an abandoned child who possesses the wild magic, enabling her to talk with, even take the shape of the beasts of the forest.

It's a light fun read featuring a compassionate, strong heroine who grows into her power throughout the quartet. I love that Pierce's characters tend to go against social convention and eventually carve out a life worth living. Yelena is about to be executed for murder and is offered an alternative: She herself is poisoned and must appear for her daily antidote or die a painful death.

What she does with the hand dealt her is fantastic. She is a capable, educated heroine who takes responsibility for her own actions, and plans ahead the moment she begins to see options opening up, then works hard for her future. Watching her grow from desperate orphan into a competent, deadly fighter was fantastic, and strong character development anchors Yelena and Valek into your soul as you weave your way through this magic combo of assassins, spies, and intrigue.

I love that romance took a seat in the background and let us focus on the action at hand. Themes of mortality, freedom of choice, and tests of loyalty predominate and make it more than just a fun read. Sybel is only sixteen when she is brought an orphaned baby to raise. She has little love for humans, having been raised alone on Eld Mountain with only the magical beasts her father summoned with magic for playmates, yet she accepts and is obviously transformed by the experience.

Oddly enough, I love how detached and pragmatic she is. Her fearlessness awards her a vicious legendary bird, her ruthlessness when betrayed is not to be underestimated, and she is a beautiful, powerful, sorceress. In another story she could be the villain, but here she is thoroughly the heroine. This little-known gem landed the World Fantasy Award, and was nominated for many others. McKillip's elegant prose lends this dark fairytale a dreamy, mythic quality. A fantastic read featuring a fantastic heroine. Monza Murcatto is out for blood. Known as the Snake of Talins, the most feared and famous mercenary in Styria, she is betrayed by her employer and left for dead.

Unfortunately for him, she's alive and fueled by vengeance. Flanked by a drunkard, a poisoner, a mass murderer with OCD and a Northman who just wants to do the right thing, she is a force to be reckoned with. With signature Abercrombie indulgence, Best Served Cold is a bloody, thrilling, expedition. Filled with harsh language, black humor, terrible sex, and broken characters, it's everything his fans have come to expect and love from his work.

See a Problem?

Monza is a total badass and gets the job done; just don't mind the collateral damage along the way. This reboot is everything. I love that this incarnation of Ms. Marvel is a teenage Pakistani-American from Jersey, who's just as thrilled about her superpowers as she is about finding the right outfit for the job. Kamala is such an enjoyable heroine to follow in her debut. She is smart, funny, and fully embraces the superhero gig with all the enthusiasm of someone too naive to appreciate the danger.

She is Muslim, and has strict parents who don't approve of all the fan fic she writes, let alone the outfits. The classic art style is fantastic, and ties in with the rest of the Marvel world. It's not just about her kicking butt, although obvi, that's happening.

The Darkest Descension (Breaking Insanity, #3) by Courtney Lane

It deals a lot with identity as she can shape shift and decides to look like Carol Danvers, the original Ms. Marveltall, blonde, and nothing like herself. This intricate retelling of the Celtic Swans fairy tale takes an enchanting story and embellishes it with depth, believable backstory, ancient magic, and great characters. It is painfully dark, at times horrifying, but also offers elements of hope, devoted love, and healing.

One criticism is that while its rape scenes are incredibly graphic, actually loving consensual sex scenes are all but fade-to-black absent. Despite this, Sorcha is simply radiant as the heroine who accomplishes the fantastic tasks required to set things right. She is beloved by and shares a unique bond with her brothers, and while no warrior, her strength is in healing and in quietly you have no idea how quietly going about what needs doing with fortitude and courage. Despite her burdens, she is able to see the beauty in the world, and that takes a special kind of magic.

Again, folks tend to shelve anything related to fairytale literature as YA or even Juvenile Daughter of the Forest is definitely ill suited for children, due to the graphic abuse mentioned above. As Sorcha matures, she grows into her strength and intelligence, meeting each painful task with diligence and unfailing love. It is a beautiful story highlighting the power of small and simple things.

Katsa is a pragmatic graceling born with the ability to kill with her bare hands from the time she was eight years old. Graced as all gracelings are with unique superpowers and marked with two different eye colors, she was orphaned and becomes assassin to the King in her youth. With attachment issues and a very sterile view of murder, she is very flawed; which balances out that she's pretty much invincible, unstoppable as both a warrior and as a person.

Light romantic interest flavors the story, but it's nothing so strong as to overpower the heroine and her purpose. The female relationships are so real and relatable, and I love that at times it's just women out there saving the world. No men in shining armor. Just two women as comrades in arms. It's not this huge gender issue that she's a warrior. Graceling has landed a dozen awards and was nominated for more. Definitely worth a read. The Mists of Avalon. I can't do a list of the top 50 fantasy novels with strong female leads without including The Mists of Avalon.

Considered one of the great classics of modern fantasy literature, it won the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel the year it was published, topped Best Sellers lists for years thereafter, and has continued to transform perspectives for decades. Bradley won critical acclaim with this novel by taking the whole body of Arthurian legend and re-spinning the tale from the perspective of the women in Arthur's life.

The Avalon of the title is the island home to a sect of Goddess worshippers attempting to hold back Christianity's growing influence over Arthur and the country at large. This world of mysticism and spirituality frames the life of Morgaine, not an evil sorceress here, but priestess of Avalon and Arthur's half-sister. She rides the tide of self-doubt and confidence as we span her life from practically birth to death.

Here lives a haunting Camelot. A visceral, real Camelot that is simultaneously ethereal and mystical. It's not action-packed, but an emotional and compelling legend of adventure, prophesy, romance, betrayal, and witchcraft. The women here are complex, intriguing, loving, and manipulative. They live in a male-dominated world, so behind the scenes they are forever pulling strings, standing close to center stage, but never stepping a foot onto it, weaving their magic in the shadows.

If the life of the author matters to you when reading a novel, know that Bradley has some skeletons that have thrown shade over her work. A high fantasy novel featuring someone whose beauty isn't one of her major selling points. I love that Elisa is a clever, resourceful, humanly flawed heroine who relies on her own strengths to conquer her life's tragedies.

Like many teens she envies her sister who has the tall, willowy physique she wishes she could have and still eat all of the delicious food. Truthfully, she's pretty badass and I thought she was awesome. Talk about big shoes to fill. Carson does a great job at painting a living, breathing world with Spanish influences, unique cultures, and sympathetic characters.

I loved spirited Elisa's journey from insecurity and uncertainty to her own brand of heroism as a bearer of the Godstone. Yes, there is religious stuff but the religious elements just add depth and richness to the culture of the world. For those who enjoy slow burn romance this is like, SLOW, slow burn, and all the sweeter for it. The frank and progressive approach to sexuality was awesome, I mean if you're in a relationship, birth control needs to be a part of the discussion at some point!

While I'd say it's YA, the action isn't wimpy and can even get pretty gory. Full of surprises and deeply engaging people, The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a great read if you're looking for strong female roles. Urban Fantasy excels at creating strong female leads, and this is one of the best. Mercy is a part Native American auto mechanic who also happens to be a walker; one who can turn into a coyote at will. Like the Grimm TV series, she's not the only anomaly and has a werewolf for a neighbor, her boss is a gremlin; you get the idea.

Briggs creates awesome bantering dialogue that makes it a fun read. I love that it's realistic; gunshots are LOUD when you forget your ear protection. When you fight werewolves, you might just break your arm. Mercy can hold her own, but knows her limits. She's caring, not a doormat, and she's wicked brave. She makes mistakes, and owns it. Don't be fooled by the Harlequin-looking cover, the romance has a nice organic build, which is refreshing in a genre that's often obsessed paranormal sex scenes.

The books are fast-paced, witty, tense, and addictive. Goose Girl is the flagship novel in the series, but all of them share well-written, lyrical prose that perfectly captures the fairytale vibe of this series. Each is a pretty light read, and if you can't stand a happy ending this series probably isn't for you, but Hale is fantastic at creating dynamic, strong women to lead these adventures.

There are parts, especially in " Enna Burning ", that are intense and disturbing, but overall I'd say the material is PG at most. Whether it's a shy young woman who needs to become brave enough to take her kingdom back, or a spunky soul who needs to learn to control her all-consuming powers so she doesn't destroy the world, each story holds captivating characters in a magical world so clear and comfortable that the strange things that happen feel totally believable.

And the women rock it. Mythology comes alive in this hostile world where apocalypse is routine, and the cultures and inhabitants have adapted to survive above all else. Orogenes, with their fearsome power over the earth, are slaves to those in power who use them to abey cataclysmic earthquakes. Full of questions, this deeply woven story makes it feel as if the answers are all there, and have been for eternity, just out of reach.

Jemisin pushes the boundaries of novelty into something truly extraordinary, even while she explores concepts of cultural conflict, oppression, and the glossing over of history. It is one of the few non-white dominated, not exclusively hetero, or even monogamous takes we see in fantasy. It is written from the perspective of three women, all gifted with the power to control seismic events, all forced to confront the painful ramifications of being what they are in a world the both needs, and fears them.

Damaya, a child given to a Guardian when she is discovered to be an orogene; Syen, an ambitious higher caste orogene on a mission; and Essun, mother of two chasing after her missing husband all struggle, hope, and falter as we share their journey. The women here aren't necessarily heroic, but each have strengths that shine. A Court of Thorns and Roses. For romantic fantasy fans, A Court of Thorns and Roses has it all: By the end of book one Feyre is the object of desire of virtually every attractive male in the book, and that means lots of fun.

It makes this list because Maas crafts a strong, complex heroine who is the central figure throughout. She is a huntress who hates the fae, only to be dragged into their world for killing a wolf faerie while trying to feed her family. There she finds passion and purpose as the beautiful, dangerous world of the fae she now loves is overtaken by darkness.

Lots of twists and turns, changing allegiances, and mysteries revealed make each volume an exciting ride. Feyre grows and develops as a person throughout, and that continual transformation moving her toward more healthy relationships is engaging and real. The lush, dynamic world-building absorbs your attention in the way that all good fantasy should. Be aware that while some market this as YA, it is definitely more on the erotica side of the romance spectrum.

A new classic has entered the literary stage. I know, a bit bold of a thing to say, but it follows in the tradition of Lewis Carol, A. Lewis in creating a vibrant tale that can appeal to adults and children of all ages, landing it the Andre Norton award in With its smart, whimsical prose, clever and comical themes, and absolutely charming characters, it's a win all the way around. I was hooked on page one. Though it has loads to say, it's never preachy, there are no religious over or undertones, it's just a great treatise on circumnavigating life and all it may hold for us.

September is strong enough to stand up to whoever stands in her way, practical, and resourceful. But she is a child, with all the weaknesses of too few years, which often leads her into trouble. Still, her strength of character, and the overall messages of empowerment are refreshing and inspiring.

With a foot in both Science Fiction and Fantasy, A Wrinkle in Time is a bridge between reality and fantasy, a meeting place for adult and child readers alike. Meg leads the adventure with her younger, gifted brother and her secret High School crush on her heels. Though she is your typical insecure, average-looking teen she is clearly gifted, but grappling with her identity as anything effectual let alone valuable to anyone.

Surrounded by her brilliant parents; her father recently disappeared while experimenting, her mother is the beautiful scientist slash stay at home mom; and her little brother the certified genius status and brainier than them all, she feels completely ordinary and unexceptional. While her little brother may "have all the answers" he is very much in need of her protection, and Meg isn't afraid to take a punch or swing one. The three mysterious, powerful guides through this fantastical journey are all female, Mrs.

Whatsit, though we also run into the "Happy Medium" who is genderless. With clear, humorous narrative and believable characters this series, which also includes A Wind in the Door , and A Swiftly Tilted Planet , are great examples of lit featuring strong female lead characters without it feeling contrived or like the author is making a "statement.

It's no wonder it's a classic. I loved this wild and unruly story for its whimsical course, poetic prose, and indomitable heroine. She is a fiercely independent 7th grader who is so wonderfully Portland.