BookshelfWritten by
Lauren Mayhew

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been reading YA/ teen fiction. I have tried to read adult fiction, but I just can’t get my head around it. It sometimes seems a bit too serious.

I wanted to share a few of my favourite YA books, all of which sit on my bookshelf. Here’s a picture if you want to see. Try and ignore the boyband memorabilia dotted around!

Here are my top 5 YA book series that I think should be on everyone’s TBR pile. I apologise now if I make your list a little longer…

Counting down from 5: Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz.

These books feature a teenage spy called Alex Rider. He is unwillingly thrust into the world of MI6 and over the course of a year suffers loss, life threatening injury and has to come to terms with the fact that his life will never be the same. There are 10 books in the series which may seem a challenge to some, but I assure you they are worth it!

4: The Power of Five Series by Anthony Horowitz.

Teenagers with supernatural powers who are the only ones who can save the world from the Dark Ones whose only wish is to destroy us all. There are 5 books in this series, each one as exciting as the next. I remember the first time I read Raven’s Gate, I actually got goose bumps – it’s that good.

3: Chaos Walking Series by Patrick Ness.

Humans have colonised a new planet but there’s something strange – you can hear other people’s thoughts. All women seem to have died from a mysterious illness and Todd gets caught up in a life endangering adventure. Two things about this series, one, there is a fair bit of swearing and two, you’re gonna need some tissues. Seriously, don’t forget the tissues.

2: The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare.

Cassandra Clare has a lot of books and in my opinion, they’re not all that great. However, I found the first book in this series, The Clockwork Angel, in my local library and I fell in love immediately. Will Herondale… Oh, how I wish you were real! Anyway, Shadowhunters with awesome powers makes these a must read. I’ll be honest, I actually cried myself to sleep after book 3, so make sure you’re mentally prepared!

1: Lorien Legacies by Pittacus Lore.

I can’t even remember how I stumbled upon these books, but I am so glad I did! Every time the next book in the series comes out, I think it’s the last one, but no, there’s another cliff hanger ending. Two alien races, the people from Lorien and the Mogadorians, bring their battle to Earth with some serious consequences. 9 children from Lorien were smuggled to Earth in the hope that they could end this war once and for all. While they are apart, they can only be killed in number order. Numbers 1, and 3 have been killed already. We follow Number 4, John, as he learns about his special abilities and the fact that he may be the last hope to save the legacy of his people. I love these books, it’s that simple.

If you have read any of these books, I’d love to know what you think! If you haven’t – get reading!