Lana's Literary Lounge

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins has quickly become a fan favorite since its release earlier this year. The iconic young adult dystopian series, The Hunger Games, now has a powerful new addition. Collins delivers once again with a heart-wrenching novel filled with heartbreak, friendship, and so much injustice it has readers buying candles and muttering curses under their breath.

This story takes readers back in time to the second Quarter Quell, the fiftieth anniversary of the Hunger Games. Haymitch Abernathy, a boy fighting for a future with the girl he loves, sees his world torn apart when he is sent to the Capitol. He is ripped from everything familiar and must survive a Hunger Games with twice as many tributes as usual. We know he survives, but at what cost?

Suzanne Collins has outdone herself with a story that hits deeply. While reading this book, my heart broke for the characters. They live in a world where death is always close. Every one of them has lost someone they love. Fictional or not, their pain feels real, and those moments change them forever.

Collins has written a novel filled with tension and suspense. The characters and their relationships are so layered that I cried more than once, then immediately told my friends they had to read it. I have seen nothing but praise for this installment. It fits seamlessly into the original series and gives us a new lens on a familiar face.

For the first time, we truly understand Haymitch. His bitterness, his drinking, and his detachment are not random. They are the scars of a boy whose life was destroyed on national television. He is not a cold mentor. He is a survivor still trying to protect the broken parts of himself.

“I love you like all-fire.” That line alone broke me.

I sincerely recommend this book to anyone who has read The Hunger Games. And if you have not, now is the perfect time to start.

New York Times Bestseller, One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus is a young adult mystery novel. Four years after its publication, the book was adapted into a television series.

On a typical Monday afternoon, five students walk into detention. Bronwyn Rojas is a straight-A student bound for Yale. Addy Prentiss is a girl defined by her boyfriend and struggling with confidence. Nate Macauley is a drug dealer on probation. Cooper Clay is a popular baseball player with a well-liked girlfriend. Simon Kelleher is a social outcast who runs a gossip app called About That, which exposes secrets at their school.

But only four walk out. A sudden commotion causes the teacher to leave the room. Moments later, Simon dies from a violent allergic reaction. The remaining students become suspects and find themselves the center of school-wide suspicion. Their lives begin to unravel as they try to uncover the truth. Are they being framed, or is one of them hiding something?

Karen M. McManus, known for her contemporary thrillers, published One of Us Is Lying in 2017. She later released two sequels, One of Us Is Next and One of Us Is Back, along with several standalone novels. The story switches between the four characters’ points of view, which allows readers to connect with each one and follow the mystery from multiple perspectives.

The novel explores themes like social pressure, personal identity, and the damage caused by rumors. While some readers criticized the final twist and the use of high school stereotypes, I found the story gripping. McManus builds strong suspense, keeps suspicion shifting, and holds the truth back until the very end.

One of Us Is Lying contains mild profanity and some mature topics. It is best suited for teens and young adults who enjoy mystery stories with emotional tension and unexpected turns.

Midnight Sun by award-winning author Stephenie Meyer is an additional novel in the Twilight saga, an all-time favorite. Twilight told the story of Bella Swan, a young girl who moves to Forks, a rainy and gloomy town hiding a dark secret. She lives with her divorced father in a selfless act to allow her mother to pursue a carefree life with her new husband. As Bella starts school, she meets the Cullens, a quiet and aloof family with a far darker side than they appear to have. Edward Cullen is the only member of the family without a partner. That quickly changes when he meets Bella. Their first interaction begins a whirlwind romance that still resonates even two decades after its release. Before Midnight Sun, readers only experienced Bella’s point of view. This novel finally offers the other side of the story.

Midnight Sun is more than just a new addition to this iconic series. It proves that even in an age of advanced technology, true authors remain unmatched in creativity and style. While I enjoyed the book, I found some characters to be a bit two-dimensional. Edward’s thoughts did not entirely match the mental image built in the earlier books. At times he took melodramatic to a whole new level. This was entertaining at first but eventually became frustrating. Bella seemed placed on a pedestal, and those around her were painted in a worse light that made her appear better by comparison.

In contrast, this novel gave me a new admiration for Emmett with his spontaneous and snarky nature. Despite the questionable character portrayals, Midnight Sun rounded off the series well. The Twilight saga now feels complete. While there has been mixed reception to this addition, I would still recommend Midnight Sun. I recommend it more for nostalgia than for literary strength, but it remains a satisfying read for long-time fans.

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📚 About the Book

• Author: Stephenie Meyer
• Genre: Young Adult / Paranormal Romance
• Themes: Love, Identity, Perspective, Belonging
• Published: 2020
• ISBN: 9780316707046

The Many Masks of Andy Zhou, written by Jack Cheng, follows a young Shanghainese-American boy named Andy. When his grandparents fly in from Shanghai just as middle school begins, he finds himself navigating a more complex new life. Andy, alongside his best friend Cindy, quickly realizes that middle school is a whole new chapter, filled with new rules and social norms.

After a failed attempt at dyeing his hair and a panic attack that leaves him frozen on stage, Andy is not popular among his peers. Cindy, however, is. He is soon caught in a web of lies, secrets, and newfound discoveries about who he truly is. Meanwhile, the presence of his grandparents adds yet another layer of stress and another mask he has to wear. As Andy starts to lose his best friend and forms an unlikely friendship with a new classmate, he wonders if he will ever truly belong in this land he calls home or if the bias and prejudice that comes with his heritage will cling to him forever.

Award-winning author Jack Cheng delivers another novel that hits home with authenticity and raw emotion. Drawing on experiences from his own life, Cheng beautifully captures the search for belonging that comes with being different and not quite fitting in. The Many Masks of Andy Zhou covers a wide array of topics, mainly centered on identity, that deeply connect with the lives of many students around the world.

This novel is exceptional. It is beautifully written, relatable, and highly recommended for middle school students.

📚 About the Book

• Author: Jack Cheng
• Genre: Middle Grade Fiction / Contemporary
• Themes: Identity, Friendship, Family, Cultural Heritage
• Published: 2024
• ISBN: 9780525555579

Strange Houses by Uketsu is a non-fiction horror phenomenon translated from Japanese. The story begins when a friend approaches the author about a strange house. What starts as casual curiosity quickly leads Uketsu into something much deeper—something far more disturbing than blueprints and floor plans.

As Uketsu discusses the house with an architect friend, theories begin to take shape. Hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and the chilling possibility of an unknown child—all unfold in a novel unlike any other. Every page brings a new question, a new twist.

Uketsu, an anonymous Japanese author also known for Strange Pictures, brings a unique perspective to the genre. The concept is gripping and the story is full of potential. However, the writing style—told almost entirely through conversations and phone calls—misses some of the suspense and drama you might expect from horror. While the tone is more factual than frightening, that might actually appeal to readers who shy away from truly scary stories.

In the end, Strange Houses feels like a ghost story told by a close friend—one with just enough mystery to keep you turning pages, but not so much that it keeps you up at night. It’s a unique and curious read for anyone interested in horror, urban legends, or architectural oddities.

Beneath the Wide Silk Sky by Emily Inouye Huey is a young adult historical fiction novel set during World War II in the fictional town of Linley Island, Washington. The story follows Samantha Sakamoto, a young Japanese American girl and a secretly aspiring photographer with a remarkable talent. But after the recent death of her mother and with their family farm on the line, her dreams feel further out of reach.

As anti-Japanese racism surges in the midst of war, Sam must confront the painful truth about her community—and even her closest friends. Her sister, Kiki, tries to blend into American society by sneaking out and spending time with friends. Meanwhile, her brother, Charlie, is hiding a secret that could put the whole family in danger. In a world full of secrecy and betrayal, will Sam find someone who truly understands her? Or will she be swept away by waves of prejudice and hatred?

Huey explores powerful themes—racism, identity, and injustice—through deeply developed characters. Whether portraying patriots or protesters, she conveys their emotions with authenticity and impact. Though Sam is a high school student, her story makes her feel both older and younger at once. Her willingness to set aside her own dreams for her family’s needs is inspiring. She is neither quiet nor obedient, as society expects—her voice is raw, emotional, and brave. She is forging her own path.

Beneath the Wide Silk Sky is both poignant and powerful. It’s a compelling read for middle schoolers and young adults, though younger readers may find the historical and social themes harder to grasp.

Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz is a historical romance that reimagines the courtship between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler—the same pair made famous in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton. But instead of rapping battles and stage lights, this story takes you deep into the real-life world of 18th-century America, during the heart of the Revolutionary War.

The novel opens in 1777 at a glittering ball hosted by the wealthy and well-connected Schuyler family in Albany, New York. Eliza, one of three daughters, isn’t as flashy as her sisters—but she’s intelligent, independent, and quietly rebellious against the expectations placed on young women of her status. That night, she meets Alexander Hamilton, a young officer delivering bad news to her father. Though Alex arrives on official business, a spark ignites between the two.

At this point in history, Alex is working as General George Washington’s aide-de-camp—a trusted advisor and letter writer—but he’s also an orphan with no family name, land, or fortune. That matters in Eliza’s world, where daughters are expected to marry well and strengthen their family’s social standing. This sets up the central conflict: can love overcome the rigid expectations of class, gender, and family duty?

De la Cruz blends fact and fiction in a way that feels natural. She incorporates real historical events and figures—like the Battle of Saratoga, Valley Forge, and the political tensions brewing between states—but focuses most on the emotional lives of her characters. Her writing is heartfelt and personal, showing both Alex and Eliza as more than just names from a textbook. They’re smart, flawed, and deeply human.

What I loved most was how Eliza’s character was given real strength. In many historical love stories, the girls are quiet and passive. But here, Eliza is brave, outspoken, and thoughtful—someone who questions what’s expected of her and dreams of something more meaningful than a strategic marriage.

Alex & Eliza is a sweeping, romantic read with just the right amount of historical detail. It touches on real issues of the time: social class, women’s roles, and the uncertainty of war. If you liked Hamilton, enjoy historical fiction, or are looking for a love story with a bit more depth, this is a great pick. Best for teens and young adults.

Shatter Me is the kind of book that grabs you from the first sentence and doesn’t let go. Written by Tahereh Mafi, it’s a dystopian sci-fi romance centered around Juliette, a 17-year-old girl with a deadly secret—her touch can kill. Because of this, she’s spent 264 days locked in an asylum, abandoned by her parents and feared by the world.

At first, Juliette’s days are quiet and lonely. She writes in her journal to stay sane. But then, everything changes when a new roommate arrives. That one moment sets off a chain of events that launches her into a world of secrets, betrayals, and hidden powers. As the story unfolds, Juliette starts discovering not just the truth about others, but who she really is.

What makes this book stand out is Mafi’s writing style. Her words feel like poetry—raw, emotional, and beautiful. She doesn’t just describe Juliette’s feelings, she makes you feel them. Her use of metaphor and repetition mirrors Juliette’s fractured state of mind in a way that feels incredibly real.

Beyond the action and romance, Shatter Me explores deep themes—like how society isolates people who are different, and how quick we are to judge what we don’t understand. There are moments that hint at issues like discrimination and bigotry, without being too on-the-nose. It made me think about how we treat others in real life.

I’d recommend Shatter Me to teens and young adults who enjoy dystopian fiction with emotional depth. There are some romantic and violent scenes, so I wouldn’t hand it to a younger reader. But if you’re looking for a fast-paced, thought-provoking read with a powerful female lead and unforgettable writing, this is a great pick.

Cinder is a captivating science fiction novel with clever references to classic fairy tales. The protagonist, Cinder, a cyborg mechanic, lives a life reminiscent of Cinderella. With an uncertain past and an unlikely future, Cinder’s world takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with Prince Kai. As a deadly plague, letumosis, threatens her society, Cinder becomes entangled in an intergalactic power struggle and a complicated affection that seems destined to fail.

Meyer skillfully develops complex characters and vividly portrays a world rife with injustice and discrimination. Themes such as bravery, power, manipulation, secrecy, and stereotypes are woven throughout the story. While set in a dystopian future, the world Meyer creates mirrors real-life issues like racism and sexism. Not only is this an entertaining read, but it also offers thought-provoking commentary on the darker sides of our society.

What Happens Next by Claire Swinarski is a beautifully crafted work of art. The story centers around 12-year-old stargazer Abby McCourt, who lives with her family near their cabin rentals. Early on, we learn that Abby’s older sister Blair has been sent to an eating disorder treatment center. Blair is Abby’s role model and superhero, but throughout the story, Abby’s unwavering devotion to her begins to wane. Abby wonders if she will ever get back the strong Blair she once knew or if she will have to accept the stressed and emotional Blair who now seems to dominate.

Abby looks forward to an upcoming solar eclipse with her family, but her plans are disrupted when she is convinced to help an astronomer and his assistant. In a desperate attempt to publish a draft of a story she and Blair worked on and to salvage the situation with Blair’s eating disorder, Abby agrees to assist them. However, what they ask her to do could get her in trouble with the law! Ultimately, Abby must decide where her own morals lie.

Swinarski writes beautifully, capturing the inner turmoil Abby experiences. She portrays Abby’s confusion and pain with precision. However, the book includes short stories about Blair scattered throughout, so it’s important to pay attention to the chapter titles to avoid confusion. While the overall format is clear, there are moments that might cause some readers to get lost. In conclusion, “What Happens Next” is a wonderful book, though parents may want to be aware of some language that might not be suitable for children under 10.