Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy
Welcome readers and book lovers for the second part of book recommendations for summer! Last week’s blog post offered summer book recommendations for readers interested in romance, thrillers, and historical fiction. This week’s post focuses on science fiction, mystery, and fantasy.
These three genres, although distinctly unique, all share similarities including their fast paced plots, intriguing characters, and fascinating settings. Whether you are new to these genres or a committed fan to one or more of them, the summer months are a great time to dive into a colorful and captivating read!
I selected the following book recommendations across these three genres for summer as these books prominently showcase the settings and themes quintessential to a summer read! Themes of adventure, friendship, love, and independence, all occurring against the backdrop of beach settings and hot weather, are present in the following book recommendations for summer.
Science Fiction
Science fiction often invokes ideas of the future and seemingly impossible creations and events. Sci-fi readers looking for a book from their favorite genre with a summer setting need not search across space and time for recommendations, check out some sci-fi summer reads below!
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
I think most, if not all, readers would consider The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins to be a classic series of our time. Collins’ thought provoking and intense plot across three books have resulted in an iconic story and characters which have expanded to the silver screen. Ten years after the final literary installment of The Hunger Games, Collins released The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a phenomenal book that describes the origin story of future President Snow of The Hunger Games. I loved this book! It was thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a great science fiction recommendation for summer with its descriptive environment of forests and lakes. Additionally, summer is the perfect time to read this Hunger Games prequel in time for the fall release of the book’s film adaptation.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Another book recommendation for science fiction readers is The Maze Runner. This book is the first installment of a dystopian book series. I read this book in my high school English class where we analyzed it alongside Lord of the Flies by William Golding. It certainly made for an interesting analysis of each of the books’ themes and characters. If you are interested in a suspenseful science fiction book, and want to begin a series, The Maze Runner by James Dashner is a great series to start during the summer!
Mystery
What is more intriguing than a mystery set in the summer while the lead detective is on vacation? Whether it is simply a summer setting, or a vacation on the beach, there are many mystery books that contain the themes of both mystery and summer. Review the following summer book recommendations for mystery lovers below!
Holes by Louis Sachar
Many Disney lovers may know Holes as the Original Disney Channel movie, however; it is based on a book by Louis Sachar. Popular for his Wayside School book series, Sachar also wrote the beloved Holes book that tells the story of characters such as Stanley Yelnats and Kissin’ Kate Barlow. Holes is one of the books that made me fall in love with reading as a fifth grader. While not the typical mystery book, Holes has many plot twists that readers won’t see coming. This book is perfect for all readers, from ages 9 to 99, and will surely keep you intrigued! The descriptions of the hot Texas desert transport readers alongside the characters and offer a great book recommendation for summer.
Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn
Deep and Dark and Dangerous is another book from my childhood. I read this book when I was an elementary school student and was immediately intrigued by this mystery/ghost story. Set at a Maine lake house during the summer, Deep and Dark and Dangerous is an eerie and suspenseful ghost story that will have readers questioning all of the characters. Young readers who are interested in a spooky story for summer will find an engaging read in this book.
Fantasy
Worlds of magical creatures and exotic locations often are filled with the themes we love from a summer read: friendship, adventure, and love. Summer is the best time to begin that long fantasy adventure novel or series you have been wanting to read! Additionally, summer is also a great time to try new genres if you are not usually a fantasy reader. Explore the following list for fantasy-filled summer reads!
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
I grew up watching The Princess Bride film many times and first read the novel in middle school. This book is an iconic adventure and romance novel. The Princess Bride is filled with exploits, love, and friendship! Set in a land of princesses, giants, and even Rodents Of Unusual Size, The Princess Bride is a must read for all. Summer is a great time to read this classic novel of famed characters and fantastical locations.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is the ultimate summer reading series! Riordan’s descriptive characters, extraordinary locations, and high stakes exploits completely immerse readers in the world of Greek mythology. I credit this series with truly cementing my love for books as a young reader and will forever be grateful to Riordan for creating this world. Set at an iconic summer camp, The Lightning Thief is the first book of the series and a great way to begin your summer reading.
I hope you enjoy these book recommendations for summer and find an enchanting read to return to each summer! Happy reading!