Embark on your summer reading journey with these captivating reads. Whether you seek far-off lands, mysteries that need solving, or daring exploits, these books will transport you into the thick of the action. Adventure begins at your library—where will your next adventure take you?
Venomous Lumpsucker by Ned Beauman
In a dystopian future, governments and corporations have devised a system where biodiversity credits are traded much like carbon credits today. Karin Resaint, a passionate environmentalist, teams up with Mark Halyard, who works for a corporation that profits from this system. Their unlikely partnership is driven by the urgent need to locate the last surviving venomous lumpsuckers before they become extinct, as these fish hold significant economic and scientific value.
Their journey takes them across a world ravaged by ecological collapse, encountering various stakeholders with conflicting interests.
Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig
The novel follows Shek Yeung, who rises to power as a pirate queen after the death of her husband, Cheng Yat, a notorious pirate leader. Navigating a male-dominated world, Shek Yeung must assert her authority and protect her fleet from external threats, including the Chinese navy and rival pirate factions. The story delves into her struggles, both personal and political, as she maintains her power and seeks to secure her legacy.
Something Wilder by Christina Lauren
The novel centers on Lily Wilder, who runs adventure tours using her father’s old maps, and Leo Grady, her former love who unexpectedly reenters her life. When a treasure hunt tour turns into a real quest for lost treasure, Lily and Leo must confront their past, rekindle their romance, and work together to survive the dangers they encounter.
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
The novel follows two parallel stories: one set in the 1970s and one in the present day. In the 1970s, rock musician Noel Gordon invites a group of friends to stay at Villa Rosato in Italy, where tragedy strikes. In the present day, writers Emily and Chess, old friends seeking inspiration and escape, rent the same villa and uncover the villa’s sinister past.
The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Davila Cardinal
The novel centers around Isla Larsen Sanchez, a young girl who, upon the death of her beloved grandmother, inherits a mystical gift that allows her to relive the stories of her ancestors. As Isla navigates the challenges of growing up, she uncovers hidden family secrets and learns about the power and responsibility that come with her gift.