Take 5: Teenage Assasins in YA Lit

One of the big trends in teen lit for 2013 is without a doubt teenage assassins.  In addition to Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff, here is a look at 5 titles that incorporate this trend, presented to you in alphabetical order by author’s last name – because I’m a librarian.

Nobody by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

There are people in this world who are Nobody.  Nobody can see them.  And they make the perfect assassins. Seriously cool concept.

Dualed by Elsie Chapman

In the city of Kersh, everyone must eliminate their genetically alternate twin by the time they are twenty.  West becomes a striker, a type of assassin for hire that does this for others.  But can she look herself in the face and kill her twin?  Is she worthy to be the one?  This is what I said about Dualed earlier.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (His Fair Assassin series, book 1)

I feel like all I need to say about this series is this: Nuns as Assassins. Seriously, do you need more?  I think not.  Also, great series.  Go read it.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Technically released in 2012, Caleana agrees to act as the Princes champion in a competition to find the new royal assassin in exchange for her early release from the salt mines.  Soon, other contestants begin turning up dead and she must try and discover who the killer is before she becomes the next victim.

Mind Games by Kiersten White

Fia is born with flawfless instincts.  She is trapped in a “school” that uses the powerful weapons of Fia and her sister, Annie, for sinister purposes.  If they refuse to obey, they risk each other’s life.  These two sisters are determined to protect each other, no matter the cost.  And the cost is high.

Have some titles to add to the list?  Leave the title and author in the comments with your mini review.

Filed under: Collection Development, Reader's Advisory, Teenage Assassins, Trends