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July 31, 2013 by Karen Jensen, MLS

Take 5: Teenage Assasins in YA Lit

July 31, 2013 by Karen Jensen, MLS   5 comments

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

“Do you know what I thought when you tried to kill me? The first time? I thought, How can somebody want me dead when no one knows I’m alive?” 

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

“Be the one.  Be worthy”

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)

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“Why be the sheep when you can be the wolf?” 

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

“My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name’s Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I’d still beat you, no matter what you call me.” 

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

“She’s a monster.” Ms. Robertson
Clarice, small laugh: “But she’s our monster.” 

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

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About Karen Jensen, MLS

Karen Jensen has been a Teen Services Librarian for almost 30 years. She created TLT in 2011 and is the co-editor of The Whole Library Handbook: Teen Services with Heather Booth (ALA Editions, 2014).

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teen Librarian's Toolbox, Karen says

    July 31, 2013 at 4:03 pm

    Suggested on YALSA-BK Graceling by Cashore

  2. Teen Librarian's Toolbox, Karen says

    July 31, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    From YALSA-BK: The Reluctant Assistant by Eoin Colfer

    Au Revoir Crazy European Chick and its sequel Perry's Killer Playlist

  3. Teen Librarian's Toolbox, Karen says

    July 31, 2013 at 4:36 pm

    More Recs: Pale Assassin by Patricia Eliot
    Dark Eyes by William Richter has a teen assassin

  4. Kelsey says

    July 31, 2013 at 10:42 pm

    Soulbound by Heather Brewer
    Legend by Marie Lu
    Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff

  5. Wanda Maximoff says

    January 13, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    Nunca había escuchado de estos libros! Suenan muy bien!

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