Get Spooked!

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma – Told from the perspectives of two seemingly unique characters, this book is a blend of magic, spirit, and the stark reality of the protagonists lives. Amber was convicted of murder and resides in Aurora Hills, a detention center. Violet is a star ballerina, tormented from secrets in her past. These narrators have a mutual connection - a mysterious girl named Orianna. Their stories lend to a thrilling read, and are perfect for fans of suspense. Available at Amazon.com.

Borderline: The Arcadia Project #1 by Mishell Baker – Millie is a film director who lost her legs after falling three stories; she lives in a mental health facility and receives help with her Bordeline Personality Disorder. After a visit from a mysterious woman, Millie is thrust into the Arcadia Project, a secret society of fairies and other mystical creatures. Borderline is a superb start to the series, and this urban fantasy is the November read for Thrive’s book club! Start reading now, and stay tuned for more info soon. Available at Amazon.com.

The Aviary by Kathleen O’Dell – Clara lives in the Glendoveer estate with her mother, who is one of the servants in the home. Having never left the property because of a heart condition, Clara thinks she knows all that lurks behind the large, stately walls. But when Mrs. Glendoveer dies, Clara discovers family secrets, along with strange birds that squawk relentlessly in the estate aviary. How are these birds connected to the Glendoveer family tragedy? The Aviary grabs you right from the start as you unravel the murder mystery within. Available at Amazon.com.

The Chaos by Nalo Hopkinson – Hopkinson is a master of eerie stories mixed with actual folklore; in the case of The Chaos, it’s Caribbean folklore. The premise of this tale starts off familiar – a teen girl, Scotch, is having trouble fitting in at school. The story takes an unusual turn when a strange force arrives in town making people disappear in a flash. A black goo is also sticking to Scotch’s arm, soon to take over her whole body, while a shadowy figure follows her around. Can she save everyone – including herself? Available at Amazon.com.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Sometimes it’s fun to go back and read the classics, especially one written by the mother of science fiction. In this novella, Victor Frankenstein, a lonely student, engineers a “monster,” one who is sentient and feels like an outsider. That painful shun from society ultimately leads the monster to lash out. What makes Frankenstein a fascinating read is the disability aspect; there has been plenty of scholarly work centered around this story. And fortunately, Frankenstein is free to read online! Available on Amazon.com.

As I Descended by Robin Talley – Maria and Lily (who has a disability and uses crutches) are the star couple on their school campus, until Delilah comes along to threaten their chance at winning the prized scholarship. After some fun with an Ouija board, the girls accidentally set free a wicked force that, until now, hid behind the shadows. In their attempt to stop the evil they unleashed, they must decide who to trust and how far they will go to save everyone. Talley draws a lot of inspiration from Shakespeare’s Macbeth – fans of his plays will love this book. Available on Amazon.com.

Slasher Girls and Monster Boys by April Genevieve Tucholke – This is an anthology of gruesome, wicked short stories written by some of the biggest names in young adult fiction. The twist is that every piece is inspired by a pop culture movie, TV show, music, and more; the inspiration is revealed at the end of each story. While you probably won’t want to read this alone by flashlight during a thunderstorm, there is still an element of fun as you try to guess what each tale represents. Available on Amazon.com.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – Kaz Brekker, a criminal on the verge of pulling off a huge heist, puts together a band of his misfit friends to help him out. Told from the multiple perspectives of his followers, Six of Crows is set in the vibrant yet disturbing fantasy world of Grisha. The characters, setting, and plot infiltrate your imagination with Bardugo’s expert writing, as its twists and turns keep you engrossed. If you want more Six of Crows, you can pick up the sequel, Crooked Kingdom. Available on Amazon.com.

Rise: The Complete Newsflesh Collection by Mira Grant – This collection of stories from a New York Times Bestseller and Hugo Award nominee is a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse. Told from the perspective of bloggers, the stories detail how zombies exist, but are no longer a threat – the biggest danger is a government conspiracy the protagonists strive to uncover. This is a fun adventure in a terrifying world, with great characters and a driving plot – perfect for fans of The Walking Dead. Available on Amazon.com.

Bloodchild: and Other Stories by Octavia E. Butler – Butler is one of the most revered science-fiction writers of all time, and this collection of her stories is possibly her best work. The tales within all make you think about the fate of humanity, life-altering decisions, and even disability – especially in this collection. While Butler’s writing can be difficult to read as far as gore and violence, it’s never gratuitous and always serves a purpose. If heavy topics bother you, definitely read with caution – but if you do take the plunge, you will be rewarded with an incredible reading experience. Available on Amazon.com.

Want more recommendations? View last year's list!