Lately I’ve discovered a great YA author Jennifer A. Nielsen. I’ve read 3 of her books already and really enjoyed them all. Her stories are exciting with a bit of romance, but clean. So far I’ve not come across anything offensive.
I’ve read and enjoyed the stand alone novel The Scourge, a story of a young woman Ani and her friend Weevil in their fight against a deadly epidemic and a corrupt government. It’s a fantasy novel, in that it takes place in an unknown world in an unspecified time, but the characters are very much flesh and blood. With believable strengths and flaws. I’d say it’s PG since there is a bit fighting, but nothing gross or gory.
The other books I’ve read by her are the first two books in the Ascendence Trilogy. This series follows a young man plucked from an orphanage, again in an unknown world in an unknown time, to be trained and groomed to take the place of a long missing, perhaps dead, young prince. It takes us on a journey which includes ruthless pirates, opportunistic regents, and brave young men and women caught up in web of intrigue and lies. That’s all I can say without spoilers. I haven’t yet read the last in the series but so far it’s been enjoyable and clean. Similar to The Scourge in setting and feel, I’d rate it PG as there is sword play and mentions of dungeons and torture. I think young guys as well as gals would enjoy this series.
There are also a few historical fiction novels by Nielsen I plan to read because so far I’m loving her style. I cannot vouch for every novel, but so far she seems like a great author for clean readers out there who love fantasy/historical fiction novels like I do. Check out The Scourge and The Ascendence Trilogy for sure, while your at it try her other works and let me know what you think!
Sarah's Library 