With Young Adult fiction flying of the shelves on both sides of the Atlantic is it time to find out what you're missing? Shake up your reading list with two current YA heavy weights...


The Fault in our Stars by John Green

1. This novel re-imagines the theme of star-crossed lovers with terminally ill cancer sufferer Hazel and amputee Gus who meet at a teen support group. This central motif is refreshingly unlike many other titles in the genre.

2. Similarly individual is the antagonist Peter Van Houten whose fictional novel An Imperial Affliction is a key plot device which keeps the work on the right side of sentimental. Fans of the written word will appreciate that Hazel and Gus's relationship develops around their favourite novel!

3. The book was launched with massive social media noise. Read and then check out #TFIOS for the ongoing twitter chat around the film adaptation's release.


Divergent by Veronica Roth

1. Part 1 of a trilogy of books that are currently being adapted for the big screen. The novel features a strong female lead, Beatrice Prior, who must complete a mandatory aptitude test for all 16 year olds that determines which faction she will live in; Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless or Erudite.

2. The novel is set in an engaging post-apocolyptic Chicago. This near future dystopia is recognisable enough to relate to, the brilliant scenes on the L train for example, but could have been much more compelling had the plot paused for breath!

3. The writing is quick paced and tight, the perfect commuter read. At times the prose is so rapid that it might be considered kids fiction rather than young adult however, once tuned in this makes for easy read.

The Hunger Games this isn't but Part 1 is worth the read