(3) 4-6 Elementals series. Orphan twins Anders and Rayna discover they are both shape-shifters but possess enemy creature forms: ice wolf and scorch dragon. After strange dragons kidnap Rayna, Anders enlists in the wolves' academy to plan her rescue and soon begins questioning his anti-dragon prejudice. This entertaining supernatural series-starter is anchored by Anders' brotherly devotion as he learns to trust others and realize his own potential.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) YA Illustrated by Maria Lu. With Jump Station Heimdall destroyed, two spaceships have to return to planet Kerenza to escape. Meanwhile, the resistance on Kerenza is getting desperate. As with the first two books, this sci-fi trilogy-ender is told via documents and transcripts. The gripping, emotional narrative balances breathless action sequences with descriptions of war's horrors and individuals grappling with moral choices.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(4) YA An intercepted transmission sends scholars and scavengers from Earth to explore the abandoned planet Gaia. Despite opposing missions, scholar Jules and scavenger Mia must join forces to beat an alien temple's puzzles and traps. Their smart-guy/tough-girl romance feels rushed, but readers may enjoy cracking puzzles alongside the protagonists, and a cliffhanger ending will leave readers anticipating the next installment.

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(3) YA Illustrated by Marie Lu. As spaceship Hypatia nears Jump Station Heimdall, the corporation BeiTech plots to forcefully take over Heimdall and destroy witnesses on Hypatia. Only station chief's daughter Hanna and crime-syndicate member Nik stand in their way. Told through documents and transcripts (like predecessor Illuminae), the story's well-timed tension, twists, heartache, and humor will keep readers hooked as the intricate plot unwinds.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA Breaking up immediately before their planet's invasion, Kady and Ezra find themselves on separate spaceships fleeing an enemy warship. However, a damaged ally A.I. and strange disease may be the real dangers. This sci-fi romance novel's minimalist, dynamic format--the story is told entirely through instant messages, transcripts, letters, reports, etc.--increases the sense of tension and adds the reading experience.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA After a botched infiltration of LaRoux Industries, hacker Gideon and con-artist Sofia team up to take down the corrupt intergalactic corporation that hurt them both. Neither realizes that more is on the line. High-stakes action and cameos from series favorites culminate in a satisfying trilogy conclusion (These Broken Stars; This Shattered World). Snarky dialogue counterbalances danger to keep things from getting too dark.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA This follow-up to These Broken Stars spotlights new characters. Flynn is a rebel. Jubilee is an army captain fighting against the rebellion. When Flynn kidnaps her to gain information, neither expects they'll have to work together to survive. There's action and intrigue, but most compelling is the two protagonists' realistic emotional responses to war and how it affects their romance.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA Trapped on a deserted planet after their luxury spaceship crashes, soldier Tarver and socialite Lilac have to rely on each other if they want to survive, and their situation proves increasingly dire. The alternating voices show readers how they misinterpret each other at first; their star-crossed romance is the heart of this character-driven book, first in a trilogy.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers