The op-ed below does not necessarily reflect the views of the University Daily Kansan and its members.
Content Warning: Some book summaries mention kidnapping and sexual assault.
Fall is here, which means it’s the perfect time to cozy up on a chilly evening with a book. So, here is a list of some of my favorite books if you’re looking for something to read.
These books are all mystery, thriller, romance, fantasy and young adult genres because those are my favorite genres.
“The Butterfly Garden” book is about a young woman named Maya who survives being kidnapped by a twisted man known as “the Gardener” who kidnaps girls and keeps them as his “butterflies.”
1. ‘The Butterfly Garden‘ by Dot Hutchison
Genres: Thriller, mystery, horror, crime
The book is about a young woman named Maya who survives being kidnapped by a twisted man known as “the Gardener” who kidnaps girls and keeps them as his “butterflies.” Maya is questioned by two FBI agents, Victor Hanoverian and Brandon Eddison, who are trying to solve the mysterious case. The story follows Maya as she explains what happened in the Garden.
This book isn’t extremely gory, but it does contain explicit content about kidnapping, rape and other events that might be triggering for some.
“Good Girl, Bad Girl” is about a mysterious girl named Evie Cormac, who is a human lie detector with little known about her.
2. ‘Good Girl, Bad Girl‘ by Michael Robotham
Genres: Mystery, psychological thriller, crime, suspense
“Good Girl, Bad Girl” is about a mysterious girl named Evie Cormac, who is a human lie detector. No one knows her age, her parents, her story or where she came from.
After living in a secure children’s home for many years, she petitions to be released as an adult. Cyrus Haven, a forensic psychologist, is tasked with making sure she is okay to leave. They form a bond and he becomes her foster parent.
The book follows Cyrus working on a case to solve the murder of Jodie Sheehan, with the help of Evie.
“The Shadows Between Us” is about Alessandra Stathos, a villainous and manipulative woman with a murder plan for the Shadow King.
3. ‘The Shadows Between Us‘ by Tricia Levenseller
Genres: Fantasy, romance, young adult
The story follows Alessandra Stathos, a villainous and manipulative woman with a murder plan for the Shadow King. Alessandra is fed up with being overlooked her whole life and decides to take what she deserves: power.
As Alessandra lies and manipulates her way through court, she makes friends and enemies along the way. The Shadow King and Alessandra form a bond and her strategic plan gets closer and closer to being finalized.
“Once Upon a Broken Heart” follows Evangeline Fox through a fantasy world filled with immortal beings, curses, prophecies and magic.
4. ‘Once Upon a Broken Heart‘ by Stephanie Garber
Genres: Fantasy, romance, young adult
In the novel, Evangeline Fox goes through a fantasy world filled with immortal beings, curses, prophecies and magic. She meets the wicked Prince of Hearts, and makes a deal with him that she will soon regret.
Evangeline is invited to be an ambassador for Nocte Neverending, a celebration for the Crown Prince to choose his bride. The Prince of Hearts forces Evangeline to kiss the Crown Prince and he falls in love with her.
As the Prince of Hearts continues to manipulate and use Evangeline for his personal gain, she bounces between hating him and liking him.
“Defy the Night” follows Tessa Cade, an outlaw in the kingdom of Kandala, who is trying to help the poor who have been plagued by a deadly sickness.
5. ‘Defy the Night‘ by Brigid Kemmerer
Genres: Young adult, romance, fantasy
This book is a Robin Hood inspired story filled with betrayals, plot twists, romance and more. The book follows Tessa Cade, an outlaw in the kingdom of Kandala, who is trying to help the poor who have been plagued by a deadly sickness.
The rare cure, an elixir created from Moonflowers, is controlled by the wealthy. Tessa and her best friend Weston Lark steal Moonflowers and distribute the elixir to those in need.
As rumors start to spread, Tessa ends up breaking into the palace but learns much more than she ever could imagine.
Claire Brown joined the opinion section for the University Daily Kansan in the fall of 2023. She is a sophomore and enjoys writing about pop culture, music and books. She is an active member of the KU Ad club.
This post was originally published on here
