Whether you’re thirteen or thirty-something, there’s magic in stories that remind us of what it’s like to feel everything all at once — that dizzy mix of hope, heartbreak, wonder and courage that defines growing up (no matter how old you actually are).
These three books are made for readers who never quite grew out of believing that stories can still change the way we see the world … Best of all? The first chapters are all free to read in BookTrib Lit Picks! They’ll make you laugh, cry and maybe even believe in a little bit of magic again.
Shadow Wars by Sherrilyn Kenyon
In Shadow Wars, bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon unleashes a world teetering on the edge of darkness — and a hero who must decide whether to fight the shadows or become one. It’s packed with all the high-stakes action and mythic energy that made Kenyon a household name, but what really sets it apart is the heart beating beneath the chaos.
This is a story about identity, choice and the courage to face what’s lurking inside us. With her trademark mix of cinematic battles and razor-sharp dialogue featuring characters who leap off the page, Kenyon proves she hasn’t just mastered fantasy — she’s redefined it for a new generation.
Perfect for readers who crave adventure and intensity, with a shadow of darkness trailing close behind.
The Great Dempseys by Brianna MacMahon
Families: can’t live with them, can’t survive without them. The Great Dempseys is a big-hearted, sharply funny and deeply relatable story about the messy, magical chaos of growing up in a family that’s equal parts brilliant and dysfunctional.
Brianna MacMahon captures the push and pull of adolescence — that constant dance between wanting to stand out and wanting to belong. Through sibling rivalries and big dreams with even bigger emotions, she crafts a coming-of-age tale that’s as warm as it is whip-smart.
If you love books that balance humor and honesty, this one will absolutely charm you.
Rain Falling on Embers by Liana Gardner
Some stories hit you softly. Others knock the wind right out of you. Rain Falling on Embers does both. After tragedy turns her world upside down, thirteen-year-old Katie must navigate grief, anger and the fragile process of rebuilding a life from the ashes.
Liana Gardner writes with emotional precision — every sentence hums with This is a story about loss, yes, but also about forgiveness and the quiet strength required to keep moving forward when everything hurts.
It’s one of those rare middle-grade novels that resonates across ages — a beautiful, aching reminder that growing up isn’t about leaving the past behind but learning how to carry it with you.
