Naked in Death

Author: Nora Roberts (writing as J.D. Robb)
Publisher: Grand Haven, MI: Brilliance Publishing, Inc., 2007

Annotation:
This is the first book in the bestselling In Death series. Set in the technologically advanced year of 2058, it’s about New York Detective Eve Dallas who investigates the high profile murder of a senator’s daughter who had been working as a prostitute. Eve finds herself attracted to the handsome Roarke, a business tycoon, who is the main suspect. Although the series can be read out of order, many readers suggest to start with this one. But beware: it’s a fast and easy read, so you might find yourself devouring over 50 books and short stories in the series.

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The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: New York: Scholastic, Incorporated, 2011

Annotation:
A new nation Panem has appeared in the ruins of what was once America. The Capitol forces the twelve districts to each send a male and female teenager to fight to the death on television. Katniss Everdeen becomes one of the fighters. She must face the ordeal while making moral choices and choices of the heart. If you are after a high stakes story, then The Hunger Games is for you. It’s also the first book of a multi-award-winning trilogy. And, as is nearly always the case, readers say the book is better than the film.

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Hunter's Claim

Author: S.E. Smith
Publisher: Fort Pierce: S. E. Smith LLC, 2015

Annotation:
This is the first book in The Alliance series. Four years after aliens landed, strong-minded Jesse and her sisters are living rough in the streets of Seattle. They hide in the dark not knowing who to fear more—the aliens or the humans. The alien Trivators’ mission is to forcefully assimilate humankind into the Alliance of Star Systems. A skilled Trivator hunter is captured by a group of humans. To his astonishment, Jesse saves him, but then she disappears into the ruined city. His new mission is to save her from her own kind. You’ll like this if you want a break from Earth guys.

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Shards of Honor

Author: Lois McMaster Bujold
Publisher: London: Simon & Schuster, Limited, 2004

Annotation:
Enter the world of Barrayar and Beta Colony. A group from Barrayar attack Cordelia Naismith’s survey crew from Beta Colony. Commander Aral Vorkosigan takes Cordelia prisoner. However, a ruthless crew member takes over his ship. Enduring many ordeals, Aral and Cordelia learn to appreciate each other and their mutual feelings grow. This book was a Locus Award Nominee for Best First Novel, and other books in the series have won awards. It is the first book in the bestselling Vorkosigan Saga series, which won the Hugo Award.

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Legend

Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2011

Annotation:
The western United States has become a new warring nation called the Republic. June, a teenager, is on the path of rising in the nation’s military. But when her brother is murdered, she seeks to take revenge against Day, the lead suspect. Meanwhile he is fighting for his family’s survival. However, the two discover the shocking truth about how the Republic caused their paths to cross. This was the first book in the Legend series, although there is a prequel. If you are looking for action and romance, this New York Times Bestseller might be the answer.

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He, She and It

Author: Marge Piercy
Publisher: New York: Fawcett Crest, 1993

Annotation:
In the mid-21st century, the huge corporation of divorcee Shira Shipman’s zone has taken her son. She returns to her Jewish grandmother’s town and meets an illegal cyborg man who helps her. Meanwhile, the grandmother tells the cyborg a story about a 16th century Kabbalist who created a golem. If you prefer a more leisurely read, then this and the parallel narrative with two different time settings will provide an interesting variation on that style. This novel was the winner of the 1993 Arthur C. Clarke award for best science fiction novel.

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Fortune's Pawn

Author: Rachel Bach
Publisher: New York: Orbit, 2013

Annotation:
This book is the first in the Paradox trilogy. Deviana Morris is a mercenary who accepts a security guard job on a trader spaceship the Glorious Fool. She hopes this will lead to a career in an elite armoured fighter league of Paradox her home planet. However, the Glorious Fool has many conflicts and dangers to overcome. Meanwhile, she is strangely attracted to the ship’s cook Rupert Charkov who possesses skills far beyond his job role. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, dramatic, plot-driven space operas, then this should fit the bill.

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Nightchaser

Author: Amanda Bouchet
Publisher: Naperville, Ill.: Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2019

Annotation:
This is the first novel in the Endeavor series. After stealing a supply of vaccines to help an orphanage, Captain Tess Bailey is leading her ship and crew in a getaway. The ship has mechanical problems so she must accept help from a handsome stranger Shade Ganavan on a distant planet. They both have difficult pasts that are catching up with them. If you’re after a Steamy and amusing romance that grabs you from the start and has likeable characters with great chemistry, then take a look at Nightchaser.

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Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: London: HarperCollins Publishers Limited, 2014

Annotation:
This is the first book of the Divergent series. In Chicago’s dystopian future, Beatrice Prior must choose and devote her life to one of her society’s five factions. While undergoing the ordeal of initiation, she learns many secrets of her society and must find a way to fit in her love of a fellow initiate. She also has her own secret which might help her to save others but might also endanger her own life. This intricate and suspenseful New York Times bestselling book is now a successful film starring Kate Winslet.

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Born of Night

Author:  Sherrilyn Kenyon
Publisher: New York: St. Martin's, 2009

Annotation:
This book is the first in the League series. Kiara Zamir’s mother was murdered and now she herself is targeted for assassination due to her father’s political conflicts. Another assassin Nykyrian Quiakides protects her from the government’s League. Given her history, she must overcome her fear of him in order to survive, and he has his own reason to fear her. This novel will be a good fit if you are after a fast-paced read that is steamy and violent and features a courageous heroine struggling against severe adversity.

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