I am looking for new authors/series for a teen boy.
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M$10 Answers
Check out the second half of my blog entry below, it has links to amazon.com you can read about Ender's Game there. The books are about youths that play video games at least when they start. They are quite gritty, and real for all ages whether you know anything about video games or not, they are well written. I have hilighted the special to get all the volumes, if you wish you can find the starting book and just get that I believe it is Ender's Game that people start out with, at least I did, you can check it out further perhaps in the lists people submit or the wikipedia page for Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ender's_Game
and here is the page for the series
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ender's_Game_(series) where Orson Scott Card is quoted as: "
Novels in the series
To date, there are 5 novels in the Ender's Game series and 4 novels in the Shadow series. According to Card, there is no strictly preferred order of reading them, except that Xenocide should be read right before Children of the Mind.5 The books can be read in the order they were originally written in or in chronological order."
Amazon links here:
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Walkthrough
http://helpfind.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-walkthrough/
If that does not do the trick - maybe it is too gritty, or too techy, maybe he likes it a bit more fantasy related, try Anne McCaffrey and her dragonriders of Pern series. here is her Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_McCaffrey
and the series page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragonriders_of_Pern
where they recommend "The series has 19 books and counting and, while characters drop in and out of the stories, the major players are repeated in most of them in smaller or lesser roles. This is partly because some of the books feature overlapping timeframes, describing the same events from different viewpoints.
Furthermore, McCaffrey has published novels set in several different periods of Pern's history, some centuries apart. When reading for the first time it is generally recommended to go in the order the novels were written, as the details change slightly over time. On repeat reads, a chronological order may be preferred. A list of the Pern books in chronological order is here." (see first page under Dragonriders of Pern series)
Strictly speaking, the first one written in the Pern series is this one
http://www.amazon.com/Analog-Science-Fiction-Fact-October/dp/B001A7I1SU/ in the original Analog Science Fiction Fact magazine, perhaps you will find it reprinted as part of some other boxed set or book as this probably is a rare collectors item if it was not reprinted.
Anne McCaffrey Author page with all her books at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Anne-McCaffrey/e/B000ARA0JO/
Orson Scott Card's Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Orson-Scott-Card/e/B000AQ3SS0/ref=sr_tc_2_0
NOTE: this ENDER book comes out December 29, 2009, so it is not out yet but you can preorder.
THe review said: "Set between Card's Hugo and Nebula–winning Ender's Game (1985) and Speaker for the Dead (1986), this philosophical novel covers familiar events, but puts new emphasis on their ethical ramifications. "
Ender in Exile (Mass Market Paperback)
http://www.amazon.com/Ender-Exile-Orson-Scott-Card/dp/0765344157/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3
As I mentioned at the top, Frank Herbert Dune book series may be ok but it is quite heavy reading perhaps for a teen and goes slowly with multiple layers of philosophy etc. but if he reads really well that could do it also.Frank Herbert at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Frank-Herbert/e/B000APO5OM/ref=sr_tc_2_0
His Wikipedia page says that he wrote 5 sequels to the novel Dune
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune_(novel)
There are all kinds of editions of Dune out here is the search for it at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=frank+herbert+dune&x=10&y=19
Also, his son is an author and found that his father had left detailed notes on a complete book series before he died leaving it unwritten so you may want to trace that and also include those books, there were detailed notes on characters and plot, as a fan even though the son cannot match his father in sheer genius, is also a good science fiction writer and that ties up a lot of loose ends, I believe he is still writing...
If your teen is at all gifted, I would suggest showing them this I think it could work, you never know what you have till they try, and then follow up with the next pages and good luck!
How to Publish a Short Story Videos
How to Write a Science Fiction Novel
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How to Become a Professional Writer
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M$I'm agreeing with the Discworld and Percy Jackson series. Both are fun and clever and really well written.
Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett is a series of loosely tied together stories written in different parts of the same fantasy world. His humor can be anything from slapstick and puns to very dry and witty. He's also had 25 years to polish the series and they keep gettin better. If he's not a kid who has to start at the beginning (I was always one for jumping in the middle) I'd say to start with the Hogfather. It's a fast paced and funny but thoughtful sendup of the holidays set in his universe where their Hogfather (read Santa) has been mysteriously 'reduced' and Death pitches in to pick up the slack. It's a great look at human nature and belief and celebrations, and has really thoughtful moments right next to laugh until you snort moments and a few delightful snicker evilly moments.
The same author has a totally not part of the series and not as funny but really really good book called Nation. It's about a boy who, after a natural disaster, believes himself to be the last of his tribe. And a lost girl who is very much NOT part of his tribe, and all the displaced people who become their tribe, as well as the ones who don't. Again, thoughtful and funny and a bit sad at times. A book to argue against everyone who says that fantasy can't be 'literature'. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Nation/Terry-Pratchett/e/9780061433030/?itm=1&usri=terry+pratchett+nation
The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan is also very good. The Lightning Thief is the first one: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Lightning-Thief/Rick-Riordan/e/9780786838653/?itm=1&usri=the+lightning+thief+percy+jackson+and+the+olympians It's not a hard series to read, but engaging enough for kids of all ages and adults too. I've seen plenty of kids get their parents hooked, just like Harry Potter. There's this boy, and he's a good kid, but a little problematic at times. And it's never really his fault. Really. Then he finds out that his father was one of the Greek gods and he's accused of a crime and ends up going cross country to prove his innocence and to find out who he is. It's action and adventure and mythology and new worlds and this world and growing up and what it means to be a hero and what it means to be family. And swordfighting. (I really hope they don't mess it up too much in the movie...)
Not a series, but have to throw in Carl Hiaasen. He's a great writer with a crazy sense of adventure and humor. All his books are set in Florida and have a mystery meets environmentalism bent. Not preachy, just thoughtful. Inbetween the insane action. The first one was made into an okay movie, but as it often is, the book was so much better. Right now his kids' books are Hoot, FLush, and Scat. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=childrens+carl+hiaasen&box=childrens%20carl%20hiaasen&pos=-1
For action/adventure stright up, you can try Charlie Higson's Young Bond series. It's sleek and popular and gets better as it goes along rather than fading as so many series do. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=silverfin+young+bond+series+1&box=silverf&pos=0
There's also the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz. The first one is stormbreaker. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=stormbreaker+alex+rider+series+1&box=stormbre&pos=0 It isn't the deepest series, but like high quality action movies it's a great series for escapes and travel reads, and moves along at a good pace.
I think I'd say to pass on the Twilight series, it tends towards girls and isn't particularly well written. Ditto on Dune, but that's more because it starts even slower than the Lord of The Rings. It's a good series but I'd suggest to wait a few more years on that one.
sites in answer, and lots of personal reading
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M$
The Alex Rider series is perfect for a 13 year old boy. Highly recommended by me, too.
Terry Pratchett was going to be my pick...
There's a fantastic sense of series going on there. Not all of the characters are in every book, but a lot of them do walk in and out of situations. They are very funny and have a lot of 'hidden' knowledge buried in them (so he'll be learning without noticing)
Terry Pratchett looks like a possibility. He has read all of Percy Jackson and all of Alex Rider (probably more than once each!) He would not consider Hiassen but I am thinking about checking out one myself. Thanks!
Magicians are in charge of the government. Djinni and demons are at the beck and call of the most powerful wizards. And a growing band of resistance who seek to end the stranglehold on the common people by the magicians in power. Welcome to London as portrayed in the mind of Jonathan Stroud, author of The Bartimaeus Trilogy.
Forget what you think you know about the laws of magic-use; Stroud's universe re-writes the rules and sends readers on a breathtaking journey with a teenage magician bent on earning the respect of his peers, a young commoner determined to restore balance in the world, and an ageless djinn who just wants to be left alone. Filled with vendettas, intrigue and action, The Bartimaeus Trilogy has something to offer every reader.
#1: THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND
Nathaniel is a young magician's apprentice, taking his first lessons in the arts of magic. But when a devious hotshot wizard named Simon Lovelace ruthlessly humiliates Nathaniel in front of everyone he knows, Nathaniel decides to kick up his education a few notches and show Lovelace who's boss. With revenge on his mind, he masters one of the toughest spells of all: summoning the all-powerful djinni, Bartimaeus. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling him are two different things entirely, and when Nathaniel sends the djinni out to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand, Nathaniel finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of magical espionage, murder, blackmail, and revolt.
Set in a modern-day London spiced with magicians and mayhem, this extraordinary, funny, pitch-perfect thriller will dazzle the myriad fans of Artemis Fowl and the His Dark Materials trilogy. And with the rights sold in more than a dozen countries, and a major motion picture in the works, the Bartimaeus trilogy is on the fast track to becoming a classic.
#2: THE GOLEM'S EYE
The second adventure in the Bartimaeus trilogy finds our young apprentice magician Nathaniel working his way up the ranks of the government, when crisis hits. A seemingly invulnerable clay golem is making random attacks on London. Nathaniel and the all-powerful, totally irreverent djinni, Bartimaeus, must travel to Prague to discover the source of the golem's power.
In the ensuing chaos, readers will chase a dancing skeleton across London's skyline, encounter the horror of the dreaded Night Police, witness a daring kidnapping, and enter the Machiavellian world of the magician's government. Eventually, Nathaniel and Bartimaeus have to go head to head with the fearsome golem before the surprise identity of his master is finally revealed.
#3: PTOLEMY'S GATE
Three years have passed since the magician Nathaniel helped prevent a cataclysmic attack on London. Now an established member of the British Government, he faces unprecedented problems: foreign wars are going badly, Britain’s enemies are mounting attacks close to London, and rebellion is fermenting among the commoners. Increasingly imperious and distracted, Nathaniel is treating Bartimaeus worse than ever. The long-suffering djinni is growing weak and vulnerable from too much time in this world, and his patience is nearing its end.
Meanwhile, undercover in London, Kitty has been stealthily completing her research on magic, demons, and Bartimaeus’s past. She has a plan that she hopes will break the endless cycle of conflict between djinn and humans. But will anyone listen to what she has to say?
In this thrilling conclusion of the Bartimaeus trilogy, the destinies of Bartimaeus, Nathaniel, and Kitty are thrown together once more. For the first time, we will learn the secrets of Bartimaeus’s past, and get a glimpse into the Other Place -- the world of demons -- as together, the threesome must face treacherous magicians, unravel a masterfully complex conspiracy, and defeat a formidable faction of demons. And worst of all, they must somehow cope with one another...
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Bartimaeus-Trilogy-Boxed-Jonathan-Stroud/dp/142310420X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258919395&sr=8-1
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THE TWILIGHT SAGA (VERY POPULAR RIGHT NOW)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Twilight-Saga-Collection-ebook/dp/B001FA0PIQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258919553&sr=1-4
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Brisingr
http://www.amazon.com/Brisingr-Deluxe-Inheritance-Christopher-Paolini/dp/0375854819/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258919619&sr=1-6
I HOPE THAT HELPS ATLEAST A LITTLE BIT :)
ALSO, HARRY POTTER IS GOOD AS WELL
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M$"The Hunger Games" trilogy of books by Suzanne Collins
It is a dark story that takes place in the very distant future in what has become of North America, which has largely reverted back to a pre-industrial society. A central government rooted in the Rocky Mountains territories stages a deadly game every year in which two adolescents from each territory must compete to the death in a giant arena of survival. Our main heroine, Katniss, is chosen by lottery to play in the games and must resign herself to death, while finding the will to fight.
It's raw, fast-paced, and electrifying, but intelligent and thoughtful as well. It raises a lot of interesting questions about government, free will, freedom, and primal instincts.
It is considered a "Young Adult" book, even though it is appealing to adults, too. If your young man is extremely squeamish about violence, then take a pass. But if he can handle battles scenes things such as you'd read in The Lord of the Rings, then he'll be just fine with these books.
And boy were these books fun! (there are two in the trilogy so far)
"The Hunger Games" is an amazingly FAST & FUN read. It's an adventure that whips you through and keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can. It doesn't drag, it doesn't disappoint, and it makes you grin with pleasure the whole way through. Trust me, he HAS to read these books.
If you don't want to take my word for it, here is a review from Stephen King:
--quote--
"The Hunger Games...is a violent, jarring speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense... I couldn't stop reading..."
-Stephen King
Here is the AMAZON LINK.
Oh, and the 2nd book in the trilogy is called "Catching Fire". 3rd book to be released in September, 2010.
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M$
Great suggestion, I'm currently reading "The Hunger Games" and it's hard to put down!
I know, isn't it amazing? I got my husband hooked on it. Gotta love Haymitch.
This looks interesting though the second one looks familiar so I will ask if he read them. If not I will add to my list of things to look for.
I hear his books are interesting and along the lines that your teen boy would be interested in. The series features 12 year old Max Quick and a time travel adventure.
You can even sample the book by listening to a bit of the audio for free.
Here's his blog:
http://markjeffrey.typepad.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXavp3iiMyg
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M$
Very cool but as best as I can tell I will have to wait since the book has been picked up by publication by Harper.
I knew I recogised the name Mark Jeffrey... I've seen the name here but never made the connection between the Mahalo man and the author....
Anyway, Max Quick book 1 was one of the first podcast novels I ever read. Its very good and worth a look. Its also available for free download (100% legit and read by the author) as an audio book at http://www.podiobooks.com/title/the-pocket-and-the-pendant/
Its fantastic news that he's been picked up by a major publisher, so I can't wait until book 3 is launched... (and yes I've signed up to the notification email list)
http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/books-for-children/the-lightning-thief/
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M$The series I would recommend is that of Discworld by Terry Pratchett. I believe the first in the series is The Colour of Magic, but they do not need to be read in order. Many characters do continue from one book to another but it is not straightforward.
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M$As for other recommendations, you could try Darran Shan's "The saga of Darren Shan" (recently released in cinemas as "Cirque de Freak") - which I read at around 13, and enjoyed (from all I've heard, the film isn't as good as the book, but I remember enjoying the books).
You could also try the Narnia series of books, especially "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". Although, at 13 I found the other sequels too complicated and (as I put it "boring") - both the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and it's prequel The Magician's nephew were books that I read on more than one occasion.
As a further suggestion, librarians at the local library normally have some good recommendations, they also have the advantage of knowing what children of a similar age group are checking out of the library, so might have more insight. Everyone's book tastes are different, though, and some people may well hate what others love.
EDIT: Here are a few more author suggestions, just quickly:
*Philip Pullman (His dark materials)
*JK Rowling's Harry Potter series
*Assimov's Foundation series (might be a little to young to enjoy them yet, though)
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M$
Thanks for the input. Shan is a possibility. He finished all the Narnia, and didnt like Pullman, refuses to read H Potter(because to many people are pushing him to) and Assimov was a bit much so it sits on the shelf for another year. But Cirque de Freak may be just the thing.
I remember obsessing about Pulman, but I understand why people's tastes differ. I see that some people have recommended Pratchett, and I'd add my recommendation to that. Some of them are more complex than others, and may be too dull for a sterter, I remember really loving "The Wee free Men".
You might also want to try Daniel Handler (pseudonym Lemony Snicket)'s "A series of Unfortunate events" - I liked the first couple of books in this series, but they do get a little repetitive.
James W Hall
http://www.jameswhall.com/books.htm
I have read these books
RED SKY AT NIGHT
BUZZ CUT
MEAN HIGH TIDE
HARD AGROUND
BONES OF CORAL
TROPICAL FREEZE
UNDER COVER OF DAYLIGHT
All available free at your local library. These books are great for us older folks too. I love them and I'm 58.
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M$
"Daddy King and Me."
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M$
Thanks for your reply but I don't think it will qualify as a leisure read for him.
The question specifies "His favorite type books are things like Fablehaven, Earagon, Ranger Apprentice, Artemis Fowl. He likes series so he can read one after another about the same characters" and your suggestion is nothing of the kind. In fact, it's not even likely to be of interest to most people. Not only that, you have gone through marking "unhelpful" several answers with appropriate suggested series and authors, including mine. You should review what the meaning of unhelpful is on Mahalo, it does not mean disagree. And your answer really is unhelpful, because it ignores the parameters of the question.
I would also recommend the Ender's Game series, especially Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow. Card is fantastic with character development and the books are written so that a child or an adult will enjoy them- both male and female. I would not have described them as being about children playing video games though. Ender's Game revolves around a boy nicknamed Ender who is sent for military training in space along with other highly intelligent, gifted children. They are seen as the main hope in the war against an insect-like race called the "buggers". They are trained through simulations (including video simulations similar to video games) and in role playing battle games. I enjoyed the series so much, I also listened to them on tape after I read them.
Sounds like you have an avid reader. Well, for that perhaps you might want to try a http://www.google.com search and snip in this combination of words to start;
recommended books for young adults series
OR start with recommended books for young adults and also note the additional suggested searches on the page, and then add the word series to those searches. If it is just science fiction or fantasy you can throw in those terms one at a time, and sounds like you will be doing this for awhile, it may be worth your while to keep at the least an author and series listing of what he has already read also as an avid reader is not likely to just stop. You may want to consider keeping an eye on http://www.amazon.com maybe sign up to be notified of their Free Kindle for PC http://www.mahalo.com/free-kindle-for-pc if you have a pc, because that freely downloadable software makes all Kindle books readable, and they have a lot of bargain books for Kindle at 99 cents each and I think the Kindle books are generally cheaper than paper. Good luck!
Thanks for the input. He is currently reading part of the Pern series. He's not into writing at all, will avoid it when ever he can! The Enders series sounds very familiar so we either considered it, or he read it. I've lost track because he has gone through so many books in the past year. It's so much easier when you are shopping in a store as opposed to BN or Amazon and he doesnt get much school library time to look around.
I think Dune may not work just yet but will keep it in mind.