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Original poster

gripping books for 14 yr ds

65 replies

Hullygully · 25/06/2011 15:11

Please oh please.

Ds has requested books "as gripping as Infernal Engines and Eragon."

He has read the "Gone" "Hunger Games" series, is quite mature and wants a break from his non-fiction physics books...

All ideas appreciated.

OP posts:
Takver · 26/06/2011 09:29

Does he like sci/fi / fantasy? I would have thought lots of 'adult' fantasy / sci fi would be fine for a 14 y/o especially if you're happy with a certain amount of sex/violence (Neil Gaiman, Ursula le Guin, Zelazney) etc). Classic sci fi like Isaac Asimov might also appeal to a physics loving 14 y/o?

Original poster
Hullygully · 26/06/2011 09:14

Thanks, keep em coming!

Slambang - my ds loved the Hitchhiker's Guide series if yours hasn't read it.

I think you're right too, it's the more adult stuff we need, he has read (and loved) Curious Incident, will give him the Wasp Factory.

And I don't mind sex/violence etc (horribly liberal believing in let em practise their own censorship. Just so long as the writing is intelligent..)

OP posts:
stressedHEmum · 26/06/2011 09:01

MEdusa Project by Sophie Mackenzie
Wind on Fire trilogy by WIlliam Nicholson
Power of Five by Anthony Horowitz
Rangers Apprentice
Abhorsen trilogy by GArth Nix
STravaganza series by Mary Hoffmann
Otori series (bit more grown up) by Liam Hearn
books by Rayond Fiest - adult books but no real sex, bad language or whatever

roguepixie · 26/06/2011 00:37

Have picked DS's brains a little bit more and have a few more:

Holes/Small Steps - Louis Sacher
Agent 21 - Chris Ryan
Virals - Kathy Reichs
Eagle of the 9th - Rosemary Sutcliffe
The Spooks ... (The Wardstone Chronicles) series - Joseph Delaney
The Prince of Mist/The Midnight Palace - Carlos Ruiz Zafon (for children)
Discworld series - Terry Pratchett
The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman

I will go through his bookshelf tomorrow to see if there are any others I can spy Smile

madamehooch · 25/06/2011 20:35

Blood Red Road is new and is a cross between Hunger Games and Patrick Ness. It's fab!

FortiesCromarty · 25/06/2011 18:24

How about the Ian M Banks Sci Fi stuff?

Slambang · 25/06/2011 18:12

We're in exactly the same boat. Ds (also 14) has also read and enjoyed all those suggested so far (except Patrick Ness so we'll try those, thanks).
and also keen on physics Confused
He feels he's grown out of most of the teen series type books and has enjoyed a few of the kid/adult crossovers Curious Incident of a Dog in the Nighttime, Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and at the moment Wasp Factory (Ian Banks).
So perhaps, can anyone suggest 'grown up' books that teenage boys may enjoy? BTW I have no objection to him reading some mild adult 'titillation' soft porn but draw the line at the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo rape scene type stuff.

Original poster
Hullygully · 25/06/2011 17:53

thanks.

rogue - he's read all those (loved Artemis) and he's got the Ness books.

This is why I'm struggling...

OP posts:
roguepixie · 25/06/2011 17:39

Oh, has he tried the Artemis Fowl series?

pointydog · 25/06/2011 17:39

Has he tried any Patrick Ness books? He's good.

roguepixie · 25/06/2011 17:39

OK, am asking for DS's advice:

suggestions are:

The Enemy & The Dead - Charlie Higson
Young Bond series - Charlie Higson
Jimmy Coates series - Joe Craig
Percy Jackson series and The Kane Chronicles - Rick Riordan
Skullguggery Pleasant - Derek Landy (might be a bit young for him)
Gone, Hunger & Plague - Michael Grant

Will post again once he's had a think about it further. Grin

Original poster
Hullygully · 25/06/2011 17:23

He tried those, Beer, but wasn't keen (dunno why)

OP posts:
BeerTricksPotter · 25/06/2011 15:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Hullygully · 25/06/2011 15:19

He has read those, Peggoty, but thanks.

OP posts:
peggotty · 25/06/2011 15:15

Has he read any of the Phillip Pullman 'His Dark Materials' trilogy?