Books for 13-year old

[NotKnowingArseFromElbow]

Hello, DS is an avid reader. But doesn't like fantasy (dragons, sci-fi etc). He likes Dystopian-type and Secret Agent books. He doesn't like books that are set in the past very much (so didn't like the young Bond books). He wouldn't like anything scary (ie demons/skeletons etc no matter how mild). He likes things he can relate to - so teenage boys as the main character are a hit.

He's read lots and the ones he really enjoyed we're The Hunger Games, Divergence Series, Alex Rider.

Have you got any suggestions? Thanks!

I was going to suggest The Enemy series by Charlie Higson but it might be too scary. Have a look anyway, my 12yo loved it.

Try Patrick Ness’s trilogy “The chaos walking trilogy or
“Mortal Engines” Philip Reeve, Another is “Outlaws Scarlett and Browne” by Jonathan Stroud. It’s a great book!

Cherub series by Robert Muchamore.
Really good - I read them too as I love crossover fiction.

@Bessica1970

Cherub series by Robert Muchamore. Really good - I read them too as I love crossover fiction.

He just came home with that today! Seems to be enjoying it! I will look at the others suggested. Thanks you. I like series books for him, so once he's hooked, he can devour the series.

Thanks so much everyone!

Hunger games.

My 13 year old has loved the Cherub series. He’s now into teenage murder mysteries, he’s enjoying an author called Karen McManus.

Sherlock Holmes - all of them.
Curious incident of the dog in the night time

I wonder if he'd like Artemis Fowl. It is a bit fantasy, but the main character is an evil teen genius and it's quite spy / techy.

While there are fantasy elements - I wouldn't put it in that genre. The series is excellent as well (even as an adult).

The Highland Falcon series - murder mystery series set on trains. DS has loved these. He also lives all of the Rick Riordan books - Percy Jackson etc.

I’m an English teacher and would recommend novels by Tim Bowler. The Explorer by Katherine Rundell is very good and lots of boys whom I teach seem to have enjoyed The Murderer’s Ape - not sure of the author.

Robert Muchamore (Cherub author) came to speak at my old school years ago and the boys were so excited. He is actually a diminutive little bloke in a cardigan (a bit like Penfold) and not at all what they were expecting - essentially James Bond X Chris Ryan!

Thank you all!

If he likes murder mysteries I suggest the mini series by Simon Mason. Running Girl, Kid got Shot, and Hey Sherlock. They are inspired by Sherlock Holmes but are about a teenager and set today.
Students and staff love them at my school.