2025 AI-Free Summer Reading List

That Which Sings: by Wren Scarborough, published in 2024 by Kingsflight Press. YA Dark Fantasy, 16+

“Uncle. Family trouble. Blood feud. It’s old news. Really old news.”

Blood-bound to an ancient pact with beautiful, murderous fae, Nes always believed she would be the monsters’ next victim.

But it’s her uncle the faeries take, the one person she has left, and Nes will wait no longer.

She will get him back, or she will die trying.

Brimming with lush prose and brutal action, That Which Sings is a punk-rock fairy tale with sharp teeth, a vicious wit, and a heavy, burning heart.

Of Constellations & Clockwork

By Alexandra Wendt, published in 2024 by Story-Weaver Publishing NA Fantasy/Historically Inspired Fantasy

Markmaker

By M.J. Woods, Sci-fi/Space Fantasy, published in 2022 by Chrism Press YA to Adult

For the Noxxiin people, tattoos define identity: they commemorate birth, ancestry, accomplishments—even crimes. As a tattoo artist living on an ancient generation ship, Mariikel Serix has sworn to record the truth. So when he becomes an unwilling accomplice in the banishment of an innocent man, he is horrified that he has broken his oath—and his eyes are opened to the misery of the Underbelly, the realm of the outcasts.

Despite the risk to himself, the young markmaker begins secretly helping the ship’s exiles. But more trouble is brewing. The Serix guild, which regulates the ceremonial tattoos, engages in a power struggle with the Ascendance, a domineering political faction—and the conflict threatens to destroy the fragile peace among the Noxxiin clans. Amidst this discord, an enigmatic artist named Haza’ruux singles out Mariikel to be his apprentice, for hidden reasons of his own. As Mariikel ventures deeper into a maze of political strife and ancient clan secrets, he realizes that his pursuit of justice may not only cost his reputation—it may cost him his life.

Octave of Stars

By Zephyr Thomas, published in 2023 by ZMT Books

YA, 12-18 year old boys looking for a faith-filled adventure.

Ash and Cascadia seem like best friends and neighbors, but may or may not be actually dating. Most young people at their stage in life only have to deal with college classes and finding a job, and not a unique gift that will ultimately tangle them up in a web of intrigue, mystery, and action. This new adventure will help them develop new friendships and strengthen old ones, bringing them closer to God and ultimately to each other. Can they protect their identity, defend their faith, survive danger, and make it to Mass on Sunday?

A Tyranny of Kindness

By Matthew Sawczyn, published in 2023 by CWS publishing

Science fiction fans, adult age

A futuristic abortion doctor has a change of heart and risks everything to save just one Infant, even if it means going on the run…

Cold Iron

By Caitlin Magness, self-published in 2020

YA Contemporary Fantasy

Seventeen-year-old Siobhan Murray has never believed any of the stories of the supernatural in her hometown of Port Alto, Massachusetts. Since her mother's disappearance thirteen years ago, she hasn't believed in much of anything. But when Siobhan's best friend Wren goes missing, Siobhan sets out to find her, coming face to face with the truth about Port Alto, her mother, and the mysterious and dangerous realm of Arcadia.

Wingless

By Catherine Witzaney, published in 2024 by Chicken Scratch Books

Upper-middle-grade fantasy

In a world of flight, he was born wingless. But that’s the least of his problems.,

Since being orphaned at a young age, wingless sprite Asher Songfeather has been sure of one thing: Bat sprites aren’t to be trusted. The fact that his own mother was one is something Asher does his best to forget.

But when his adoptive sister Carinen falls deathly ill, he’ll risk anything to save her-even if it means striking a bargain with a mysterious Bat sprite newcomer. The deal sends Asher on a perilous quest into the heart of the Bat Colony itself, where nothing is as it first appears. Saving his sister will require more than just courage and wits. It will take trust, too.

And Asher will have to rethink everything he knows about Bat sprites-including himself.

6 Blocks Home

By Tara J. Stone, self-published in 2020

Contemporary Middle-to-YA Fiction

When tragedy forces 12-year-old Sam to move in with her Catholic neighbors, she must navigate a new world of family, faith, and first love.

Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors

By Katharine Campbell, published in 2021

Byzantine Fantasy

Fairies have one job. They are tasked with helping people learn and practice virtue. I am sure you've heard stories of fairies taking the form of beggars, blessing those who help them, and cursing those who don't.

However, not all fairies are good. Instead of helping people practice virtue, some encourage vice. These are the types of fairies you generally want to avoid. Nothing would delight them more than seeing you destroy someone you love.

Unfortunately, for the young King Alexander, his sister falls victim to a pair of such fairies who convince her to launch a coup. Alexander has no choice but to flee to a barbarian kingdom and try to build himself a new life among the uncouth locals.

Even if happiness were possible in such a place, could he live with himself if he left his people at the mercy of such evil beings? And even if he wanted to help his people, how could he possibly match the fairies' power?

The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones

By Thomas Salerno, published in 2025 by Word on Fire Votive

Children's NonFiction

Journey into the exciting life of Nicolas Steno, the father of geology whose passion for truth led him to groundbreaking scientific discovery and a deep religious devotion. Interwoven into this biography of a scientist and Catholic bishop is the story of fossils and the hidden history of the earth beneath our feet. With an extensive glossary of scientific terms and delightful field-guide sketches, this beautifully crafted book will inspire any young person eager to learn about the natural world and its Creator.

The Windward King

By K.T. Ivanrest, published in 2021 by Ink Drake Press

Noblebright YA-Adult Fantasy

Forced to take the place of an abducted prince, a timid shapeshifter must hunt down the kidnapper amidst mounting political tension and the threat of war, all while relying on the one person he knows he can’t trust—himself. Featuring reluctant heroes, lynxes, guy friendships, sibling angst, tall ships, mystery, no romance, and donut holes.

Remembrance

By Sara Hayes Dietz, published in 2025 by Fire & Feast Press

Crime/Medical Thriller, Sci-Fi LITE, YA-Adult

FORGET EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW. After a psychotic break lands Leah Harvey in a clinical trial for an experimental new treatment, she assumes that things are looking up. But when she's t-boned on her way to an appointment and ends up missing her monthly check-in, her symptoms come out of remission and flare up with a vengeance. At first, she chalks it up to residual effects of the accident, or to missing her treatment, but she's quickly drawn into a complex network of secrets threatening to burst. Not only is her view of her condition changed forever, but her understanding of her very self.

How to Become a Heroic Catholic

By Catherine Stewart, published in 2014 by Rivershore Books

Catholic Non-Fiction/Apologetics for Teenagers

Your guide to defending Catholicism for teenagers & young adults, using the Bible, CCC, and Church Fathers to show why we believe what we believe - particularly in answering questions from non-Catholic Christians.

Praying the Mass: The Prayers of the Priest

By Jeffry Pinyan, self-published in 2011

18+, Liturgical Catechesis

The new English translation of the Roman Missal is a cause for great joy among English-speaking Catholics, but it can also be a source of confusion if the changes it introduces are not adequately explained. Praying the Mass provides a mystagogical catechesis on the new Mass translation which reveals the Scriptural origins of the Mass, explains the words we say and hear, and draws you more deeply into "the greatest prayer that can be prayed," the Mass.

There'll be Scary Ghost Stories

An Inkwells & Anvils Anthology featuring a collection of short stories by 9 different authors - published in 2024 by Inkwells & Anvils Printing

Short stories, fiction, Family-Friendly Reads

Inside the covers of this book you’ll find nine tales to terrorize, spook, and chill your blood. But as with any good horror, there’s also a single pinprick of light. Nine tales to terrify, and nine tales to reflect. Nine tales to bring hope, and nine tales to turn your back on despair. So fear not the dark, pull up a chair by the fire, and we’ll see our way through these shadowy days and bright nights. Because after all, There’ll Be Scary Ghost Stories!