The Ruins of Gorlan: Book 1
Why this book?
This book has some major ass-kicking, but its action scenes are dispersed throughout unparalleled humor and wit. It’s a YA fantasy with just a morsel of magic, allowing the reality of the world to mix with motifs today’s teenagers can relate to, while still transporting them to a faraway realm. I especially love how the hero is not bulging with muscles and towering over his foes. He has a special skill—stealth and archery—perfect for the kingdom’s secret service, the Rangers, and he realizes he can make an impact just the way he is.