If you’re after something with heart and a dash of eerie, 'The Dark Hills Divide' from the 'Land of Elyon' series is a must. It’s got this timeless fantasy feel—hidden tunnels, talking animals, and a heroine who’s curious in all the right ways. I adore how Carman writes young protagonists; they’re brave but never unrealistically tough. My students (I work with kids) often pick this after finishing 'Narnia' or 'Harry Potter'.
For a modern twist, '3:15' is a collection of short horror stories tied to a clock—perfect for binge-reading under the covers. What’s cool is how Carman plays with structure; some tales are just a few pages but pack a punch. His books never talk down to teens, and that respect for their intelligence shines through.
Carman’s 'Pulse' trilogy is a sleeper hit—dystopian but fresher than most. It blends telekinetic powers with a survivalist setting, and the romance subplot doesn’t overshadow the action. I stumbled on it after burning through 'Divergent', and it stuck with me longer. The way he writes group dynamics feels authentic; the friendships crackle with inside jokes and tension.
Also, don’t overlook 'Thirteen Days to Midnight'. It’s a standalone about a boy discovering he’s indestructible, but the moral quandaries hit hard. Carman excels at making supernatural feels personal. His books are like gateway drugs to bigger genres—each one opens a new door.
Patrick Carman has this knack for blending adventure with a touch of mystery that totally hooks teen readers. My personal favorite is 'Skeleton Creek', which feels like a hybrid of a book and a found-footage horror flick—you read the text, then watch accompanying videos online. It’s immersive in a way few books dare to be. The 'Trackers' series is another gem, mixing tech-savvy thrills with a scavenger hunt vibe. I lent it to my cousin, and he finished it in one sitting!
Then there’s 'Atherton', a sci-fi trilogy with layered worlds (literally) and ethical dilemmas. It’s quieter than his other works but has this dreamy, almost Miyazaki-esque quality. Carman’s stuff isn’t just page-turners; it invites you to play along, whether through puzzles or multimedia. For reluctant readers, that interactivity is gold.
2026-04-01 12:49:31
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Eden High Series
Jordan Silver
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Sian Claiborne is not a happy camper. Just when she was getting into the groove of high school hijinks, her parents decide to pick up stakes. Now the popular cheerleader is off to the Ritz and glamor of the Hollywood Hills, where her new school is home to the offspring of Hollywood's elite. Determined to hold her own, she befriends one of the school's outcasts on her first day, thus drawing a line in the sand between her and the ever-popular 'Mean Girls'. Little does she care until she claps eyes on Jace Saunders and almost loses her pompoms.Of course, the head cheerleader already has her eyes set on Jace and lets Sian know in no uncertain terms that he's off-limits. Jace Saunders has taken one look at the new girl, and this son of Hollywood royalty wants what he sees. But Jace has history with the most popular girl in school, a girl who has already warned off Sian, and what about Sian's parents? Are they going to allow their daughter to date someone as high profile as Jace?
CAMILLA WALTERS thought she had come to the end of the road when fate caught up with her. No where left to run or hide, on the verge of becoming fish food at the hands of drug runners she owed a lot of money to.
That was until fate brought her ALEXI, head of the family CARRERO - The unexpected hero who saved her ass and changed her life in one easy manouvre.
Who knew she would have to sign her soul over to the devil in a bid to stay alive and in doing so, lose her heart and mind in the process.
This is not your typical hearts and roses story - Let the games begin and the war commence.
This is book 7 in The Carrero Series, although you can read this without prior books. There are back story hints from previous books worked in, so this new trio can be read alone.
For a fuller understanding then start with The Carrero Effect .
Lots of people are asking so here it is:
Branston high series order - Jake, Nathan, Shane, Luke, Billy.
Although technically third in the series, this was the first book I ever wrote so I hope you enjoy.
Thank you so much for reading xxx
~~~~~~~
Aurora has spent the majority of her school life trying to be invisible, trying to avoid the attention of those who enjoy tormenting her.
She's finally achieved her wish and there's only one year left before she can leave them all behind like a bad memory.
But when she literally runs into them at a party, her luck seems to have run out and Shane determined to make her his prime target.
Lots of people are asking so here it is:
Branston high series order - Jake, Nathan, Shane, Luke, Billy.
Thank you so much for reading xxx
~~~~~~~
When his dad cheats on his mum and brings in the mistress to play happy families, Billy vows to get back at him somehow, he just has to find the right angle.
When his new stepmum warns him to stay away from his pretty new stepsister, she unknowingly gives him the perfect revenge plot.
Will be be able to convince the sweet and innocent Elsie to get back at his dad and stepmother? Or will he fall for her in the process and ruin everything?
Lots of people are asking so here it is:
Branston high series order - Jake, Nathan, Shane, Luke, Billy.
Thank you so much for reading xxx
~~~~~
Nathan and Leanna were childhood friends until they weren't. Now, they hate one another but no one knows why.
They say there's a thin line between love and hate, but do these two frenemies truly hate one another and will they have a happy ending or is there someone else trying to get in the way?
Lots of people are asking so here it is:
Branston high series order - Jake, Nathan, Shane, Luke, Billy.
Thank you so much for reading xxx
~~~~
Luke doesn't do relationships, he enjoys a long line of willing women and has no desire to change that.
One day the new girl at school asks him to teach her how to kiss. No relationship, no strings, a simple student/teacher relationship or is it?
Patrick Carman's works have this unique blend of mystery and adventure that makes them perfect for screen adaptations, though not many have made the leap yet. The most notable is 'Atherton: The House of Power', which was optioned for a film but never fully materialized—such a shame because its dystopian world would’ve been visually stunning. His 'Skeleton Creek' series, with its hybrid book-video format, almost feels cinematic already, but no official movie has been announced. I’d love to see 'The Dark Hills Divide' from his 'Land of Elyon' series get the fantasy-epic treatment; its magical forests and talking animals scream Studio Ghibli vibes.
Honestly, Carman’s storytelling is so immersive that it’s surprising Hollywood hasn’t snapped up more. Maybe the interactive elements in 'Skeleton Creek' make adaptation tricky? Still, fingers crossed for future projects—his books deserve the big-screen magic.
Patrick Carman's books have been a staple in my reading journey since I was in middle school, and I think they're fantastic for that age group. His 'Atherton' series was my gateway into sci-fi—it blends adventure with just the right amount of complexity, like a younger sibling to 'Maze Runner' but with more heart. The themes of environmentalism and class divide are handled in a way that sparks curiosity without feeling heavy-handed.
What I appreciate most is how Carman balances action with emotional depth. 'Skeleton Creek' terrified me in the best way possible—it’s part book, part online video, making it perfect for kids raised on YouTube. The interactive elements feel fresh even now. Some parents might balk at the mild scares, but it’s more 'goosebumps' than 'horror movie.' His writing respects young readers’ intelligence while keeping things accessible.