With summer in full swing, there's no time like the present to check off the long list of titles on your to-read list. But, maybe you've spent hours searching for the perfect title without any luck, or you are not sure which novel to start your summer reading adventures. Despite the numerous book recommendations online, I know how tricky it can be to find a title that renews your love of reading after a reading slump. Here are five of my picks for fast-paced novels that will have you on the edge of your seat... and ready to finally get around to your long TBR list:

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Image Credit: Austin Neill from Unsplash

I loved the Pirates of the Caribbean series, so when I heard about a novel with a similarly action-packed, pirate-centric plot, I knew I had to give Daughter of the Pirate King a read. The book follows Alosa, the daughter of feared Pirate King Kalligan, who is on a mission to retrieve 1/3 of a map to a secret siren-protected treasure.

However, to locate the map piece, she must first trick the captain of an enemy ship and be captured so she can search for the missing map. Along the way, Alosa forges friendships with her captors, discovers secrets about the Pirate King, and shows off her amazing sword-fighting skills.

If you are looking for a fast-paced novel with character growth, humorous one-liners, and a sprinkle of fantasy, definitely consider adding this read to your list.

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The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Image Credit: Wander Fleur from Unsplash

This #1 bestseller is the perfect blend of The Mysterious Benedict Society, Red Queen, and Knives Out. The story begins with Avery Grambs receiving a mysterious letter to attend the reading of multi-billionaire Tobias Hawthorne's will.

After flying to the Hawthorne House, Avery learns that she has inherited all of the late billionaire's assets, but on one condition: that she reside in his house for one year. Although the task appears simple, Tobias's revenge-seeking family, a trail of clues, and the overarching question of why did a billionaire leave his fortune to a stranger create a difficult year ahead.

I loved the novel's multitude of puzzles and seeing the mystery play out, clue by clue. The story follows Avery's first-person perspective on the unfolding events, which adds additional intrigue to the dangers of the Hawthorne House and playing one of Tobias Hawthorne's numerous games. For fans of classic mystery settings, larger-than-life characters, and cliffhangers, the first novel in The Inheritance Games saga is for you.

Don't Call Me a Hurricane by Ellen Hagan

Image Credit: David Gor from Unsplash

Written in verse, Don't Call Me a Hurricane tells the story of teenager Eliza Marino, who will do whatever it takes to protect her home on the Jersey Shore, especially after a devastating hurricane changed her town as she knew it. Five years before the novel is set, developers bought many of the residents' homes and businesses to transform Eliza's tight-knit community into a luxurious vacation destination.

However, many of the developments infringe on the natural protections against natural disasters and destroy animal habitat. When Eliza and her friends learn about a plan to replace Clam Cove Reserve, a highly biodiverse area, with summer mansions, they form a local organization to fight climate change and overdevelopment on Long Beach Island.

I love how this novel is a confluence of descriptive poetry that weaves together the beauty of the Jersey Shore with Eliza's thoughts about climate change and dialogue about the importance of preserving natural resources. If you're looking for a heartfelt and inspiring story, try reading this title.

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

Image Credit: Kristina Flour from Unsplash

Three cousins. One mysterious invitation. Story cousins Milly, Jonah, and Aubrey have never met their grandmother since she cut contact with their parents before they were born.

However, this summer, the three estranged cousins have been invited to spend the season with their grandmother at her Massachusetts vacation resort island, working on the resort property. But when the cousins arrive, their grandmother is shocked to see them, which leads to more questions than answers. As summer commences, the Story grandchildren attempt to find out why their parents were disinherited, and if not their grandmother, then who invited them to Gull Cove Island?

As a fan of mystery novels that keep you on the edge of your seat, I would highly recommend anyone who loves numerous plot twists to read The Cousins. The book switches between the perspectives of each of the Story grandchildren as well as Milly's mom, Allison, whose story is told just before the disinheritance. Despite knowing what each of the main protagonists is thinking as the events unfold, the clues to the mysteries are revealed chapter by chapter, creating a suspenseful read from start to finish.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Image Credit: Sarah Penney from Unsplash

One of my favorite novels to help me get out of a reading slump would hands down be The Selection. The book is set in a dystopian United States where the nation is divided into 35 provinces post-war. When a prince of Illéa comes of age, each of the provinces selects a representative to compete for the royal heart.

Strong-willed musician America Singer is chosen for the Carolina province and is quickly thrown into a world full of glitz and glamour. Despite initially feeling out of place away from her family and all she's ever known, America soon learns that her fellow competitors and Prince Maxon are not as bad as they seem.

Told from America's perspective, the story follows the competition for Prince Maxon's heart. As a fan of dystopian novels, this is one of my favorite comfort reads as the story balances classic genre elements with humorous banter between characters and a Cinderella story.

With the recommended titles above, I hope that you have some new ideas on how to get out of a reading slump. As an avid reader, there can be times when I'm not sure where to start to get back into reading. I recommend going to your local library (or browsing on their online website) and looking for a title that sticks out to you.

Often, I like to try a new genre, reread a favorite, or just pick something new from the shelf. Whether you find yourself completing quests (again) with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover or reading the newest BookTok sensation, the key to getting out of a reading slump is simply to start reading.