The August 5 — Jenna Helland

A richly imagined tale of star-crossed love, The August 5 by Jenna Helland is filled with political intrigue, danger, and suspense.

Sixteen-year-old Tommy Shore lives a life of privilege: the finest clothing, food, and education available. He is the son of the chief administrator of Aeren―the most important man on the islands. Fifteen-year-old Tamsin Henry has grown up knowing only poverty, but she is the daughter of a revolutionary who longs to give her and their people more.

Ordinarily, Tommy and Tamsin would never cross paths, but on the day of a violent and deadly revolt, chance brings them together. As the tensions between the government and the rebels escalate, Tommy uncovers a brutal truth about his father. How will he ever get Tamsin to trust that he wants to help when she sees him as the enemy? In the end, Tommy and Tamsin learn that sometimes the honorable thing to do demands the most amount of courage.