Utah Valley/Salt Lake Valley Local Authors

Utah has a rich literary tradition. Some of the best fantasy, self-improvement and business development books are written from Utah with many authors centered less than 50 miles away from Telos Academy. Our teaching staff have compiled a list of reading options for several genres that you may find valuable and worth your time to investigate. 

Fantasy (Genre)

Mistborn (Series)

Brandon Sanderson is one of the most famous Utah authors with this nationally recognized series and read by young people all over the world.

Why should I read it?

This series blends the traditional components of high fantasy: magic, adventure, political conflict, and exploration to discover one's identity and power. However, it add to the supernatural facet of magic an exploration with the mechanics of cultivating power and skill. Sanderson's world describes magical systems as disciplines that grant users special abilities. It also dives into the liabilities and dangers of abuse of one's personal power and obsessive lust for resources/ability. The themes of transferring knowledge and ability are closely linked with education and specialization which are common to development of young people. Sanderson presents these themes in interesting and palatable form with exceptional character development. 
Take a look at the Entire Mistborn Series

Exodus - Book I

Plot Summary: The officers of Alpha Z, are the world's most elite military group. When they were assigned to the mysterious Cult Island for a mission they never thought they would be framed for a massacre there. With nowhere to hide or anybody to turn to, they are offered sanctuary from an ambassador from the distant world of Xaliud. What they find there could threaten all of mankind.

A portal between Earth and Xaliud has opened after being closed for a thousand years. Another great conflict between the two worlds looms on the horizon. The ambassador enlists the officers of Alpha Z and they all must unite the Northern Kingdoms against the hidden but growing threat of a Coltrous invasion.  The fate of two worlds hangs in the balance!

Why should I read it?

Many novels approach the discovery of one's purpose through navigation of an unexpected misfortune or crisis. The contexts of these journeys are often literal and metaphorical 'new worlds.' However, JB Nelson proposes key facets of an approach to a new world as illustrated by the main characters actions: 
  • Become aware of the political landscape and interact with players in this system
  • Take intentional time and effort to explore the cultural foundations of the society you are integrating into
  • Secure a venue to contribute to society in either skill or filling a need

Nelson also introduces a sociological approach of the 'Carn Doctrine' which the main characters practice as they enter their new world. It forms a healthy consideration for young people who are on the cusp of traveling to new places, meeting new people, and seeking to contribute their time and talents in a formal way. 

Beat (Series)

Plot Summary: A hundred years ago the Bug wiped out over ninety percent of humanity and even now it kills anyone whose heart rate goes over 140 beats per minute. That’s why the Prime Administrator gave everyone the Papas – digital wrist monitors that put people to sleep when their heart rate gets too high. The Papas saved humankind.

​But one night on the border of New Frisko, when fifteen-year-old Nik Granjer tampers with his Papa and discovers there is more to the Bug than he thought, a brutal enforcement squad from the city suddenly forces Nik into hiding. On the run and searching for allies, Nik’s only hope is to escape with his life and discover the truth about the Prime Administrator’s regime and the origins of the Bug.

Why should I read it?

Young adult fiction is filled with the contrast between authoritarian forces limiting or controlling the actions of the populace, and individual choice and expression. Garrett mimics this but adds a new twist on perceived virtue of order by identifying the main characters propensity to 'live on the edge' of established limits. Is it possible to push limits without compromising your physical safety and acceptable standards of behavior? 

Self-Help (Genre)

Screen Saavy

Summary: As society continually integrates into a digital environment, the mental health aspects of this are also being scrutinized.  Dr. Anderson gives practical principles on how teens and adults can avoid the obsessive and excessive elements of use that can develop when personal technology usage is not intentionally reviewed. 

Why should I read it?

Technology use and its effects may be a dry topic, but it is very applicable to young people today. Dr. Anderson does a good job at balancing helpful illustrations with extreme examples of excessive use, to help readers reflect on the benchmarks for personal technology use and whether we are drifting from healthy habits to unhealthy tendencies.