Jennifer Lynn Barnes, the famous author of The Naturals book series, had already made a considerable name for herself before this one came along. The Squad duology in 2008 and Tattoo and Fate in the surrounding years put her on the list as a YA crime thriller.

The Naturals skyrocketed her popularity. In the years following its publication, the first book earned nominations for YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults, Missouri Gateway Readers, and the Lincoln Award. She continues to enjoy success with her most recent, The Inheritance Games series.