Mission Rider

by Sharmin Akter

In this YA debut about navigating loss and confronting hurt, two teens unwillingly paired for a school project discover they have more similarities than differences. Aeryn Rider wants to do better, but her temper cuts through people like a blade. Aeryn was used to her mother taking off, always sure that her mother would come back. Until one day, she didn't. Now, Aeryn is under her sister's guardianship with a whole new set of problems--stress about college, her nephew stuck in the hospital, and returning to school after punching Robbie Nelson. Alex Finley seems to have it all--a winning attitude, a wealthy family, and a group of friends who just so happen to have it out for Aeryn. When the two are paired for a school project, Alex is sure he can charm his way into her life, but Aeryn is less than enthused about Alex's persistence, especially his hopeful attitude. As they delve into this partnership, and possible friendship, Alex learns what lay beneath her tough exterior, and Aeryn discovers that she and Alex are more alike than she thought. Maybe having a little hope isn't so bad after all.

Genres: Young Adult

302 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Sharmin Akter is a daughter, sister, aunt, and teacher. She’s been writing ever since she could hold a pen. Even in first grade, when English was a foreign language to her, she sought refuge in storytelling because where spoken words failed her, written words did not. When she’s not writing, Sharmin can be found reading, baking, making arts and crafts, exercising, dancing terribly, taking photographs, or obsessing over the latest Marvel movie or K-drama.

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Reviews

[Sharmin Akter]

Happy release day to Mission Rider! I am so excited to share this story with you all :)

Mission Rider is available in both ebook and paperback: https://books2read.com/u/3JeMoP

It's been an amazing but overwhelming journey. Can you believe that writing the book was much easier than all the other things that came with getting it ready to be released to the world? Yeah, me neither.

I hope you find love and hope in this story, and I hope you realize that you are not alone and whatever hurt you are dealing with will pass <3

That's enough rambling. Go read the book if you're interested and do share with your friends and family to spread the word.

Much love,
Sharmin <3

[Samiha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never write reviews for books, but this one was just a special one. As a current high school student, so much of the story resonated with me and I loved every bit of it. This is a book where you get to visibly see characters growing and learning new things about themselves and those they care about. The relationships in this book were beyond phenomenal and I long to find something similar in life. Cyrus, Maddie, and Aeryn are for sure the golden trio. Then, there’s Alex. Man, did his character grow on me so much. I loved being able to see how much he developed not only in terms of how he viewed Aeryn but also in regards to how he reflected on the relationships in his life. I’m so incredibly lucky to be able to read this book early and I sincerely hope everyone enjoys it (while acknowledging that this will not be everyone’s cup of tea). Now, as my final point, this book absolutely sucked me in. Whilst busy with college apps, internships, and a bunch of other things, I still managed to finish this book in 4 days which is indicative of how much I enjoyed it so please, give it a try. The writing was simply beautiful and made me emotional. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year!

[Seema M. Fazil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mission Rider follows two teens, Aeryn Rider and Alex Finley, who deal with their own struggles. While Aeryn goes through the trauma of abandonment, Alex has to deal with his family breaking...

It's a novel that shows what it's like grieving for someone alive.

I guess the author wasn't kidding when she kept promoting it as a "reverse grumpy/sunshine trope". I swear, such reversed roles. I can't tell you how unique that trope was... 🥹 While Aeryn isn't the average girl, Alex isn't an average boy. Usually, unlike girls, who are more sappy and emotional, guys are reserved and don't like to show their emotions. Well, that wasn't the case in Mission Rider. While Aeryn is our grumpy, Alex is our sunshine. It was nice to see something new in literature.

It's got the perfect mental health rep I've ever seen, and such a beautiful novel with deep messages.

Full review @ My Blog

[emelieandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"You forgive someone not to release them from the guilt but yourself from the pain."

This book had a unique take on a less unique trope. (The main Characters are paired in a school project) but I quite liked this book!
The characters are written very carefully and one can see the love and work that was put in this story for them to be like that. All characters that are introduced have their own 'thing', just like in real life. I loved that.
The development of the characters are interesting to read about and very well put into this book!
The story follows the main characters dealing with their struggles and friendship. It shows the fact that one shouldn't judge people mainly on their actions, you never know their intentions/life.
All in all, this book was a very nice read and I liked it very much. The realness in it shows how life is. (I also loved the ending!)

If you're searching for a lovely YA read with the realness of the world in it, this book is perfect!
🤍

[Zoë Covert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mission Rider portrayed perfectly what it is like to grieve a person who is not gone. Whether you’ve dealt with the same things as our main characters, Aeryn and Alex, or not, I think everyone could be able to relate to them in some sense. Aeryn is our grumpy and Alex is our sunshine. Together, unexpectedly, they will find that they are more alike than they may have realized. You will 100% fall in love with them both. Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to read.

[Sanjida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was honestly a pleasure to read. One of the most perfect books to read, especially during the fall time. I loved how substantial the writing was and how each emotion that Aeryn was feeling was captured beautifully and humanely. At times, it can be very difficult to express such raw emotions and vulnerability but the the author does a great job of being able to reflect those feelings incredibly throughout the whole book. It was not only a book about family drama but encompasses a range of more themes like what finding love through friends and leaving you wishing you had a Kyle or Maddie or Cyrus haha. As a debut novel, it is definitely one of the best I’ve read. And I read a lot of books haha.

[Sanjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! Reminds me of high school friendships and struggles, so it was nice to read about Aeryn's and Alex's story. Wishing for a sequel or a prequel of either Kyle or Maddie!

[Chaya Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that this book touched me from Chapter 1 shows just how amazing Mission Rider is.
This book is:
✨ Beautifully written

✨Deep

✨ Moving

If you are looking for a sweet contemporary YA novel, I highly recommend this book. I was very impressed with this book and give it a solid four stars.

Thank you Sharmin Akter for sending me an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.