Dive into the electrifying world of Icons, where alien overlords, superpowered teens, and a dystopian Earth collide in a sci-fi adventure that’ll keep you glued to the page! Written by Margaret Stohl, the Icons series is a heart-pounding blend of science fiction, dystopia, and romance, following four teens with extraordinary abilities as they unravel conspiracies and fight to save humanity from enigmatic alien Lords.
With its vivid world-building and emotionally charged narrative, Icons captures the thrill of rebellion and the ache of self-discovery, making it a must-read for fans of The Hunger Games or The 5th Wave. Ready to explore a world where your heart beats only with alien permission? Let’s jump in!
How Icons Began
Margaret Stohl, co-author of the bestselling Beautiful Creatures series, stepped into the solo spotlight with Icons, her first independent venture into YA sci-fi. A lifelong sci-fi enthusiast and former video game designer, Stohl drew inspiration from classic alien invasion tales and dystopian tropes, crafting a unique mythology around the mysterious Lords. Published in 2013, Icons was born from her desire to blend high-stakes action with raw emotional depth, set against a ravaged near-future Earth.
The Heart of Icons
The Icons series kicks off with *Icons* (2013), where we meet Doloria 'Dol' Grant, a teen with heightened empathy, living in hiding after 'The Day'—a catastrophic alien invasion that killed billions, including her family. Alongside her fiery best friend Ro, Dol discovers she’s an Icon Child, one of four teens with emotion-based powers: sorrow (Dol), rage (Ro), love (Lucas), and fear (Tima). Captured and taken to the alien-controlled Embassy, they uncover secrets about their abilities and the Lords’ grip on humanity.
The sequel, *Idols* (2014), ramps up the stakes as the teens flee to South Asia, chasing clues about a fifth Icon Child and their origins. Stohl weaves themes of resistance, identity, and sacrifice into a dystopian Los Angeles (now 'the Hole') and beyond, with the Icons—alien tech that can stop hearts—looming as a constant threat. The series’ style is fast-paced, with interspersed documents (reports, transcripts) that deepen the mystery, though some fans note the love triangle between Dol, Ro, and Lucas can feel cliché.
What sets Icons apart is its emotional core. Each teen’s power ties to a primal emotion, making their struggles deeply personal. Stohl’s diverse cast, including a protagonist of color and strong female figures like Ambassador Amare, adds inclusivity that resonates with modern readers. The blend of sci-fi spectacle and raw human connection creates a world both alien and achingly familiar.
Why Icons Resonates
Though not as widely known as Stohl’s Beautiful Creatures, Icons has carved a niche among YA sci-fi fans for its bold world-building and relatable characters. Its themes of questioning authority and fighting oppression echo classics like The Hunger Games, appealing to teens who crave stories of rebellion. The series’ emotional depth and diverse representation have earned praise, even if some criticize its vague alien backstory or slow pacing. For readers who love uncovering hidden gems, Icons offers a thrilling ride with a cult following.
- Publication Years: 2013 (*Icons*), 2014 (*Idols*)
- Number of Books: 2
- Genre: YA Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Romance
Grab *Icons* and plunge into Margaret Stohl’s gripping sci-fi world, where four teens hold the key to humanity’s survival. Will you join their rebellion?