When I was a teenager, I took trips to the bookstore and library to walk the stacks. I would revel in the fact I had my own section. I loved searching the shelves and picking out the perfect book I hoped would transport me to another place. For years, young adult novels have only been for teens. However, in 1997 a little book called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone changed everything. Now, as an adult, I can’t help but gravitate to the young adult novels being published today. The lines have been blurred and there is no shame in one-clicking a book with the first category marked as “Teen.” These are my current top 10 YA novels which adults and teenagers alike can obsess over.
Caraval and Legendary by Stephanie Garber
These two books have quickly become my favorites. The magic, the deception and raw emotions filling these pages will captivate and bring you into a world you never thought possible. I dare you to tempt the fates and jump into these amazing books.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
This book is a dark and gritty tale filled with assassins, magic and the thirst for revenge. Even though this book is a bit more of a heavy and bloody tale, readers will enjoy some lighter moments through the snark and witty banter between the characters. If you become as engrossed in this book as I did, don’t worry because book two, Godsgrave, is out. However, we will have to wait until September 2019 for the third book in the series… sigh.
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
This novel by Marissa Meyer is a fabulously quirky and addictive read. It pulls the reader down the rabbit hole again as she breathes new life into a world that we all thought we knew so well. Anyone who loves the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland will undoubtedly enjoy this book.
Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl
This story pushes the boundaries of reality and friendship. The book hauntingly plays with characters as the reader gets entwined in the secrets and lies of these five friends.
Geekerella by Ashley Poston
This novel is fun, amusing and geeky in the best way possible. In a unique take on the classic tale of Cinderella, Ashley Poston gives us all a modern-day reimagining filled with humor, heart and all the cosplay one could possibly want. Her writing effortlessly incorporates modern culture all the while staying true to the original fairy tale. With positively delightful, sarcastic and charming characters, there is no way that you will not enjoy this book.
LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff
Jay Kristoff’s latest release is a crazy ride perfect for fans of science fiction with a lot of tech in them. The author never ceases to amaze at his ability to weave together a story with heart, a bit of humor, action and a massive twist at the end.
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
The Star-Touched Queen delivers a tale that is so deeply rooted in mythology and filled with luscious imagery that the reader can only be enchanted and spellbound by this story. This is the perfect read for someone looking for a book centering around myths and lore.
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
Cassandra Clare’s Lady Midnight is the first book in the Dark Artifices trilogy. This is a perfect read for those who know about the Shadowhunter world but may not have read the author’s previous books. Let’s face it. Anyone who is interested in complex stories, characters you will invest in, and a world in which angels, demons and a mix of the two exist, Clare’s books are the place to be.
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
All the Bright Places is a truly unique and powerfully dark book that should be read by teens as well as their parents. This book, to me, is essentially ageless. It is a story that is honest, real, and at many times, difficult to describe. I applaud Niven for writing something that was not afraid to go there. Niven gave a voice to the “freak” that walks the halls and showed that there is more to a person than the label.
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