Young adult (YA) fiction has become one of the most dynamic and beloved genres in literature, offering readers powerful stories that capture the challenges and joys of growing up. Whether you’re looking for a gripping adventure, an emotional coming-of-age story, or a heartwarming romance, these 15 YA books are must-reads.
“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling – If you are just getting into reading fictions, this is a great way to start. The story follows Harry, an 11 year old orphaned boy, who discovers that he is a wizard and gets an invitation to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and together they uncovers the truth about Harry’s parent’s death at the hands of the dark wizard Voldemort. Over the seven books, Harry discovers his magical heritage, encounters several obstacles and dangers and finally confronts Voldemort in the battle of good and evil. The series portrayed the themes of friendship, bravery and importance of choices.
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins – Set in the dystopian future in which the capital and 12 districts make up the monocratic nation of Panem. The series follows Katniss Everdeen, a girl from district 12 who offers to take place of her sister in the 74th Hunger Games, which is annual event where children fight to death for the Capitol’s entertainment. She becomes a rebel icon after surviving the games with Peeta Mellark. In the sequel, Catching Fire, there is a revolution started across all the districts when Katniss and Peeta are forced back into the arena for the 75th Hunger gamen. In the last book, Mockingjay, Katniss emerges as the leader of the rebellion against the Capitol. She experiences the horrors of war and losses whixh leads to the collapse of the Capitol and establishment of the new government.
“Divergent” by Veronica Roth – This is a young adult dystopian series set in a future society which is divided into five factions. The main protagonist Beatrice “Tris” Prior, who discovers she is a Divergent which means she doesn’t fir neatly into any one faction chooses Dauntless. Tris make friends with her fellow initiates including a enigmatic instructor named Tobias “Four” Eaton. A conspiracy to remove Abnegation is uncovered by Tris as tension between faction increases under the leadership of Jeanine Matthews, the power-hungry Erudite. In a dramatic climax, Tris and Four lead a rebellion against Erudite’s mind-controlled Dauntless soldiers. Tris learns about the true nature of being Divergent, confronts personal fears, and fights for freedom. The novel explores identity, conformity, and the consequences of dividing society based on personality traits.
“Percy Jackson & The Olympians” by Rick Riordan – The story revolves around Percy Jackson, a young boy who discovers he is a demigod, the human son of the Greek god Poseidon. Throughout the series, Percy navigates a world where Greek mythology is real and alive. He embarks on quests to save his loved ones and the world from various mythological threats, while also uncovering hidden truths about his own identity and destiny. Alongside his friends, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, Percy faces monsters, gods, and ancient prophecies, all while learning about courage, friendship, and the power of family. The series blends humor, adventure, and Greek mythology to create an engaging and thrilling narrative for readers of all ages.
“The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare – The series introduces readers to a hidden world within modern-day New York City. The protagonist, Clary Fray, discovers she is part of a secret society of Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to protecting humanity from demons and other supernatural threats. As she learns more about her own mysterious heritage, Clary is drawn into a complex web of alliances and rivalries. The book combines elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, creating a richly detailed universe filled with intriguing characters and unexpected twists.
“The Maze Runner” by James Dashner – The first book in James Dashner’s dystopian series, centers on Thomas, a teenager who wakes up in a mysterious and ever-changing maze with no memory of his past. Along with other boys who are also trapped, Thomas must navigate the maze, uncovering its secrets and discovering the truth about their predicament. The story is filled with suspense, action, and intriguing challenges that keep readers on the edge of their seats. As Thomas and his companions struggle for survival, they face a series of puzzles and dangers that test their courage and ingenuity. This gripping novel sets the stage for an epic adventure that you won’t want to miss.
“Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas – This captivating fantasy series follows Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin who is given a chance at freedom. She must compete in a deadly competition to become the King’s Champion. As Celaena trains and battles against other contenders, she uncovers dark secrets and dangerous forces within the glass castle. With elements of magic, intrigue, and romance, “Throne of Glass” introduces readers to a richly imagined world and a strong, complex heroine. This thrilling tale of power, betrayal, and resilience is the beginning of an epic journey that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
“The Selection” by Kiera Cass – The series introduces a future world where 35 girls compete for the heart of Prince Maxon and the chance to live in a palace. America Singer, a young woman from a lower caste, reluctantly enters the competition, finding herself torn between her love for a childhood friend and the allure of a royal future. As she navigates the pressures and rivalries of the Selection, America discovers unexpected friendships and uncovers deeper political intrigues within the kingdom. This engaging story blends romance, drama, and social commentary, offering a delightful and thought-provoking read.
“Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard – Set in a world divided by blood—Reds and Silvers, reds like Mare Barrow, are commoners who serve the elite Silvers, who possess god-like abilities. Mare’s life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers she has a unique power, despite her Red blood. To conceal this anomaly, the Silver royalty declares her a lost Silver princess and betroths her to a prince. As Mare navigates the treacherous court politics, she becomes involved with a group of Red rebels fighting against the oppressive Silver regime. “Red Queen” weaves a tale of power, betrayal, and revolution, immersing readers in a thrilling struggle for justice and freedom.
“Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo – The series follows the experiences of six teenage outcasts/criminals who are hired to undertake a dangerous heist all while searching fot love and redemption. Kaz Brekker, a cunning and ruthless gang leader led the team who is tasked to invade a heavily secured Ice Court to rescue a scientist with threatening secrets. Each member of the group including Jasper, Inej, Nina, Matthias and Wylan brings unique and necessary skills to complete their mission. As they face numerous challenges and betrayals, their intricate relationships and personal histories unfold against the backdrop of a richly imagines world filled with magic and political intrigue.
“The Raven Cycle” by Maggie Stiefvater – this series follows the story of Blue Sargent, a girl from a family of psychics, and her interactions with a group of boys from the elite Aglionby Academy. These boys who are also known as the raven boys, which includes, Gansey, the leader who was obsessed with finding the sleeping Welsh King Glendower; Adam, a scholarship student struggling with his abusive home life: Ronan, who can pull things out of his dreams and Noah, who harbors a dark secret. The series starts with their quest to reveal magical secrets in their town of Henrietta, Virginia. Along their journey they faced personal challenges, build strong friendships, and deal with the intertwined destinies that connect them.
“Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo – It is the first book in the grish trilogy, set in the fantasy world of Ravka. The story revolves around Alina Starkov, who is an orphan and mapmaker in the Rvkan army. She discovers that she has a rare magical power to summon light which could be the key to destroy the Shadow Fold, a dark and dangerous swath of land filled with monsters that splits Ravka in two. Alina is taken to the royal court to be trained as a Grisha, a member of the magical elite led by the mysterious and powerful Darkling. AS she learns to harness her power, she becomes entangle in court politics and begin to uncover dark secrets about the true nature of her abilities and the intentions of Darkling. With the fate of Rakva resting on her shoulders, Alina must decide whom to trust and how to use her newfound power to save her country from destruction.
“Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi – The first book IN THE DYSTOPIAN SERIES THAT FOLLOWS Juliette Ferrars, a teenage girl with a deadly touch that can kill anyone she physically contacts. After being imprisoned for nearly a year for her dangerous abilities, Juliette is unexpectedly released and brought to a headquarters of the Reestablishment, a tyrannical regime that controls the devastated world. The regime sees Juliette as a weapon and wants to use her powers to their advantage. As she is thrust into a world of political intrigue and rebellion, Juliette grapple with her own identity and the morality of her power. The story explores the themes of power, love, and self-discovery as Juliette fights to find her place in a world that fears her.
“The Infernal Devices” by Cassandra Clare – Set in Victorian London, the story follows Tessa Gray, who discovers she has the ability to transform into other people. Upon arriving in London to find her missing brother, Tessa is kidnaped by the Dark sisters, who work for a secret organization called the Pandemonium Club. She is rescued by Shadowhunters, half-angel warriors who protect humans from demons. At the shadowhunter institute, she meets the charming Will Herondale, the kind Jem Carstairs, and other members of the Shadowhunter community. As Tessa learns more about her unique powers, she becomes embroiled in the Shadowhunter’s struggle against the evil Mortmain, who plans to use an army of clockwork creatures to destroy them. The series blends elements of fantasy, romance, and steampunk, culminating in a battle against Mortmain and the resolution of the love triangle between Tessa, Will and Jem.
“Caraval” by Stephanie Garber – A fantasy novel that follows the story of two sisters, Scarlett Dragna and Donatella (Tella), who live under the oppressive rule of their abusive father on the Conquered Isles. Scarlett dreams of attending Caraval, a magical, once-a-year performance where the audience participate in the show. Their chance comes when they receive an invitation from the mysterious master of Caraval, Legend. With the help of sailor named Julian, the sisters escape their home, but upon arrival, Tella is kidnaped as part of this year’s Caraval game. Scarlett must navigate a world of illusion, deception and enchantment to find her sister. As she races against time to win the game and save her sister, she discovers secrets about Caraval, Legend and herself. The novel is filled with intrigue, romance and adventure, emphasizing the themes of love, trust, and the consequences of choices.