This year has been great for YA readers, having seen the release of grotesquely beautiful debut novels such as Don’t Let the Forest In and fiercely anticipated follow-ups such as Oathbound. If we have learned anything from the growing popularity of young adult literature, it is this: the genre comes bearing teeth, and those teeth are not to go unremarked. As the year winds down and pumpkin lights are strung from your neighbor’s window, cozy up with these upcoming releases in young adult literature. From thriller to romance, these books contain something for everyone.
Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews
Following their debut novel, C.G. Drews weaves a new tale of botanical body horror. When Evander’s guardian suddenly dies, he inherits a looming gothic mansion on top of the family’s sickening wealth. But Evander is convinced that his guardian, Byron, was murdered, and he must rely on the boy who tried to kill him seven years ago to solve this dark mystery. Laurie also happens to be Byron’s grandson and Evander’s obsession. Can they solve his murder before the garden demands to be fed once more? Or will its roots drag them both down?
The Others by Cheryl Isaacs
In this sequel to her debut novel, The Unfinished, Cheryl Isaacs continues the story of Avery and a town traumatized by the black water. All Avery wants is a normal summer, but normalcy is for someone not being haunted by a reflection. To save herself and the town, Avery must return to the lake’s edge before the darkness consumes everything once and for all.
The Library of Lost Girls by Kristen Pipps
Gwen Donovan adores her older sister, Izzy. But when Izzy returns from the Delphi School for Girls, she is not the same sister who left. She is dull and eager to marry. Unable to accept this change, Gwen decides she will cheat her way into the mysterious school and find out what happened to her sister. If Gwen does not confront what lurks in the shadows of Delphi, it will not only be Izzy who is lost forever.
The Leaving Room by Amber McBride
The Leaving Room is a place all young people must phase through when they die. In this novel, Gospel is the lonely keeper of the Leaving Room, helping wispy souls pass through with little knowledge of the other rooms. When Melody arrives, their souls become entangled, and they must find a way out while also learning how to be unafraid of their love.
A Riddle of Thorns by Sarena Nanua and Sasha Nanua
In this twisty dark academia mystery, Sana Gupta returns to her ancestral home to claim her inheritance. But she soon discovers that she, along with three other strangers, has received a cryptic invitation to compete in a riddle contest for the deed to the manor and a wish-granting flower. A betrayed Sana then seeks to uncover the truth of the will and find out what really happened to her mother, even if it means risking her life in the process.
Reel Love by Addie Woolridge
Two teens must work to keep their romantic relationship a secret from their rival grandmas in this sickly-sweet romcom. While attending a Las Vegas influencers’ convention, Jamie locks eyes with Ethan, the grandson of her granny’s archnemesis. Jamie’s excitement evaporates until they announce a cash prize and award for the best con video. Wanting to make her film school portfolio stand out, Jamie enlists the help of Ethan. As they explore Vegas, their feelings grow, as does the fear of their grandmothers finding out.
Zodiac Legacy by Katie Zhao
In this sequel to her zodiac-based fantasy novel, Katie Zhao returns us to the hidden world of the cursed Descendants of the Zodiac. In a follow-up as thrilling as it is necessary, the Descendants must navigate the aftermath of a chaotic heist while planning the rescue of a fallen comrade. But something is working against them, and darkness lurks around every corner. Can they save their friend before the world catches up to them?
And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun
When her older sister is found drowned, Soojin Han disregards every rule and uses ancestral magic to bring her back. Things are good, at first, but Mirae soon grows tired of hiding. As she becomes hungrier and hellbent on revenge, Soojin must reckon with the fact that the sister she brought back is not the one she knew.
Forest of Hearts by M.A. Kuzniar
In this dark romantasy, Elka has been banished to the forest by her wicked mother and cursed to remain there unless she takes the hearts of seven men. Six have been killed, and a seventh stumbles injured across her path. But this injured huntsman has secrets of his own, and Elka feels drawn to Kaz in a way that she cannot quite explain.
Last Chance Live! by Helena Haywoode Henry
A teenage girl on death row must compete on a reality show to earn her freedom. Last Chance Live! is the most popular reality show in America, and Eternity Price’s last chance to live. Packed with heart-pounding suspense and commentary on a damaged system, Helena Haywoode Henry’s debut novel contemplates how far a kid will go for even a chance at life.
These are just a few exciting upcoming YA releases to help you through the latter half of the year. Be sure to check them out and add them to your TBR. Happy reading!
Interested in more books to add to that ever-expanding TBR? Check out some more recommendations here.
Find these titles and more on our Nail-Biting YA Thrillers, Mysteries, and Horrors Reads shelf.
