Review: Conspiracy of Ravens by Lila Bowen
If the phrase “weird western” makes your ears perk up, or if you’re interested in reading YA fantasy featuring a trans character, then Lila Bowen’s The Shadow series is for you.
5 Reasons to Read: Island of Exiles by Erica Cameron
ISLAND OF EXILES introduces a new, wholly original YA fantasy series set in the desert. With diverse characters, complex world building, and adorable romances, what’s not to love?
Review: The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova
Elise Kova’s THE ALCHEMISTS OF LOOM is an impressive series opener featuring dragons, magic, and bloody battles — it’s sure to please YA fantasy fans!
5 Reasons to Read: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Don’t let the hype scare you away: Kaufman and Kristoff’s ILLUMINAE is a fast-paced, tense, and hilarious journey through space that is sure to entertain.
Review: A Mortal Song by Megan Crewe
Megan Crewe’s Japanese-inspired YA fantasy A MORTAL SONG hits a number of right notes, but overall it didn’t strike a chord with me.
Review: Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson
Lee and her friends have finally made it to California, but not everything there is golden. High stakes, nuanced characters, and a diverse cast make this sequel a winner.
Review: The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman
Lady Helen waltzes through the ballrooms and sneaks through the dark alleys of London in search of demons in this fascinating paranormal take on the Regency novel.
Review: Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
Brujas, badassery, and ladies who love ladies combine to make LABYRINTH LOST a must-read for fans of YA fantasy and diverse books.
Review: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
Part shoot ’em up Western, part Middle Eastern legend, REBEL OF THE SANDS is a fun YA fantasy adventure featuring a young woman who’s sharpshooting skills may get her in trouble…sooner than she thinks.
Review: Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen
WAKE OF VULTURES is a fantastic series debut, introducing Nettie Lonesome, one of the most compelling and original protagonists to grace YA.
Review: This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
Victoria Schwab proves that she has staying power with her latest release, THIS SAVAGE SONG, a dark dystopian about violence and the monster inside all of us.
Graphic Novels, Tough Chicks: Vol. 13
Join the kids back at the unusual – and awesome – Miss Quinzella’s Camp For Hardcore Lady Types in LUMBERJANES VOL. 2, where there’s more madness and feminism to be found!
Review: The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead
THE GLITTERING COURT is fun and fluffy, an ideal beach read. Readers looking for more depth – or an actual fantasy novel – might want to steer clear.
Review: The Girl From Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
Heidi Heilig’s atmospheric debut novel THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE features a teenage girl, a time-traveling sailing ship, and its motley crew members. Honolulu, ahoy!
Review: Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger
Adventure, friendship, and weaponized treacle tart combine in CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES, the laugh-out-loud second book in Gail Carriger’s YA steampunk series.
Review: The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
Raisa and Han are back at it and better than ever (really!) in THE GRAY WOLF THRONE, the third book in Cinda Williams Chima’s YA high fantasy series.
Review: Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan
Sophie Jordan’s REIGN OF SHADOWS promises a lush, evocative fairy tale retelling that will capture reader’s hearts and steal their breath. Despite some interesting twists, I thought it failed to deliver on that promise.
Series Review: The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson
The first two books in the YA fantasy trilogy THE REMNANT CHRONICLES are full of intrigue and betrayal. Add a feisty Princess and a swoon-worthy love triangle, and you’ve got the perfect beach reads!
Review: Dark Heart of Magic by Jennifer Estep
DARK HEART OF MAGIC is classic Jennifer Estep, action-packed and full of badass characters. But despite its strengths and similarities to the first book in the series, this one didn’t really work for me.
Review: The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
Patrick Ness is at the top of his game with THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE, a beautifully written and evocative novel about finding the extraordinary in an ordinary life. Add to that a loving send-up of YA sci-fi tropes, and you’ve got a winner!
Review: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
Kristin Cashore’s Graceling Realm series is often hailed as the one of the crowning jewels of YA fantasy. BITTERBLUE, the final book in the trilogy, is complex, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. A must-read for YA fantasy fans.
Review: Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
Rae Carson’s WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER is a compelling and beautifully written YA historical fantasy that transports readers into the time of the U.S. gold rush. Carson impresses with a heroine to root for and a diverse cast of characters.
Review: Empire of Night by Kelley Armstrong
When it comes to YA fantasy, there’s nothing I like more than the ‘trifecta.’ Give me badass ladies kicking ass, using magic, and making out and I will be one happy reader. So imagine my delight when Kelley Armstrong’s EMPIRE OF NIGHT gave me all three!
Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST is a beautifully written standalone novel that showcases why Holly Black is considered the queen of YA faerie tales. Encompassing themes of family, love, and being true to yourself, this one is YA at its best.