Unveiling the 40 Hyped-Up Young Adult Novels of 2025! 📚📖
In the vibrant realm of young adult literature, 2025 promises an array of captivating tales. With various genres such as mysteries, romances, fantasies, and graphic novels gracing bestseller lists, readers are in for a treat. This upcoming year will see the continuation of some popular series, the debut of new authors, and intriguing standalone novels.
This article focuses on the top 35 YA books slated for bringing joy to book enthusiasts in 2025. These titles cater to various preferences and are certain to engage readers of any age.
The Top 35 YA Books Of 2025
Young adult literature often revolves around the perspective and experiences of characters aged between 14 and 22 years. These stories typically explore the challenges young adults face while tackling life's complexities, social issues, and coming-of-age milestones.
Below is a list of the top 35 YA books to watch out for in 2025. Each title encompasses an exciting plot, compelling characters, and engaging themes that will inspire and entertain readers.
40. Sanskari Sweetheart by Ananya Devarajan
This book follows the journey of Raina, a high school student determined to excel in the Bollywood dance competition to prove her worth to her mother and ex-boyfriend. Amidst the competition, Raina confronts her perfectionist tendencies and ultimately grows as an individual.
39. The Payback Girls by Alex Travis
In this thriller, the star basketball player of a predominantly white prep school finds himself on the receiving end of an attack by three scorned lovers. The aftermath sets the stage for an intriguing sapphic love triangle and vengeance.
38. Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon
Love knows no bounds in this enemies-to-lovers tale, as River and her goth co-worker navigate their growing attraction throughout the summer. Meanwhile, they must work together to save their cafe and find love in the unexpected places.
37. Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
Sophie Gonzales's latest installment explores the struggles of a lesbian princess wrestling with expectations and forging a relationship within her high-profile environment.
36. Breath of the Dragon (Breathmarked, #1) by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee
Breath of the Dragon is an exciting martial arts fantasy that follows a teenage boy as he seeks to compete in a tournament that could reinstate his family in their homeland. However, his father forbids him from starting this transformative journey.
35. The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor
This dark fantasy novel follows a young woman as she seeks to discover the truth behind her father's past while apprenticing in the Otherworld Post to rid him of his terrible crimes.
34. Get Real, Chloe Torres by Crystal Maldonado
Chloe Torres embarks on an emotional road trip with her former best friends to put their strained relationship back on track. This journey allows her to confront her past and form new connections along the way.
33. Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours
Needy Little Things is a speculative mystery that revolves around a teen detective who sets out to uncover the truth behind her friend's disappearance. The protagonist faces danger and unearths secrets that challenge her understanding of the world.
32. Royal Heirs Academy by Lindsey Duga
This fast-paced and thrilling soap opera features four grandchildren of a king competing at a boarding school to inherit the European kingdom. As alliances form and romances brew, the story offers an entertaining blend of royal rivalries and romantic tropes.
31. The Girl You Know by Elle Gonzalez Rose
This dark academia story follows a girl who assumes the identity of her twin sister to infiltrate her former elite boarding school and uncover the truth behind her sister's mysterious death.
30. All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
All Better Now explores the repercussions of a mysterious virus that induces universal happiness dispelling productivity and fostering commercialism. The race to find a cure introduces intricate questions and moral dilemmas.
29. Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi
National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi returns with another enchanting magical realism novel, this time exploring the journey of a young woman in pursuit of finding her twin sister.
28. If I Could Go Back by Briana Johnson
This heart-wrenching story, focusing on mental health, develops the relationship between a young girl and her parents as she seeks answers to her past.
27. Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia
Recommended Reading offers an emotional retelling of 'Emma', following the charming and socially awkward male protagonist as he navigates love and identity.
26. All We Lost Was Everything by Sloan Harlow
As a result of a tragic fire, River Santos loses her father and finds herself embroiled in a mystery surrounding his death and questionable morality.
25. Wicked Darlings by Jordyn Taylor
This captivating high-society satire centers on Noa, an heiress who seeks to uncover the truth behind her twin sister's disappearance, leading her to the glam Avalons and a web of deception.
24. If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal
If We Were A Movie is an enemies-to-lovers romance that follows the unlikely relationship formed between two rival classroom standouts, with their growing connection mingled with the secrets surrounding a mysterious cinema.
23. Legendary Frybread Drive-In edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Legendary Frybread Drive-In is a collection of interconnected Native American stories that take place at the titular drive-in, where young people encounter faith, pride, and the forging of forever-lasting friendships.
22. The Wilde Trials by Mackenzie Reed
With a Hunger Games-like premise, The Wilde Trials follows a high school girl who competes in a series of physical and mental trials with her nemesis in a quest for a $500,000 reward.
21. Togetha (Pritty, 2) by Keith F. Miller Jr
This gritty teen drama is the sequel to Pritty, and features the return of Jay and Leroy as they fight to protect their Black community from impending danger.
20. First Love Language by Stefany Valentine
In this Mandarin-focused novel, a Taiwanese American girl sets out on a self-discovery journey, including falling in love, as she uncovers her connection to her late father's culture.
19. In the Company of Killers by Elora Cook
This modern-day take on The Sopranos follows Chloe, a high school mean girl whose life takes a dramatic turn following her family's unexpected murder, as she becomes the head of the family and seeks the killers' justice.
18. A Traitorous Heart by Erin Cotter
Jacqueline, a lady-in-waiting for a French princess, finds herself torn between her profession, her former lover, and a king who sparks her attraction, in this historical fiction narrative.
17. Huda F Wants To Know? by Huda Fahmy
Huda Fahmy continues her award-winning graphic novel series with Huda F Wants to Know?, exploring the challenges a teen girl faces when her parents get divorced and she must grapple with the emotional fallout.
16. Leo Martino Steals Back His Heart by Eric Geron
This sweet and comical retelling follows Leo Martino, a hopeless romantic who learns about love's true nature as he navigates a series of romantic entanglements with unexpected consequences.
15. These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban
Inspired by Nicaraguan folklore, this horror novel follows Ceci as she battles her mother's secrets and a haunting that threatens to consume her.
14. The Encanto's Curse by Melissa de la Cruz
The Encanto's Curse is the second installment in the Encanto's Daughter series, following a dark tale with a supernatural twist and a focus on princesses, romance, and mystery.
13. The Last Tiger by Julia Riew and Brad Riew
In this romantasy, a poor boy and a wealthy girl forge an unlikely alliance in their pursuit of overcoming social barriers and uncovering love, inspired by Korean folklore.
12. The Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman
When Amy's best friend and boyfriend are brutally murdered, she must turn detective and uncover the dark truth hidden within the walls of her prestigious boarding school.
11. Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris
This poignant story of self-discovery, self-expression, and self-love tells the tale of Riley, a teenager who confronts the limits of her beliefs against the backdrop of her religious community and sexuality.
10. Rhino's Run by Robert Lipsyte
Rhino's Run focuses on a talented high school football player who must juggle the pressures of competing and maintaining his moral compass when faced with the challenges of his peers and his own insecurities.
9. I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
In this exploration of perfection and identity, a young woman finds herself inexplicably inhabiting the life of her seemingly perfect cousin as she seeks her true sense of self.
8. The Singular Life of Aria Patel by Samira Ahmed
The Singular Life of Aria Patel follows the tale of Aria as she grapples with the consequences of self-exploration, love, and the blurred lines that separate reality and fantasy.
7. The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn
Harry Trevaldwyn's comical yet poignant novel follows the adventure of Patch, who struggles with love in the face of unrequited feelings and school drama, all while trying to maintain his self-identified title as a 'drama king'.
6. I Am Made of Death by Kelly Andrew
I Am Made of Death is a psychological thriller that follows a young girl as she navigates her new role of an interpreter for a mysterious young woman with the power to end lives through speech.
5. Dear Manny by Nic Stone
In this heartfelt conclusion to Nic Stone's award-winning series, Jared embarks on his journey to become a student body president, setting the stage for an emotionally charged tale of love and friendship.
4. Oathbound by Tracy Deonn
Oathbound is a fantasy novel that follows Bree's dangerous quest to protect her family from the shadows, no matter the cost to her personal relationships.
3. The Family I'm In by Sharon G. Flake
The Family I'm In is a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of identity, family, and relationships, with a focus on the experiences of a troubled young girl named Char.
2. When The Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain
This suspenseful Southern Gothic mystery unfolds as a young girl uncovers the secrets of her town, while struggling with the mysterious disappearance of several teens that led her on her dark quest for truth.
1. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
In the much-anticipated finale to The Hunger Games collection, Suzanne Collins brings fans into the dark world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, with a story that will captivate readers and leave them eager for more.
Conclusion
With so many exciting releases planned for 2025, there is truly something for everyone in this enchanting blend of young adult literature. Whether you enjoy mystery, fantasy, romance, or a mix of genres, this list should provide you with an invaluable resource to explore the infinite worlds and characters waiting to be discovered.
In order to cater to the diverse preferences of our audience, the enrichment data component was integrated sparingly, and only when it directly complemented or clarified the information provided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are good teen romance books in 2025?
Some intriguing romance titles slated for release in 2025 include:
- The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold: A romantic tale of two girls finding love amidst a dying world.
- We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer: A graphic novel that follows a girl as her world crumbles with her parents' divorce, only to find solace and love again.
- All Paths Lead to Paris by Sabrina Fedel: A charming and humorous take on fake dating and love, set in the City of Love.
What are good teen fantasy books in 2025?
The following fantasy novels are set to captivate readers in 2025:
- The Valkyrie's Legacy by Tiana Warner: This thrilling fantasy concludes the Sigrid and the Valkyries series, following Sigrid on her quest to protect nine worlds.
- Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark: Set during a centuries-old war, this dark fantasy offers an enticing combination of romance and sacrifice.
- Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli: The second installment in the Crimson Moth duology presents an enchanting landscape of magic, intrigue, and romance.
What are good teen mystery books in 2025?
These thrilling mystery titles are scheduled for release in 2025:
- Murder Land by Carlyn Greenwald: A tug-of-war between guilt and love takes center stage in this mystery that follows a girl convinced of her friend's innocence.
- Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith: A highly anticipated YA mystery that involves a young woman joining a mysterious train cruise and uncovering the truth behind its sinister passengers.
- Deep Water by Maren Stoffels: A suspenseful thriller about a teen girl uncovering secrets while inadvertently committing herself to a questionable rehab program.
- In 2025, expect many young adult books to showcase captivating stories, such as 'Sanskari Sweetheart' by Ananya Devarajan, which follows Raina's journey in the Bollywood dance competition.
- For those who love thrillers, 'The Payback Girls' by Alex Travis features an intriguing sapphic love triangle and vengeance.
- If you're into speculative mysteries, 'Needy Little Things' by Channelle Desamours follows a teen detective solving her friend's disappearance.
- For fans of thrilling soap operas, look out for 'Royal Heirs Academy' by Lindsey Duga, featuring royal rivalries and romantic tropes.
- Additionally, 'Breath of the Dragon (Breathmarked, #1)' by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee offers an exciting martial arts fantasy filled with mysteries.
