Try This Instead: Children’s and YA Lit Recommendations
Aly Noel
A lot of readers carry a “magical orphan child who goes to school and defeats the evil villain with help from their found family, as the prophecy foretold” shaped hole…
YA
Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee – Review
Summer Hanford
Sixteen-year-old Jun dreams of proving his worth as a warrior in the elite Guardian’s Tournament, held every six years to entrust the magical Scroll of Earth to a new protector.…
Iron Prince by Bryce O’Connor and Luke Chmilenko – Review
Christopher Keene
Reidon was born weak, sickly, and small. Afflicted with a painful disease and abandoned by his parents because of it, he has had to fight tooth and nail for every…
Half a King by Joe Abercrombie – What if it wasn’t labeled YA?
Tom Joyce
Imagine if Half a King had been published without the letters ‘YA’ anywhere near the cover. Just a new novel by Joe Abercrombie, author of The First Law, arriving with…
To Ride a Rising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose – Review
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
Dragons, colonialism, and resistance, with a cast that reflects the full spectrum of humanity and a world that keeps getting richer, Blackgoose is building something special here.
Heart Blade by Juliana Spink Mills – Review
If you have a teenager in the house looking for a good read, or if you, like me, enjoy a well-written YA book every now and then, I can genuinely…
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – Review
Gritty, thoughtful, and addictive from start to finish.
A Language of Dragons by S. F. Williamson – Review
... an engaging read with some original touches, especially in its handling of language and magic.
Painted Devils by Margaret Owen – Review
The dynamics between the gods, the cult’s unintended growth, and Vanja’s ever-evolving relationship with power and consequence make Painted Devils a worthwhile read...
Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes – Review
Jayna
I loved all the references to the original story because it still felt fresh while interweaving so many clever little details.
Death’s Emissary by Emily Devereux – Review
A really promising debut that stands out in the crowded YA fantasy space with a fresh take on mythology and a darkly compelling concept.
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen – Review
Gritty fairytale vibes, thorny moral questions, and some really great queer rep made this one worth picking up.