Best Young Adult Books April 2025

Mistborn: The Well of Ascension

Vin’s journey continues in this gripping sequel, where the mists of Luthadel hide secrets darker than she could have imagined. As a powerful Mistborn, she grapples with her newfound abilities and the weight of leadership. The Final Empire may have fallen, but new threats emerge, testing alliances and pushing Vin to her limits. Sanderson’s masterful world-building shines as political intrigue and magical battles intertwine, leaving readers breathless. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late just to see what happened next. A must-read for fantasy lovers!

Champion

In a world where the elite compete for glory, June and Day find themselves on opposite sides of a deadly game. As a prodigy born into the wealthy Republic, June’s path seems set. But when her brother is murdered, she’s thrust into a dangerous hunt for the prime suspect: Day, a brilliant outlaw from the slums. As their paths collide, they uncover shocking truths that challenge everything they believe. Lu’s gripping dystopian tale explores loyalty, justice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a society divided by power and privilege.

Prodigy

In a world where genius is feared, June and Day are two extraordinary teens on opposite sides of a dystopian society. As their paths collide, they uncover dark secrets and face impossible choices. Lu’s gripping narrative weaves together action, romance, and political intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late just to see what would happen next. A thrilling ride that left me eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Legend

In a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, Marie Lu’s “Legend” captivates with its gritty dystopian vision. Two teens from opposite sides of a fractured society collide in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. As they unravel dark secrets, their loyalties are tested and an unlikely bond forms. Lu’s vivid prose and breakneck pacing keep readers on edge, while exploring themes of justice, power, and the cost of rebellion. A thrilling ride that lingers long after the last page.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance

Tomi Adeyemi’s “Children of Virtue and Vengeance” plunges readers back into the vibrant world of Orïsha. Zélie and Amari’s hard-won victory feels hollow as chaos engulfs the kingdom. Magic has returned, but at what cost? As the girls grapple with newfound powers and old wounds, alliances shift like sand. I found myself breathless, turning pages late into the night, desperate to unravel the complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and the weight of destiny. Adeyemi’s prose sings with raw emotion and vivid imagery, making this sequel utterly unforgettable.

Children of Blood and Bone

Zélie remembers when magic thrived in Orïsha. But everything changed the night it disappeared, leaving her people vulnerable to a ruthless king. Now, with a chance to bring magic back, Zélie must outwit the crown prince bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in this West African-inspired world, where Zélie discovers her own hidden powers. As she fights to save her people, she grapples with the weight of destiny and the spark of an unexpected romance. A thrilling adventure that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Concrete Rose

Maverick Carter’s life is a balancing act. At seventeen, he’s juggling school, slinging drugs for the King Lords, and caring for his newborn son. When tragedy strikes close to home, Mav faces tough choices that could change everything. As he navigates fatherhood, loyalty, and the weight of his community’s expectations, Mav discovers inner strength he never knew he had. This raw, powerful story of growth and resilience will leave you rooting for Mav long after the last page.

On the Come Up

Sixteen-year-old Bri dreams of becoming a rapper, following in her father’s footsteps. But with her mom struggling to make ends meet and her family on the brink of homelessness, Bri’s rhymes become more than just music—they’re her ticket to survival. As she navigates the cutthroat world of hip-hop, Bri faces tough choices that could make or break her future. Thomas’s raw, authentic voice shines through in this powerful story of ambition, identity, and the price of chasing your dreams.

Imagine Me

Juliette thought she’d finally found peace, but the fight for her future has only just begun. With old enemies lurking and new threats emerging, she must confront her past to secure her destiny. As she grapples with her evolving powers and deepening relationships, Juliette realizes that the key to victory lies within herself. This heart-pounding finale to the Shatter Me series will leave readers breathless, as Juliette’s journey comes to a stunning, unforgettable conclusion.

Defy Me

Juliette thought she’d finally found peace, but her world is shattered when Warner reveals a devastating truth. Torn between love and loyalty, she must confront her past and embrace her true power. As alliances shift and enemies close in, Juliette discovers hidden strengths within herself. With heart-pounding action and raw emotion, this gripping installment in the Shatter Me series will leave readers breathless, questioning everything they thought they knew about Juliette’s world and her destiny.