Best Young Adult Books April 2025

The Shadowhunter Chronicles

Dive into a hidden world of demons, angels, and magic with Cassandra Clare’s “The Shadowhunter Chronicles.” This gripping urban fantasy series follows the adventures of young Shadowhunters, humans with angelic blood who protect our world from dark forces. With its intricate mythology, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable characters, Clare’s masterful storytelling will keep you spellbound. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late just to read one more chapter. A must-read for anyone craving an escape into a thrilling, supernatural realm.

The Maze Runner Series

Plunging readers into a heart-pounding dystopian world, Dashner’s “The Maze Runner” series gripped me from the first page. Following Thomas and his fellow Gladers, I found myself holding my breath as they navigated treacherous mazes and battled sinister forces. The intricate plot twists kept me guessing, while the bonds forged between characters tugged at my heartstrings. A thrilling ride that left me pondering long after I’d turned the final page.

The Divergent Series

In a dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions based on virtues. Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose between staying with her family and being true to herself. Her decision leads her on a thrilling journey of self-discovery, dangerous secrets, and unexpected love. As she uncovers a conspiracy threatening her world, Beatrice learns that sometimes the most difficult choices are the ones that define us. This gripping tale of courage and identity will leave you breathless.

The Hunger Games Trilogy

Mistborn Trilogy

In a world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the night, an evil force reigns. A young street urchin discovers she possesses extraordinary magical powers, thrusting her into a dangerous quest to overthrow the Dark Lord. Sanderson’s masterful worldbuilding and intricate magic system captivate, while his flawed, relatable characters grapple with loyalty, sacrifice, and the weight of destiny. I couldn’t put it down, staying up far too late to unravel the mysteries. A thrilling epic that will leave you craving more.

The Song of Achilles

Achilles, the golden warrior, and Patroclus, the awkward prince, forge an unlikely bond that deepens into a passionate romance. Miller’s lyrical prose breathes new life into Homer’s epic, exploring the tender moments between battles and the raw emotions of young love. As the Trojan War looms, their relationship is tested against duty and fate. A heart-wrenching tale that had me captivated until the final page, pondering the enduring power of love and the cruel whims of the gods.

Norwegian Wood

Toru Watanabe’s nostalgic journey through 1960s Tokyo is a bittersweet exploration of love, loss, and coming of age. Murakami’s lyrical prose weaves a haunting tale of young romance and the lingering effects of tragedy. As Toru navigates complex relationships and his own inner turmoil, the novel’s melancholic atmosphere lingers long after the final page. A poignant reflection on memory and the passage of time that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt lost in their youth.

Carry On

Simon Snow’s final year at Watford School of Magicks is anything but ordinary. As the prophesied “Chosen One,” he’s struggling with his unpredictable magic and the looming threat of the Insidious Humdrum. His roommate and nemesis, Baz, is suspiciously absent, and Simon can’t shake his obsession with uncovering Baz’s secrets. When Baz finally returns, their antagonistic relationship takes an unexpected turn, forcing Simon to question everything he thought he knew about magic, destiny, and his own heart.

Fangirl

Cath’s world revolves around Simon Snow fanfiction. As she starts college, her twin sister Wren is drifting away, and Cath struggles to navigate new friendships and a prickly roommate. Her writing professor challenges her to find her own voice, while a charming classmate tempts her out of her comfort zone. Balancing her online fandom with real-life relationships, Cath discovers that growing up doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. Rainbow Rowell’s “Fangirl” is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that captures the awkward, exhilarating journey of finding yourself.

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor and Park is a bittersweet tale of first love that will tug at your heartstrings. Set in 1986, it follows two misfit teenagers as they navigate the complexities of high school, family, and unexpected romance. Rowell’s vivid prose brings to life the awkward moments and electric touches that define young love. I found myself rooting for these characters, feeling their joy and pain as if it were my own. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the power of connection in a world that can feel so isolating.