Best Young Adult Books December 2024

War Storm

In this electrifying finale to the Red Queen series, Mare Barrow faces her ultimate challenge. As allegiances shift and power dynamics crumble, she must navigate a web of deception and betrayal. Aveyard’s vivid prose brings the world of Norta to life, painting a landscape of political intrigue and heart-pounding action. I found myself holding my breath during the intense battle scenes, feeling every triumph and setback alongside Mare. It’s a bittersweet journey that left me both satisfied and longing for more.

King’s Cage

In this electrifying third installment of the Red Queen series, Mare Barrow finds herself trapped in a gilded cage, powerless and at the mercy of her nemesis. As she struggles to maintain hope, unexpected alliances form and old loyalties are tested. Aveyard’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of betrayal, resilience, and the cost of power. With pulse-pounding action and heart-wrenching moments, King’s Cage will leave readers breathless, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling saga.

Glass Sword

Mare Barrow’s blood is red, but her Silver ability has turned her into a weapon the royal court tries to control. Pursued by the vengeful Silver king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join the rebellion. But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she’s trying to defeat. Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

Red Queen

In a world divided by blood, Mare Barrow discovers she possesses a deadly power of her own. Forced to play a dangerous game, she risks everything to help a growing rebel movement. But this is no fairytale – in the treacherous royal court, one wrong move could be fatal. With twists that’ll leave you breathless, “Red Queen” is a thrilling ride through a realm where power corrupts and love might just be the strongest magic of all.

This Savage Song

In a city torn apart by violence, two unlikely allies must confront the darkness within themselves. Kate Harker, daughter of a ruthless crime lord, yearns to prove her worth. August Flynn, a monster who can steal souls with music, longs to be human. As chaos engulfs their world, they form an uneasy alliance, navigating treacherous streets and their own conflicting desires. Schwab’s haunting prose weaves a tale of monsters and humanity, blurring the lines between good and evil. A gripping urban fantasy that will leave you questioning what it truly means to be human.

Our Dark Duet

In this gripping sequel, Kate Harker and August Flynn find themselves on opposite sides of a war that has left their city in ruins. As monsters born from violence roam the streets, Kate becomes a ruthless hunter while August struggles with his own inner darkness. Their paths collide once more, forcing them to confront not only each other but also the shadows within themselves. Schwab’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil, leaving readers breathless until the very last page.

The Unbound

Kell Maresh, the last of the Antari blood magicians, struggles to adjust to his new life in Red London. Haunted by the events of the past, he grapples with his growing powers and the weight of responsibility. Meanwhile, Lila Bard, the cunning thief from Grey London, embarks on a perilous journey to prove her worth as a magician. As dark forces gather and ancient magic awakens, Kell and Lila must confront their deepest fears and make impossible choices. A spellbinding tale of adventure, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.

The Archived

Mackenzie Bishop’s world is filled with secrets and shadows. As a Keeper, she’s tasked with returning the restless dead to their eternal sleep in the Archive. But when her little brother dies and her family moves to the Coronado, an old hotel turned apartment building, Mac’s carefully ordered life begins to unravel. Strange disturbances in the Archive and mysterious deaths in the Coronado force her to confront long-buried truths about her past and the nature of the Archive itself. With time running out and danger closing in, Mac must decide who to trust and what she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the living and the dead.

The Near Witch

In a village where wind whispers secrets and shadows dance, Lexi has always been drawn to the eerie legend of the Near Witch. When children start vanishing, suspicion falls on a mysterious stranger. But Lexi sees beyond fear, sensing a connection to the enigmatic boy. As she unravels the truth, she discovers a world where magic thrums beneath the surface, and love blooms in the most unexpected places. Schwab’s haunting prose weaves a spellbinding tale that lingers long after the last page.

Rule of Wolves

Leigh Bardugo’s “Rule of Wolves” plunges readers back into the Grishaverse, where danger lurks in every shadow. As war looms, Nikolai Lantsov fights to save his country and his soul, while Nina Zenik seeks vengeance for her fallen love. The stakes have never been higher, and alliances shift like sand. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late, completely enthralled by Bardugo’s masterful storytelling and complex characters. A thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that left me craving more.