By: Kat Thomson
It’s May! And with that fresh spring air, you might also be looking for some fresh reading material. We got you – check out this list of recent YA novels from a variety of genres.
Between the Water and the Woods by Simone Snaith
Emeline has always been careful to conceal her magic, but when her younger brother breaks the strict rules of their village, she exposes her abilities in order to save him from the frightening Ithin. Accompanied by a dashing, whip-wielding knight, Emeline travels with her family to warn the ailing king of the Ithin’s awakening. How will Emeline keep her family - and herself - safe in a land where her magic is forbidden?
Courtesy of Simone Snaith
Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer
Ever since a wolf attack has left her with scars on her face, Echo has been an outcast. Unfortunately, after losing their family’s money, her father mysteriously disappears. Echo takes it upon herself to track down her missing father and face the possible danger of encountering the wolf again. As she ventures deeper into the woods, she comes upon an enchanted house capable of transporting her to new worlds beyond her wildest imagination.
The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu
*We recommend you read Cassandra Clare’s “Mortal Instruments” and “Infernal Devices” series first, because of crossover between characters and plots.*
Since warlock Magnus Bane has earned a little holiday time, he travels to Europe with Alec Lightwood, his new Shadowhunter boyfriend. While in Paris, their trip is interrupted by whispers of murderous cult activity, led by the mysterious “Crimson Hand”. Rumours fly that Magnus himself could be the one behind the killings. Magnus will do anything he can to keep Alec safe, but he lives in dread that his boyfriend could uncover some major skeletons in his closet. Meanwhile, Alec is determined to prove Magnus’ innocence, even if he has to be dishonest with his family. By working together, can Alec and Magnus revel the truth behind the “Crimson Hand” and still succeed as a couple?
Courtesy of Cassandra Clare
If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka
Cameron Bright may seem like a confident, driven, popular “it girl” to her classmates, but deep down she’s insecure, and the hurtful remarks she makes to others have come back around to haunt her. When Andrew, Cameron’s crush, witnesses her “just being honest” with a classmate, he makes her realize that this cruel attitude is unattractive. Cameron attempts to change her ways by gaining the trust of those she has hurt, and begins to learn a lot about empathy, forgiveness, and herself.
Courtesy of Emily Wibberley
To Best the Boys by Mary Weber
In this fantasy novel about tradition and sexism, the residents of Pinsbury Port receive a mysterious letter each year: eligible-aged boys are invited to compete for a scholarship to the esteemed Stemwick University.
Sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur is tired of living in a world where she is told she’ll amount to nothing more than a dutiful wife, as only men are encouraged to attend universities like Stemwick. Rhen is fascinated by science, and would love to further her education, especially as she must helplessly witness the poorest residents of her town fall prey to a deadly disease. Rhen decides to disguise herself and enter the annual all-male scholarship competition. But not everyone is ready for a girl who dares to imagine a better life for herself…
Courtesy of Mary Weber
The Wild Lands by Paul Greci
In this survival thriller, Travis and his younger sister Jess are living in a post-disaster Alaska. Cut off from civilization and devoid of food, the few remaining survivors have begun to turn on each other. Travis and Jess are surrounded by a deadly wilderness of vicious animals and desperate people, and now they must travel across it in order to make it back to the civilized world – and their best hope of staying alive.
Courtesy of Paul Greci
How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow
Tiger Tolliver is living a fairly average life for a sixteen-year-old… until she experiences the sudden loss of her mother. Because she is still a minor and doesn’t have any relatives, Tiger gets placed in foster care, meeting many young people who have been abused and abandoned.
Tiger’s experience of losing the most important person in her life is a story of grief and regret; heartbreaking to the core.
Courtesy of Kathleen Glasgow
Share Your Thoughts Below
What are some of your favourite YA novels of 2019 so far? Share them in our comments!
