50 New Young Adult Books I’m Excited to Read in 2025

Spell of the Sinister by Danielle Paige

Spell of the Sinister is the second book in the A Fairy Godmother series. The series is a refreshing twist on the classic stories we all know and love. Spell of the Sinister picks up after the events of Wish of the Wicked and I’m so looking forward to continuing the journey with these characters.

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West

If Kasie West writes a book, I will always pick it up! Better Than Revenge is her newest young adult contemporary romance. It follows Finley, who wants to become a famous podcaster, so she tries to join her school’s podcast team. When her ex-football player boyfriend decides to try out and uses her ideas, she tries to find the best revenge. Kasie West’s books are always so enjoyable, I can’t wait to pick this one up!

Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce

Dating and Dragons is the second book in the Dungeons and Drama series. If you love gaming, this is a great contemporary romance series to pick up. It follows Quinn, who starts at a new school and hopes to make new friends when she joins a D&D group. It’s even better when she finds out that the cute boy she met on the first day of school is part of the group. But, the group has strict rules: no dating other group members. It sounds like it’s going to be such a fun book!

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

Ex Marks the Spot is a rivals-to-lovers young adult contemporary romance. It follows Gemma, who finds out that her grandfather has recently passed and she is given a clue to a treasure hunt to receive her inheritance. But, there’s a problem: to complete the treasure hunt, she needs to go to her grandfather’s home in Taiwan and the only way she can get there is with the help of her ex and high-school rival, Xander. The plot gives me The Inheritance Games vibes and I’m so excited for the Taipei setting!

Bemused by Farrah Rochon

If there’s a Disney origin story releasing, you can bet I want to read it! Bemused is the untold origin story of the five Muses from Hercules, what could be better than that? Combined with Greek mythology, this refreshing look at the narrators of Hercules’s story is guaranteed to be a good time! I also love Farrah Rochon’s adult romance books, so I’m positive I’ll love this one too.

Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia

Mystery Royale is pitched as a mix of The Inheritance Games meets Hotel Magnifique. It follows Mullory, a sixteen-year-old who suddenly sees unexpected letters. When she opens one, she finds an invitation to compete in a game for a sizable inheritance. It sounds like it will be an epic story full of intriguing characters, magical moments and mystery.

Royal Heirs Academy by Lindsey Duga

I haven’t read many books set at boarding schools, but this one caught my eye! It follows a group of students at a boarding school who compete to inherit a European kingdom. It sounds like it will be full of cutthroat competition as well as revenge with a little bit of enemies-to-lovers romance sprinkled in too!

The Wishless Ones by Hafsah Faizal

The Wishless Ones is another Disney-themed young adult book release I’m excited to pick up this year. It’s the third book in the Dark Ascension series, where each book gives the origin story of certain Disney villains. The Wishless Ones tells the story of Jafar from Aladdin as well as the story of his brother Rohan. I really love how Disney Books provides these fun backstories to characters we all know and love!

Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon

Bingsu for Two is pitched as the perfect book for fans of Jenny Han and Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, which sounds perfect to me! It follows River, who in 24 hours, breaks up with his girlfriend, walks out of his SAT and quits his job. He then starts a job at a failing cafe where he meets a grumpy goth, Sarang who is desperately trying to save her family’s cafe. When River posts a video to his social media, he must pretend the tension between him and Sarang is romantic so they can help the cafe’s newfound success.

The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley

The Queen’s Spade is an upcoming historical thriller that is loosely based on real-life events. It’s also pitched as The Count of Monte Cristo mixed with Bridgerton, which sounds really interesting! It follows Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, who plots her way to take down the monarchy that kidnapped her from her homeland. I’m so excited to pick this one up!

Love on Paper by Danielle Parker

Love on Paper is the next book from Danielle Parker, author of You Bet Your Heart. It’s a cute contemporary romance that follows two teens who are aspiring novelists as they find love as well as a little bit of mystery at an exclusive writers’ retreat. I think this will be such a fun book in general but especially for budding novelists to pick up!

The Rival by Emma Lord

I adore Emma Lord, so it’s no surprise to see her next young adult contemporary on this list! The Rival follows Sadie, who is excited to enter college and get rid of her lifelong academic rival and next-door neighbour, Seb. When she tries to grab a spot at her school’s famous magazine, she’s shocked to see Seb was pulled off the waitlist and is competing for a spot as well. The longer the two compete, the more they realize that things would’ve been better for them if they just worked together.

The Wilde Trials by Mackenzie Reed

The Wilde Trials is a young adult mystery by Mackenzie Reed, author of The Rosewood Hunt. It’s another book on this list that features a competition — it seems to be a big theme this year! It follows Chloe who will do anything and everything to win her boarding school’s annual competition, the Wilde Trials. The winner will win half a million dollars, but with difficult competitors like her ex-boyfriend Hayes, it proves to be more difficult than she thought. It sounds like it will be the perfect mix of dark academia and thriller!

All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

I haven’t read a Neal Shusterman book in a while but I’m excited to pick this one up! All Better Now is a young adult thriller that features a world where happiness is contagious. It follows two teens who have had their lives upended by the virus as they get caught in the conspiracy to bring discontent back to the world. Neal Shusterman always tells such unique stories and this one will certainly be no different!

The Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman

The Meadowbrook Murders is another book on this list set at a boarding school, there clearly is a trend this year! It follows Amy and her best friend Sarah as they enjoy the first week of their senior year. When Sarah and her boyfriend are murdered, all eyes are on Amy as the culprit. It also follows Liz, the editor of the school newspaper, who is determined to uncover the truth, which leads her to dangerous secrets and a killer on the loose.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

The Rose Bargain is pitched as The Cruel Prince mixed with The Selection, which sounds so interesting to me. It follows Ivy, who enters her debut season and learns that there is a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. While competing, she learns that fae deals are complicated and there may be a dark plot that will destroy everything Ivy knows. It sounds incredibly captivating — I’m so excited to pick it up!

Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft

Wings of Starlight is an upcoming young adult fantasy standalone. It follows a young fairy queen who allies herself with Milori, a young guardian of the Winter Woods. Together, they try to save both of their lands. I’m excited to pick this one up, it sounds like it will be a captivating and intriguing fantasy! It’s also perfect for fans of Tinkerbell!

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

I’ve been counting down the days to read the sequel to Heartless Hunter since I read it last year. It’s an epic fantasy duology that follows a witch and a witch-hunter. If this sequel is anything like the first book, it will be a gripping conclusion full of mystery, complex relationships and swoon-worthy romance. If you’re a fan of the Serpent & Dove series, then you should definitely check out this duology!

A Touch of Blood by Sajni Patel

If there’s a book release from Rick Riordan Presents, you can guarantee it will be on my list of most-anticipated books. A Touch of Blood is a companion novel to A Drop of Venom. It’s a twist on the Persephone myth that also mixes Greek mythology with Indian lore. It follows Eshani, the oldest of three sisters who makes a deal to save her people by exchanging her life for theirs. When it turns out she is the key to fulfilling an evil prophecy, only one person can help her escape: Hiran, thought to be dead.

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor

The Otherwhere Post is the next book by Emily J. Taylor, the author of Hotel Magnifique. It’s a dark fantasy with an intriguing mystery. It follows Maeve, who lives under a fake name to escape the problems following the devastating crimes of her father. When she receives a letter that states her father is innocent, she must try to uncover the truth by training in the art of scriptomancy, a magic that allows for the enchantment of letters. When her mentor discovers she’s lying, she must convince him to trust her while investigating the rest of the mystery.

Gradchanted by Morgan Matson

If Morgan Matson releases a book, it will always be on my radar to read! Gradchanted follows Cass, an eighteen-year-old who spends Grad Nite at Disneyland with her best friend, Bryony. When she meets a cute boy, she accidentally ruins his big break and gets into a big fight with Bryony. Before she can make a quick exit, she’s thrown in a time loop and must find a way to make things right. I love that this book is set at Disneyland and I’m also very intrigued by the time loop aspect!

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

Our Infinite Fates is pitched as a mixture of The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue and This is How You Lose the Time War. It follows Evelyn, who can remember all of her past lives. She also remembers that she is murdered before her eighteenth birthday by Arden, in every single life. When she’s finally in a life she enjoys, she must try to avoid Arden and try not to fall in love. I’m so excited to pick this one up!

Solving for the Unknown by Loan Le

Solving for the Unknown is a companion to A Pho Love Story, which I enjoyed. It follows Vietnamese Americans Viet and Evie as they juggle the expectations of their families with their desires for their future while at college. It also focuses on the bond they grow and how their friendship shifts into something else as they spend more time together.

Take a Chance on Me by Elizabeth Eulberg

Take a Chance on Me follows Evie, who is heartbroken when a video of her confronting her cheating ex-boyfriend happens to go viral. To cope, she decides to spend the summer in London where everything is perfect except that she must stay with her father. While exploring, she meets a cute busker, Aiden. As they spend more time together, she realizes that maybe letting go of the past and looking toward the future isn’t so bad.

While We’re Young by K.L. Walther

While We’re Young is inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, which sounds really cool! It follows four friends whose hearts are broken but are mended over the course of one senior skip day. It sounds like it will be full of heartwarming and humourous moments as these friends spend the day exploring Philadelphia.

Every Borrowed Beat by Erin Stewart

Every Borrowed Beat is an emotional and heartwarming young adult contemporary. It follows Sydney, who receives a heart transplant after years of waiting. When she finds the family of her likely donor, Mia, she falls deeper into her world which includes falling for Mia’s best friend, Clayton. She also deals with the sudden health issues her best friend Chloe is dealing with. It explores grief and the meaning of life and will be a great book to pick up if you’re a fan of Five Feet Apart.

Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chen

Hangry Hearts is an upcoming young adult contemporary romance inspired by Romeo and Juliet. It follows Julie and Randall, former friends whose families are also long-standing rivals. When they are paired together for a community service school project, their meetings quickly turn into pseudo dates. When Julie and Randall finally tell their grandmas, the family rivalry is reignited which they must attempt to fix while they fight to keep their relationship.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

It’s no surprise that the newest Hunger Games book is on this list! Sunrise on the Reaping is the upcoming prequel that follows Haymitch while he competes in the fiftieth annual Hunger Games. I’m really looking forward to Haymitch’s story and even more excited to see the movie adaptation.

Fair & Sinister Heart by Lauren Blackwood

Since there’s a new Snow White live-action movie releasing this year, I’m intrigued by this story! It follows eighteen-year-old Snow White who takes a bite of an apple and then finds herself in a dangerous dream world. Instead of an enchanted sleep, she’s sent to the home of the Queen’s most sinister creations and she must save the people trapped and find the Ruby Heart. It sounds like it will be such a fun new story full of adventure and action.

The Shadow Bride by Shelby Mahurin

Even though I haven’t read The Scarlet Veil yet, I’m still excited to pick up the sequel. The Shadow Bride is the conclusion to the epic fantasy series set inside the world of Serpent & Dove. The series follows Célie who defies tradition to become the first huntswoman. While tracking a new killer, she finds ancient creatures she didn’t think existed and must deal with all the problems they bring. It’s a dark, mysterious and thrilling fantasy with vampires, what could be better than that?

To Steal from Thieves by M.K. Lobb

As soon as I heard about this book, I immediately knew I wanted to pick it up. To Steal from Thieves follows an alchemologist and a con man who team up to steal a rare necklace. As they partner together, they realize that robbing one of the most public places isn’t going to be easy, especially as their feelings towards each other become complicated. I can’t wait to pick up this adventurous heist story!

Lady Knight by Amalie Howard

Lady Knight is the second book in The Diamonds series by Amalie Howard. It follows Zia, who comes alive in the Lady Knights, a social club for rebellious girls. When Rafi, her brother’s best friend finds out about her secret life, he promises to keep it between them to help her avoid scandal. I’m so excited to pick this one up! It’s also a great series to introduce teen readers to the world of historical romance.

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

The Notorious Virtues is the first in a brand-new fantasy series. It follows Nora, the daughter of the most powerful heiress. When her mother is found dead, the throne and fortune are up for grabs and she is pitted against her cousins in a magical competition to determine the family heir. But, Nora discovers her mother’s death was a murder and the only person she can trust to uncover the truth is her cousin Nora, who despises everything the family stands for. There’s magic, competition as well as romance.

Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell

Boys with Sharp Teeth is very different from what I usually read. But, it sounds intriguing so I’m looking forward to picking it up. It follows Marin, who lives in the shadow of the exclusive and elite boarding school. When her cousin’s dead body is found at the school, she knows who to blame: Adrian and Henry, the leaders of the school’s social elite. She enters the school to seek justice but is shocked when the two boys she suspects, understand her better than anyone else. It sounds like such an interesting premise!

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson

Murder Between Friends is an upcoming young adult mystery thriller. It follows Grace, Henry and Ally, three friends who are torn apart by the murder of their neighbour. When the killer is going to walk free, they must team up together to face the past and determine the truth. It sounds like it will be a twisty mystery!

Wish Upon a K-Star by Kat Cho

Wish Upon a K-Star is a spin-off to Once Upon a K-Prom. It follows Moon, a member of the most popular K-pop group who decides to take charge of the group’s image, especially as they drown in dating scandals. When he’s caught in another scandal with his childhood enemy, Shin, they must work together to save their reputations. The plan: appear on Our Celebrity Marriage, where celebrities pretend to get married and compete in newlywed challenges.

Stuck Up and Stupid by Angourie Rice and Kate Rice

Stuck Up and Stupid is a modern-day young adult Pride and Prejudice. It follows Lily, who is excited for the summer until superstar Dorian arrives. Even though most people are excited that Dorian and his A-lister friends are around, Lily is not. But as Lily and Dorian’s paths continue to cross, she wonders if her opinion of him is wrong. It also happens to be written by a mother-daughter duo who are both involved in the film industry, which adds a fun element to the story!

Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala

Mia P. Manansala’s adult books have been on my radar for a while and her young adult debut sounds so interesting! Death in the Cards follows Danika, a high school student who gives tarot readings between classes. When one of her clients vanishes after they’re dealt the death card, Danika must take on the case to prove that she could be an official investigator in her family’s detective agency. I am so intrigued by this story and am really looking forward to picking it up!

Home Has No Borders edited by Sona Charaipotra and Samira Ahmed

Home Has No Borders is the next young adult anthology from Sona Charaipotra and Samira Ahmed. It’s a collection of stories from first crushes to heartbreaks, complicated families and everything in between. It highlights the fact that home is not just a place but it’s also a feeling. Young adult anthologies are always so fun to pick up and this one sounds great!

Love, Canter, Action by Katie Gilbert

Love, Canter, Action is an upcoming young adult enemies-to-lovers romance, one of my favourite tropes! When Nora is accepted to a prestigious equine training program she jumps at the chance to attend but needs to work on a movie set to cover the cost. While working, she must deal with teen heartthrob, Alexander and after a heated argument, the press believes they’re in a passionate relationship. So, they strike a deal: if she goes on three fake dates with him, he’ll cover her expenses. I’m excited to pick this one up, especially with the combination of fake dating and enemies-to-lovers.

Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy

When I heard that Jonathan Van Ness was teaming up with Julie Murphy, I knew I had to check the book out. Let Them Stare follows Sully, a gender-nonconforming eighteen-year-old who wants to head to the big city for a fashion internship. When their internship goes up in smoke, they go to the thrift store to feel better where they find a vintage bag to resell to fund their new life in the city. But, Sully is haunted by the ghost of Rufus, a drag performer from the fifties with no memory of how he died and suddenly, Sully’s summer is spent in the town they’re so desperate to escape.

Sanskari Sweetheart by Ananya Devarajan

Sanskari Sweetheart follows Raina, who needs to win the National Bollywood Dance Circuit Scholarship. When her boyfriend breaks up with her and their choreography crumbles, all of her hopes for winning the scholarship disappear. But, she wakes up the next morning with another chance at Nationals with Aditya. She soon realizes she’s stuck in a time loop and can only break out of it if she follows the right steps.

You Started It by Jackie Khalileh

You Started It is perfect for fans of Better Than the Movies, which means I have to read it! It follows Jamie who has big plans for her senior year, starting with the list of things to do with her boyfriend of three years, Ben. When Ben tells her he wants to break up and he’s dating a new girl, she’s determined to get him back, even if it means fake-dating Axel, a younger TikTok dancer. I also love that this one is set in Toronto!

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler

Dahlia Adler always has enjoyable stories. Come As You Are follows Evie, who wants a fresh start at Camden Academy, leaving behind her cheating ex-boyfriend, her sister who stole him and her best friend who let it happen. When she’s accidentally placed in an all-boys dorm, she decides to lean into her new reputation, with the help of her grumpy dorm mate Salem. She’ll teach him how to be bad, but only if she teaches him how to be good. As they spend more time together, their relationship grows. It sounds like it will be a great story!

Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang

Never Thought I’d End Up Here is the next book by Ann Liang, author of Hope This Doesn’t Find You. It follows Leah, whose parents stage an intervention and send her to China for a two-week travel program. When she arrives, she sees that her rival, Cyrus, is on the same trip and he’s cuter than before. As they travel and spend more time together, Leah discovers parts of herself that she didn’t think would resurface. I can’t wait to pick this one up!

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

It’s been a little bit since I’ve picked up a book by Shea Ernshaw. But this one caught my eye! It’s described as a romantic contemporary fantasy, which sounds like such a unique mix of genres! It follows Lark, a seventeen-year-old who tries to navigate her family’s love curse that comes with their enchanted tulips every year.

Amelia, if Only by Becky Albertalli

If Becky Albertalli releases a new book, I will always pick it up! It follows Amelia, who is slightly obsessed with Walter, her favourite bisexual YouTuber. So, Amelia decides to take a road trip with her best friends to meet Walter at a meet and greet. But, maybe her butterflies aren’t just for Walter?

All Paths Lead to Paris by Sabrina Fedel

I still haven’t read All Roads Lead to Rome, but I can’t resist adding All Paths Leads to Paris to my list of books to read. Also, how gorgeous is this cover? It follows Aurie, a fashion influencer with a fake boyfriend. When she meets Kylian, she begins to think he’s the perfect boyfriend for her. But, fake dating one guy and actually dating another is tougher than it seems.

Rewind to Us by Molly Morris

Rewind to Us follows Dixie, who has one plan for her summer vacation: to tell her best friend Sawyer that she’s in love with him. There’s one problem — they haven’t spoken since spring break and Sawyer has unfortunately moved on. When her family is each gifted a rewind, she’s able to go back to the exact moment their relationship fell apart. But, maybe it’s not the right moment to go back to.

Heiress Among Thieves by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

If Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka are releasing a book, I will always read it. Not only are they incredible writers, but they’re just wonderful human beings who have been so supportive of my work. Heiress Among Thieves is the second book in the Heiress Heists series, which follows Olivia, a teen mastermind. The series is a mixture of The Inheritance Games with Ocean’s 11 and is full of heists, romance as well as plenty of suspenseful moments.