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We apologise in advance to your TBR and bank account, but there’s so many fantastic upcoming young adult books hitting shelves between January and June 2026! There’s new releases from Roshani Chokshi, Ryan Douglass, David Ferraro, Katherine Quinn, Andrea Tang, Amie Kaufman, Stacey Lee, Lish McBride, Sarah Beth Durst, Kat Cho, Ann Liang, Soman Chainani, Sarah Dessen, Elana K. Arnold, Camryn Garrett, Lynette Noni, and many more, plus some debut novels!
You’ll be sure to find quite a few exciting new reads within this list and be sure to check out our other 2026 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated and Swoonworthy Romance lists!
JANUARY 2026 YOUNG ADULT BOOK RELEASES
A War of Wyverns by S. F. Williamson
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Rebellion happens in the shadows. In the sequel to the New York Times bestseller A Language of Dragons, language is the greatest weapon in a war between humans and dragons—and one translator has the power to change the world. Perfect for teen fans of Fourth Wing and Babel.
The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi
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In this lush and enchanting novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.
Tidespeaker By Sadie Turner
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A girl with the power to command the tides has her life changed when she secures a job serving a wealthy noble family–only to learn upon arrival that the last person to fill her post mysteriously died, and her new employers are hiding dark secrets–in this haunting and lush debut fantasy.
Dragon Cursed by Elise Kova
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Set in the last surviving human city of Vingard, the novel follows a girl who fears she’s been tainted by a mysterious curse, one that slowly transforms its victims into mindless beasts. In a world where anyone could be infected, anyone could be lying, and discovery means execution, paranoia becomes survival.
A Wild Radiance by Maria Ingrande Mora
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A searing and romantic fantasy adventure about an oligarchic state on the verge of a magical industrial revolution—perfect for fans of Arcane, Wicked, and Iron Widow!
Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet
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Beth March’s sisters will stop at nothing to track down her killer—until they begin to suspect each other—in this “brilliantly snappy…electrifying” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) debut thriller that’s also a bold, contemporary reimagining of the beloved classic Little Women.
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion
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After a group of teens visit a dangerous island where three are left behind, the surviving girls realize they must return to confront the sinister force hunting them. This dark YA thriller is perfect for fans of Yellowjackets.
Ms. Marvel: Remnants of the Past by Saadia Faruqi
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Ms. Marvel trips into a mystery that brings her from Jersey City to Lahore, Pakistan, and back again, all on a chase for a magical artifact in this adventure from Marvel Press.
Soul of a Gentleman Witch by David Ferraro
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To win back his soul from the Devil, a cynical witch must decide if his own freedom is worth delivering a selfless boy to damnation.
Oxford Blood by Rachael Davis-Featherstone
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Oxford Blood is a riveting murder mystery thriller, packed with narrative twists and turns, complex and appealing characters and a captivating, authentic setting in its searing examination of the true cost of privilege.
The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay by Ryan Douglass
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From New York Times bestselling author Ryan Douglass comes a gripping and tender reimagining of The Great Gatsby about the pursuit of happiness—and love—in a society built on cruelty and secrets.
Freddie and Stella Got Hot by Maggie Horne
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Jenny Han meets Mean Girls in Freddie and Stella Got Hot, Maggie Horne’s YA rom com about getting revenge and falling in love.
FEBRUARY 2026 YOUNG ADULT BOOK RELEASES
Queen of Faces by Petra Lord
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
This dystopian fantasy follows a desperate girl at a cutthroat magical academy who faces a choice between life and death: become an assassin for the enchanted elite or watch her decaying body draw its last breath.
Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
This magical new YA romantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of To Kill a Shadow will steal your heart. Set in Andalay, a world where the ruling Fates bestow gifts among the favored, a thief must join forces with the palace darling after he unwittingly steals a necklace with the power to change everything.
Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya
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An unputdownable romantasy following a young woman posing as fortune-teller at a magical traveling carnival, where the handsome boy who once broke her heart resurfaces and warns her that the carnival is more sinister than it appears.
The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin
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There once was a village so far north that most considered it the top of the world… and in that village, the Sun fell in love with her Starmaker. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches comes a whimsical and sweeping romantic fantasy.
Postscript by Cory McCarthy
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From Stonewall Honoree Cory McCarthy, joyful, affectionate, read-in-one-sitting novel about letting go of the things we can’t change and holding on to the passion of our instincts.
To The Death by Andrea Tang
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Two teens are pitted against each other in a magical duel for revenge, but they’ll have to fight their growing attraction first, in this YA fantasy thriller from the author of These Deadly Prophecies.
This Wretched Beauty by Elle Grenier
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Haunted by a portrait that seems to taunt them, a conflicted young aristocrat spirals down a path to the worst possible version of themself in this suspenseful retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, perfect for fans of The Spirit Bares Its Teeth and These Violent Delights.
The Spiral Key by Kelsey Day
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
For fans of Holly Jackson and Jessica Goodman, this high-stakes thriller is set in a virtual-reality paradise turned hellscape, from a celebrated writer making their YA debut.
Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman
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From the New York Times bestselling co-author of Illuminae and Aurora Rising comes a high-stakes, high-chemistry, sci-fi romp about a stowaway girl and the richest boy in the galaxy, racing the clock to outwit a gang of mercenaries.
They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours
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In this young adult speculative mystery, a teen must find a way to free a cursed witch in order to save her best friend before time runs out.
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow
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The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.
Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean
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From the New York Times bestselling author of Tokyo Ever After comes a laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving rom-com about a girl who starts receiving letters from the love of her life—writing to her from years in the future.
MARCH 2026 YOUNG ADULT BOOK RELEASES
Right as Rain by Tashie Bhuiyan
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Recent high-school graduate Megh Rashid has plans to escape to the other side of the country for college. But things are complicated when she gets struck by lightning, and she wakes up to a storm cloud that follows her everywhere, seemingly attuned to her every emotion.
These Shattered Spires by Cassidy Ellis Salter
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In this YA high fantasy, four magical rivals must work together to survive a deadly competition. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Gideon the Ninth.
One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram
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Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur.
Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An orphan races to uncover a killer—who may have come from the sea—when she and her beloved orcas fall under suspicion.
She Drinks the Light by Yasmin Angoe
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
For fans of Sinners and Immortal Dark, a teen girl must uncover her family’s deadly secrets in order to save her best friend and her island in this heart-pounding YA debut.
Where No Shadow Stays by Sara Hashem
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A homecoming queen and a bad-boy loner team up to break a generational curse in this YA supernatural horror from a talented American Egyptian voice.
Someone to Daydream About by Sydney Langford
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For fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Alice Oseman, this swoony, fast-paced romance stars a teen who falls in love with the lead singer of America’s most popular boy band during a whirlwind summer tour.
Midnight on the Celestial by Julia Alexandra
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Roe Damarcus, a gifted spirit-summoner, is exiled to a magical cruise ship after her power is deemed dangerous. Competing for a retrial, she uncovers deadly secrets as the ship turns nightmarish and her past threatens to claim her life.
Most Likely to Murder by Lish McBride
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A YA horror-thriller about a killer who replaces a yearbook’s superlatives with forecasts of the students’ deaths, delivering an unexpected dose of humour and reminiscent of irreverent teen classics like Heathers and Scream.
When I Was Death by Alexis Henderson
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A group of girls does Death incarnate’s bidding in this haunting speculative young adult novel by the author of The Year of the Witching.
The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst
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After a devastating heartbreak, a teen girl decides to spend her summer helping her eccentric great aunt manage her quaint Vermont inn—but the fixer-upper is hiding a magical secret—in this cozy and irresistible new YA fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop.
Prodigal Tiger by Samantha Chong
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A rich, cinematic celebration of Malaysian magic and folklore, as well as an emotional exploration of never quite feeling like your whole self after living in the diaspora.
APRIL 2026 YOUNG ADULT BOOK RELEASES
To Steal a Throne by Gabi Burton
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In this YA fantasy novel perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter, a girl who has always served others decides to take power for herself.
The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An unforgettable YA murder mystery set in an escape-room themed game show, by Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, and Tamara Moss, rising star and acclaimed author of Lintang series.
Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A sweeping debut inspired by the Chinese folk practice of necromancy, Deathly Fates is perfect for fans of Descendant of the Crane, The Bone Shard Daughter, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.
The Gravewood by Kelly Andrew
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From New York Times bestselling author Kelly Andrew comes the first in a darkly romantic duology that explores disability, obsession, and the twisted limits of loyalty.
Flirting With Murder by Amanda Sellet
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In this comedic mystery about finding the Watson to your Holmes, Virginia and Felix must banter their way from rivals to co-detectives in time to save their eccentric grandparents from a shocking disruption to the community they’ve always loved.
Gods & Comics by Kat Cho
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
New York Times bestseller Kat Cho returns with a fresh contemporary, fantasy romance about a teen whose life is upended when the gods in her anonymous viral web comic inspired by a forgotten Korean myth come to life and the hero falls in love with her.
The Bloody and the Damned by Becca Coffindaffer
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
An assassin with outlawed, magical abilities will do anything to get their kidnapped sisters back in this dystopic-fantasy standalone, perfect for fans of Arcane and Iron Widow.
They Want Us Dead by CL Montblanc
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
In this new mystery from CL Montblanc, the author of Pride or Die, two internet enemies are forced to work together after a true crime meetup turns into a deadly case of its own.
I Could Give You the Moon by Ann Liang
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
New York Times bestselling author Ann Liang returns to the world of her acclaimed debut, If You Could See the Sun, as a picture-perfect influencer teams up with the bad boy after they share a vision of future.
This Dream Will Devour Us by Emma Clancey
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The Inheritance Games meets Caraval in this YA contemporary fantasy debut about a girl thrust into the intoxicating and dangerous world of magical high society.
Forgive-Me-Not by Mari Costa
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A queer “enemies to lovers” journey of a lost princess and a changeling who was made to take the heir’s place as part of a fey scheme.
May the Dead Keep You by Jill Baguchinsky
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Perfect for fans of Don’t Let the Forest In and Wuthering Heights, this gothic horror novel is about the pasts that haunt us and the stories we decide to make for ourselves.
MAY 2026 YOUNG ADULT BOOK RELEASES
Young World by Soman Chainani
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series comes a renegade thriller, about a teenager elected President of the United States, sparking a global revolution of young leaders—until one of them is murdered and he’s the prime suspect.
Shapes of Love by L. V. Peñalba
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Loveless meets This Time It’s Real in this aroace story about challenging the idea that romance is the ultimate life goal and finding where you fit in when you don’t follow society’s script.
Rani Deshpande Takes the Wheel by Arushi Avachat
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Rani’s summer checklist didn’t include falling in love in this sparkling romance for fans of The Summer of Broken Rules and Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.
Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Roll the dice, strike up the band, and get ready for a swoon-worthy summer! A charming gaming romance that blends the magic of D&D with the camaraderie of band camp—from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!
Change of Plans by Sarah Dessen
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From acclaimed and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Dessen comes a “sweet, nuanced, and reflective coming-of-age love story” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) about an unassuming girl who learns to stand on her own while falling in love during a life-changing summer.
The Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A fraudulent teen quester must team up with a brooding, royal rival on a perilous adventure to save her brother’s life in this cozy young adult romantasy full of mythical creatures by the New York Times bestselling author of Spell Bound and So This is Ever After.
Queerleaders by Olivia A. Cole and Ashley Woodfolk
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Two cheerleaders find themselves inconveniently tumbling head over heels for each other in this satirical, sapphic teen rom-com that’s Bring It On meets She Drives Me Crazy.
Behind Five Willows by June Hur
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From the New York Times-bestselling author of A Crane Among Wolves comes a warm and romantic homage to Jane Austen set in historical Korea, about a reader and a writer who secretly fight against government book banning and find themselves irresistibly drawn together.
Holloway by Elana K. Arnold
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold returns with a boldly visionary, deeply felt story that crosses space and time to examine loss and love in a world on the brink.
We Could Be Anyone by Anna-Marie McLemore
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Two teen con-artists must execute an almost impossible scam at an exclusive mansion in this thriller that’s White Lotus meets Mexican Gothic – for teens.
In Between Days by Camryn Garrett
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An epistolary novel told through diary entries, text messages, and book reviews, IN BETWEEN DAYS is a story about queerness, grief, and families—both ones we are born into and ones we create.
Royal Summer by Kass Morgan
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
The perfect summer romance has arrived! Jenny Han meets The Royal We in this YA romcom about an American girl who finds herself falling for the Prince of England during a whirlwind summer in Scotland. Perfect for fans of Harry and Megan, Will and Kate, and love that breaks all the rules.
JUNE 2026 YOUNG ADULT BOOK RELEASES
The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
From the award-winning New York Times and Indie bestselling author of Ace of Spades comes a mystery about five teen geniuses, their billionaire father, and the investigation into his murder—perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games, Netflix’s The Residence, and Holly Jackson!
All We Hunger For by Anna Mercier
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A young woman sneaks her way into a magical baking contest but gets pulled into an elusive aristocrat’s lavish world and his nefarious plan as rebellion brews in their city—for fans of This Woven Kingdom.
The River She Became by Emily Varga
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A high stakes, action-packed romantasy from bestselling author Emily Varga where a relic-hunter searches for an ancient fae object to restore the magic to her world, but must learn to trust her own powers—and her heart.
Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A young reaper hunter must conspire with her enemy to uproot the ancient evil that threatens her world in this heart-pounding romantic fantasy from the bestselling author of The Prison Healer.
The Secret World of Briar Rose by Cindy Pham
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A lush and immersive queer “Sleeping Beauty” retelling about escapism, grief, and dreaming of a better world, as imagined by YouTube star Cindy Pham.
Their Will Undone by R.J. Valldeperas
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
When a maiden is selected to marry the emperor, her journey to the palace will see her fighting both a spark of magical power and her growing feelings for her broody escort in this romantic fantasy duology opener, inspired by a true story from the Inca empire.
Love, Gods and Sinners by Camille Chong
Publisher | Amazon | Waterstones | Goodreads
Set in an alternate futuristic world, where descendants of ancient magical clans don secret identities and do battle on the streets of Singapore, Camille Chong’s debut YA novel is an action-packed enemies-to-lovers urban fantasy with a sizzling rivals-to-lovers romance at its heart.
When Dealing With Dragons by Dana Swift
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Bonding with dragons gave humans magic to craft metal―now, two school rivals have to work together to protect a priceless secret, all while fighting their growing attraction to each other, from Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight.
Black River by Ruby Jean Cottle
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Seventeen-year-old Dusty begins to change after strange nights in the forest. Drawn to the mysterious Will, she discovers a dangerous new thirst. As dark forces awaken in Black River, Dusty must uncover the truth before everything she loves is lost.
Good Luck, Babe! by Erin Baldwin
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Two former best friends find themselves fake dating on their favorite race-around-the-world reality TV show competition in Erin Baldwin’s newest YA sapphic romance. Perfect for fans of Sophie Gonzalez’s Never Ever Getting Back Together and The Amazing Race.
The Hyacinth Labyrinth by Jamie Pacton
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
A whimsical adventure full of magic, fantastical road trips, and a sapphic slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance—for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries.
The League of Dangerous Young Ladies by J. A. Morgenstein
Publisher | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Enola Holmes meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this thrilling YA fantasy adventure from debut author J. A. Morgenstein, perfect for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Philip Pullman.
