Last month, the annual Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC) took place in the UK. There were plenty of fantastic books being talked about, so read on to discover twenty of the most buzzed-about upcoming titles featured at YALC. These are featured in no particular order and there were so many more amazing books, so I would highly recommend seeing what fantastic titles are coming soon.
The Only Immortals by Laura Steven
Another YALC rolled out and that meant another gorgeous House of YA stand, this year themed as the vault and cleverly celebrating plenty of their titles with beautiful artwork and clues to solve. One of the proofs to win (in their giant queues) was this brilliant book from Steven, with a fantastic premise and writing sure to spellbind.
Tylor Whitlock Just Won’t Die by Kendall Annette
This promises a perfect blend of slasher and romance with a brilliant spin on the time-loop and a thoughtful exploration of grief. It is all of this and more, unpicking what lies behind a perfect image and sitting with the messiness of people and their secrets.
Sweet Hunger by Katherine Webber
Electric Monkey had the beautifully designed Wishing Well but also queues that seemed mythical in length. It was a testament to how in-demand their 2027 titles were and this was one of them. The words Hansel and Gretel and dark fairytale imagining come together perfectly. Webber has an excellent track record so anticipation was high for what sounds like a brilliant read.
Gutterwitch by Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson
Plenty of attendees were wishing on a star to be in with the chance of winning the stunningly designed proof of this book. It has an exceptionally good premise with a unique spin on the Cinderella story (meets Wicked?). Jikiemi-Pearson’s debut was a brilliant mesh of everything I love about sci-fi, so I’m excited to see her take on this fairytale-esque fantasy.
Death Wish by Lee Newbery
Vampires meets The Traitors? I am there, hook, line and sinker. This mesh of thriller, romance and fantasy sounds like a brilliant read. The concept of vampires as celebrities is inspired and sounds like the book will have a lot to say about the pursuit of fame, hunger and love.
The Fox Bride by Sasha Peyton Smith
The Rose Bargain was one of the most imaginative and interesting fantasy books I’d picked up and its sequel shattered every expectation I had. So a new standalone Gothic historical fantasy from that same author? There’s no surprise this was one of the most coveted titles of the weekend.
Keep Your Enemies Close by Joanna Claire
This YA spy thriller romance promises to kickstart your next obsession. It has such a fun premise and the community rallied around one of their own, personally I’ve followed her account for quite a while and seen her journey. You could feel the joy exuding out of her and she was always such a delight to see at YALC. It really couldn’t happen to a nicer person it feels like.
Deadly Confessions by Busayo Matuluko
‘Til Death was a magnificent debut— twisty, terrific and terribly compelling. This sequel promises even more scandal and secrets but also keeping that heart that makes it shine. These characters are so well-crafted and I cannot wait to see what is in store next.
A Little Thing Like Murder by Lauren Titmuss
This sounds like a delightfully unhinged YA thriller with the distinctive spin of its portagonist and the lengths to which she will go. Shoutout also has to go to Scholastic for one of my favourite random activities of the weekend – attempting to find a bloody unicorn amongst a sea of unicorns.
The Fallen Sun by C. M. Basma
Inspired by Middle Eastern folklore and Lebanese culture, The Fallen Sun is the first in a new, heart-pounding epic fantasy duology about a young woman navigating resistance, rage, and the price of reclaiming power. I heard for fans of The Poppy War and the tagline and was sold: Power was stolen from her people. She’ll burn the world to take it back.
The Persephone Girls by Jodie Garnish
Four Queens of the Dead must try to find their way back to Hell in this gothic, feminist fantasy set in a mythology-inspired world. That is one hell of a pitch and promises to introduce an exciting new talent.
The Library of Stars by Jordan Rose
This features an enchanted library at the heart of its story. What more could you ask for? It was another highly sought-after proof at the weekend and for good reason. The premise is excellent with high stakes, secrets and what promises to be a gorgeous romantic dynamic.
Stonebound by Jen Williams
The Sea Wall was built to keep the monsters out, but what happens if they’re already inside? Shadow and Bone meets Dune in this heart-pounding YA fantasy duology about a world on the edge.
Party Or Die by Ravena Guron
At this point, I am a card-carrying member of the Ravena Guron fan club. This promises another sensational YA murder mystery with a closed-circle story that takes this space of privilege and soaks it with blood. It has a great hook and I’m excited for what Guron will have in store.
When the Blue Moon Wakes by Liana Kim Skrzypczak
Rooted in Korean myth and history, this is an epic fantasy of resistance, survival and courage. I don’t think I’ve seen scenes like when the code word for this proof was announced! There was clearly a lot of love and anticipation in the venue for this title so keep an eye on this next year.
Supernova by Kat McKenna
How well do you know your favourite celebrity? How far would you go to defend them? Delve into the underbelly of the celebrity world in this darkly glamorous YA thriller as superfan Matilda goes to extraordinary lengths to prove her idol Mack Parker’s innocence. This had such a buzzy cover reveal and then the story premise is excellent. McKenna’s background in fandom promises a stark look at the reality of fame and parasocial relationships.
Good Creature by Jihyun Yun
A teen girl who can see the dead accidentally binds herself to a ghost groom and unleashes something far darker onto her college campus. Gothic is having a moment and I am more than here for it. This story is steeped in Korean folklore and promises a terrifying tale.
King of Masks by Petra Lord
Queen of Faces was one of the most exciting and imaginative YA fantasy debuts I have read for a while. This sequel takes us back into this dangerous world and promises to raise the stakes even further. There will be secrets brought to light and sacrifices.
The Twice-Cursed Heir by Venetia Constantine
I feel like YALC was a wonderful mix of exciting new voices and highly anticipated sequels. This continues the much-loved Chronicles of Arcelia series which has sumptuous world-building, great characterisation and a dash of romance to boot.
Seven Dishes Before Forever by Kate Emilie
I am completely sold on the premise of this and anything that explores love and loss sits close to my heart. Emilie was such an enthusiastic and positive presence at YALC too, very much supporting the community and fellow authors.
