Top young-adult book series that will take over your life

There was a time where if you said “I love Young-Adult literature” you’d be met with a dirty stare and assaulting comments like “but that’s not proper literature” or “why on earth would you bother reading that?” However, since the release of gritty gripping YA thrillers like The Hunger Games and Divergent or sultry romances such as Twilight, it appears that people have been starting to change their opinions on YA literature and it’s now one of the most sought after book genres on the market. To be honest we’re not surprised, who wouldn’t love reminiscing our teenage years (obviously with a lot more fantasy and romance) through the medium of fiction? Read on to discover the Top YA books you should be reading right now…

The Raven Boys, Maggie Stiefvater

Plot: The Raven Boys follows the story of 16-year-old Blue Sargent, a group of swoon-worthy private school boys named: Gansey, Ronan and Adam, and Blue’s psychic odd-ball family, on a quest to find a long lost Welsh King called Owen Glendower. But naturally, things don’t go smoothly for them on their quest for a king and a favour that could potentially save one of their lives…

Why you should read it: It’s packed full of magic, spooky goings on, friendship and just a hint of romance. Not to mention Maggie’s lyrical writing style takes your breath away and you find yourself obsessed with the memorable characters she’s created.

The Witch’s Kiss, Katharine & Elizabeth Corr

Plot: Meredith (Merry for short) is your typical stressed out British teenager, except for the fact that she has unpredictable magic powers that tend to lash out when she’s angry, and the guy she’s in love with is possessed by a centuries old curse that she’s supposed to break.

Why you should read it: There’s witchy flashbacks to the anglo-saxon period (a period that’s not really been covered in YA fiction) and a super strong female main character who doesn’t let anything get in her way.

The Mortal Instruments, Cassandra Clare

Plot: Clary Fairchild thinks she’s completely ordinary until she falls head first into the mysterious shadow-world of New York City. Demons lurk around every corner and tattooed Nephilim called Shadowhunters risk their lives trying to protect the mundanes from them. Clary’s world gets literally turned upside down as she discovers a world she had no idea existed.

Why you should read it: From the first page, you’ll get drawn into this series, Cassandra Clare creates a whole different world entangled with our reality. A place where Faeries live in central park and Werewolves and Vampires roam the streets of NYC.

A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas

Plot: Ever since Feyre’s father lost their fortune she must hunt and kill for her family’s survival. One day Feyre kills a Wolf that turns out to be a Faerie in disguise, as a result she gets dragged to a magical kingdom for its murder and soon discovers everything is not as it seems.

Why you should read it: Sarah J. Maas is an artist at writing incredible books filled with kickass characters and thrilling plots. You’ll find yourself whisked away by the land of Prythian and in love with the characters and their development.

Caraval, Stephanie Garber

Plot: All Scarlett and her sister Tella have ever dreamed of is visiting Caraval, a yearly carnival where the audience participates in the show. Finally, her invitation arrives and they are whisked away from their abusive father by a charming sailor. Only, as soon as they arrive Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind, Legend. She’s told everything is just part of the game, but is that really true?

Why you should read it: I couldn’t put this book down, the plot is amazing and there’s so many twists and turns that keep you guessing. The world of Caraval is mesmerising, there’s castles where time runs faster and deathly tunnels that promise to drive you mad. Every page is pure magic.

Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs

Plot: When Jacob’s grandfather dies Jacob is overcome with grief and a need to discover the truth of his grandfathers unusual childhood. His quest for answers sends him to a remote Welsh island, where he finds a creepy abandoned orphanage which was destroyed in the war. Despite this Jacob believes the children are still alive, but how?

Why you should read it: Ransom Riggs’ spine-chilling fantasy will have you hooked from the moment you start reading with the carefully constructed plot-twists and terrifying villains. Not to mention it’s filled with real-life old photographs that will leave you all at once awe-struck and completely creeped out.

Strange the Dreamer, Laini Taylor

Plot: Lazlo Strange lives a relatively boring life as a war orphan and junior librarian. There’s one unusual thing about Lazlo though, he’s obsessed with a mythical city called Weep that no-one believes exists. Until one day when a hero called the Godslayer and his warriors come to Lazlo’s city with a quest to reclaim their lost city. Lazlo must face his fears or risk never seeing the city that has filled his dreams since he was a boy.

Why you should read it: Laini Taylor’s writing style and world-building is a thing of dreams. The world jumps right off the page at you in shades of unreal colours and it’s so in-depth and magical that it feels like you’re on the adventure alongside them.

Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas

Plot: After spending a year as a slave in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes as an assassin, Celaena Sardothien is offered her freedom in exchange for being the crown prince’s champion in a competition to become the king’s new assassin. When one of the other contestants turns up dead Celaena investigates and along the way she discovers a destiny bigger than she ever could have imagined.

Why you should read it: This is the second-time Sarah J. Maas has appeared on this list and believe me, once you’ve read one of her books you’ll see why. Throne of Glass’s pages are bursting with magic, incredible characters and plot twists that you’ll never see coming.

The Thousandth Floor, Katharine McGee

Plot: Set 100 years in the future, New York is the high-tech city of dreams. In the heart of the city is a 1,000 floor tower where the elite dominate the upper floors. The rich have everything they want – genetically enhanced children, technology they can use with the blink of an eye and so much more. The Thousandth Floor follows the stories of five very different teenagers living in the tower and their struggles of finding their place.

Why you should read it: The Thousandth Floor is like a futuristic Gossip Girl, the people are beautiful, their lives lavish and full of sophisticated parties (and not so sophisticated ones when their parents are out of town). There’s scandal, betrayal and forbidden love that will fill the Gossip Girl shaped hole left in your heart.