If you're a fan of fantasy novels, or just really intriguing plot lines, look no further! Below are 5 of my favorites in the YA category. What are some of your favorites?
1. White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
White Hot Kiss is one of the most unique fantasy novels I have ever consumed. It is the story of Layla, a girl raised by gargoyles sworn to protect humanity against demons, and her struggle to exist in a world hidden within our own-- but hold up, it gets stranger. Layla is half demon, half gargoyle, and her kiss is lethal. The trilogy (The Dark Elements) brings up a lot of questions, such as: How far does loyalty go when your happiness is at stake, should you always follow your heart, and does family always have to be trusted?
With two swoon-worthy love interests, Roth (hot demon with familiars) and Zayne (hot gargoyle with a heart of gold), fantastic friendship elements, and the addicting, pulse pounding world created by Jennifer L. Armentrout, this entire trilogy stands out in the genre as one not to pass up. The books, in order, are White Hot Kiss, Stone Cold Touch, and Every Last Breath.
(P. S. Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my all time favorite authors-- anything she writes is gold, I promise.)
2. The Archived by Victoria Schwab
The Archived is one of the most beautifully written novels I've ever read. Schwab has an amazing gift to write poetic prose that brings her worlds to life, making the reader feel like the atmosphere within the novels are breathing with them. The Archived is essentially about a library of the dead, and a girl, Mackenzie, who has to track down those souls who escape their shelves.
The novel goes beneath the skin of it's characters, tackling one of the fundamental questions of existence,"what happens when we die?". It digs deep, weaving loss, hope, friendship, life, stereotypes, and more into one of the most unique stories in YA today. There is currently a sequel, titled The Unbound.
Victoria Schwab also writes adult fantasy novels under the name of V.E. Schwab-- her novels are some of my favorites, breaking stereotypes and crafting beautifully heartbreaking narratives.
3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is the first book in the Throne of Glass series, a long running YA fantasy with a large fan base. The latest novel, Empire of Storms, was released earlier this week. The novels tell the story of Celaena Sardothien, the world's best assassin, as she competes to become the king's champion.
The story is told in a world currently deprived of magic, with a past rich in magic and power. The story is very complex and told through a variety of perspectives, and gets better with each novel released. With a very politically influenced plot, it is simply not one to pass up if you enjoy fantasy novels.
4. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Carry On was originally mentioned in a previous book by author Rainbow Rowell (Fangirl) as the main character's favorite novel. After that novel's publication, Rowell decided to actually write the book, which is the story of Simon Snow, a magician attending a boarding school for magical students. Simon, who thinks his roommate Baz might be a vampire, is the Chosen One, but he's the worst Chosen One in history-- he tends to set things on fire.
If you've never read a novel by Rowell, you won't understand the extent of this, but the woman can write characters and emotions like no other. The novel is incredibly heartwarming, and has one of the best LGBT relationships I've read in a novel in a while.
5. Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
This list wouldn't be complete without Harry Potter. The books that defined my generation, that sparked hope in all of us that magic could exist, even if it took a literary form. If you haven't read it yet, I'm sure there's nothing new I could add to convince you. Please just give it a try.
