YA Series Round Up
YA Series Round Up
The beautiful thing about Young Adult Fiction (YA) is that there are so many series just waiting to be read. If you think about it, the possibilities are just about limitless. Sometimes, I don’t know what’s better, binging a new Netflix show or a book series. I’m going to go with the latter. Series are a super common trend in YA fiction. I mean, we’re all super familiar with The Hunger Games and Twilight. It’s no secret that the series take over our YA hearts, leaving us reeling for the next book. Lucky for us avid readers, there are so many dynamic series in the realm of YA, it’s hard to pick just one! Well, lucky for you, you don’t have to. There’s plenty of YA series to choose from and we picked some of our favorites to share with you all! Please enjoy our round up of the top YA series (in no particular order).
1. An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir
Images via Goodreads
When her brother is arrested for treason by the brutal Martial Empire, Laia must team up with a secret rebellion and do the impossible to get him back. When she infiltrates the Empire’s military academy, she must hide who she is or risk being killed. But when she meets Elias, a gifted yet complicated soldier who just wants to get away from the tyranny, she finds her destiny is intertwined with his. As the stakes begin to rise, Laia and Elias are put to the ultimate test, and if they fail, well, there are fates worse than death.
Why You Should Read It:
Sabaa Tahir is a diabolical genius when it comes to this series. She not only tugs on your heart strings with her characters, she obliterates them… But in the best way possible, I promise! With its intricate world-building, fast-paced plot, and dynamic characters, this series will hook you from page one – and you won’t be able to put it down. Tahir knows how to tell a story and, lucky for us, An Ember in the Ashes is a four-book series so there’s plenty of time for the emotional roller coaster you’re about to embark on.
2. The Last Hours by Cassandra Clare
Images via Goodreads
Cassandra Clare is back with another dynamic Shadowhunters series! Set in 1903, Cordelia Carstairs travels to London in hopes to prevent her family’s demise after her father is accused of a crime. When she comes across some familiar faces from her childhood, she is immersed in a world of glittering balls, magical creatures, and some pretty terrifying demons.
Why You Should Read it:
Fans of Clare’s Shadowhunters books will absolutely love this new trilogy. Dedicated readers will see familiar faces and hear well-known names if they have read The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and The Dark Artifices. There’s something about an attractive, demon-killing ensemble cast that pulls us in with each series Cassandra Clare rights – and The Last Hours is no different. The first two books are out now!
3. One of Us is Lying by Karen M McManus
Images via Goodreads
Five students walk into a typical detention one Monday afternoon, but only four come out. Simon, the outcast of the rag tag detention crew is the one who mysteriously dies, so only the four others could know what happened to him. But when it’s discovered that Simon was going to reveal some interesting secrets about the detention crew, they all become suspects. So now the brain, the beauty, the criminal, and the athlete may all have some secrets hiding in the dark. But the biggest thing to figure out is, which one is lying?
Why You Should Read it:
Secrets! Lies! A murdery mystery set in high school! Karen M. McManus absolutely delivers in this fast-paced thriller with a Breakfast Club cast of characters. Each character has something to bring to the table and readers will be wondering what high school kid could be capable of murder. The twists and turns of this story will leave you trusting the wrong people and accusing the innocent. Exactly what a good thriller needs. Make sure to check out the sequel, One of Us Is Next!
4. The CurseBreakers Series by Brigit Kemmerer
Images via Goodreads
When Prince Rhen is cursed by an evil enchantress to repeat the autumn of his 18th year over and over again, while also turning into a horrific beast that would cause destruction and chaos, he destroys any ounce of hope left. The only thing that can break the curse is a girl falling in love with him. But with his inner beast causing havoc, Rhen believes there’s no point. Harper Lacy’s world is falling apart. Her father is gone, her mother is dying, and her brother is barely holding the family together. With the people around her underestimating her due to her cerebral palsy, Harper learned how to navigate on her own. But when her world becomes intertwined with Rhen’s, everything changes.
Why You Should Read it:
We all love fairy tale retellings, but this one is a fresh new story with lovable characters despite being so flawed. It’s excellent to see the cerebral palsy representation as that is not prominent in the YA realm (hopefully that changes!). It’s also a twist on an urban fantasy with magical elements coming to town in the famous Washington D.C. Harper is an exceptional heroine and Rhen’s angsty demeanour definitely adds an interesting twist to their dynamic. Make sure to check out this awesome trilogy!
5. The Infinity Cycle Series by Adam Silvera
Images via Goodreads
Brothers Brighton and Emil have always idolized the Spell Walkers – a powerful group sworn to eradicate specters. Specters take the powers of magical beings, wreaking havoc on the Spell Walkers and other celestial beings. As the violence continues to grow by the hands of the Specters, no one with powers is safe. When Emil, the brother who just wants the fighting to stop, manifests a power that throws him right in the middle of the conflict, everyone in his life is put at risk, including Brighton. Brotherhood bonds are tested and Emil will have to put everything on the line in a world filled with brutal violence and chaos.
Why You Should Read it:
One word: Phoenix. It’s not every day we come across phoenixes in YA fantasy. Sure we encounter those mythical faeries, witches, and vampires (which we can never have too much of!) but it’s refreshing to read about different types of magical creatures that typically aren’t included. This series has wonderful LGBTQ representation and a diverse cast of characters that will have you rooting for them at each turn. The brotherly bond between Emil and Brighton is what pushes this series forward. Infinity Son and Infinity Reaper are out now, but alas, we will have to wait for the third and final installment in 2022!
YA Series Makes the World Go Round
Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but YA readers are constantly looking for that next series to get lost in for a little while. What’s so great about the series is that readers become more connected with the story as each book goes on. We build relationships with these characters and, with each twist and turn, root for them until the very end. Think about the amount of time you spend reading those series and, by the end of the story, you’ve basically built a friendship with the characters and their stories. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard to close the book on that last page.
If you’re interested in hosting an online book club of your own with a YA Series from this round up, sign up here. New hosts are always welcome!
Brittany Amalfi is a 20- something- year- old developmental specialist living in Massachusetts where she loves all things New England. Brittany is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing, and working on her young adult fantasy novel. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, working with awesome kiddos, and spending time with friends and family.
