10 YA Novels That Will Ignite Your Wanderlust

Are you dreaming of far-off lands, epic adventures, and thrilling escapades? Get ready to satisfy your wanderlust with these 10 YA novels that will transport you to breathtaking destinations and ignite your sense of adventure.

From the bustling streets of ancient cities to the enchanting depths of mythical realms, each of these novels promises to whisk you away to breathtaking destinations and ignite your sense of adventure like never before. Whether you’re yearning for romance in exotic locales, seeking thrills in distant realms, or simply craving a change of scenery, these 10 YA novels have something for every adventurer at heart. 

Are you ready to set sail on the journey of a lifetime? Then dive into these captivating stories and let your imagination run wild. The world is waiting—and adventure awaits around every corner.

  • Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard: Join Bria Sandoval as she embarks on a solo backpacking trip through Central America, seeking adventure, self-discovery, and maybe even a little romance along the way. Kirsten Hubbard’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions will make you feel like you’re right there with Bria as she explores lush jungles, ancient ruins, and vibrant markets.
  • The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee: Set off on a grand tour of Europe with Monty, his best friend Percy, and his sister Felicity as they encounter highwaymen, pirates, and political intrigue on their journey of self-discovery. Mackenzi Lee’s rollicking adventure is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and historical intrigue.
  • Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys: Immerse yourself in the harrowing journey of four young refugees as they flee the advancing Red Army aboard the doomed Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II. Ruta Sepetys’s haunting novel is a powerful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the untold stories of wartime tragedy.
  • A Thousand Perfect Notes by C.G. Drews: Follow Beck Keverich as he navigates the challenges of his abusive home life, his passion for music, and the unexpected friendship that changes everything. C.G. Drews’s heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful debut is a moving exploration of trauma, healing, and the power of art to transform lives.
  • Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake: Join Mara as she grapples with the fallout of her twin brother’s accusation of rape, confronting questions of loyalty, justice, and the complexity of love. Ashley Herring Blake’s powerful and timely novel is a heart-wrenching exploration of consent, trauma, and the importance of believing survivors.
  • Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore: Step into the enchanting world of the Nomeolvides women, who tend the lush gardens of the mysterious estate La Pradera and harbor a dangerous secret. Anna-Marie McLemore’s lush prose and magical realism create a captivating story of love, loss, and the ties that bind us together.
  • Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee: Join Samantha and Annamae as they disguise themselves as boys and embark on a perilous journey along the Oregon Trail to escape the law and find freedom in the California Gold Rush. Stacey Lee’s gripping historical novel is a thrilling tale of friendship, survival, and the pursuit of dreams.
  • The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: Follow Avery Grambs as she inherits a vast fortune from a mysterious billionaire and is thrust into a high-stakes game of puzzles, secrets, and betrayal. Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s addictive novel is a twisty and suspenseful thrill ride that will keep you guessing until the very end.
  • Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas: Follow Yadriel, a transgender Latinx teenager, as he summons the ghost of his recently deceased cousin, Julian, and embarks on a quest to prove himself as a brujo and set Julian’s spirit free. Aiden Thomas’s heartwarming and magical novel is a celebration of identity, love, and the power of acceptance.
  • The Legendborn Cycle Duology by Tracy Deonn: Enter a world of magic, mystery, and ancient secrets as sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews discovers her own magical abilities and joins a secret society at the University of North Carolina. Tracy Deonn’s captivating novel is a thrilling blend of Arthurian legend, Southern folklore, and contemporary fantasy.

Why stick to the beaten path when there’s a whole universe of undiscovered stories waiting to be uncovered? Grab one of these novels, cozy up with a cup of tea (or your beverage of choice), and let yourself be whisked away on another thrilling adventure. Happy reading book lovers! We hope to hear of your adventures soon. 

10 YA Novels That Will Ignite Your Wanderlust