Welcome, fellow bookworms! If you’re on the lookout for your next captivating read, you’re in for a treat. YA is full of genres, themes, and stories to suit every taste. And who better to guide us towards the perfect YA book than the YA authors themselves? Today, we’re delving into the book recommendations of some of our favorite YA authors. From fantasy realms to heartwarming contemporaries, these picks are bound to spark your imagination and keep you turning the pages long into the night.

Rainbow Rowell Recommends The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater:

Rainbow Rowell, acclaimed author of Eleanor & Park and Fangirl, suggests diving into Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys. Set in a small Virginia town, this series follows Blue Sargent, a girl from a family of psychics, and a group of boys from the prestigious Aglionby Academy on a quest for a long-lost Welsh king. Rowell praises Stiefvater’s rich prose and complex characters, promising readers a journey filled with magic, mystery, and friendship.

Sarah J. Maas Recommends An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir:

For fans of epic fantasy, Sarah J. Maas, the mastermind behind the Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series, suggests picking up An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Set in a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome, this gripping tale follows Laia, a slave girl, and Elias, a soldier, as they navigate a world of oppression, rebellion, and dark magic. Maas applauds Tahir’s lush world-building and compelling characters, guaranteeing readers an exhilarating ride from start to finish.

John Green Recommends Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz:

John Green, the bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska, recommends Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. Set in 1980s Texas, this poignant coming-of-age story follows Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana as they navigate friendship, identity, and the complexities of family. Green praises Sáenz’s lyrical prose and authentic portrayal of teenage emotions, assuring readers a journey that is both heartwarming and profound.

Leigh Bardugo Recommends The Cruel Prince by Holly Black:

Leigh Bardugo, the mastermind behind the Grisha trilogy and the Six of Crows series, recommends The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. Set in the world of Faerie, this dark and enchanting tale follows Jude, a mortal girl raised in the High Court of Faerie, as she navigates the treacherous politics and deadly intrigue of the fae realm. Bardugo praises Black’s lush prose and morally complex characters, guaranteeing readers a mesmerizing journey into a world where nothing is as it seems.

Marie Lu Recommends Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi:

Marie Lu, the bestselling author of the Legend trilogy and the Young Elites series, recommends Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. Set in the kingdom of Orïsha, inspired by West African mythology, this epic fantasy follows Zélie Adebola, a young maji who sets out on a quest to restore magic to her land and overthrow a ruthless king. Lu praises Adeyemi’s gripping storytelling and vibrant world-building, promising readers a spellbinding adventure brimming with action, magic, and heart.

Rick Riordan Recommends The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:

Rick Riordan, the bestselling author of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, suggests revisiting a modern classic: The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Set in a dystopian future where teenagers are forced to fight to the death on live television, this gripping series follows Katniss Everdeen as she becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. Riordan applauds Collins’s riveting plot and thought-provoking themes, reminding readers of the power of resilience, hope, and the fight for justice.

Victoria Schwab Recommends The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon:

Victoria Schwab, known for her captivating fantasy worlds in works like the Shades of Magic series, recommends The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon. Set in a dystopian future where clairvoyants are hunted by a totalitarian government, this series follows Paige Mahoney, a powerful clairvoyant who discovers a hidden world of magic and rebellion. Schwab praises Shannon’s intricate world-building and gripping storytelling, promising readers a thrilling journey into a world where danger lurks at every turn.

Nicola Yoon Recommends A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer:

Nicola Yoon, author of heartwarming contemporaries like Everything, Everything and The Sun Is Also a Star, recommends A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer. This captivating retelling of Beauty and the Beast follows Harper, a girl from our world, and Prince Rhen, cursed to repeat the same season until he can find true love. Yoon praises Kemmerer’s fresh take on a beloved fairy tale, filled with action, romance, and unforgettable characters.

So, there you have it! A treasure trove of recommendations straight from the pens of some of your favorite YA authors. Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding fantasy, heartwarming contemporary, or a thrilling dystopian adventure, there’s something on this list to satisfy every craving.

Grab a cozy blanket, brew a cup of tea, and dive into these captivating worlds where magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters await. And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite book among these gems recommended by the very authors who know YA literature best. Happy reading!