From dangerous dragons to royal romances and space cadets, YA took readers to familiar and different worlds this year — and Bookstacked’s reviews team was along for the ride.
Here are the best YA books of 2019, as selected by our reviewers.
Are your favorite reads on our list?
Best YA Books of 2019
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
A novel filled with representation, female power and, of course, dragons. Samantha Shannon’s standalone epic is not to be missed, and was easily one of the highlights of the year. Read the review
Sword and Pen by Rachel Caine
Caine deals with trauma, tyrants and magic in this emotional conclusion to a fantastic series. It was, undoubtedly, a worthy finale. Read the review
Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard
Susan Dennard pulls out all the stops in this action-packed novel! Now that the Witchlands series is fleshed out, readers will be able to fully immerse themselves into this world and fall deeper in love with its characters. Read the review
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks
Everything about this graphic novel is sweet as pumpkin pie. The romance at its gooey center will warm readers’ hearts and leave them with a smile on their faces. Read the review
Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater
Maggie Stiefvater has perfected the art of character-driven adventure with this novel, where living dreams, cosmic swords and art forgers are more common than one would think. The sequel cannot come fast enough. Read the review
Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
With comparisons to ‘Game of Thrones,’ Joan He’s debut delivers with plenty of pain and heartache included. Her captivating writing will have readers on their toes from the amazing world-building to the crazy family dynamics. Read the review
Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
This is a story about lost souls, kids who have been discarded — kids that are meant for more. They’re the group of misfits the galaxy never knew they needed and readers are sure to love squad 312. Read the review
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston
This novel is the perfect escapist fantasy. Full of representation and almost sickeningly sweet (but in a good way), reading it felt like falling into a warm and comforting hug. Read the review
The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
This reimagined, feminist Western was the perfect mix of rebel women, heists and heart-stopping action. It takes readers through the story at breakneck speed and is the perfect choice for those who want some excellent world-building and social commentary. Read the review
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lin
This Chinese-inspired tale will take readers on a heartbreaking adventure! They’ll come out of this tale knowing they can accomplish anything as long as they believe in themselves. Read the review
Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
Fans of the Remnant Chronicles won’t be disappointed with the adventure Mary E. Pearson takes readers on in this book. With her lush writing, there are even bigger twists and turns with a sprinkle of romance that will have you quickly turning the pages! Read the review
The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
This story has it all. Lovable and captivating characters, a fast-paced plot, intriguing lore and a drive to be better at the center of it. Definitely a strong first novel in an intriguing series. Read the review
The Rise of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee
More than a simple ‘Avatar the Last Airbender’ spin-off, Rise of Kyoshi operates on the highest levels of storytelling, packed with engaging characters, creeping suspense and mind-numbing twists. Read the review
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