As we flip to the final pages of 2022, we look back on the incredible YA books this year presented.
Whether we returned to characters we already love, or fell in love with new ones, there are lots of books to be thankful for this year. Authors explored timely and profound themes while also forcing us to stay up late for the sake of “just one more chapter.” There are plenty of books that deserve to be on this list, but these are the ones that stuck in our minds the most.
Here are the best YA books of 2022, as selected by Bookstacked’s reviews team.
How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy
Well-paced and engaging throughout, How to Succeed in Witchcraft covers so many topics, themes and important issues that it is difficult to know where to begin. From an effortless — and therefore realistic — magic system, to academic rivalry, themes of racism and homophobia, Brophy’s debut is a success.
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir returns to bookshelves, this time with one of the best YA books we’ve ever read. Exploring the lives of a Pakistani community through the eyes of two young protagonists, All My Rage confronts trauma, grief, family and forgiveness in a way that rings authentic.
» Listen to the Book Club Discussion — ‘All My Rage’ by Sabaa Tahir
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
Chloe Gong returns with another masterpiece in Foul Lady Fortune. It’s the first book in a duology set in the same world as the author’s previous series, These Violent Delights. A spy story at its core, the twists and turns succeed at keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea pulls readers into its world and captivates from beginning to end. You can’t help but become obsessed with it. Axie Oh proves her writing has grown since her debut with this enthralling story.
» Read the Review — ‘The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea’ by Axie Oh is a magically heartwarming story
The Blood Traitor by Lynette Noni
The Blood Traitor by Lynette Noni is a fantastic book on its own and a fitting end to such an action-packed series. It delivers a quest, emotional drama, action and an ending that fits just right with everything we know of these characters and their arcs.
Relic and Ruin by Wendii McIver
When the world of Necromancers and Reapers comes to a tipping point, Nyx and Erebus become the catalysts that could save it — or destroy it in Relic and Ruin by Wendii McIver. A powerful debut about familial, platonic, and romantic love delivered in a page-turning fantasy. It’ll stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
» Read the Review — ‘Relic and Ruin’ by Wendii McIver blew me away
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
Tracy Deonn’s Bloodmarked is just as profound and thrilling as its predecessor. Deonn proves more than ever that she’s a storyteller of the highest caliber, bending and folding each aspect of the characters, world and plot to enhance the themes and messages of her story. The Legendborn Cycle continues to be one of the best running series in YA.
You might also be interested in …
- The Best YA Books of 2021
- The Best YA Books of 2020
- The Best YA Books of 2019
- The Best YA Books of 2018
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