Plot/Idea: When Risuko, Emi, and Toumi—three daughters of a disgraced samurai who are training to become spies and assassins— are sent on a quest to avenge their fathers, they becomes embroiled in the fate of Japan. 

Prose: Kudler’s writing displays an ease that only comes from talent combined with hard work in this third installment of his Seasons of the Sword series.

Originality: Readers will appreciate that the heroes of this story—navigating their journey of self-discovery and redemption—are girls.

Character/Execution: Risuko comes to life as a girl forced to grow up because of harsh cultural norms and political strife. Her friendships with Emi and Toumi are genuine, and their teamwork is uplifting. 

Plot/Idea: The story of a princess on the run and the ragtag strangers who help her is expertly woven and delivered in this well-crafted fantasy that appears poised to launch a series.

Prose: Harvey’s dialogue is natural, reading like silk as the worldbuilding engrosses readers in the tale. Romantic descriptions are genre appropriate and on point.

Originality: Heir to the Ice Flame borrows from classic fairy tale lore, adding a touch of the familiar to a fresh adventure.

Character/Execution: Harvey’s characters spring from the page. Readers will root for Princess Nina and her band of misfit heroes.

Plot/Idea: Charlotte's Ghosts, a YA historical novel, is the charming, heartbreaking tale of new kid Charlotte "C.C." Cross, who has a plethora of problems: her father was recently killed in Afghanistan, her widowed mother has dragged her across the country to a new school, and she sees dead people. Specifically, she sees Jeremy Turner, killed fighting for the Union in Manassas, Virginia, in 1862.

Prose: Aside from some grammatical and formatting errors, Simone's prose is precise and descriptive, and she does a fine job juggling Charlotte and Jeremy's POVs, jumping between Charlotte's struggles in the present and the early battles of the American Civil War. Simone also vividly captures the cost of war even beyond the loss of lives.

Originality: There are many YA novels about grieving teenagers and the Civil War, but Charlotte's Ghosts is singular: not just a book about a modern teenager and a long-dead teenager; not just about the titular heroine's struggles to deal with family tragedy; and not just a book about the early battles of the Civil War, but a successful blending of these elements that will deeply gratify perceptive readers.

Character/Execution: Simone's characters are each well articulated and developed: Charlotte is a grieving bundle of anxiety, hormones, and curiosity, struggling to deal with the abrupt changes in her life even as she wonders if she's losing her mind. Her widowed mother's suffering is also quietly impactful. For his part, the long-dead Civil War casualty Jeremy Turner, is convincingly portrayed, his regrets trapping him in the ground he died in.

Plot/Idea: Sixth grader Jay Weaver is shocked when his family moves to Boston, uprooting him, once again, when all he wants to do is settle in with friends and navigate middle school. As he adjusts to his new environment and changing family dynamics, he also undergoes the conventional trials of adolescence. The story reflects universal coming-of-age themes that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.

Prose: Wesslen skillfully transports readers into a teenager's mind, exploring the angst, elation, and drudgery that often accompany adolescence. The prose convinces, painting a stirring portrayal of growing up—and the challenges that go with it.

Originality: Jay's efforts at building trust within an unfamiliar community, in the middle of a school year, will resonate with readers, as will the rites of passage he experiences in the context of the narrative.

Character/Execution: Readers will easily connect with Jay and recognize his growth as the story develops. Wesslen depicts his challenges and triumphs with authenticity, and the supporting cast advances Jay's maturation as well.

Plot/Idea: Earthedge is a delightful novel that takes place in a parallel universe in 1967 which is, as the author explains, "an alternate history full of mischief and nonsense." In this world, King Edward VIII never abdicated, and England and America keep making war on each other. Oh...and the Royal and Ancient Academy of Knowledge is hiding a centuries-old shattering secret, one the Academy will kill to protect.

Prose: Blake's prose is amusing and visceral, including hilariously revolting food pairings.

Originality: There are several books about England and the 1936 abdication, but none like this. Even better, Earthedge is stuffed with delightful worldbuilding, from automata to meditators to the Corps of Smartypants (the Academy's enforcers, so named for their founder, Brigadier Hironimus Smarty). But no matter how absurd this parallel universe is, the author also makes it seem like a real place harboring real people–some rotten, some saintly, most somewhere in between, and all complex.

Character/Execution: Blake's enthusiasm for and deep research into the topic is apparent. Other characters are as well-drawn, like Lord Edmund of Muckyheath, a sinister sort who will stop at nothing to keep the Academy's most explosive secret–that the world is flat, The author also has fun with ridiculous names.

Plot/Idea: Lin’s dual timeline is fluid and engaging, moving quickly and holding interest in both contemporary and past sections of the novel. The star-crossed lovers theme plays well, rendered subtly but powerfully, and the story of fifth-century China echoes exquisitely in the present-day tale. 

Prose: Lin writes skillfully, unraveling dual storylines with ease, all while perfectly capturing the characters’ emotions. The lyrical prose in Wencai’s story is lilting and gentle, every bit as delicate as the butterfly themes that flit throughout the novel.

Originality: This is a captivating, multilayered story that expertly plumbs love, betrayal, and passion over the course of centuries. 

Character/Execution: The myriad of characters is carefully drawn, and backstories develop smoothly, making the cast easy to track. Butterfly’s attempts to navigate the contemporary world are relatable and, at times, even entertaining, and Brandon exerts a strong narrative voice throughout. Perhaps most memorable is the animated, intense relationship between Wencai and Shanbo, one that has a satisfying ending.

Plot/Idea: Shady Rulers is a brilliantly realized story of magic, adventure, and discovery that benefits from a perfectly imagined storyline. Its dramatic action scenes and brisk plot combine to provide readers with a bold and multifaceted tale that does not disappoint.

Prose: Styrkur's text is daring and enjoyable, carving a thoughtfully developed fantasy landscape with strong characters to boot. The book's often poetic, lyrical, and stirring language is immersive, engaging, and sure to appeal to young lovers of fantasy fiction.

Originality: Shady Rulers is an accessible, memorable, and confidently written fantasy novel for young adults. The text is nicely bolstered by maps, illustrations, and a charming character index, which all help enhance Styrkur's burgeoning fantasy landscape.

Character/Execution: The characters in Styrkur's novel are all well crafted, particularly Terrack, an exiled elf desperate for revenge against his father, King Jarsophos. Shady Rulers launches a tantalizing series of fantasy adventure stories for young readers.

Blurb: A captivating fantasy adventure thriller.

Plot/Idea: Squire Burchard Wolfensberger dreams of battle even after his vision of a great white wolf warns him of unforeseen danger. Themes of teamwork, found family, and the harsh realities of war will strongly resonate with readers.

Prose: Jensen’s writing is well-crafted and dynamic, with striking descriptions of a fantasy realm that fully envelop readers in the storytelling.

Originality: Chronicles of Sword and Fang blends familiar elements of fantasy, adventure, and animal magic, but the result is a riveting tale for young readers.

Character/Execution: Fourteen-year-old Burchard and his peers are crisply depicted as they evolve and learn the importance of working together to battle forces of evil.

Plot/Idea: In a world where Fae and Humans coexist uneasily, Queen Maelys entrusts Caden, a half Fae, half human seeker, to find Sislie, a fairy princess thrust to the forefront of political intrigue. Wool's story moves quickly, the different subplots neatly interlaced, and transports readers into a glimmering fantasy world of betrayal, trickery, and new beginnings.

Prose: Wool’s writing is strong and polished, braced by expressive worldbuilding and eloquent prose. 

Originality: Medieval settings, fairies, and magic are familiar tropes reinvigorated by Wool’s engaging characters and their adventures, as well as the novel's interesting geopolitical dynamics.

Character/Execution: Sislie and Caden are vividly constructed, both convincing and appealing characters who will coax readers into their journey from the beginning.   

Plot/Idea: Final Video Game is a fun, clever romp exploring humanity’s deepest fears regarding AI. Middle grade readers will connect with Speakes's coming-of-age themes and energetic plot.

Prose: Speakes’s writing expertly brings readers along on protagonist Oliver’s wild ride and opportunity to be a hero, with strong, witty prose that advances the story. 

Originality: Final Video Game feels both timely with its AI antagonist, and timeless, as it leans into the kids-team-up-to-save-the-day trope.

Character/Execution: Main character Oliver is believable as a 13-year-old navigating grief and self-doubt, all while trying to fit in with new, well-rounded friends. Teen readers will appreciate the tongue-in-cheek style Speakes uses to write adult characters.

Plot/Idea: Body of Origin is an often riveting fantasy/sci-fi YA thriller centered on the unique capabilities of 16-year-old girl living in a complex alternate world. There's a steady give-and-take of rising and falling action as well as exposition, which makes the plights of the characters clear and relatable. The worldbuilding is top-notch, introducing novel concepts while also drawing from true-to-life circumstances. 

Prose: The author's writing style effectively captures the internal voice of a teenager who, while mature and facing impossible issues, is still in some ways innocent and naive enough to retain a fresh and youthful perspective.

Originality: Because the story covers so many topics (political influence, the rights one has over their own body, sexuality and consent, etc.), it would be easy to assume that it would wind up a collection of cliches or tired tropes. This story, however, brings them all together in unique ways that speak not only to the author's talent, but to her grasp of the complexities of each individual issue as well as how they intersect.

Character/Execution: Though they are not yet adults, the protagonists show a tremendous amount of depth and maturity while staying relatable to the intended teen audience. Young adults, lovers of fantasy and sci-fi, and bibliophiles who enjoy political and/or social thrillers will find much to love.

Plot/Idea: Deadly plagues, magical powers, and a terrifying enemy form a firestorm of danger in this multilayered novel that takes place in the year 2077. The plot centers on Ava Firestone, born in an institute with one purpose: to create Gifted children, capable of mastering nature’s basic elements as weapons. There’s a war raging outside the walls of the institute, and cryptic changes happening inside of it, and Vasileva ties it all together with an epic, and complex, ending that will shock readers.

Prose: Vasileva sets up the story’s conflict right away, giving readers a hint that danger is lurking later in the novel, for Ava, her adviser, Patrick, and the supporting cast. The prose is watchful and convincing, alluding to the story’s building uncertainty at every turn.

Originality: Vasileva builds a world teeming with magic but still believable, in a near future beset by greed and reckless violence. Seasoned readers will recognize several of the story’s fantasy elements, but that doesn’t take away from the entertainment factor.

Character/Execution: Ava is bitterly conflicted—about her abilities, her purpose, and her future—but Vasileva convincingly portrays both her vulnerabilities and gifts as strengths. The story unfolds through her voice, a compelling perspective that readers will instantly connect with. Morgana is an equally gripping character, and the twist at the end sets her up for a return appearance in future installments.

Plot/Idea: Oksana and her best friend, Anya, want nothing more than for their sun-filled, hazy adventures in their small Ukrainian village to continue—but all they’ve ever known is uprooted when Joseph Stalin’s troops arrive, taking over Oksana’s family farm, arresting her father, and creating a deep divide among the people in their town. The plot is fast-paced, while still portraying the daily life that Oksana’s village values so much, and Cole interjects meaningful socio-cultural context throughout.

Prose: The prose is convincing and historically sound, skillfully evoking the tone and ambiance of the story’s setting. Cole instills hope for a safer, brighter future in both her characters and readers with every word. 

Originality: Cole’s main character, Oksana, is a strong, touching lead, who undergoes a significant transformation and becomes an unexpected leader for her family, friends, and people. Her appeal lends the novel depth and increases its originality. 

Character/Execution: Cole paints a deeply moving portrait of a nation overtaken by an enemy intent on stealing—and destroying—their way of life. Secondary characters are given breathtaking interiority, allowing them supportive but equally meaningful roles to the main players.

Plot/Idea: Joyce’s plot takes off from the start, centered on a pair of foreign journalists who are caught up in a brutal revolution in Prague. The action is suspenseful and dramatic, but well-balanced by character development.

Prose: Joyce crafts a nuanced, multilayered setting that brings history to life and vibrates with authenticity. The prose calls forth the freedom dreams of the late 1960s, when political machinations and pop culture often collided in a cacophony of mistrust and passion for change. 

Originality: Joyce heightens the action in this thriller through the novel’s vivid setting, richly drawn characters, and a forceful historical context.

Character/Execution: Nineteen-year-old Josie, a Canadian citizen living in Prague and desperate to make it as a journalist, is a solid, intriguing lead, and French journalist Laurent holds his own, as the two work together to break a story that has increasingly dangerous repercussions for both of them—and the country as a whole.

Plot/Idea: With ample twists throughout, Gaston has created a heartfelt mystery with strong themes of loss and friendship. Gaston weaves references to literary characters giving the reader an idea of who the whimsical character is while maintaining a sense of intrigue throughout. 

Prose: Gaston's prose is age-appropriate and engaging, with tone shifts effectively conveying shifts between fantasy and reality. The author successfully casts an ominous tone at appropriate times, which highlights an overarching sense of being lost. Occasionally stiff exchanges between characters proves to be a minor off-note. 

Originality: Gaston constructs a unique storyline that blends the relatable struggles of a young girl with an alluring and uncanny mystery. 

Character/Execution: Jessica is an appealing lead, faced with painful family dilemmas, seeking certainty, and grappling with anger. Mitch, meanwhile, proves to be a likable sidekick. The otherworldly elements are nicely parsed out as Jessica and Mitch attempt to unravel the secrets behind the appearance of a strange, music-playing girl and her ability to travel across time. 

Plot/Idea: The God Squad is a YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror novel about brothers Mathew and Miles, two extraordinary boys who can see gods and monsters, and the extraordinary journey they're forced to undertake. On the road alone to protect their family, they're soon caught up in a war that will determine the fate of the gods as well as humanity.

Prose: The Deyerins' descriptions are clever and detailed and they waste no time getting into it. Their prose brings the reader into the brothers' astonishing lives, and the descriptions are almost visceral, especially when describing the brothers' reactions to frightening-looking creatures. 

Originality: There are many books about teenagers and gods, but The God Squad stands apart, not least because of the brothers' extraordinary dilemma, the varied cast of characters, and the secrets so many of them try to conceal. That, coupled with the brothers' adventures and a a ferocious winner-take-all final battle, makes for an intriguing read.

Character/Execution: Mathew and Miles are real and root-able, genuinely good kids trapped in a mess not of their own making. They come from a loving family, one they deliberately chose to leave in an attempt to ensure their safety, a family that tries to help them long-distance. The other characters are equally intriguing, all with their own faults and foibles–even the gods.