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: 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: 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: Alyen wants to enjoy the peace after Dúramair defeated its enemies in a great battle, but all of her senses are screaming at her that danger is still near. Evil appears in the form of a deadly storm. With the metaphors of storm and shadow, Slayer of Monsters explores what it takes to be victorious. Mollova hits all of her beats, weaving a story that is easy to fall into, and leaving readers ready for the next book.

Prose: Slayer of Monsters maintains a clear narrative style that is appropriate for its audience, while honoring its fantasy traditions.

Originality: Slayer of Monsters is a true high fantasy adventure. A personified storm of “darkling elementals” is a fresh take on magical danger.

Character/Execution: Readers will immediately become invested in Alyen and her friends. Slayer of Monsters displays an understanding of YA sensibilities balanced with well-crafted fantasy characters. Dissimilar character names might make them even more easily distinguishable.

Plot/Idea: Gonzalo Lopez, or "weakling" as the bullies call him, is a Hispanic-Jewish high school student who inexplicably develops superpowers as he's about to be beaten (again) by the school bully. What follows is a clever, funny, action-packed tale with a twist that changes everything.

Prose: Tarassenko's prose is quick and clever, with excellent wordplay and descriptions. Though the bully might come off as a cliché to some readers, the characters feel, speak, and behave like realistic teenagers.

Originality: There are many books about nerdy, bully-bait teenagers suddenly getting superpowers, but few like this one, with diverse characters, real-world problems, and a twist readers won't see coming.

Character/Execution: Tarassenko's characters are relatable and entertaining, particularly Gonzalo, who is a self-effacing delight. He's harder on himself than anyone else, even the bully, but isn't afraid to wryly poke fun at his situation.

Plot/Idea: Set in Egypt, Illinois during the Great Depression, The Willa Tree is a polished, richly realized story about the Rose family. When a school assignment about researching families leads 15-year-old Lettie to ask questions,  a generation of sinister secrets come out to the detriment of all.

Prose: Farrell's prose is lovely and vivid, even when describing unpleasant scenes, while her writing also powerfully captures Lettie's determination, spirit, and inquisitiveness.

Originality: A distinctive historical setting, winning characters, explosive secrets, and an astonishing twist ending, allow this coming-of-age story to shine.

Character/Execution: Lettie is a wonderfully complex young woman determined to rise above her family's plans and be more than "just a maid." A school project that requires interviewing family members brings everyone's fears and prejudices to light, but rather than shy away as her parents demand, she is determined to find out the truth about herself, her mother, and her true father. Lettie's best friend, Stan, and her worst enemy, school bully Mabel Mae, are also terrific characters, and the three of them work together to expose a generation of secrets.

Plot/Idea: Fast paced and thrilling, C.W. James has crafted a wonderful middle grade story that is enthralling for all ages. With lovable characters that the audience can root for and an intriguing storyline, The Tomb of Phatmes has the feel of a children's classic.

Prose: James writes in vivid, detailed, and precise prose that provides historical verisimilitude without sacrificing mystery, adventure, and intrigue.

Originality: Although the story is molded by the staples of its genre, The Tomb of Ptahmes consistently approaches each event with novelty and nuance.

Character/Execution: Each of the characters is unique and interesting, with their own meaningful motivations for their actions. Although sometimes these motivations are basic, they add to the realism of the story and help drive the narrative.

Plot/Idea: The other kids call Enid Davies a witch’s daughter, but she and her friends, Dylan and Zoe, are normal teens until the day that a monster tries to drown Enid in the lake. Readers won’t have to wait long to get into the action during Enid’s quest to save her friend on Affalon Isle. Ramsey delivers a quick-moving and wildly fun magical adventure for YA readers.

Prose: Ramsey delivers a clear, propulsive narrative with a healthy balance between dialogue and action.

Originality: Evil queens, wizards, and dragons spill into the real world as seamlessly as they populate a fantasy realm. Enid’s quest to save her friend is seeped in Arthurian legend and packed with delightful interactions.

Character/Execution: Enid and Dylan are believable teens with a genuine friendship that transcends form and place. Ramsey’s characters have agency and dimension.

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: Swetnam’s plot is unpredictable and high-speed, as 12-year-old Joey and his sister Clarissa join forces to help a topsy-turvy group of aliens save Earth. Their leader, Cleocatra, sends the siblings on puzzling tasks that seem to make no sense, all in the name of galaxy-saving, and the ride is equal parts wild and sensational, a perfect fit for middle grade readers.

Prose: The prose is as quirky as the storyline, and Swetnam writes with a dry sense of humor that permeates throughout, making the book entertaining and witty. 

Originality: The mix of space hijinks, humorous prose, and untamed adventure here is a winning combination, boosted with endless originality and pizzazz. 

Character/Execution: Swetnam’s characters are engaging and fun, each with an important role that moves the plot forward. Cleo is, quite literally, the cat’s meow, surrounded by a galvanic cast of aliens and humans who make a compelling group.