Now that a lot of us are spending more time at home, that (in theory!) means lots more reading time! If you, like me, are always looking to add more books onto your to-be-read list, check out my list below of Twelve YA Books to Read While Self-Isolating. I’ve chosen a mixture of new releases and old favourites (including a few completed series), some I’ve read myself and others I’ve had recommended to me. I hope they will pique your interest. I know reading can be hard with everything that’s going on, but hopefully you are able to read something that brings you joy in the coming weeks!
Stay safe, and wash your hands!
Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff’s Illuminae is a fast-paced thrill ride from explosive start to jaw-dropping finish. Told through a mixture of documents, emails, codes, and more, it is a science fiction story as fascinating as it is creative. If you need a book to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the one. It’s also the first book in a completed trilogy, making it the perfect book to read during self-isolation!
Sadie by Courtney Summers
This one is for all the true crime fans out there! The quick pitch of Sadie is that it’s about a missing girl and the Serial-like podcast dedicated to finding her. But, Sadie is so much more than that. It is about family and survival and trauma and love. It is an examination of our fascination with true crime and dead girls. It is unforgettable. Courtney Summers is one of my favourite authors for a reason and if you haven’t read her yet, you’re seriously missing out. (Bonus: she’s Canadian!)
Dread Nation (Dread Nation #1) by Justina Ireland
Dread Nation is set in an alternate history America in which the Civil War ended…because the dead began to rise from their graves. How compelling a concept is that? Main character Jane is a force to be reckoned with, and her story is sure to captivate any reader. Dread Nation is the perfect mix of historical fiction and fantasy that will make a welcome addition to your bookshelf.
An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) by Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes burst onto the YA fantasy scene five years ago and hasn’t lost momentum since. The story of Laia and Elias and their fight against an oppressive empire is sure to captivate any fantasy fans out there. Seriously, I’m reading it now and the first chapter immediately hooked me! If you haven’t read this series yet, now is the time! There are three books already released, and the much anticipated finale is out later this year.
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
“It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.” (Stiefvater 1)
Reading the first line of Maggie Stiefvater’s breathtaking novel The Scorpio Races gives me goosebumps every time. And it’s not just the first line that’s stunning. The Scorpio Races is gorgeously crafted; each word is chosen with care and precision. While it may seem like a fantastical story (I mean, it is about deadly water horses…) The Scorpio Races is a very human novel about people struggling to save themselves and those they love. If you are looking for a strange and unforgettable tale, look no further than The Scorpio Races.
The Young Elites (The Young Elites #1) by Marie Lu
Marie Lu is one of the authors I recommend constantly, for good reason. Her worldbuilding is dynamic and her stories are always fresh and interesting. She’s most known for her fantastic Legend series, but she has a bunch of other books, including The Young Elites. The concept of this book has always fascinated me because the protagonist…may actually be the villain. I’m such a fan of morally ambiguous characters! If you are too, check out The Young Elites. The entire trilogy is out now!
The Afterward by E. K. Johnston
E.K. Johnston is well known for her forays into the Star Wars universe (Ashoka, Queen’s Shadow, and the upcoming Queen’s Peril) but she’s also written lots of other non-Star Wars fantasy books. Her newest, The Afterward, is a standalone fantasy (you don’t get many of those nowadays!) that tells the story of Kalanthe and Olsa, one a knight and one a thief, as they navigate the aftermath of their heroic quest. The Afterward is perfect for fantasy fans looking for a fresh, interesting story. (Bonus: she’s also Canadian!)
Slayer (Slayer #1) by Kiersten White
A new series set in the Buffyverse? Yes, please. Kiersten White’s Slayer series introduces us to Watcher’s Academy-raised Nina, who never expected to become a Slayer. She definitely didn’t expect to become the last Slayer. Kiersten White’s has a knack for great characterization and beautifully crafted stories, and her take on the Buffyverse is sure to please long-time fans and new brand new Scoobies.
Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman
When I was a teenager I read Neal Shusterman’s powerful novel Unwind. It’s one of those books that just stays with you (seriously there’s a scene in it which still frightens me, almost a decade later). His newest series, Arc of a Scythe, has been an absolute smash hit. It’s about a world in which humanity has conquered death and scythes are needed to keep the population under control. Basically, it’s about apprentice grim reapers. Yeah, I know. It sounds amazing to me too. All three books are out now, perfect for binge reading!
Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard
Susan Dennard’s Witchlands series is the perfect choice for high fantasy fans. It’s about two girls, Safiya and Iseult, who are as close as sisters. Safi is a Truthwitch, one of the rarest of the witches and that puts her at great risk and, pretty soon, the girls find themselves in a rather dire situation. You’ll have to read to find out what happens next! While The Witchlanders series isn’t finished yet, there are three novels (and one novella) out which makes for plenty of reading material!
Infinity Son (Infinity Cycle #1)
Adam Silvera is known for his devastatingly realistic fiction, but Infinity Son marks his first foray into YA fantasy. Emil and Brighton’s world looks pretty similar to our own…except for the celestials, magical beings with immense power, and the spectres, those who try to steal power no matter the cost. Brighton wants the power, but Emil is the one that has it, setting the stage for a fantasy story both about magic and family. Infinity Son is great for those that like their fantasy a little closer to home!
Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl
Listen, I know I said The Scorpio Races is strange (and it is) but Neverworld Wake is even stranger. Seriously, it’s one of the weirdest books I’ve ever read and I loved it to bits. Five kids are trapped in a sort of endless purgatory, reliving the same few hours over and over again. Their only escape: unanimously choose which one of them will survive. I could not stop reading this book because I needed to know how it would all end. If you’re looking for an utterly wild ride, definitely check out Neverworld Wake
Ciara is an Ottawa based book-a-holic an eye for Young Adult fiction. You can check out her bookstagram account here.
Image via thewitchlands.com
