r/YAlit

I’m sure this a common post but seriously! Binged better than the movies and couldn’t wait to get into nothing like the movies. I have never put down a book so much. First of all extremely disconnected from the first book; [Liz is no longer awkward or quirky, she lost a parent shouldn’t she be understanding of how Wes dealt with grief, Wes’ dad in “BTTM” seemed really kind and affectionate and now we are expected to believe he was this asshole who belittled Wes].

A few other things that annoy me: the fake dating scenario (again) yet this time around extremely unbelievable, Liz and Wes personalities are completely different from the first novel (yes college changes you but not completely), all of a sudden Wes has a sister that was never mentioned? And was it even mentioned that he played baseball in the first, there is mention of Liz watching his games in highschool yet they started dating end of senior year?

Lastly how BORING so much ‘baseball, studying, workout, filming’ talk. That is all the book focuses on, Liz behind a camera filming something baseballey. Yawn, over it. Do I DNR or keep going??????? I’m just getting to the part where Liz is going to interview Wes, I wish he would’ve stacked to his guns and turned her down and he could’ve confided in her about what he went through in a different scenario…

I’ve so far only read two books I would consider dark academia (it’s kind of a vague category): These Violent Delights by Micah Neveremer and If We Were Villains by idk. Both ended up being some of my favorite reads of all times. I found both so morally grey and tension packed and the characters were developed so well.

Any dark academia recs? Or books I might have read and didn’t realize might fit into this subgenre?

I was into The Grace Year and read it very quickly. I know it requires a significant amount of disbelief but I don't really have a problem with that. However I finished it yesterday and I actually woke up angry about the ending last night lmao

You have Tierney's mom, who is the usurper and risking death and getting her leg caught in a trap and shit but she DOESN'T TELL HER DAUGHTER ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT?? For what reason? It can't be that she's scared of punishment. The best you could do is tell her some random sayings about streams and stuff? Can't even say something more direct like "hey this stuff in a well means you shouldn't drink the water" etc

On the same vein what are all these women attending these meetings actually doing? Because it sure seems like they go complain about the grace year and then do LITERALLY NOTHING. It's not like they were helping the other girls be prepared even in vague ways.

And it's not like her mom or dad's vague help helped very much! Sure she could chop wood and build rain barrels but when she was on her own in the wilderness she just starved and almost died. She was pretty helpless and only survived because of luck and a random man taking care of her.

AND MICHAEL. He is like "ok I'll accept your baby from another dude, and I'm gonna stop selling chopped up girl parts. BUT NOT SENDING A 7 YEAR OLD TO BE A PROSTITUTE IS WHERE I DRAW THE LINE" Wtf? This is not addressed at all??

And I've seen soooo many comments about how rebellion is slow so it's okay she came back and gave up on actually being helpful. Except apparently not, because allegedly her daughter is supposed to come back and end the grace year in only one generation.

Just... ugh

Edit: Sorry if I didn't spoiler this right. I can't get it to work on multiple paragraphs 🤷‍♀️

Hi! I'm searching for a YA supernatural romance where it's sorta like an enemies to lovers trope, but not in a "I'm forced to marry the enemy" trope. No kingdoms or courts who are battling each other, set in the past. I prefer modern day. 2000s-2010s vibe if possible, but what I mean by enemies to lovers is like...the guy is avoidant, cold and aloof toward the girl and even actually doesn't like her at first and denies his attraction or pull towards her because it's a forbidden romance or he thinks she'll be in danger because of him kinda thing. Lol I realize I just basically described Twilight 💀💀💀 if enemies to lovers isn't available, then at least him avoiding her or having it be a little bit of a slow burn is acceptable, too! I just want that tension building, emotionally gripping plot! Also not interested in demons, witches, or ghosts.

Y'know that cheesy typical, "I'm avoiding you because I can't get close because it's dangerous, but I end up rescuing you from danger a lot because you're a target for the bad guys and you have some sort of hidden power nobody knows about yet" trope 🤣 I've had suggestions for the Crave series, Hush Hush, Shiver and the Lux series, but they didn't really pique my interest, and the reviews for Lux series weren't great. But if anyone has read those series, let me know if they're worth reading and thanks in advance! I will also list all the book series I read in high school during the 2010s just for reference:

The Immortals Series by Alyson Nöel

Riley Bloom series by Alyson Nöel

Fated series by Alyson Nöel

Embrace series by Jessica Shirvington

The Body Finders Series by Kimberly Derting

Everneath series by Brodi Ashton

Evernight series by Claudia Gray

Need series by Carrie Jones

Wake series by Lisa McMann

Deadly Little Secrets series (aka Touch series) by Laurie Faira Stolarz

Twilight saga (obviously)

Starcrossed series by Josephine Angelini

Revenants series (just the first book though)

That's all I can remember right now. I'm sure there's one or two I'm not remembering, but that's the gist of what I've already read.

My favourite author of all time is Megan Lally. She only has 3 books out at the moment and all of which are YA thrillers. I've read two of them. What we did to survive was and still is my favourite book ever.

The only book of Kara Thomas I've read is The Cheerleaders. I'd like to read more from this author I just don't know which. The Cheerleaders felt like too much of a normal mystery to me - but maybe a good one to be a TV series.

The popular authors like Karen M McManus, Holly Jackson and Jennifer Lynn Barnes are great {Except for The Inheritance Games series which was way too riddley but her The Naturals series makes up for it.} But I would like to look at other authors first.

I liked The Coworker by Freida McFadden and have bought 2 more of her books. I'm excited to see what they'll be like.

Other ones I liked was Lets split up - Bill Wood, This book kills - Ravena Guron, Keep your friends close - Cynthia Murphy.

Ones I didn't really like was Tag you're dead - Kathryn Foxfield and This Lie Will Kill You - Chelsea Pitcher and of course We Were Liars - E. Lockheart.

I don't want supernatural {unless it's like the main character can see ghosts of dead people and nothing else. Cuz that sounds kind of cool}

I am certainly not having sci-fi or magic.

I recently order How to Survive a Horror Movie - Scarlett Dunmore, Tastes Like Cndy - Jessica Lacey and The Dare - Natasha Preston.

I love fast paced with shocking twists. And it has to be YA, or else Freida McFadden {Idk why she's listed as adult in some places}

https://preview.redd.it/jgttv3xq65bh1.png?width=600&format=png&auto=webp&s=3eb2c2a4d999b6481317332dd46507dde902a4da

In a good way I think.

Re-reading a lot of both new and old series that have gotten popular or were popular has been interesting because, while I have read several that are not necessarily high quality writing or art, I've honestly had quite a bit of fun with them. Like, I enjoyed reading several of them more than I've enjoyed books that are probably objectively better. And I understand a lot of the appeal of several YA books perfectly, even it doesn't resonate for me or a lot of them stumble in their execution. Maybe it's because so many YA books are so hopeful, idk. Plus, I tend to enjoy the books that don't take themselves overly seriously, as sometimes books like that can feel pretentious to me if the characters, plot, or message aren't all that deep or fall apart if you think about it. My only real critique of the YA genre outside of what I'll call "beginner writer syndrome" is sometimes I feel like several YA books get dragged out into a series when they really don't need to be. Like, it doesn't need to be a 3+ book series all the time authors, sometimes 1 or 2 is enough. That or sometimes I feel like some books are kinda mid or don't live up to their fullest potential.

But for some reason, even though these books are generally pretty fun and a lot of them have good ideas, I feel like a lot of YA is dismissed as trash or "ruining literature." But I feel like I've read several books for adults that are popular but also far worse quality stories or more problematic than some of the popular YA books I read. I think I've learned reading a lot of YA recently that professional writers can have a excellent way of writing but have weaknesses when it comes to the overall story, and amateur writers can be good storytellers but fall short when it comes to their writing. It isn't a perfect metric. Usually books aimed for older audiences have more robust world-building and better prose, and as a result YA can feel a little weaker at points, but sometimes I like that YA feels deeply invested in the drama, tragedy, or love. Sometimes light angst that isn't overly expositional is fun to read. So I'm baffled that something that is mid at worst is treated as somehow beneath adult books and classics (and some kids books even) I've straight up disliked. It's made me wonder how you even determine what is and isn't good quality or taste.

I do understand the impulse to want to reward better writers more with more popularity, I've resented certain stories not so much for what they are but how they are constantly glazed with no constructive criticism being permitted in the discussion or fan space. I do agree we should reward high quality books from professional writers too. It sucks that a lot of professional writers are being barred off from a larger audience in favor of what's the most profitable in the book industry. But I think it should be more acceptable to just have some fun novels (popcorn books) that aren't that deep and don't pretend to be without those who made it and those who enjoyed it being shamed. It's okay for people to hate YA, but I think dismissing the whole genre as terrible and "not real books" is really closed minded.

Idk, I'm probably going off on too long of a tirade or preaching to the choir, but I wanted to know if fellow YA readers get what I'm saying or feel the same? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I read a lot of mystery books and the girls are always similar. Usually quiet or misunderstood (the only one I've read thats different is the popular One Of Us Is Lying series, which I liked), but are there any mystery books (preferably with a romantic subplot) that have girly or extroverted FMCs?

So I know in some circles, the term is known as Isekai based fantasy as basically I was just looking for some young adult fiction about a girl who gets sent into another world by accident as while she is trapped in the world, she soon meets her prince charming.

I don't know how to explain it properly as basically I was just wondering if there were any fun YA based fiction with the premise of a portal fantasy since again I am cool with Isekai based stories that have romantic aspects as I was wondering how a portal based fantasy could be done with such a premise.

Hi guys! I have a question for you! A question that has been sitting with me for a while now. When is it too much for you? Are three POVs in a fantasy book just too much? You always have the Main character, who starts the first chapters, so you're now emotionally attached to them. If it's a romance, then you might love the so's POV as well....but what if it's a third? Or fourth?

For me, the first book that comes to mind with unnecessary POVs is A Curse for True Love, the third book of Once upon a Broken Heart (i know.)

Hey there, I'm a 6th grade (previously 8th grade) teacher in a 100% disadvantaged school. I'm trying to instill a love of reading and am starting to build a classroom library for choice reading. I need recs, BADLY! I'm used to teens, so a lot of what I had in mind is a bit too old for them. I literally have two books so far and am checking all the local deals and free little libraries I can. However, I want pretty much all 5 star reads that will draw them in. Please send all the recs my way so I can add them to my wishlist to keep track of!

Major bonus points for Black or POC authors and main characters, I'd like at least half the library to be representative of my kids.

heyy, I just finished reading House of Hollow, and I need new recommendations 🥲

Any books with genre of thriller, mystery, suspense, or fantasy with a touch of romance or comedy would do 😊 I just got back from my reading slump so I really need help to what book I should read next

I’m desperately trying to find a book that captures the same feeling as Skyhunter by Marie Lu. Not just “a strong female lead” or “enemies to lovers,” but the actual atmosphere, character dynamics, and military/rebellion storyline

What I loved was the military/rebellion setting, the competent FMC who was already trained, the constant danger, the darker tone, the found-family aspect, and the slow-burn relationship between two people who have every reason not to trust each other. I especially loved the dynamic where the MMC is seen as the enemy/monster and everyone assumes he’s dangerous, but there’s much more to him than that. I want lots of tension, missions, sacrifice, and emotional payoff, not a romance that takes over the entire plot.

Please don’t recommend books just because they’re popular YA. I’m not looking for books like Shatter Me, Powerless, or not YA such as Fourth Wing, or ACOTAR (Before anyone comments, I have read them, they are just not my taste. No hate to anyone who enjoys these books). I’m looking for something that genuinely has a similar atmosphere, character dynamics, or overall story to Skyhunter. Hidden gems are especially welcome, and I’m happy with either YA or adult fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian. (Mainly dystopian if possible.)

Thank you!!

I'm trying to track down a four (maybe five, but I think four) book clean romance/young adult series I read a couple of years back on my kindle. These are the details I remember (or think I remember at least):  

* Four girls who met and bonded in foster care with a bad foster family
* They ran away from the foster home and took care of each other
* They are now grown up, living their own lives (but staying in close contact/touch - possibly even living together, or at least some of them)
* One works as a coroner
* One works for the government as a hacker
* One has a daughter, who is called "gold" - gold is her child, from an abusive former situation, and is set to inherit a lot of money. As I recall, this inheritance will be split between her and her father's other son - something that said half-brother doesn't want to happen. Therefore, said brother is trying to have her killed. The "foster sisters" have been hiding her. Most of these details come out in the last book.
* The fourth I remember is good at martial arts, though I don't remember for sure what her occupation is (I want to say cop for some reason...). As I recall, as a child her cousin would practice his surgical "skills" on her, so she has some pretty nasty scars (though he always made sure they were well hidden)
* I also remember one of them has a dog - and gets amnesia, in her book...that one I remember she is always elegantly dressed, wearing heels. Some guy falls for her, but she pushes him away - until she gets amnesia, and forgets him, and why she was pushing him away. By the time she remembers, she has also fallen in love...

Thoughts?

Some similar themed books I enjoyed:

An Ember in the Ashes
This Woven Kingdom
The Jasad Heir
The Daevabad Trilogy
The Poppy War
Kaikeyi

(Reposting here to gather more recommendations)

Hi, I’m new to Reddit but I came on here to get some advice on things so here I am.

I’m currently writing my first book and need to dive into reading to get better at my craft. Despite the amount of books I have, I surprisingly don’t have any in the specific genres that I’m looking for.

I know of the more popular series such as Twlight, The Mortal Instruments, and Percy Jackson. But what are some other books/series that are YA Contemporary Fantasy (romance preferable)? More specifically looking for fantasy books that take place in the modern day and age, but mainly looking for elements of the mc having some connection to fantasy elements (i.e. powers, mystical being, etc).

I'm slowly starting a booktube account and have been searching for books to add to my TBR that seem interesting enough. I'm a BIG fan of fantasy/adventure (e.g Percy Jackson) but read other genres and books as well (Heartstopper, The both die at the end, Wild Magic etc). I've been hearing mixed reviews about the series but i'm in the PERFECT bracket to be able to read it and relate to the characters (the main complaint i've heard is that some people found the fmc hard to relate to, too young etc). I also heard that the characters grow throughout the books in both ways and it's made me interested in it especially since there is apparently no spice in book 1 and a 'fade to black' in books 2 and 3 which might make it easier for me since i HATE spicy scenes in books. Should I give the series a try?