Is romance the only buzz in young adult novels nowadays?
“Everywhere I look, I only see romance!’’ is what many lovers of other genres of novels besides romance seem to think while expressing their frustration over how it is the dominant theme in most books nowadays. Sitting down with a romance book engulfing you with the sweetness and heated-up tension of the compelling relationships is enough to give butterflies to a reader. But like all genres, it’s not for everyone.
People may prefer to read something more pulse-racing like horror, something more out of the world imaginative like Sci-Fi, or maybe even something that blows away their mind with how unpredictable and contemplative it is such as mystery. Luckily the growing trend of exploring diverse genres in the modern era is good news for such lovers because now there are countless options. Amidst a plethora of genres, here are some modern selections for you that you will adore!
Thriller
For an adrenaline pump, the “One of Us Is Lying” series by Karen M. McManus and “They’ll Never Catch Us” by Jessica Goodman are both page-turners that will not make you want to put it down till you reach the very end. Both focus on crimes and hidden mysteries of a town and the novels portray the emotions and decisions of youngsters navigating their lives through thrilling and erratic events.
Fantasy
To get lost in an otherworldly realm, “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea” by Axie Oh is based on Korean mythology about a girl’s sacrifice to the sea God for the sake of her homeland which will be a perfect choice. “The Priory of the Orange Tree” is also a great option which is about the protection of a kingdom from a treacherous dragon.
Horror
The perfect combination of gloom and dread for the readers who seek to stay up all night thinking about the unforgettable plot can be found in “Clown in a Cornfield” by Adam Cesare and “There’s Someone Inside Your House” by Stephanie Perkins where both delve into the suspense of a mysterious identity hunting for murders which will keep you at the edge of your seat.
On the whole, these are just a few examples of the wide variety of genres of recent times. Not to mention all the hidden gems that exist that reinforce the proposition that Romance is not the only thing that is exclusively focused on in young adult novels nowadays.
