This post contains affiliate links.
I read a lot of books in 2020, and though the majority of them were romance, I still managed to squeeze in quite a few amazing YA reads. I do want to clarify before jumping into this list that these are books I read in 2020, not necessarily books released in 2020. Because I tend to not buy hardbacks, I am often a year or more behind on YA reading. Most of my YA skews to fantasy this year because that was what helped me get through 2020. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Damsel by Elana K. Arnold: This pithy twist on the usual dragon/prince/princess fairy tale was so well written and clever. Definitely left me with a girl power feeling. Full review here.
All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace: I was skeptical going into this one because the title felt so overdone, but I loved the world building and characters in this fantasy. Full review here.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer: Basically sign me up for all of the Beauty and the Beast retellings please and thank you. Still waiting for the sequel to come out in paperback and that needs to hurry up and happen please. Full review here.
The Perfect Escape by Suzanne Park: One of my few non fantasy reads, this contemporary is both hilarious and heartwarming, and Suzanne is my mentor so of course it’s awesome! Full review here.
Lady Smoke by Laura Sebastian: I think I might have enjoyed this sequel better than the first? That doesn’t usually happen, but I am interested to see how this series ends!
Muse of Fire by Heidi Heilig: A YA fantasy revolving around the word of theater? Sign me up in all the places!
Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles: When I read the pitch for this book–Moulin Rouge meets Phantom of the Opera–I knew I was going to love it, and I did. Full review here.
A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow: The writing in this urban fantasy/magic realism book is absolutely gorgeous. Full review here.
Incendiary by Zoraida Cordova: Sometimes it takes me a minute to get into a fantasy story, but this one grabbed me instantly. I cannot wait for the sequel. Full review here.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson: Another contemporary, I absolutely loved this love story. Full review here.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown: Another brilliant fantasy with intricate world building and intriguing characters. I ended up being really drawn into this world. Full review here.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn: This twist on the King Arthur legend was absolutely brilliant. I was immediately sucked into the story and despite its length, finished it in just over a day because I couldn’t stop reading. Full review here.
The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White: I love Kiersten so I was here for this book (also a King Arthur retelling). I’m hoping book two is under the Christmas tree because I want it now! Full review here.
Overall this was a fun year of YA reading. A lot of these books were the beginning of series and I am excited to see what happens next (though I curse myself for starting series that still haven’t released all of the books!). Hopefully next year is going to bring even more fantastic reads!
Comments