8 YA Fantasy Novels to Look Out For This Fall

If you haven’t read James Dashner’s Maze Runner series yet, then you should definitely start—the dystopian, sci-fi world’s storytelling rivals that of The Hunger Games. The Fever Code is the fifth book in the series, and its story is a prequel to the four books that have already been published. It tells the story of the Maze, and how WICKED managed to build it—as well as what Thomas’ hand was in its creation. Even if you haven’t read all the books, the story stands alone as an engaging sci-fi adventure and a strong entry into the Maze Runner lore. And if you’ve read the first Maze Runner book, it’s a guarantee you’ll find a lot of connections in this thrilling prequel.

The average YA fantasy novel centers around a “Chosen One” (who saves her sister from the reaping, breaks her faction out of a giant human experiment, and slays vampires – or falls in love with them). But what about all the other kids that didn’t get picked for greatness? Patrick Ness’s highly anticipated YA satire The Rest of Us Just Live Here is their story.

The average YA fantasy novel centers around a “Chosen One” (who saves her sister from the reaping, breaks her faction out of a giant human experiment, and slays vampires – or falls in love with them). But what about all the other kids that didn’t get picked for greatness? Patrick Ness’s highly anticipated YA satire The Rest of Us Just Live Here is their story.

The Rains is a refreshing take on the zombie genre, and follows two brothers — Chance and Patrick — as they navigate a world in which adults over the age of 18 have contracted a virus that turns them into flesh-eating monsters. With Patrick’s 18th birthday only days away, time is running out for them to find out what is causing everyone to turn into zombies.

The 12th book in the Chronicles of Elantra series, Cast in Flight once again revolves around heroine Private Kaylin Neya and her adventures in the city of Elantra. Kaylin is tasked with housing and guarding Sergeant Moran dar Carafel, a seemingly easy task for her. Things get complicated, however, when there is an attempt on Moran’s life—and Kaylin is determined to protect her no matter the cost.

The island of Charis is in trouble, as the terrifying power of the Church of God Awaiting threatens to destroy them. And though the Church is far more powerful, Charis’ citizens are willing to die to keep it theirs. The ninth book in the Safehold series will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering who will prevail.

The bestselling author of the Lunar Chronicles series is taking a stab at her first stand-alone YA novel. Before the woman known as the Red Queen came to rule Wonderland, she was a girl named Catherine. While the King of Hearts fancied her, she was more interested in pursuing her talent as a baker and finding true love. Heartless explores the depths of her loss to show that all bad people don’t start out that way.

This collection of short stories follows Simon Lewis, who is coping with the memory loss he endured during the events of City of Heavenly Fire. When the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon is determined to train in order to fight demons. But will Simon come to remember the mistakes he’s made in his past? And when he does, will he be able to live with them?