A new school year always brings the promise of fresh beginnings, making it the perfect time to discover unforgettable young adult novels. Whether you’re returning to the classroom or simply looking for your next great read, these upcoming YA releases deliver thrilling adventures, heartfelt romance, magical worlds, and powerful coming-of-age stories. From enchanted labyrinths and pirate ships to reality TV competitions and emotional family journeys, each of these books captures the excitement of finding yourself while navigating life’s biggest changes. Add these five standout titles to your back-to-school TBR for stories that are every bit as adventurous, emotional, and inspiring as the season ahead.
A Prince Among Pirates by Katie Abdou, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $ 21.99, 416 pages

Katie Abdou makes an impressive debut with A Prince Among Pirates, a swashbuckling queer adventure packed with humor, heart, and irresistible chemistry. Kit’s impulsive leap from aristocratic expectations into pirate life creates endless opportunities for witty banter, thrilling escapades, and meaningful self-discovery. His growing romance with the charismatic Captain Reggie Sharpe is full of spark, while the colorful crew of the Deliverance brings warmth and personality to every chapter. Beneath the sword fights and high-seas excitement is a thoughtful story about choosing the life that truly fits you. Fans of adventurous romantasy and found-family stories will have a wonderful time setting sail with this charming debut.

Click Here to buy the book!

The Hyancinth Labyrinth by Jamie Pacton, Peachtree Teen, $ 19.99, 368 pages

Lush, magical, and wonderfully imaginative, The Hyacinth Labyrinth by Jamie Pacton is a fairy-tale adventure that feels like stepping into an enchanted dream. Returning to the Fae world introduced in The Absinthe Underground, Pacton delivers an unforgettable journey through dangerous forests, magical libraries, and mysterious labyrinths where every page reveals another delightful surprise. Hyacinth is a deeply sympathetic heroine searching for both her father and her own identity, while her growing relationship with Chloe unfolds with warmth and authenticity. Add in the adorable tiny dragon Coffee, and you have a beautifully crafted sapphic fantasy filled with wonder, courage, and unforgettable magic.

Click Here to buy the book!

The Lure of Wolves and Whispers by Amanda Connolly, Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $ 21.99, 464 pages

Amanda Connolly’s The Lure of Wolves and Whispers is an enthralling romantasy inspired by Irish mythology that balances political intrigue, forbidden magic, and sweeping romance with remarkable confidence. Maeve’s willingness to sacrifice everything for her sister immediately makes her a heroine worth rooting for, and her journey through dangerous alliances and royal competition only grows more compelling as the story unfolds. The atmospheric island setting, layered mythology, and simmering romantic tension create an immersive reading experience that fantasy fans will savor. Richly imagined and emotionally gripping, this debut promises an exciting start to what feels destined to become a standout fantasy series.

Click Here to buy the book!

The Lovers, the Liars, and Me by DeAndra Davis, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $ 21.99, 416 pages, 

For readers who enjoy emotionally rich contemporary fiction, The Lovers, the Liars, and Me by DeAndra Davis offers a thoughtful coming-of-age story filled with heart. Jaliya’s summer in Jamaica becomes much more than a search for answers about her mother, evolving into a moving exploration of identity, family, first love, and finding the confidence to embrace who she truly is. Davis vividly captures the beauty of the island while creating complex relationships that feel authentic and relatable. Tender, funny, and deeply heartfelt, this novel is a wonderful reminder that sometimes the greatest discoveries come when you least expect them.

Click Here to buy the book!

Good Luck, Babe by Erin Baldwin, Viking Books for Young Readers, 336 pages, $ 12.99

Good Luck, Babe! by Erin Baldwin is a delightful blend of second-chance romance, fake dating, and reality TV chaos that proves impossible to resist. The Adventureverse competition provides a fast-paced backdrop filled with clever challenges, while Noelle and Yumi’s complicated history gives every interaction emotional weight beneath the laughs. Baldwin strikes a wonderful balance between lighthearted fun and genuine vulnerability, exploring friendship, family, and the courage it takes to risk your heart again. Readers will quickly become invested in both the competition and the rekindling relationship, making this charming sapphic romance an ideal addition to any late-summer or back-to-school reading list.

Click Here to buy the book!

CONTACT US

Publishers and self-published authors: Please read our Submissions page for more information about general submissions and our Sponsored Book Review Program.

Email
[email protected]

Mailing Address
City Book Review
3201 Norris Ave
Sacramento, CA 95821

Copyright ©️ PORTLAND BOOK REVIEW