Do You Love YA Paranormal Books, too?

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love all things paranormal, fantasy, supernatural. That is what I like to read and that is what I chose to write. But today I want to focus on a sliver of fantastic fiction—young adult. It surged in popularity since early 2000 with readers of all ages.

What does young adult really mean?

In a nutshell—teen. Originally, librarians invented the term “young adult literature” to help teenagers in transitioning from children’s literature to adult literature.

When we talk about a book’s category, we are referring to the audience it was written for. The Young Adult category is tailored for high schoolers, the Middle Grade category is tailored for middle schoolers, and the Adult targets…well, you guessed it, adult readers.

Age categories in literature not only reflect the intended readers’ age but also often correspond to the age of the main characters. Young Adult novels are written for high schoolers–specifically readers ages 12 to 18. YA novels often focus on the question of identity because it reflects a major challenge teens go through—figuring out who they really are.

Why do so many adults read YA books?

Although YA books are written with teenagers as the target audience, they are highly enjoyed by adults as well. Even adults who are well beyond their teen years find resonance in YA books, which is why they have a broad readership. Here are a few key reasons:

• Themes found in YA novels, such as friendship, love, identity, rebellion, self-discovery, and finding one’s place in the world, are relatable to people of all ages. Although the situations are targeted at teenagers, the fundamental emotions and conflicts are easily relatable to adult readers.
• Fast-paced stories. Young adult novels are famous for their dynamic storylines and captivating characters. If you’re an adult reader seeking a quick and easy read that guarantees entertainment, this is the perfect choice.
• The nostalgia factor of YA novels can transport adult readers back to their own teenage years. Reading about the experiences of teenagers can be a way to relive those times in a safe and positive light.
• Diverse Representation. YA fiction has gotten way more diverse lately, with characters from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. This can be appealing to adult readers who are looking for stories that reflect the real world.

5 YA fantasy book recommendations

For those who enjoy YA paranormal books, regardless of age, here are five books that you might find intriguing. Happy reading!

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

Craving an escape from his high-powered life and dark past, David Aristarkhov is about to get one straight from hell. The Devil’s come to collect on a family debt, and David has only days to break the deal. With his ex-boyfriend Rhys as his unlikely savior, and simmering feelings reignited, David’s in a race against time to save his soul...and maybe rekindle a lost love.

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Forget Hogwarts, Scholomance is a magical school where the biggest threat isn't failing a test, it's getting eaten by monsters. El, a darkly powerful student, might be the key to unlocking the school's secrets, but her magic is so dangerous it could save the school or wipe out everyone in it. With no teachers, friends, or holidays, survival is her only class.

Sweet Nightmare by Tracy Wolff

Forget detention, this school deals in detention for the supernaturally dangerous. Calder Academy is a prison for rogue vampires, werewolves, and witches - basically the high school for paranormal delinquents. Stuck there is the narrator, whose mom (of course) runs the place. When a storm unleashes the school's worst nightmares, she's forced to team up with the most terrifying bad boy there - and secretly enjoys it. This school's got more scares than a Stephen King novel, and this girl might just find love in the darkest corner.

A Pack of Blood and Lies by Olivia Wildenstein

Forget girl meets boy, this is girl claws her way to the top. Ness, forced back to a pack that rejects her because she's a girl, finds herself facing off against the infuriatingly handsome son of the cruel Alpha. But this isn't your average high school rivalry - the winner takes everything, even the loser's life. Can Ness overcome prejudice and a traitorous heart to become Alpha?

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

In the kingdom of Ilya, only the empowered Elites thrive, their abilities gifted by the Plague. The Ordinary, devoid of such powers, are banished by royal decree. Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary posing as a Psychic, survives by cunning in the city's slums. Her fate takes a perilous turn when she saves a prince and is thrust into the deadly Purging Trials, where her secret threatens her survival and budding feelings for the prince could be her undoing.