Fantasy – YOUNG ADULTING

Mindworks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman

December 18, 2025

Mindworks, by Neal Shusterman, is a collection of short stories that intermingle sci-fi, horror, dystopian fiction, the supernatural, and even family drama. Its range is vast and eclectic including stories about various subjects from a dolphin politician, to a spray-painting teen in a love-triangle, to the begrudging “living dead,” and, somehow, it all works. … More Mindworks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman

Coldwire by Chloe Gong

December 11, 2025

Coldwire, by Chloe Gong, follows Eirale and Lia, the two protagonists, as they navigate a dystopian world that’s, in some ways, vastly different from our own, and in others, scarily familiar. There, children are implanted with chips to give them access to the “StrangeLoom system,” a portal into upcountry. … More Coldwire by Chloe Gong

The Cranky-Verse (A Cranky Chicken Book 4) by Katherine Battersby

November 13, 2025

In the energetic fourth installment of author/illustrator, Katherine Battersby’s, Cranky Chicken chapter book series, Cranky Chicken and Speedy the worm return! The Cranky-Verse will have readers wondering how Cranky and Speedy will work through meeting a new friend, what Cranky will do when Speedy becomes the cranky one, and if a camping trip will be the solution to all of their troubles and woes. … More The Cranky-Verse (A Cranky Chicken Book 4) by Katherine Battersby

If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry

October 30, 2025

Set on the cutthroat streets of Manhattan, Julie Berry’s novel, If Looks Could Kill, follows a murderer who finds himself on a collision course with a wrathful sisterhood of Medusas, whom his killings have unintentionally awakened. … More If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry

Otherworldly, by F.T. Lukens

April 3, 2025

Otherworldly by F.T Lukens is a young adult narrative that explores fantasy, young queer love and learning to trust and rely on one another. There is a strong focus on family, both blood and found, which the author ties well with the slow burn romance that allows Ellery and Knox’s initially tenuous alliance to settle into a warmer friendship as they work alongside each other to solve the mystery of the goddess’ silence. … More Otherworldly, by F.T. Lukens

Into the Goblin Market, by Vikki Vansickle, illus. Jensine Eckwall

October 22, 2024

When Mina leaves for the Goblin Market and doesn’t return, Millie dons her red cloak and sets out to find her. Ready to face the worst, Millie doesn’t shy away from the dangers as she faces the tricky and magical world of the Goblin Market. Using her wits, Millie will do everything to save her dear sister Mina and bring her home safe and sound. … More Into the Goblin Market, by Vikki Vansickle, illus. Jensine Eckwall

5 Questions for Heather Fawcett

June 5, 2023

An interview with Heather Fawcett. … More 5 Questions for Heather Fawcett

Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian

February 17, 2022

Review by MacKenzie Sewell. Laura Sebastian writes a compelling royal fantasy studded with an enthralling cast of characters throughout the three storylines and perspectives. … More Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian

Echoes and Empires by Morgan Rhodes

February 15, 2022

Review by Hira Peracha. [W]hen Joss finds herself contaminated with dark magic that allows her inside Lord Banyon’s memories, she teams up with the mysterious Jericho Nox, a 19-year-old thief, to expel all sources of magic from within her before the people she loves find out. … More Echoes and Empires by Morgan Rhodes

Sisters of the Wolf by Patricia Miller-Schroeder

January 18, 2022

Review by Charis Young

In Patricia Miller’s action-packed novel Sisters of the Wolf, two prehistoric young girls on the cusp of adulthood are facing struggles in their clans. … More Sisters of the Wolf by Patricia Miller-Schroeder

YOUNG ADULTING

Serious Reviews of Books for Kids and Teens

Tag: Fantasy