Best teen & young adult books of 2023, as chosen by the Amazon Editors
There are a lot of exceptional teen/young adult novels that published this year and choosing the top 20 was challenging, to say the least. Our pick for the top spot, Divine Rivals, is historical fantasy at it’s best, and the rest of the list is filled with more to love—including rom-coms, mystery, coming-of-age stories, and more terrific fantasy. See them all on our list of the Best Teen & Young Adult Books of 2023 and for more recommendations, check out all of our picks for the Best Books of 2023.
Like a WWI story, but with warring gods instead of countries—Divine Rivals is hopeful, heart wrenching, and sprinkled with enchantments—you’ll be spellbound by this divine romance-fantasy adventure. For those of you who haven’t read this yet, you’re in luck because there’s a cliff hanger ending and you won’t have long to wait to see what happens next—the sequel, Ruthless Vows, releases on December 28. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
Set in the nineteenth century, this outstanding novel takes readers on a journey from Buenos Aires society to the sands of Egypt, where Inez Olivera travels alone in search of answers to her parents’ mysterious deaths—convention be damned. Exotic and atmospheric, you’ll discover lost tombs and treasures, encounter rogues and thieves, and be swept up in the forbidden romance and ancient magic at work in this exotic historical fantasy. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
There are mysteries upon mysteries in this smart thriller from the author of Firekeeper’s Daughter. Perry Firekeeper Birch is a protagonist to root for, and in her search for a killer, what she uncovers about stolen Indigenous artifacts, human remains, and repatriation wrapped in red tape is eye-opening. Warrior Girl Unearthed is a book you’ll want to talk about it long after you’re done. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
If you loved Barnes’ The Inheritance Games trilogy, you’re in for a treat as she begins a new chapter in this family saga with The Brothers Hawthorne. This continuation of the series revolves around the webs of deception that Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne are drawn into, courtesy of their fathers. Gambling, guessing, codes, and clues are all part of the game, and the brothers Hawthorne and heiress Avery Grambs are here for the challenge. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
Stephanie Garber proves she’s a force to be reckoned with as she wraps up another stunning trilogy (her last was the gorgeous Caraval trilogy) with A Curse for True Love. In all good fairytales, true love and true happiness comes at a price, and in this final novel we learn who will pay it. The characters, the setting, the ever-building tension and romance…this is a nail-biter of a fantasy, and a conclusion that is everything I’d hoped for. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
This explosive series finale brings back characters we love (and the ones we love to hate) in a twisty mystery that’s a Pandora’s box of secrets—and a thrill ride of red herrings, flashbacks, and revenge. When the Bayview Crew returns for the summer, it’s time to come to terms with long-held secrets, feelings, and an unwelcome blast from the past. Even as characters’ hidden agendas and hidden depths are revealed, the mystery at hand kept me guessing and glued to my seat all the way to the satisfying end. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
A heart-breaking and powerful novel, My Father the Panda Killer is told in alternating narratives—Jane’s present-day and of her father, Phúc’s horrifying escape from Vietnam during the war. There are difficult subjects here—abuse, war, a struggle for survival, but the result is hopeful and compassionate. This is a novel that made me feel deeply, even in the moments that were hardest to read. A coming-of-age story, a story of generational trauma, and a story of family—this one will stay with me for a long time. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
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