The best new YA fiction for the autumn holidays
From screaming cheerleaders to gothic queens, there’s something for everyone in this autumn’s best YA fiction, writes Rachel Gray
For Halloween season, why not curl up with a spooky graphic novel? Queens of the Crypt by Dom&Ink (Hot Key Books, £12.99) is a dark, riveting tale of friendship, identity and finding the courage to be yourself. Seventeen-year-old Barnaby comes out as non-binary to their parents at breakfast, and expects that to be the most difficult part of the day. They are soon proved wrong, however, when they watch their best friend get kidnapped by a faceless killer and accidently summon the undead Queens of the Crypt through their bedroom mirror. Packed full of beautiful and striking black and white illustrations and a cast of amazing and unforgettable gothic queens, this is a delightfully spooky treat.
Award-winning author Frances Hardinge returns with Traitors’ Nest (Pan Macmillan, £16.99) an enthralling and ambitious fantasy, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Patrick Ness. In a world where castles move, controlled by powerful leaders playing a giant game of chess with no care for the lives of those they impact with their moves, we meet Burr. Burr finds his peaceful life forever changed by the arrival of an ominous new castle, shattering his peaceful village life forever. Featuring coups, ancient magical maidens and powerful magpies, this novel is fast-paced and riveting. Burr and his family must figure out how to survive when every move is vital, and their destinies are controlled by the mythical players of the game.
Holly Bourne is one of the queens of YA fiction, and And Then We Screamed (Usborne, £9.99) is another thrilling release. An idyllic and sleepy American town is turned upside down when a cheerleader starts screaming. An epidemic of screaming soon sweeps through the local school, with girls breaking into uncontrollable screaming fits. The authorities don’t know what’s going on, and conspiracy theories are spreading, so Clover and Brody, reporters for the school newspaper, decide to investigate. This is a twisty thriller full of surprises and secrets, and it takes a long look at the power of the internet. An important and entertaining read, perfect for fans of E Lockhart and Kathleen Glasgow.
A very different type of thriller, How To Lose Yourself Completely by Peter Bognanni (Rock the Boat, £9.99) follows Case, whose parents enroll him in outdoor adventure therapy to try and help with his anxiety. What starts out as a perfectly normal camping trip soon turns into a nightmare when the camp guide disappears, taking the supplies and the route back to civilisation with him. Left stranded in the wilderness, Case and his newfound friends must rely on each other to survive. The teenagers battle fierce rapids, a hungry bear and their own personal struggles. This is an exciting and at times moving book. It carefully looks at teen mental health presents a careful blend of teen adventure story and deeply affecting emotional tale. A compelling read for anyone who enjoys stories of friendship, adventure and self-discovery.
Marionetta by Míriam Bonastre Tur (Rock the Boat, £12.99) is a fun dark fantasy graphic novel, perfect for autumn nights. Featuring amazing illustrations, Marionetta tells the story of Julia, who wants a simple life but is convinced to visit a travelling circus by her best friend Kamille. They find themselves thrust into a world of ghosts and secrets when they get trapped in the circus by a mysterious and powerful deity. As they try to navigate their strange new reality, they must learn to fit into a world of magic, secret deals and eccentric circus acts. Featuring a whole cast of richly created characters and a magical setting, this graphic novel is perfect for fans of Erin Morgenstern and Studio Ghibli, and anyone who likes their magical world with a dark edge.
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