Young Adult Novels You’re Never Too Old For
By: Hidden Gems on August 24, 2021
You’re never too old to curl up with a young adult novel and you’ll definitely want to check out these favorites among Hidden Gems ARC readers. Each great in their own way, with all the elements that make YA addicting, don’t blame us if you find yourself spending a whole weekend devouring these reads.
Everywhere, Always by Jennifer Ann Shore
When Avery Miller wakes up in her hospital room, it’s to a life she didn’t expect, want, or ever imagine for herself. Everywhere, Always is a standalone romantic young adult novel from Jennifer Ann Shore, Hidden Gems ARC team favorite and Amazon bestselling author of The Stillness Before the Start and The Extended Summer of Anna and Jeremy.
“If you are looking for a feel-good YA indie novel that will make your eyes misty, pick up Everywhere, Always,” says Christine in her 5-star review. “As Avery overcomes the tragic loss of her mother, she gains an entirely new family and life. Watch as Avery navigates the streets of NYC as this new world embraces and adopts her. You’ll want to hug each and every character as they guide Avery to find herself, peace, and love. Funny yet touching, this is my favorite book and coming-of-age story by Shore to-date.”
Merry J.E. explains in her 5-star review, “Everywhere, Always is a poignant story that touches the heart and have you in Avery’s corner as she pieces her life back together after a traumatic accident that ends with the death of her mother. As one chapter of her life closes fate opens up a new beginning if she is willing to take a chance by way of introduction of her father and his family. Will Avery take the opportunity fate has given and will it lead her to a second chance for happiness? This story drew me in from the first page and my heart went out to both Avery and Ethan as they connected and started a new direction as well.”
General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms by David Bush
This novel is an imaginative and innovative story, jam-packed with all of the elements that engage young people to sit down, open a book and disappear into a world of make-believe. It will appeal to fans of The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Piaras, Vine Voice writes in their 5-star review, “General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms by Maltese author David Bush is a well-written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted philosophical narrative that serves as an allegory for the pains of being through the eyes of the animal kingdom. It’s a unique work that will captivate the reader from the opening chapter. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this young adult fantasy that it guarantees the attention of the reader. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the primarily anthropomorphic cast of characters was stunning. The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Bush pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a young adult fantasy that should find its way among the ranks of the classics in the not too distant future. Highly Recommended.”
“General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms by David Bush is a mesmerizing anthropomorphic tale about King Roar the Lion and the fierce Felines,” raves V.E., Vine Voice in their 5-star review. “They rule with an iron fist. They rule the world quite effectively and reign supreme. Miaow is a much less commanding feline who becomes friends with a boy named Jack. Their intent is to liberate the repressed animals and change their destiny. This is a finely written tale, all of the characters infused with believable traits, making them almost human. The intensity of the battle is formidable, while the detail of the drawings adds a unique element to the story. With a direct and clear voice, the author has crafted a compelling narrative, one which pulls you in as a reader. You get to know the characters well, and the plot moves along nicely. A great fantasy book that will appeal to all kinds of readers. Highly recommend.”
White Hat Black Heart by D.B. Goodin
In this cyber thriller, you never know who to trust when the virtual world makes it impossible to decrypt friend from foe. If you like your young adult novel served with edge of your seat danger then you will love White Hat Black Heart.
“This was a very intriguing, fast-paced story with many complex threads,” writes Mow1567 in their 5-star review. “I was fascinated in how it would all come together from page 1 through to the end. It’s quite obvious that Mr. Good is experienced in the subject of cyber technology. His insight into this world is technical but conveyed in a way that is relatable to the reader. I found the main character Nigel Watson to be relatable. I totally understand why Nigel feels the need to take up odd jobs to improve his family’s financial crisis; no matter how risky the task is, believe me, I’ve been in a similar predicament. I did find myself trying to get used to the various names but overly, this was a fun read! I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I learned a bit too. As the story went on, I found that the pace picked up and the stakes were getting higher and higher. Highly recommend if you’re into the cybercrime/thriller genre. Looking forward to the next book.
Ernst A. writes in his 5-star review, “I was fascinated by the flow and the story. This well written science fiction book enlightens me with technical terminologies that are well placed throughout the story to excite my curiosity with the main character. It is a sample of today’s life. Great imagination by the author that makes you wonder. Is it real? Is this happening? Well, it is worth reading. White Hat Black Heart you got me smiling. Thank you for entertaining while educating your readers.”
Love/Hate by L.C. Mawson
The Aspect Guardians protect the last cities of Earth from the creatures that were left there by their alien ancestors. Remnants of a forgotten civil war. If you like fast-paced writing, you’ll enjoy this F/F YA sci-fi superhero book from L.C. Mawson.
“I continue to be amazed at L.C. Mawson’s imagination!” raves Angie B. in her 5-star review. “I LOVED the Ember Academy series and this is another unexpected surprise. What some would consider ‘atypical’ becomes typical in this world. There is no ‘normal’. The characters are richly drawn, complex, and relatable. Our main powerful character is Claire, who is an unexpected Aspect and needs to transform into a warrior and protector. There is even a bit of humor thrown in to keep you engaged. The worldbuilding is intense and will keep you guessing. If you’re up to a challenge, this is the series for you!”
“Wow! I have been on a fantastic voyage into yet another masterful world created by L.C. Mawson,” writes Phoebe’s Randoms in her 5-star review. “I praise Mawson a lot and Mawson earns it with every book I read. I thought Mawson creating a dynamic and diverse book and series was a one-time adventure with The Ember Academy for Witches. I can see that I am wrong by reading Love/Hate. Our central character is Indian and African, autistic, and a lesbian or bisexual. The other members of the cast range from Asian to white and from lesbian to nonbinary to aromantic. Half of the characters are autistic and all are fighters for the human race. Diversity at its best.”
Piper LeVine, A Gypsy’s Truth by Eris Kelli
Piper LeVine is the daughter of wealthy Senator Harold and Katrine, or so she thought. When a stranger arrives in the night and throws her identity into question, Piper is forced to uncover secrets of her true origin. A paranormal romance young adult novel in the same genre as Stephanie Meyer and yet completely different.
A.N. Wylie writes in their 5-star review, “I have been an avid paranormal reader for years but have never read a story about ‘gypsies’. When the opportunity presented itself, given the fact that there was a love story involved I was interested to read it. There’s nothing better than a little paranormal romance. At first I wasn’t sure how a Senator’s daughter, Gypsies, Werewolves and Siths were going to blend together but as the story progressed I became completely enthralled with where the story was going!!! 17 year old Piper discovers one day that her life as she knows it has all been a lie. Whether she wants to or not she is thrown into a world where the truth (and her ‘special’ abilities) will be revealed (but what exactly is the truth?). Piper is so sassy you just have to love her… I was yelling at my Kindle ‘shut it up Piper” numerous times!!! Nicholas loves her (and you’ll love Nicholas), Toryn loves her (or does he really?) and her newly discovered biological parents are on opposite sides of the fence! What world will Piper choose? Will Piper’s new found heritage bring Nicholas and Piper together or drive them apart?? I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY loved this book! I will immediately be jumping into book 2 and pray that Author Eris Kelli turns Piper LeVine into a Trilogy!!”
“This book by Eris Kelli is wonderfully written,” writes Bryan E. in his 5-star review. “The story of Piper LeVine learning her true parentage is one that will live through the ages as she struggles with the thought that she is only a teenager with a desperate and dangerous decision on her hands that has lives in the balance. Piper is, also, a very strong young woman for one who has so much at stake between the war of her birth parents. The war between Baobhan Siths and Gypsies.”
Hidden Gems readers got to read these books first, so if you want more young adult novels to binge, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review on Amazon once they’re done.
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