Fantasy readers, prepare to be delighted, because September's must-read YA books [1] are full of highly anticipated sequels and new worlds for you to lose yourself in. It's not all fantasy, though; this month also brings a new title from All the Bright Places author Jennifer Niven [2], the timely story of a young man in a juvenile detention centre, and an engrossing read about a rising football star. Whether you're in the mood for a heart-stopping adventure or an emotional coming-of-age novel, the best YA books of September [3] have you covered. Go ahead and clear your TBR, because you're going to want to add each one of these incredible stories to your personal must-read list.
As the Shadow Rises by Katy Rose Pool
As the Shadow Rises [4] solidifies Katy Rose Pool's status as one of the best fantasy writers of the 21st century. The follow-up to There Will Come a Darkness does everything that a fantasy sequel should do: it raises the stakes, deepens the relationships, and continues to provide twists as the kingdoms come under the thrall of a doomsday cult that could bring about the end times.
Out Sept. 1
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Aiden Thomas's Cemetery Boys [5] is the inclusive supernatural romance the world needs right now. When Yadriel's traditional Latinx family struggles to accept that he's transgender, he decides to prove himself by summoning a ghost. Unfortunately, the ghost he summons is the handsome bad boy from his school, who has no interest in returning to the land of the dead.
Out Sept. 1
Majesty by Katharine McGee
Katherine McGee's American Royals [6] series returns with Majesty, another addictive look inside an alternate reality where America has its very own royal family. As a new reign begins and America adjusts to having its first queen, Beatrice and Samantha embrace their new roles as royal relationships and alliances are formed.
Out Sept. 1
The Art of Saving the World by Corinne Duyvis
Even if sci-fi isn't your favourite genre, The Art of Saving the World [7] by Corinne Duyvis will win you over with its intricate plot and relatable heroine. An interdimensional rift opened on Hazel's lawn the day she was born, and as a result, she is confined to her small town for the sake of the world. But on her 16th birthday, her world opens up in new and exciting ways when three of her doppelgängers emerge from the rift and prompt her to venture beyond her small town for the first time.
Out Sept. 15
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
Set in Argentina, Furia [8] by Yamile Saied Méndez is an engrossing #OwnVoices novel that follows rising football star Camila Hassan as she fights for her right to play the sport she loves. At home, Camila is a dutiful daughter who tries to avoid her father's wrath, but on the football field, she's La Furia, one of the most gifted players on her team. Unfortunately, her parents don't know that she's secretly playing football, and if she wants to pursue her dreams, she'll have to stop living a double life.
Out Sept. 15
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Tracy Deonn's Legendborn [9] is full of magic, world-saving, and just the right amount of romance. When 16-year-old Bree discovers a secret society of "Legendborn" students who hunt down dangerous creatures, she finds herself one step closer to unlocking buried memories about the night her mother died. Soon, Bree hatches a plan to join the group in hopes of finding answers about her past, but what she may find instead is her destiny.
Out Sept. 15
The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi
Return to the enthralling world of Roshani Chokshi's The Gilded Wolves series as Séverin and his team travel to 19th century Russia in The Silvered Serpents [10]. Despite their victory over the Fallen House, the team isn't feeling very celebratory as they search for a dangerous artifact in the snowy and lavish court of Russia.
Out Sept. 22
Vampires Never Get Old edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker
In August, the Twilight [11] fandom rediscovered the joy of vampires, and the bloodsucking fun continues this month with Vampires Never Get Old [12], a collection of short stories edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker. The diverse selection of tales infuses new life into the genre as vampires lead double lives online, come out, and defy expectations at every turn.
Out Sept. 22
Breathless by Jennifer Niven
Jennifer Niven is having quite the year: first All the Bright Places was given the Netflix movie treatment, and now the bestselling author's Breathless [13] is hitting shelves at the end of September. Her new book is a coming-of-age story that will make your heart ache. At 16, Claude wants to become an author, head to college, and have sex for the first time, but when her parents split up, she's forced to reexamine her plans.
Out Sept. 29
Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
Told through letters, vignettes, and flashbacks, Dear Justyce [14] by Nic Stone offers a searing look inside America's juvenile justice system. Vernell LaQuan Banks and Justyce McAllister grew up together, but now Justyce is a Yale student, while Quan is in a juvenile detention centre. Through letters, Quan's story — which includes inequality and systemic racism — unfolds.
Out Sept. 29
Skyhunter by Marie Lu
Bestselling author Marie Lu returns with another fast-paced YA read, Skyhunter [15]. Talin is a Striker, a member of an elite group of fighters defending the last free nation of the world. This harrowing story of a world ravaged by war is at once a riveting dystopian novel and a timely story of fighting for what's right.
Out Sept. 29