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The landscape of young adult (YA) literature is currently vibrant, oscillating between lighthearted romance and darker, more complex themes. As we move into the upcoming seasons, insights from agents and editors illustrate that trends established in recent years remain prominent. There is a notable demand for escapism, often found in romantic tales set in enchanting locales or filled with suspense in fantastical realms. Authors are creatively reinterpreting beloved tropes and merging various genres, resulting in engaging narratives that broaden existing categories. Below is a glimpse of anticipated releases that encapsulate this outlook.
Love Takes a Holiday
Traditionally, summer is synonymous with romantic comedies, and this year, the appetite for light, enjoyable stories is particularly strong. Sabrina Fedel’s All Paths Lead to Paris (Delacorte Romance, June) follows a fashion influencer entangled in a fake-dating scheme, serving as a sequel to her previous work, All Roads Lead to Rome. Another enticing title is Love Craves Cardamom by Aashna Avachat (May), the latest in the Joy Revolution’s Love in Translation series, set against the backdrop of Rajasthan, India, featuring a charming romance with a royal twist.
“In these challenging times, hopeful stories are crucial,” remarks Dainese Santos, editor of Always Be My Bibi by Priyanka Taslim, arriving from Simon & Schuster in June. This story follows Bibi Hussain, a contemporary heroine who unexpectedly travels to Bangladesh while her sister prepares to wed. There, she encounters the groom’s younger brother, leading to summer adventures filled with tension and unexpected romance.
“While vacation romances are common, showcasing Bangladesh as a romantic setting is rare,” Santos elaborates. “Priyanka’s personal experiences and cultural insights flame the narrative, illuminating a locale that many readers might not be familiar with. It’s essential to share experiences of youth falling in love across the globe.”
From tea estates to lemon groves, unexpected romances bloom in YA this season. In When Love Gives You Lemons by Steven Salvatore, hitting shelves in May, aspiring food blogger Fielder Lemon seeks to rekindle his romance with Ricky during a wedding on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. “The combination of humor, vibrant Italian scenery, and heartfelt pursuits makes this narrative irresistibly enjoyable,” notes Mary Kate Castellani, Bloomsbury’s publishing director.
Similar themes arise in Ann Liang’s Never Thought I’d End Up Here (Scholastic, June), where Leah Zhang, after an embarrassing moment at her cousin’s wedding, is sent to China to connect with her heritage. Ironically, she finds herself on the same trip as her former crush, setting the stage for a transformative journey filled with growth and complex emotions.
Maya Marlette, Liang’s editor, believes summer romances serve a deeper purpose. “Stories that respect and empower girls and women resonate strongly, especially as societal dynamics evolve. The genre may flourish as escapist narratives become increasingly vital.”
From Light to Dark
While light romances lift spirits, dark academia continues to captivate readers eager for deeper explorations of our world’s complexities.
“In our fractured reality, it’s tempting to envision radical change, as showcased in Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell, where a young woman navigates hidden truths within an elite institution,” shares Roaring Brook editor Kate Meltzer.
Kristin Daly Rens, editor at Storytide, describes the lasting allure of dark academia, which intertwines familiar educational experiences with a hauntingly poetic lens, examining profound themes of ambition and the ethics of knowledge.
Rens highlights That Devil, Ambition by Linsey Miller (June), which melds trepidation and introspection, exploring the extreme measures individuals may undertake to stand out in competitive environments.
Among notable dark academia titles, The Tournament by Rebecca Barrow (June) combines survival instincts with intrigue at a boarding school, while We Are Villains by Kacen Callender (available now) spirals into the investigation of a friend’s suspicious death, pushing the stakes to new heights. Additionally, Immortal Consequences by I.V. Marie (Delacorte, July) takes readers to a purgatorial academy where students’ fates hang in balance.
Set within the real-world context of Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury (July) delves into pressing social issues, offering critical commentary on race and class amidst the backdrop of academia.
On the Take
McCabe also oversees The Art of Exile by Andrea Max (May), where a teen secretly infiltrates a school of renowned scholars to reclaim lost artistry. It embodies the lighter side of dark academia, retaining the genre’s essential elements while offering an uplifting narrative.
The trend of heist narratives, particularly those incorporating fantasy and romance, continues to flourish. Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson (Feiwel and Friends, July) follows an orphan thief who navigates a high-stakes casino heist in a dazzling 1920s-inspired world, melding magic with romance and rivalry.
Another intricate blend of heist and genre elements appears in The Beasts We Bury by D.L. Taylor (available now), featuring a protagonist steeped in royal legacy and a plan that combines romantic tension with perilous stakes, designed to engage both fantasy enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
Up Next
Editors maintain that the romantasy genre is far from declining. “It has consistently captured hearts, even predating its current popular label,” Meltzer observes, noting that vibrancy in storytelling always dictates trends.
“As a category, romantasy is poised to diversify and expand, embracing subgenres that accommodate various moods—from dark and edgy narratives to more heartwarming tales,” Geffen adds, highlighting its growing flexibility.
Wendy McClure, editor for Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls by Rowana Miller, anticipates a shift in dark academia narratives towards more fantastical and challenging institutional critiques. “Narratives are increasingly delving into darker, magical realms, revealing hidden truths of institutions and the complexities of their characters,” she explains.
On a lighter note, agents Ariele Fredman and Gwen Beal observe a trend towards cozy narratives, whether through whimsical fantasy or comforting horror. There’s a marked enthusiasm among teen readers for authentic, relatable YA literature.
At Scholastic, Marlette mentions a rise in innovative fairy tale retellings. “Perhaps we’re all seeking clarity in a world that feels more chaotic and unfamiliar than ever,” she reflects.
Moreover, Lia Ferrone from Sourcebooks suggests a burgeoning category termed #weirdgirlbook, highlighting a shift from idealized protagonists to deeply flawed yet compelling characters.
Source
www.publishersweekly.com