Halloween season really just puts me in the mood for those creepy, atmospheric books that give you all the fall vibes. Right now, that’s Harry Potter; though I wouldn’t, for the most part, classify that as creepy. Unless you’re talking about the form that Voldemort takes in the fourth book. Or, you know, the dementors.
If you’re not re-reading Harry Potter like I am to celebrate Halloween, there are still lots of great young adult books out there to celebrate this time of year! This is an eclectic combination of both fantasy and contemporary fiction that is sure to give you all the Halloween vibes while you’re waiting to hand out candy to trick or treaters.
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
The first in a trilogy, Rory Deveaux arrives in London just as a series of brutal murders are taking place, mimicking the famous murders of Jack the Ripper. But Rory has an ability most people don’t; she can talk to ghosts. When she’s selected as the next target for the killer, will she be able to solve it in time? Ghosts can be a hard to find topic in YA, so Johnson’s stands out among the rest.
This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
Victoria Schwab is known for her adult fantasy series the Shades of Magic, but she also delves into the YA realm for this creepy, dark monster story. Told from two perspectives, Kate Harker and August Flynn are on the opposite sides of the monster war that has racked their city. When August is sent in to keep an eye on Kate, they learn that they’re both not what they’ve been bread to be. Moody, dark, and filled with monsters, this book might just keep you up at night.
Broken Things by Lauren Oliver
The newest book from Lauren Oliver (which you can read my review for here!), explores female relationships in a fresh way. Mia and Brynn were the prime suspects in the death of their best friend, Summer; but neither of them actually did it. But who did? On the anniversary of her death, new evidence resurfaces that might help them solve this cold case, and cause Mia and Brynn to confront demons from their past they’ve long kept hidden.
The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke
Also a new release this October (and another one I got to review), The Boneless Mercies is a retelling of Beowulf from a female perspective; and featuring witches and all kinds of dark creatures. Boneless Mercies are girls that are hired to kill quickly and mercifully, but Frey dreams of another life. When she hears of the monster terrorizing the North, she knows that they have what it takes to face it. But what lies there is different than what they ever imagined.
Five years ago, a string of tragic accidents and murders plagued the cheerleaders in Sunnybrook. Monica’s sister is one of them. They thought the case had been solved; after all, the police shot the man who did it. But Monica starts receiving weird letters that show that there might be more to the picture. Kara Thomas writes perfectly twisty mysteries, and her latest release is no exception. The mystery in this one will keep you reading late into the night.
I loved The Boneless Mercies and The Cheerleaders. I should read Broken Things and This Savage Song
They’re both excellent books, especially for cold weather reading. 🙂