The 10 Best Paranormal Romance Books for Young Adults
Book RaiderDo you ever just want to kick reality to the curb and dive head first into a world where the wildest things can happen? A world where you might just fall in love with a ghost, a vampire, or even a werewolf? Well, that's the beauty of young adult paranormal romance books.
These books are great because they take your average hormonal teenager and throw them into ludicrous, heart-thumping situations. Talk about a plot twist! If real life dating with spots, braces and high school drama seems daunting, imagine adding fangs or spectral transparency into the mix. High school was never this thrilling – or hilarious. So, buckle up my friend, let's take a look at the best paranormal romance books for young adults.
From Rags
by Suzanne Wright
Why From Rags is on this list: From Rags sticks out in the pack of paranormal romance novels with its unique blend of strangely lovable characters thrown into a supernatural world. It’s the perfect pick for young adults who fancy romance tossed with a bunch of unreal, eerie things.
From Rags tells the story of a courageous girl, Lexi, who’s had a tough start at life. Things take a wild turn when she discovers she’s not entirely human and belongs to a dimension filled with paranormal creatures. Add in romance with a door-busting alpha werewolf into the mix, and you've got yourself one heck of a tale. Despite the odds, Lexi continues to forge her own path with an unwavering spirit and a hint of sarcasm.
What readers like: Readers love Lexi’s resilience and her unbreakable spirit, which gives the narrative its heart. But it's not all intensity and drama - the book's punctuated by delightful moments of humor and warmth. The romance between Lexi and her werewolf counterpart is anything but conventional and that's exactly why readers keep coming back for more. They also appreciate the cleverly crafted paranormal universe, which paints a vivid, imaginative scene that's hard to shake off. It’s a bit like being part of a brilliant dream– but one where you also fall head over heels in love.
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City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare
Why City of Bones is on this list: If you like a blend of otherworldly adventure, sizzling romance, and teen angst, then City of Bones surely fits your taste. It shuffles in the realm of paranormal yet feels familiar enough for young adults to relate.
The book follows the story of 15-year-old Clary Fray, who discovers a world beyond her mundane existence when she stumbles upon a secret group of half-angel warriors, known as the Shadowhunters. When her mother goes missing, she sets out on a journey filled with vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings, all the while falling for the brooding and handsome Jace Wayland. Dark secrets simmer in the background, making City of Bones a riveting read rivaled only by its hefty dollop of paranormal romance.
What readers like: Readers have voiced appreciation for the book's intricate plot, Clare's artful storytelling, and depth of characters. They are especially fond of the witty banter and, of course, the budding romance between Clary and Jace. It's a real page turner and will leave you hanker for the next book in the series. However, if you're not a fan of cliffhangers and heart racing suspense, you might want to keep a pillow close for some therapeutic squeezing.
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Obsidian
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Why Obsidian is on this list: With hot aliens, high school drama, and a fair share of mystery, 'Obsidian' beautifully blends paranormal with romance in a way that will keep young adults glued till the last page.
'Obsidian' tells the story of Katy Swartz, a book blogger who moves to West Virginia and finds her life completely shaken up by her infuriatingly arrogant yet undeniably attractive alien neighbor, Daemon Black. Their connection is inescapable, their chemistry is undeniable. But Daemon being an alien brings a whole lot of trouble into Katy's once peaceful life.
What readers like: Readers rave about the thrilling plotline, the electrifying chemistry between Katy and Daemon, and the refreshing blend of alien lore within everyday high school life. Jennifer L. Armentrout's realistic writing will have you questioning if your own cute neighbor is perhaps not from around here after all.
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The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening
by L.J. Smith
Why The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening is on this list: This book is a perfect potion of paranormal romance and young adult drama. L.J. Smith's 'The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening' perfectly mingles the eerie world of supernatural beings with the breathless complexities of first love, making it an ideal fit for our list.
The book spins a tale around Elena Gilbert, a high school beauty queen drawn towards the mysterious new student, Stefan Salvatore. But there is a twist in this teenage romance, Stefan isn't just a regular guy, he's a vampire. The story is a thrilling ride of love, secrets and the discovery of Stefan's dark and dangerous past.
What readers like: Readers have particularly appreciated Smith's ability to weave an engrossing narrative that is equal parts intriguing and romantic. They enjoy the thrill that the supernatural element brings to this teenage love story. The well fleshed-out characters and their relatable struggles, ensnared in a world of fantasy, have held the readers captive, making this book a favourite among young adults.
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Die for Me
by Amy Plum
Why Die for Me is on this list: This book is an amazing blend of love, darkness, and the supernatural, making it perfect for young adult readers who enjoy paranormal romances. Plus, who wouldn't enjoy a bit of ghostly love?
Die for Me is set in the romantic city of Paris, where our protagonist, Kate Mercier, moves to after her parents pass away. Trying to escape her sadness, Kate attempts to find solace in books and art until, Yosh, she meets the mysterious and Uber-charming Vincent. There's just one tiny issue - Vincent is kind of, sort of, well... immortal. And thus begins one of the most epic romantic and paranormal tales in YA literature.
What readers like: Readers absolutely adore the thrilling blend of fantasy, romance, and the right touch of spookiness. The delicious suspense, the beautifully illustrated Parisian setting, and of course, the swoon-worthy romance between Kate and Vincent have been major crowd pullers. Fans also love Amy Plum's writing style, noting her ability to bring characters and their emotions to life in a relatable way. And the paranormal aspect? Well, that's just the cherry on top of a very haunted, tasty cake.
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Vampire Academy
by Richelle Mead
Why Vampire Academy is on this list: Let's face it: not all vampires need to be a headache-inducing creatures of nightmares, right? This book is the perfect addition to any paranormal romance junkie's bookshelf; it features just the right mix of the uncanny and swoon-worthy love story.
Vampire Academy tells the riveting story of Lissa, a Moroi princess - a mortal vampire with a rare gift of harnessing the earth's magic, and her guardian-in-training best friend, Rose. In a world where they are constantly threatened by the Strigoi - immortal, evil vampires - they must navigate through the dangerous and often political landscape of St. Vladimir's Academy. Yes, it’s full of fangs but also filled with friendship, courage and a dollop of flirtation.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the well-developed characters, the intriguing fantasy elements, and the intense drama. It's more than just a girl-meets-vampire love fest; it's also about the love that binds friends together - no matter how strange or supernatural the circumstances they find themselves in. Also, it has one heck of a plot twist!
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The Selection
by Kiera Cass
Why The Selection is on this list: The Selection marries the excitement and thrill of a paranormal romance with a uniquely young adult twist. It's got it all: forbidden love, a strong heroine, and a dose of the supernatural to keep you on your toes.
The Selection is sort of like The Bachelor, but in a dystopian future where the prize isn't just a hunky bachelor, it's a crown. America Singer is a fiery teenager who gets selected to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon and a shot at the crown. But as she learns about the inner workings of the palace, America starts to question everything she used to assume about her world.
What readers like: Readers have fallen head over heels for The Selection due to its compelling protagonist, the gutsy America Singer. Between the juicy drama caused by the competition, the intriguing dystopian world, and the pulsing undercurrent of romance, you’ll find it hard to put this one down.
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Marked
by P. C. Cast
Why Marked is on this list: In 'Marked', P. C. Cast masterfully combines paranormal elements with romance and a classic high school setting for an unforgettable young adult experience.
This compelling novel is the first in the House of Night series. It follows 16-year-old Zoey Redbird as she navigates her way through a boarding school for vampires. Yep, you read that correctly - vampires. Zoey's seismic shift from regular teenager into a fledgling vampire, all while wrestling with normal teen problems and the not-so-normal problem of controlling her new powers, forms the bulk of the exciting narrative.
What readers like: Readers have enjoyed how Cast turns the trope of vampires on its head, spinning it into engaging story-telling with unique twists. They especially love Zoey's character development, the fresh take on vampire mythology, and of course, the engrossing yet nuanced romance. It's safe to say, once you've been 'Marked', putting the book down is just not an option.
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Hush, Hush
by Becca Fitzpatrick
Why Hush, Hush is on this list: Hush, Hush nestles perfectly into our list because it is a clever blending of suspenseful paranormal activity and intense young romance. Prepare for your heart to wobble and your spine to tingle as you dive head-first into the thrilling world of fallen angels loving unassumingly mortal teens.
This is the story of Nora Grey, your average high school girl, who suddenly finds herself in the crosshairs of a mysterious - and disturbingly attractive - stranger. His name's Patch, he's a fallen angel, and he's got an interest in Nora. As our heroine gets ensnared in Patch's cryptic world, she has to grapple with unsettling realizations about her own past and figure out who to trust. It's a wild, swoon-worthy ride full of secrets, danger, and supernatural lore.
What readers like: Folks adore Hush, Hush for its heady mix of paranormal intrigue and sizzling romance. Patch's brooding allure and Nora's relatable journey of self-discovery deliver a one-two punch of teen angst and supernatural drama. The juicy twists and turns are the cherry on top, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, laughing nervously, and rapidly turning pages like possessed book fiends. Its engaging plotline coupled with Fitzpatrick's vivid writing makes it impossible to put down, unless you need to fanning yourself from all the heavy breathing scenes. Good fun, indeed.
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Fallen
by Lauren Kate
Why Fallen is on this list: If you're into forbidden love stories stirred up with some supernatural elements, this one will be right up your alley. Good old fashion paranormal romance featuring angels. Especially suitable for young adults who are head over heels for tales full of suspense and mystery.
Fallen is about a seventeen-year-old girl named Lucinda Price who is sent to a reformatory school, Sword and Cross, after being blamed for a mysterious fire. There, she finds herself strangely drawn to a boy named Daniel. Despite his efforts to stay away from her, Lucinda can't shake off the feeling that they have met before. As secrets about their past lives are revealed, Lucinda's world is turned upside down. Paranormal aspects come crashing into a deeply romantic story line, creating a captivating mixture of mystery, danger and attraction.
What readers like: Readers are captivated by Lauren Kate's hauntingly beautiful writing. They love the twists and the turns, the beautifully crafted characters and the slow-burning romance that keeps you flipping pages. The concept of eternal love against all odds gives the story a powerful punch. Whilst the plot keeps every reader on their toes, the series leaves plenty of room for guessing and theories, which many young adults find irresistible.
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