Think you may be getting too old to read Young Adult fiction? Think again! These fast-paced, romantic, and imaginative books are meant for everyone to enjoy. It’s no wonder YA is one of today’s hottest genres. These six YA fantasy romance books are the cream of the crop this spring for their originality and page-turning suspense. Escape into beautiful, scary, and mesmerizing fantasy worlds while falling in love with youthful romance all over again.

Through the White Wood by Jessica Leake

[image error]Katya has the power to freeze whatever she touches, and her gift becomes dangerous to people around her. Just when she thinks the prince of the land is going to punish her, he offers her support. If their powers are united, they may be able to face the elemental magic army that threatens their kingdom.

A timeless story of believing in yourself as Katya takes the journey from outcast to hero, this is sure to resonate with many readers.

Why it’s a Must-Read: If you have ever dreamed of a YA version of Disney’s Frozen, this book is for you.
Finale (Caraval #3)

[image error]Twists and turns abound in the treacherous world of Caraval, created by a mysterious man known only as Legend. Scarlett and Donatella are two sisters embroiled in a magical game that tests their resolve, breaks their hearts, and pushes the limits of their sanity. Can Scarlett and Tella find their happy-ever-afters when the two men in their lives are players and maybe even masterminds in the ruthless game of Caraval? If you are not familiar with the Caraval series, it’s a good idea to start with Book 1 for an introduction to its opulent and glamorous world.

Why it’s a Must-Read: The alluring world of Caraval with its enchanted dresses, secret passages, and deadly potions is unlike anything else you’ve experienced before.
Bloodleaf (Bloodleaf #1) by Crystal Smith

[image error]Aurelia is a princess who flees to another kingdom disguised as a commoner.

With some inspiration drawn from historical sources and some from fairy tale, Bloodleaf beckons the reader into land where innocent women are executed on suspicion of witchcraft, and danger threatens the princess at every turn—that is, when she’s not swooning over a man she is forbidden to marry.

Why it’s a Must-Read: It has just the right balance of page-turning action and romance.
Once & Future (Once & Future #1) by Amy Rose Capetta, Cori McCarthy

[image error]The tale of King Arthur and Merlin has never been told quite like this before. What if Ari (Arthur) were a girl fleeing a ruthless corporation and stumbling upon the magical sword Excalibur? What if Merlin the wizard was a surly teenager?

This book not only breathes new life into the legend with a sci-fi twist but also introduces racially diverse and gender-variant characters.

Why it’s a Must-Read: The legend of King Arthur is about to get an LGBTQ spin.
Wicked Saints (Something Dark and Holy #1) by Emily A. Duncan

In a dark and dangerous world where the gods are very real, a girl who has the power to speak with all the deities must go on a quest to restore people’s faith after her monastery is destroyed. Throw in a blood mage and a tortured prince for an extraordinary tale of forbidden love.

Why it’s a Must-Read: Complex characters fighting to survive in a cruel, gothic world? Yes, please!
Sky Without Stars (System Divine #1) by Jessica Brody, Joanne Rendell

The guardian of an underground library, a street-wise thief, and an officer in an oppressive regime are about to find their destinies intertwined in this imaginative take on Les Misérables. Set on a cloud-shrouded planet where the wicked elite triumph over the destitute masses, Sky Without Stars is a gritty, violent story of love and rebellion.

Why it’s a Must-Read: Who can resist a good old fashioned tale of revolution in a cool new setting?