Young World

by Soman Chainani

From the New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series comes a renegade thriller, about a teenager elected President of the United States, sparking a global revolution of young leaders—until one of them is murdered and he’s the prime suspect.

America is on the brink of collapse, and the youth have lost all faith in their leaders. As a pivotal election approaches, Benton Young, a high school senior trying to impress a girl, impulsively uploads a video, daring everyone to interfere with the vote and write him in for President. The video explodes online, igniting election chaos and a national revolt, until the Supreme Court intervenes to put Benton in the White House. Galvanized by Benton’s rise, more global youth take to the streets, and more governments fall, until eight of the world's most powerful nations are led by teenagers.

When these young leaders convene at their first summit in Sweden, they face the monumental task of setting a new course for history. But the first night, their unity is shattered when a leader is murdered in cold blood . . . and Benton is the only suspect. Hunted by enemies young and old, he must untangle a deadly web of secrets, betrayal, and power plays—while the future of the world hangs in the balance.

With globe-spanning action, stunning twists, and an electric new brand of storytelling, Young World is a heart-stopping thriller that What happens when the future really does belong to the young?

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Politics, Young Adult Contemporary

Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2026

About the author

Soman Chainani’s debut series, THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD & EVIL, has sold over 4.5 million copies, been translated into 35 languages across six continents, and has been adapted into a major motion picture from Netflix that debuted at #1 in over 80 countries.

His book of retold fairytales, BEASTS & BEAUTY, also debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List and is slated to be a limited television series from Sony 3000.

EverNever World, his decade-long franchise of fairy tales and fantasy, continues to expand. Together, these books have been on the New York Times Bestseller List for 50 weeks.

In 2026, Soman unveils a brand new universe with YOUNG WORLD, a global political thriller.

In his career, Soman has visited more than 800 schools around the world, where he continues to share his secret with students of all ages: that reading is the path to a better life.

Reviews

[Mai H.]

ANHPI TBR

Pride TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers

[maya venice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up on a whim while looking for something immersive that will make me just sit and READ, and... this did the job.

At least in the beginning. I binged a decent portion in a sitting, until things started to slow down a bit. Later it did pick back up, though.

This was very different from the books I normally read, and maybe that's why it HIT. I think this is considered a YA Thriller— I don't read thrillers often, but I liked this one! It just felt like an exciting mystery, with some crazy WTF is happening right now parts (like the 🐻‍❄ iykwim). Is this what thrillers are like? I always thought they were more hardcore and unsettling, which is why I stayed away, but maybe that's the adult thrillers.

Why did it take me so long to realize it was an upside down building on the cover and not a creepy, dripping vacuum cleaner?

A tad too many suggestive jokes/inappropriate humor in this book.

Overall, an interesting story! It's a LOT 😂 And I enjoyed it for the most part. It was fun to read something so different. Definitely well written and well done. Some parts were really entertaining and bingeable. Some parts/ideas I wasn't a fan of. Also, I did guess who was on the BRICS side~

Cool to see something totally different from the author of one of my favorite childhood series 🏰📖✨️

*I received an ARC of this book, thank you to the author and publisher!*

[littlefox]

i just got the ARC!! i grew up on soman’s writing, i’m so so freaking excited

[rachel x]

"A renegade thriller about a teenager elected President of the United States, sparking a global revolution of young leaders—until one of them is murdered and he’s the prime suspect."

i can't decide if this sounds ridculous or fantasic

[Elizabeth Sagan]

I can't wait for this!

[ellie pasquale]

girl that was crazy

[Elle Dunne]

This book is INSANEEEEEE you guys aren't ready

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read! High school student Benton Young makes a very public declaration in order to get a girl’s attention and it thrusts him onto the presidential ballot. In a surprising turn that no one saw coming, he wins and America is turned on its head. The win sparks a revolution around the world with more teens and young adults gaining positions of power in their countries. All want to gain control of an arctic island known as Dragontail where an unknown treasure trove of natural resources has yet to be tapped. This is a YA political thriller. Unlikely? Yes, but also captivating! The artwork sprinkled throughout the book adds to the intrigue. It’s incredibly well done. High school teachers and librarians—hand this one to your reluctant boys. Thank you Random House for the opportunity to read this advance copy!

[Chelsea]

Review to come on April 21st

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh super excited to dive into a new Soman Chainani world!

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Disclaimer I have received a free copy of this book and it will not affect my thoughts or feelings towards it.*

As a massive fan of everything Soman Chainani I was shocked to hear that he was entering to the YA genre and diving deep into politics which was a strong genre shift from his MG fantasy books. I was nervous about how the story would land and how he would tackle the concept of the young leading the world and flipping it on his head. Unfortunately after reading the novel I come away conflicted on how to feel overall. At some moments of the novel it feels like a great mystery and all the pieces are coming into place and then we hit another turn, then another turn...and then another turn leading this mystery to go from interesting to just plot convenience.

I would say my two biggest problem with the novel is the dialogue and structure of the plot. The dialogue in this book is all over the board as it tackles the idea of using Gen Z terms and phrases to make it seem modern and cool with the trends, which sometimes lands swimmily and other times sound like robotic teenagers saying buzz words or dirty jokes because they can for no particular reason. I feel like this novel was a way for Soman to let at all types of jokes he has wanted to include in the past but couldn't due to the age range out and so they sometimes land and other times feel forced in there. The other problem is the structure of the novel because part one is far too long and takes way too much time to establish problems and part 3 feels like a rushed conclusion with the main problem continues to escalate larger and larger and then conveniently resolved.

Part 3 felt very out of character compared to parts 1 and 2 because those parts did a great job of grounding us in this reality and part 3 comes along and everything happens to cause dramatic sequences or crazy turns for no particular reason. However when the book is strong it shines beautifully, and part 2 is the perfect example of this. Part 2 traps you into this political mystery where we the reader feel trapped in this impossible mission where everyone's loyalty is tested and the humor felt natural and the stakes felt high and every twist and turn felt telling. Part 2 felt like a great redemption for a snail-paced part 1 and create the best parts of the book for me. However part 3 came in and destroyed most of the best parts from part 2.

Overall this novel was not my cup of tea due to amount of tone shifts and sometimes unbearable dialogue however, I still applause Soman for taking the creative risk to try something new and step out of his comfort zone and for the moments where the story lands it exceeds but unfortunately when it falls short is does painfully.

In conclusion a 3/5 stars and would still recommend to anyone in the mood for a wacky political mystery.

[Elisha Jachetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

YOUNG WORLD by Soman Chainani is a YA political thriller in which Benton Young, a 17-year-old kid, accidentally becomes president of the United States. To impress his activist crush, he posts a video on social media, which goes viral and sets off a revolution amongst the youth, not just in the United States, but around the world. This lands Benton in the White House, with all the enemies that come with it, and instead of the newly elected young leaders coming together, they fall into the same power plays as the generations before them. When the fate of the world hinges on their collective decision, Benton must become the leader the world needs, or it will all go up in smoke. Literally.

This book is incredibly creative. Between chapters are multiple mixed media newspaper clippings, maps, intel reports, art, and more. It’s all so thoughtful, which makes it feel extremely timely and innovative. In addition to that, the overall branding of the book cover, the color, the font, the imagery, the author's headshot, and the quotes are absolutely brilliant. Add to that a first chapter that will punch you in the face, and I’ve rarely, if ever, had such a good first impression of a book.

What works really well in the story is the relationship Benton has with his friends, both old and new. I absolutely adore Jax and Freddy, the banter, their smarts, and the way they support their friend without question. I also enjoy Charlie, the unconventional security guard, who always has Benton’s back, and Soo, his one ally in the government. Within the 474 pages of plot, a lot happens, and what would have really made it a rollercoaster ride would be if the pacing consistently picked up speed. Instead, it slows often before gaining momentum again.

Still, YOUNG WORLD is a unique commentary on the times, and how difficult it can be to not only do the right thing, but to get others to join you in it. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of intrigue and mystery.

Review originally published on YA Books Central: https://yabookscentral.com/young-world/

[Matt W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young World is one of those YA books that sounds wildly implausible on paper and then somehow becomes impossible to put down once you’re in it. Benton Young is just a high school kid trying to impress a girl with a big, public gesture, and that single moment snowballs into the most unexpected outcome: he ends up on the presidential ballot, wins, and suddenly the entire world is reeling.

From there, the story shifts into a fast paced political thriller with a dystopian edge. Chainani clearly knows how to keep momentum high, and the escalation feels intentional even when it’s ridiculous in the best way. The global ripple effect is especially fun, with teens and young adults gaining power across different countries and pushing competing agendas. The tension eventually narrows toward Dragontail, an Arctic island rumored to hold massive untapped resources, and that conflict gives the book a sharp, modern urgency.

One of my favorite touches is the artwork scattered throughout. It is not just decorative. It adds texture, delivers information in unexpected ways, and helps the world feel bigger than Benton’s viewpoint. It’s a genuinely cool storytelling tool that I wish more books would use.

This is a departure from Chainani’s more fairytale flavored work, but it mostly lands. The cast is strong, the narrator is compelling, and the tone feels like a YA political satire that occasionally brushes up against the same anxious energy as Don’t Look Up.

Why not a full five stars? A few turns rely on you fully buying the premise and going along for the ride, and if you stop to nitpick realism, you will have a bad time. But if you want a clever, addictive, slightly unhinged dystopian political thriller, this delivers.

Also, teachers and librarians: this feels like a great “hand it to a reluctant reader” pick, especially for teens who want something high concept, current, and fast.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Content warnings provided by reviewers on Storygraph:

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Drug use
The way things are going in the United States these days, stepping into a YA thriller about a teenage president sparking a worldwide youth uprising really resonates. The story focuses on power, betrayal, and the consequences of youthful idealism. The systemic and generational questions posed with Young World are some of the things I’ve been exploring in my recent reads.

With that said, I did have some issues with the book. I suppose to appeal to the actual teens that this book is targeted to, the book is sort of a high-octane spectacle, as opposed to a more nuanced and measured read. Young World is definitely an adrenaline-filled diversion that focuses a lot on politics and empowering youth. That’s a long way of saying that some parts were not my jam, but I can definitely see the appeal to the teen audience.

I do have to say the premise of the book is pretty good, but it never explains the basic fact that the Constitution says you have to be at least 35 years old to be President. And this book has some great artwork sprinkled between chapters, so it’s a blend of graphic novel/fiction book. I think this book would definitely appeal to teens, but especially the boys.

Unique and interesting, I’d give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Znowaira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for sending me this eARC. I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, the ending was enjoyable. It contained an exciting climax and a peaceful ending, although I was not thrilled about a certain character death. It's great that Benton finally found his groove as young president of the U.S. since he was greatly struggling throughout the story.

On the other hand, "Young World" was really brought down by the sheer volume of crude jokes and weird romance. Obviously, Benton is a teenage boy and the book goes to show that despite landing himself in The White House, he's still, understandably, an immature teen. Yet, the story would have been much better if I didn't have to keep reading about 'the girl' and how his world revolves around her, along with the frequent indecent references. This novel has a unique concept, which makes it stand out amongst other YA books, so it's a shame that this was tarnishing my experience.

My other quip would be that based on the blurb, I thought this would be a murder mystery with a side of politics. Instead, it was a lot of politics/real world matters with a murder mystery subplot. That wasn't an issue for me, but it may confuse some people who are looking for the former rather than the latter.

[Anna Lupa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was younger, the School for Good and Evil was my favorite book of all time. Even today, it's a comfort read for me. When I heard that Soman Chainani was releasing a new YA novel, I was absolutely exhilarated.
To start off with the book's style, I couldn't decide whether I liked the book's "nuke-orange" theme. The pages were outlined in bright orange, the illustrations were in black and white with orange accents, and even the chapter headings were bold and in your face. The illustrations were a nice touch, but combined with the subject material I could never tell what genre the book was supposed to be— is it a middle grade novel with an artsy style, or an adult political thriller, or a messed-up version of a YA romance? At times, I felt like the book was also unsure.
Speaking of the YA romance, I was OUTRAGED by the twist of who "the girl" was. I literally had to put the book down and take a few deep breaths because I was so flabbergasted by Benton's stupidity. Honestly, though, I enjoyed the twists, even that one. The plot was engaging and unpredictable. It felt like a complete turnaround from past Soman Chainani books, but in a good way. 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Lauren Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This book was TOO MUCH (usually in the best, and very teen, way). I have been listening to Plot Twist - Soman Chianani's podcast with Victoria Aveyard - for the past few months, which spiked my interest in this book. I knew from listening that this book would get people talking and it delivered with a wild ride. Although it took me a little while to get into part one, I thought the format and style really worked for this story. Hearing from Benton diary-style was effective, and as the story progressed this ratcheted up the tension (as did the pace increasing through the parts 3 and 4). I would recommend reading a physical copy if you are interested in this book! I was thrilled to get an ARC from NetGalley and I'm so grateful I got the chance to read it. However, I think with all of the art and extras, I would have had a more enjoyable reading experience with a physical book. There was one storyline/relationship that I found pretty - for lack of a better word - icky. I'm glad it was resolved, but I could have done with out it all together. Overall this was a fun ride, a timely story, and full of young hope.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soman Chainani has always written about good versus evil, but this time he has brought his creative brilliance out of the fantasy world and into the contemporary one - and I am here for it. The way in which he laid this fast-paced thriller out was mind-blowing. The propaganda, clippings, transcripts, and other artifacts that are placed between the chapters - each with hints and details of what is to come - were so fun to go through and analyze. The characters are relatable - even in some crazy situations - and their voices and convictions are something that I wish more of us had in today's world.

Benton Young & his besties - Jax & Freddy - are typical teenage boys who can entertain you and frustrate you all at the same time. And yet, each of them has these redeeming qualities that you can't help but root for them in their quest to save the world.

This is definitely a title that I will be purchasing for my library. I think high school students will be able to relate the characters and will enjoy the fast pace of the book - even with it being 472 pages.

[Bethea Scovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is written in the form of the personal journal of a 17 year old boy named Benton. It starts with him writing the journal as part of a history assignment and then builds from there. There are also visuals throughout depicting news headlines and political advertisements. The genre is political thriller, meant for high school and young adult readers.

I enjoyed the story line and the character development. The descriptions of setting made it easy to visualize what was happening and helped add to the overall tension. I was vested in the story early on, but felt that it dragged on a bit at times. Hopefully the length doesn’t dissuade young readers as the writing is good and the messages portrayed are valuable.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for honest feedback. -4 stars

[Alex (tessa’s version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a rollercoaster from start to finish! Initially, I was very nervous about how I would feel about Chainani’s departure from fairytale-esque fantasy to a more dystopian narrative but I believe he pulled it off extremely well, incorporating a great cast of characters and a compelling narrator into the plot. The use of art within this book is also something of note, which added an interesting and unconventional way to incorporate details into the story that went beyond the main character’s perspective. Overall, this book surpassed what I expected and is perfect for fans of young adult dystopian and even the movie Don’t Look Up.

[Jen Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA Action
Start to finish this action packed thriller is one unexpected turn after another!

Inspired by his AP Gov. teacher, Benton makes a social media post that starts a teen movement for change across the world and suddenly the youth are leading the world. As president, Benton meets with other leaders but for all the change, there is still greed and conspiracy. It’s the start of a wild ride…attempted murder, international espionage, kidnapping…that will keep you guessing as to what’s next and by who!

Could not put this down. Excellent character development and an original story that just wouldn’t stop!

[Madison · Rating 1 out of 5]

TLDR: literally did not finishing reading because this was so awful

Really tried to push through this but it was not worth it. I was immediately not loving the premise being that a 17-year old was elected because he wanted attention from a girl he like who rejected him (big inc*l vibes) and it only went downhill. I couldn’t tell if the author had never been or spoken to a teenager or is really a teenager cosplaying as an adult writing a teenager. The dialogue was so cringey. The two best friends are absolute caricatures. One is gay and the other plays video games. That’s it. Neither one can say more than one sentence without referencing their assigned trait. What really made me stop reading was the romanticization of p*dophilia. Hard no from me and I don’t know how something like this gets published.

[Emmalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING! I received the book at Yallfest (which btw is the greatest book festival of all time) and was finally able to sit down and read it this week. It gives you hope for the future that things can change, an intriguing murder mystery, and the most lovable characters! Without spoilers I just want to say that Jax is my favorite and no one can change my mind. 10 out of 10 highly recommend this book. Once it got started, I could not stop reading and had to take extra breaks at work so I could keep reading it. I am not the best with words or with writing, but I recommend that everyone read this book!

[Jenifer Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young World is a highly engaging book that weaves in information about government that readers will not notice that they are learning. The way the story is told in the beginning is very interesting and will pull readers in while the graphics in between chapters keep the story moving while also imparting knowledge. The story does contain strong language, but it is on par with how high school students talk. There is no spice to the book, but the main character is infatuated with his AP Government teacher and there is a kissing scene. I would recommend for 10th grade and up depending on your community.

[The Noire Anthology · Rating 4 out of 5]

A teenager’s viral joke about sabotaging a presidential election spirals into chaos, resulting in a youth led government. When a teen leader is murdered at an international summit, the accidental president becomes the prime suspect.

The novel blends satire, thriller elements, and coming of age themes to question power and accountability. It is skeptical of both adult leadership and youthful idealism, showing how quickly new systems repeat old patterns. The murder mystery sharpens the book’s central question of whether generational change can truly break the cycle.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young World
Pros: This is a fast paced, grabs you from the very start book. It is funny, snarky, suspenseful and a bit heart-breaking. It also teaches government, economics and social studies in a sneaky, easy to understand way.
Cons: There is so much foul language that our high school library cannot purchase it. Yes, it's realistic, but no, we cannot have it on our shelves in the small-town, conservative South. It's a pity, because I really think older teens will love this book.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Donna]

I'm not the targeted audience.

The plot is a teenager's wet dream.

I could have stayed with the plot knowing there's an audience for boy- saves-world with his bro best friends. My full-stop came when the relationship with his teacher was revealed, and she became Secretary of Education. Yes, I know the story is more along the lines of comic book/action hero lite, but that teacher-student dynamic triggered the ick factor for me.

That said, the idea of allowing young people become leaders of the world they'll inherit is an appealing one.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because once I started reading it, I couldn’t stop, especially because I can easily relate to the subject. The author captures the frustration many young people feel toward traditional leadership and environmental and social crises, while asking questions about responsibility, and idealism. The characters feel authentic, especially as they struggle with loyalty, identity, and the pressures of sudden authority. I highly recommend this book, you will enjoy it guaranteed.

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute masterpiece, blending compelling characters with a storyline that keeps you hooked from the very first page. The writing is vivid and emotionally powerful, making every scene feel alive and unforgettable. By the time you reach the final chapter, you’ll wish you could experience it all over again for the first time.

[Caroline Starrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal writing, and storyline, the art scattered through is surprising and really puts you in the world. So amazing for teenagers who feel politically helpless, or adults like my dad who just want a GREAT read.