Not Cliche YA (52 books)

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YA fiction that is distinguishable from the rest of the pack; whether it is through a strong leading character, a compelling/powerful plotline, a surprising ending, or a non-clichéd storyline - whatever makes the novel captivating. Books can be considered not cliched based on the time they were published.

Note: Obviously this is based on opinion; why should/shouldn't these books be included on this list?

*Please only add and vote for the first book in a series; votes based on the whole series overall

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All Votes Add Books To This List

1	Valhalla (Valhalla, #1) by Ari Bach (Goodreads Author) 4.09 avg rating — 811 ratings score: 799, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	Eona: The Last Dragoneye (Eon, #2) by Alison Goodman (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 40,877 ratings score: 400, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	Sabriel (Abhorsen, #1) by Garth Nix (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 222,131 ratings score: 292, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 571,948 ratings score: 281, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore 4.06 avg rating — 484,828 ratings score: 255, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Paradox Love by Dorothy Gravelle (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 76 ratings score: 200, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Fairytales for Wilde Girls by Allyse Near (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 1,199 ratings score: 199, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Captivate (Submerged Sun, #1) by Vanessa Garden (Goodreads Author) 3.80 avg rating — 1,883 ratings score: 199, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	Steelheart (Reckoners, #1) by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 200,551 ratings score: 198, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	The Rithmatist (Rithmatist, #1) by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 76,893 ratings score: 196, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	Fire (Graceling Realm, #2) by Kristin Cashore 4.09 avg rating — 195,893 ratings score: 195, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (Goodreads Author) 3.83 avg rating — 1,038,390 ratings score: 194, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, #1) by Libba Bray (Goodreads Author) 3.80 avg rating — 226,409 ratings score: 191, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) by Rick Riordan (Goodreads Author) 4.31 avg rating — 3,569,570 ratings score: 189, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads Author) 3.76 avg rating — 500,531 ratings score: 189, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner, #1) by James Dashner (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 1,751,604 ratings score: 185, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1) by C.S. Lewis 4.24 avg rating — 3,232,866 ratings score: 185, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	Ender’s Game (Ender's Saga, #1) by Orson Scott Card 4.31 avg rating — 1,505,751 ratings score: 168, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins 4.36 avg rating — 10,299,306 ratings score: 159, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Genetically Altered (Genetically Modified, #1) by Tracie Molton (Goodreads Author) 3.28 avg rating — 18 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Chimehour (The Faire Curiosities, #1) by Caitlin E. Jones (Goodreads Author) 4.42 avg rating — 24 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Roses Are Red (Blood, Sweat and Tears, #1) by J.B. Kantt (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 14 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	I Thirst by Gina Marinello-Sweeney (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 88 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Song of the Sending (The Expatriates, #1) by Corinne O'Flynn (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 80 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Space Cruiser Musashi by Dean Chalmers 3.81 avg rating — 438 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads Author) 4.05 avg rating — 411,806 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands, #1) by Alwyn Hamilton (Goodreads Author) 3.95 avg rating — 67,231 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Written in Red (The Others, #1) by Anne Bishop 4.25 avg rating — 65,840 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	World After (Penryn & the End of Days, #2) by Susan Ee (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 109,272 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner 3.81 avg rating — 1,514 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	The Naming (The Books of Pellinor, #1) by Alison Croggon (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 27,980 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Impulse (Submerged Sun, #2) by Vanessa Garden (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 611 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Everything is Changed by Nova Weetman 3.60 avg rating — 219 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	Pathfinder (Pathfinder, #1) by Orson Scott Card 4.01 avg rating — 25,394 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	Hexenhaus by Nikki McWatters (Goodreads Author) 3.98 avg rating — 223 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 348,833 ratings score: 92, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Ruins (Pathfinder, #2) by Orson Scott Card 3.91 avg rating — 12,267 ratings score: 92, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	The House of the Scorpion (Matteo Alacran, #1) by Nancy Farmer (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 98,195 ratings score: 91, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	The Gate Thief (Mither Mages, #2) by Orson Scott Card 3.78 avg rating — 17,209 ratings score: 91, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Something Under the Bed Is Drooling: A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson 4.65 avg rating — 15,397 ratings score: 90, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	Mistborn Trilogy Boxed Set (Mistborn, #1-3) by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author) 4.61 avg rating — 63,380 ratings score: 89, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	Hate List by Jennifer Brown really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 67,806 ratings score: 88, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	All That Lives Must Die (Mortal Coils, #2) by Eric S. Nylund (Goodreads Author) 4.34 avg rating — 1,136 ratings score: 88, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card 3.82 avg rating — 30,148 ratings score: 87, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	After Dark by Haruki Murakami 3.74 avg rating — 198,155 ratings score: 86, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1) by Pittacus Lore 3.93 avg rating — 355,210 ratings score: 85, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	Mortal Coils (The Mortal Coils Series) by Eric S. Nylund (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 2,051 ratings score: 83, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Chosen (The Lost Books, #1) by Ted Dekker (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 11,163 ratings score: 82, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles, #1) by Tony DiTerlizzi (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 95,488 ratings score: 81, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	The Vanishing Sculptor (Valley of the Dragons, #1) by Donita K. Paul (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 1,802 ratings score: 79, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	Warrior (Doppelganger, #1) by Marie Brennan (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 3,311 ratings score: 76, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle #1) by Christopher Paolini (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 1,990,074 ratings score: 68, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars