9 Stunning Debut Novels by YA Authors

An author's first novel is an introduction to who they are as a writer. It can open the door to a long and successful career, or even launch a series that will continue for years to come. If you read the nine stunning works on this list, you just might find your new favorite author. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

9 Stunning Debut Novels by YA Authors

Title Author More by the Author
1. Huntress Julie Hall Warfare
2. Wicked Like a Wildfire Lana Popovic Fierce Like a Firestorm
3. Gunslinger Girl Lyndsay Ely 2034: Writing Rochester's Futures
4. Lessons in Falling Diana Gallagher
5. Blood, Ink & Fire Ashley Mansour
6. Now That You're Here Amy K. Nichols While You Were Gone
7. Terra Gretchen Powell Underground
8. Secret Lives Gabriella Poole Blood Ties
9. Tracked Jenny Martin Marked

8 Great Films Based on YA Novels

  1. The Fault in Our Stars based on the book by John Green
  2. Divergent based on the book by Veronica Roth
  3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone based on the book by J.K. Rowling
  4. The Princess Diaries based on the book by Meg Cabot
  5. Holes based on the book by Louis Sachar
  6. The Hunger Games based on the book by Suzanne Collins
  7. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist based on the book by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
  8. Bridge to Terabithia based on the book by Katherine Paterson

Literary Charities

If you want to spread your love of YA literature with those in need, then you should consider looking into these non-profit organizations that help kids and teens get access to books and high-quality education.

How to Write a Novel

In Depth

Reading debut novels can be an exciting way to discover your new favorite authors. It's how writers break into the industry and show off their own unique style and talent for the very first time. With that said, we've compiled a list of nine stunning debut novels by Y.A. authors. Take note that this list is done in no particular order.

First up, at #1, we have "Huntress" by Julie Hall. After Audrey dies, she wakes up in the afterlife with no memory of who she is or what happened to her. In Heaven, she's assigned to become a demon hunter for all of eternity. Over time, she develops a love-hate relationship with her trainer, Logan, who doesn't approve of God's decision to assign them together. One day, a powerful and ancient weapon awakens and chooses Aubrey as its wielder, making her a key figure in the war between Heaven and Hell.

Next, at #2, is "Wicked Like a Wildfire" by Lana Popovic. Set in Montenegro, it tells the story of two fraternal twins, Iris and Malina. They come from a family of witches who have the ability to manipulate beauty, and their mother has strictly forbidden them from using their powers in public. When their mom is suddenly attacked by an unknown assailant, it's up to the sisters to find out who did it and why.

They come from a family of witches who have the ability to manipulate beauty, and their mother has strictly forbidden them from using their powers in public.

At #3 is "Gunslinger Girl." Written by Lyndsay Ely, with a foreword by James Patterson, it's about a seventeen-year-old girl named Serendipity Jones. Set in the Wild West, it follows Jones as she escapes her abusive father and ends up in Cessation, a lawless city run by corrupt authorities. There, her marksmanship skills secure her a spot in the Theatre Vespertine, but conflict arises when she starts questioning the morality of her new job.

Next up, at #4, we have "Lessons in Falling" by Diana Gallagher. After suffering a devastating knee injury, gymnast Savannah is left uncertain about her future. To make matters worse, her best friend Cassie attempts to commit suicide and refuses to tell her why. Marcos, the person who saved Cassie's life, believes that Savannah should start practicing gymnastics again. Now, she struggles to choose between the sport she once loved and her best friend, who is discouraging her from pursuing her dreams.

At #5 is "Blood, Ink and Fire" by Ashley Mansour. It's set in a dystopian world where books and writing have been rendered obsolete by the Verity, an endless stream of information presented as images. Unlike other people, Noelle Hartley can see words, and she's obsessed with finding out what they mean. On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, she discovers the Nine of the Rising, a secret organization intent on bringing the written word back to the world.

Unlike other people, Noelle Hartley can see words, and she's obsessed with finding out what they mean.

Next, at #6, is "Now That You're Here" by Amy K. Nichols. While running away from the cops, Danny gets caught in an explosion that transports him to a parallel universe. In an effort to figure out what's going on, he befriends Eevee, a model student who is nothing like the alternate version of herself. Together, they have to find a way to bring Danny back home, but there's something about his original universe that makes him want to stay.

Next up, at #7, we have "Terra" by Gretchen Powell. After a deadly plague wiped out most of the human race, society is split in two. The rich and powerful live in floating skycities while the rest of the population is scattered around the world, scavenging scraps in order to survive. The eponymous heroine is a scavenger who's working hard to support both herself and her younger brother. Their lives are changed forever when Terra finds something extremely valuable, which leads her to an enigmatic skydweller named Adam.

At #8 is "Secret Lives." Written by Gabriella Poole, it's the first entry of her "Darke Academy" series, which revolves around the eponymous elite school that harbors a lot of terrible secrets. The story follows Cassie Bell, a girl from a poor upbringing who wins a scholarship to Darke Academy. There, she encounters a mysterious group of students known only as the Few, and in order to learn more about their true nature, she has to find a way to join them.

There, she encounters a mysterious group of students known only as the Few, and in order to learn more about their true nature, she has to find a way to join them.

Finally, at #9, we have "Tracked" by Jenny Martin. Phoebe Van Zant lives in Castra, a planet controlled by corporations. When she gets arrested for illegal street racing, she's blackmailed into working for Benroyal Corp, a company that she detests. Over time, she uncovers shocking secrets about the company and her family. Now, with the help of a few rebels, they have to figure out how to bring down Benroyal from within.