Young Adult New Releases August 5th 2025
Welcome August! We are in full blown SummerWeen vibes and the start of the Fall Release Season! So from here on out, expect all the books! You can check out most of today’s YA releases to be below, and you can support our work by using our affiliate links to Bookshop or Libro.fm – two of the best alternatives to mega-conglomerates and they both support indie bookstores with every purchase!
A Beautiful and Terrible Murder (Irene Adler, #1)
by Claire M. Andrewson August 5, 2025
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Retellings, Thriller, Young Adult
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Perfect for fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper, this historical murder mystery follows the cunning Irene Adler as she teams up with the mysterious Sherlock Holmes to discover who is murdering Oxford's elite students in the All Souls class.
Irene Adler is no ordinary young lady. She's at the top of the ranks in the All Souls cohort, a competitive preparatory class reserved for Oxford's brightest minds. But her peers and professors don't know she's a lady at all. To them, she is Isaac Holland.
Keeping up her disguise gets trickier when All Souls students start dying, one by one. Determined to find out who's responsible for the deaths, Irene--as Isaac--teams up with fellow classmate and roommate Sherlock Holmes to track down clues. Their mission grows more dangerous by the day as someone tries to frame Isaac for the murders, and Irene's own father, Dean Moriarty, begins to threaten her seat in school.
Readers will love following these classic and beloved characters through the twists and turns in the dark halls of Oxford, and discovering what secret lies behind the glitz and glamor of the elite.
Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire
by Don MartinPublished by: Page Street YA
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
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Witch apprentice Verity Vox has never encountered a problem magic can’t solve. So when a cryptic note invites her to Foxfire, she goes.
With her apprenticeship limiting her services to a year, Foxfire will be her biggest challenge yet. The town has already lost its only bridge, and many loved ones have disappeared in dealings with a shady magic peddler named Earl—leaving the whole town wary of magic.
Even as Verity wins the townsfolk over, she realizes she may not be able to save them. Going after Earl only returns Tacita, the missing girl who summoned Verity, but no one else. And the fight costs Verity the ability to fly and draws her to the old dark magic beneath the mountain.
As Verity hones her powers and grows to care for Tacita, she must learn that not everything can be solved with strength alone.
Mistress of Bones
by Maria Z. MedinaPublished by: Wednesday Books
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
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"Like stepping into one of my favorite RPGs." - Susan Dennard, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlands series
An epic, multi-POV debut fantasy perfect for fans of The Bone Shard Daughter and Six of Crows, where a necromancer trying to resurrect her sister gets embroiled in bigger, world-ending plans instead.
Necromancer Azul del Arroyo only wants one thing: to steal her sister back from Death by reclaiming her sister’s bones. But the Emissary of the Lord Death will do anything to stop her, no matter how alluring he finds her . . .
As their paths collide, they’re drawn into a deadly game of pawns and power with a count who begrudgingly works for a child king, a faceless witch who transforms the bones of gods into dreams she can peddle, and a long-lost half-brother with a secret of his own—and soon realize the fate of the lands is hanging in the balance.
For long ago the gods raised the continents, binding them with their own bones to keep humanity alive. But in an era when the gods’ sacrifice has been forgotten, Death might not be the only resentful god Azul must defy.
Swashbuckling, grand, and tragically romantic, Mistress of Bones is a can't-miss start to a duology about love, loss, and, of course, death.
For Now, Not Forever
by C.W. FarnsworthPublished by: Entangled Publishing LLC (Teen)
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
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Order now and receive the stunning DELUXE FIRST PRINT RUN while supplies last―featuring gorgeous sprayed edges with stenciled artwork and special cover design features. This breathtaking collectible is only available as part of a LIMITED FIRST PRINT RUN in the US and Canada only, a must-have for any book lover.
One boy. One girl. Two feuding towns.
LIAM
At some point, summer became my least favorite season. It begins the build toward the inevitable highs and lows of football. Losing isn’t a trait anyone looks for in a quarterback, and I never won when it mattered. Arlington University was supposed to be a fresh start. But infamy isn’t easily forgotten— especially when everyone knows my twin sister is dating my biggest rival. Constant reminders of their relationship have me just as on edge about Alleghany as I was in high school. Spending a weekend sleeping across the hall from Natalie Jacobs doesn’t help. The popular, pretty blonde didn’t just celebrate each of my defeats—she literally led the cheer against me. Just my luck the last girl who should pique my interest is also the only one who ever has.NATALIE
Spending the summer back in Alleghany, dealing with my parents’ problems, is the last place I want to be. I jump at the chance to spend a weekend away, visiting a college friend. I’m not expecting to know anyone else visiting her cottage on the Cape, much less come face-to-face with Glenmont’s infamous former quarterback. Not-so affectionately known as Sergeant Stevens on my side of the lake, Liam is still every bit the stoic, serious rule-follower I watched bark orders on the field for four years. Sure, he’s nice to look at—especially shirtless—but that’s where any interest begins and ends. The one thing Liam and I agree on is the rivalry between our hometowns isn’t a surpassable boundary. And if we did allow ourselves to cross it, it would only be for now…not forever.
Scorched Earth (Dark Shores, #4)
by Danielle L. JensenPublished by: Tor Teen
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
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The thrilling finale in Danielle L. Jensen's Dark Shores series, which Sarah J. Maas calls "everything I look for in a fantasy novel."
Lydia and Killian escaped their enemy’s grasp, but not without consequences. While they race to destroy the blight, Lydia fights an internal war against the Corrupter’s influence knowing defeat means death for those she loves. Tormented by a battle that can’t be won with blades, Killian must find the queen they risked everything to rescue without falling prey to Corrupter’s weapons, both living and dead.
Teriana and Marcus thwarted assassination, but now must live with the dark truths that have been revealed. As Teriana hunts for allies, she must face the dire circumstances of her imprisoned people, driving her to strike a dangerous deal with the Empire. Consumed by guilt over his crimes, Marcus embarks on an ambitious campaign to save those he condemned, which risks him becoming the conqueror the Empire desires him to be.
With the blight consuming everything in its path and the Empire crushing everyone who stands before it, Reath is falling beneath the tide of evil. Secrets will be revealed that break hearts even as they forge new alliances, but only the greatest sacrifices of all will turn the tide in the battle for the liberty of every nation on Reath.
The Kiss Bet Volume Two: A WEBTOON Unscrolled Graphic Novel (The Kiss Bet, #2)
by Ingrid OchoaPublished by: Webtoon Unscrolled
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Contemporary, Graphic Novel, Young Adult
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In this adorable coming-of-age comic for fans of This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki and Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads, Sara Lin has decided now is the time: she’s going to make her first kiss, something special and magical, happen.
It’s senior year and Sara Lin just turned eighteen. She’s got great friends, a cool dad (or so he thinks), and a whole lot ahead of her. The last thing she needs to worry about is her first kiss.
But that’s all about to change because her good pal Patrick just challenged her to a bet that will either lead to love, heartbreak, or embarrassment . . . or maybe all three. Along the way, as Sara explores her relationship options with three different boys, she discovers life isn't a fairytale and romance is inherently complex. It's messy and complicated, but boy, it sure can be fun.
In this second volume of the series, Sara Lin might have lost all her romance-related bets with her friend Patrick so far, but she’s determined to make something happen with her crush Joe at the upcoming school festival. First she has to pass her math exam, which means dealing with her tutor, Oliver, who instantly recognizes Sarah from their almost kiss at the subway. And Patrick’s not quite done, he challenges Sara to the highest-stake bet yet: kiss someone by the end of the festival or be forced to quit the newspaper club. And Sara understands that some lessons can’t be taught, and that life must be experienced.
Then Patrick challenges Sara Lin to his highest-stakes bet yet: have her first kiss by the end of the festival or quit the newspaper club.
This volume collects episodes 19 to 36 of the charming WEBTOON comic The Kiss Bet.
Hollow: The Woman in White
by Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White, Berenice NellePublished by: BOOM! Box
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Thriller, Young Adult
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The long-awaited sequel to Hollow reunites the original team for a new paranormal adventure featuring the ghost made famous in Washington Irving's story, The Woman in White.
A NEW PARANORMAL ADVENTURE!
The long-awaited sequel from New York Times bestselling writer Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes) and Branden Boyer-White, alongside fan-favorite artist Berenice Nelle, is finally here!
Return to Sleepy Hollow, the quiet but eerie little upstate New York village that’s home to Izzy, Vicky, Croc… and of course, the Headless Horseman himself.
In the months following their first adventure, Izzy and Vicky are officially a couple now, and so are Croc and Marjorie, leaving Croc’s bestie Leon feeling left out and abandoned. But that might not be their biggest problem when a centuries-old supernatural power reawakens!
The ghost made famous in Washington Irving’s story, The Woman in White, who has haunted Raven Rock since the night she froze to death there, may have found a way to break through to our side… It’s up to the crew to team up once again to save one of their own in a race against time!
The L.O.V.E. Club
by Lio MinPublished by: Flatiron Books
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Contemporary, Fantasy, Young Adult
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From the acclaimed author of Beating Heart Baby, an immersive novel following three estranged high schoolers who are pulled into a video game to pursue the disappearance of their friend
Three years ago, Elle (the “E” in the self-proclaimed L.O.V.E. Club) disappeared from Calendula, an affluent Chinese American suburb in inland California. Soon afterward, Liberty and Vera (“L” and “V”) moved away, leaving O alone with her grief, abandonment, and confusion. . . until Liberty and Vera return for their senior year of high school.
Though the L.O.V.E. Club’s three remaining members once bonded as outcasts and gamers, they can’t pick up the pieces of their friendship. But the girls are drawn back to their old clubhouse, where they discover, loaded for them to play, a new game created by none other than the missing Elle.
One click, and Liberty, Vera, and O are ported into Morning Glory, an ever-evolving botanical fantasy coded with their lived experiences, complicated history, and repressed insecurities. Unbeknownst to the others, O can’t remember the events surrounding Elle’s disappearance―but within the game, Elle has sent O a cryptic hint about Morning Glory’s real nature.
While Liberty and Vera defeat increasingly sinister bosses, O grapples with the secret knowledge that her deepest wish, to reunite with Elle, might just come true. But as the girls progress through Morning Glory, O begins to wonder how well she actually knew any of her former best friends and if she’s ready to confront the hard truths―and dangerous revelations―about Elle in her returning memories.
Rosa by Any Other Name
by Hailey AlcarazPublished by: Viking Books for Young Readers
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Historical Fiction, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
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In this Romeo and Juliet-inspired retelling set during the civil rights era, a Mexican American girl is driven to join a movement for justice after her white classmate and best friend from the barrio are tragically murdered.
Rosa Capistrano has been attending posh North Phoenix High School to boost her chances of a college education and a career in journalism, thanks to the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education verdict for desegregation. But though she’s legally allowed to be there, it’s still unsafe for Mexican Americans. That’s why she’s secretly passing as Rosie, a white girl. All she has to do to secure her future is make sure her Mexican home life and her white school experience never intersect.
However, Rosa’s two worlds collide when her best friend Ramon and classmate Julianne meet and find themselves entangled in a star-crossed romance. Rosa is terrified about what their relationship could mean for her and them . . . and her worst fears are soon realized in an unspeakable tragedy. Rosa is thrown into the center of a town-wide scandal and her true identity is put in the spotlight. With the help of Marco, Ramon’s brooding and volatile brother whose passion ignites hers, Rosa must choose what is more important to her—protecting her fragile future, or risking everything to help her friends find justice.
Rosa by Any Other Name is a harrowingly beautiful coming-of-age tale that shines a light on an important and often overlooked facet of US history.
Girls of Dark Divine
by E.V. WoodsPublished by: Delacorte Press
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
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A group of hauntingly beautiful girls have been bound together by a cruel curse—and one of them will go to any lengths to save them from their violent dance. A breathtakingly gorgeous gothic fantasy about love and control that will never let you go. This spellbinding debut is perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber!
In the legendary ballet theatre of New Kora, the girls on stage enchant the audience each night with their grace and divine beauty. Before Emberlyn became the show’s star, it was her dream to become one of the ballerinas… until she learned the price of their living nightmare.
A curse has bound the girls to the show’s mastermind, Malcolm, so they must obey his every command. They are controlled by the magic’s invisible strings that has the power to wield their limbs like marionette dolls. Only the commands don’t stop when the curtain comes down, and the girls live a life of fear from Malcolm’s wickedness and the twisted truth that each dancer is destined to turn to dust when the curse finally consumes her.
When the troupe is invited to perform in the glitzy city of Parlizia, Emberlyn knows this could be her best chance to save them all. She meets an elusive boy made of shadows with a magical connection to the girls. Together, they work to unravel the haunting truth about their creation and fight for their survival. But the cost of freedom might be too high, and as she dances closer to the edge of darkness she realizes she might break the curse… or break her own heart forever.
Crowns of Blood and Salt (Dark Depths, #2)
by Kay Adamson August 5, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
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Dive into the depths of the sequel to the fast-selling Heirs of Bone and Sea, and witness the Queen of Vodaeard and Princess of Death's mission to save their loved ones and defeat a great evil once and for all.
Kalei Maristela was dying.
During the battle with her father, Kalei’s connection to the moon was severed. With that loss, something in her has shattered and left her on the brink of death. When the new bones in her body awaken a dangerous magic, she must decide whether to use this second chance for good or for evil. Can she resist descending into corruption and remain true to herself despite the title "Princess of Death”?
Evhen Lockes was drowning.
Her parents’ murderer holds her brother captive, and Evhen would do anything to get him back. Including traveling to Geirvar, a dangerous land where assassins lurk around every corner. With a distrusting council she can't rely on, and Kalei pushing her away at every turn, Evhen is left to prove herself worthy of the crown bestowed on her before she was ready. But can she save the princess she fell in love with and her kingdom from those who want to see it wiped off the map?
Trumpets of Death: A Graphic Novel
by Simon Bournel-BossonPublished by: Graphic Universe (Tm)
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Young Adult
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One rainy night, Antoine gets dropped off at his grandparents' remote house in the middle of the woods.
He's stuck between a doting grandmother and a grandfather openly hostile to his presence, and time crawls by while he waits to hear from his parents. When Antoine ventures out with his grandfather to forage for mushrooms, intergenerational conflict and mysterious forces of nature culminate in a fearsome hunt through the forest that will resolve their differences once and for all.
The Whisperings
by Joel A. SutherlandPublished by: Tundra Books (NY)
on August 5, 2025
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Young Adult
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Burn Our Bodies Down meets Delicious Monsters in this terrifying new young adult horror by acclaimed master of the macabre Joel A. Sutherland.
Joana and her younger brother Peter aren't used to setting down roots. Ever since the violent murder of their mother, their father can't stay in one place for long, haunted by the literal ghosts of the past. He has what he calls "the Whisperings," and will do anything to protect his children from the horrors that torment him.
When the family moves to Burlington, Vermont, Joana thinks they've finally found a place to call home. They rent the lower half of a creepy yet comfortable mansion downtown, and Joana actually begins to fit in at school, thanks in part to Willem, a handsome (and single) classmate.
But a near-death experience awakens the Whisperings in Joana, and she soon realizes her family isn't the only family living in the house. She meets the Keils — ghosts forced to relive their own gruesome murders every night. As they say, misery loves company . . . and suddenly, Joana is forced to protect the ones closest to her from a supernatural threat, in this horrifying haunted house story for teen readers.
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