23 Amazing Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2023
Seems like every month I have a harder time figuring out my review calendar. There are just too many amazing books coming out these days. I want to read them all! This winter is no exception. Lots of these titles are by authors of books I read last year (or earlier) and loved, so I’m really excited about their newest titles. There are a fair amount of romance titles on here, but some fantasy, historical and murder mysteries, too.
These are the 23 most-anticipated young adult books coming winter 2023 that I’m most looking forward to. I’ll post a list of my most-anticipated winter middle grade titles separately.
23 Amazing Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2023
Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell by Tobias Madden
What you need to know: Tobias Madden’s debut made me laugh out loud and outright sob. This one is about a boy who joins a local production of Chicago to meet his online crush. Sounds like so much fun!
Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review
Dark Testament: Blackout Poems by Crystal Simone Smith
What you need to know: The cover copy calls this “a remarkable reckoning with our present moment, a call to action, and a plea for a more just future.” Includes a photo insert featuring memorials for victims of unlawful killings. This is one I really need to read this year.
Release Date: January 3, 2023 | My Review
Rebel, Brave and Brutal by Shannon Dittemore
What you need to know: The cover copy says this one delivers the thrills of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and the icy magic of FROZEN. Looks like a magical rebellion kind of story, and I’m excited to check it out.
Release Date: January 10, 2023 | My Review
Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame by Meg Long
What you need to know: I loved Meg Long’s debut, COLD THE NIGHT, FAST THE WOLVES, and this novel follows a minor character that I loved from that book, so I absolutely cannot wait to read it.
Release Date: January 17, 2023 | My Review
The Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O’Clover
What you need to know: The premise of this one reminds me of THE CODE FOR LOVE AND HEARTBREAK, so I’m kind of hoping for those vibes plus humor and hijinks.
Release Date: January 17, 2023 | My Review
The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan
What you need to know: Monsters, magic, and wicked fae. Hassan’s middle grade fantasy, THE PRINCE OF NOWHERE, was one of my favorite middle grade titles this past year. I loved the writing and complex characters, so I’m hoping for more of those things in this one.
Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review
Begin Again by Emma Lord
What you need to know: College (mis)adventures and a pirate radio station. I’m in. I’ve discovered a love for a “just kiss already!” romance, so I’m excited about this one from an author whose books I’ve enjoyed.
Release Date: January 24, 2023 | My Review
Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling by Elise Bryant
What you need to know: A D&D master– yes, please!– and a girl who keeps her emotions under wraps. Love over the course of a year’s worth of holidays. This sounds different and sweet.
Release Date: January 31, 2023 | My Review
This Severed Thread (The Bone Spindle #2) by Leslie Vedder
What you need to know: THE BONE SPINDLE was my absolute number one favorite book last year, and I’m desperate to read this sequel. I need more of Red and Shane, and I have to know what happens with Fi and her prince in this gender-flipped Sleeping Beauty reimagining.
Release Date: February 7, 2023 | My Review
The Architect by Jonathan Starrett
What you need to know: A band of kids try to free a city with the help of a mysterious Architect. The cover copy promises: sinister schemes, bumbling superheroes, unexpected friendships, and plenty of humor and plot twists. I’m intrigued.
Release Date: February 7, 2023 | My Review
Always the Almost by Edward Underhill
What you need to know: A trans-boy who feels like he’s always almost enough. A piano competition he resolved to win. The ex he needs to win back. And the new boy… who seems to truly see him like no one else does. Yes, please.
Release Date: February 14, 2023 | My Review
The Pledge by Cale Dietrich
What you need to know: A masked killer targeting frat boys. A sole survivor of a world-famous murder spree. Last year I read two horror novels that were really good, so this year I picked a couple more to try. This one could be chills-inducing good, or over the top for me. We’ll find out!
Release Date: February 14, 2023 | My Review
Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones
What you need to know: A missing girl who was never found. A true crime podcast featuring the case. Two girls who must decide whether the secrets they uncovered would destroy an innocent man or identify Clarissa’s murderer. Looks twisty and intense.
Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review
My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron
What you need to know: This is part of the Remixed Classics that I’ve been following but haven’t managed to read yet. I’m super excited to read Kalynn Bayron’s reimagining of Jekyll & Hyde. I really enjoyed her middle grade novel, THE VANQUISHERS, last year.
Release Date: March 7, 2023 | My Review
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher
What you need to know: A Renaissance Faire under new management. A girl who liked the old faire better. A boy who pulls her into the new theatrical experience. I have loved both Ashley Schumacher’s other novels, so I’m dying to read this one.
Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review
Stateless by Elizabeth Wein
What you need to know: A girl chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for youth. Sabotage and secrets. Maybe even… murder?? I’ve loved both the books I read by this author before, so I’m expecting the same great storytelling and unforgettable characters here.
Release Date: March 14, 2023 | My Review
Castelon (Wraithwood #3) by Alyssa Roat
Buy links and cover art to come after the cover reveal in Jan!
What you need to know: CASTELON is the final book in the Wraithwood series, which I’ve really been enjoying. It’s got some Merlin-based lore and magic. A slow-burn romance. I have to know how it all ends.
Release Date: March 15, 2023 | My Review
Last Sunrise in Eterna by Amparo Ortiz
What you need to know: This looks like magical realism or maybe a portal story? A girl who supports her family by scavenging elf corpses. The elf prince whose fate is tied to hers. Looks like it could have some THE LUMINARIES vibes?
Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review
You Wouldn’t Dare by Samantha Markum
What you need to know: A best friendship nearly wrecked by a summer fling. A surly new stepsister. A community theater production in jeopardy. Sounds like Junie is juggling a lot of big things, and they’re all about to come crashing down. I loved Markum’s debut, and this one looks like it’ll deliver the same sparky tension and hilarity.
Release Date: March 28, 2023 | My Review
What’s on your reading list this season?
What amazing young adult books coming winter 2023 are you most looking forward to? What genres do you think you’ll read the most of in the next few months? Are you reading any books outside your normal habits?
