Must-Read YA Sci-Fi Books for Teens and Adults Alike

“The Disasters” by M.K. England is a thrilling YA sci-fi book that you won’t be able to put down! The story follows a group of space academy washouts who find themselves in the middle of a universe-threatening conspiracy.

With a diverse cast, plenty of humor, and non-stop action, “The Disasters” is a must-read for fans of YA sci-fi books. England’s engaging and fast-paced writing makes this book perfect for teens and adults alike who love a good space adventure.

If you love YA sci-fi books with kick-butt heroines, then you have to check out Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. Spensa is a girl who lives on a planet constantly under attack by aliens. But she’s not content to just hide underground; she wants to be a pilot and fight back!

However, becoming a pilot won’t be easy. The odds are stacked against her, and she’ll have to overcome prejudice and prove her skills. But if she can do it, she might just uncover some secrets about her past – and the fate of her planet!

Love YA sci-fi books with fierce heroines and a healthy dose of rebellion? Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao delivers just that! In a world where women are used as disposable pilots for giant robots, Zetian isn’t about to play victim. After her sister’s tragic death, she volunteers to be a pilot herself, but not for glory – she’s out for revenge.

Zetian is a force to be reckoned with, challenging societal norms and shattering expectations. With pulse-pounding mecha battles and a fiery romance, this feminist reimagining of Chinese history is a must-read for anyone who loves a good underdog story.

Craving a YA sci-fi book that’ll make you question everything? Scythe by Neal Shusterman is your answer! In a world where death has been conquered, two teens are chosen to apprentice as Scythes – the only people with the power to end lives. But if immortality is a reality, what’s the point of existence?

Citra and Rowan are thrown into a deadly game of morality and power. They must learn the art of killing, but their paths diverge as they grapple with the ethics of their new roles. Trust me, this book will have you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns, and you’ll be pondering its thought-provoking themes long after you finish the last page!

Love virtual reality and a good mystery? Warcross by Marie Lu is your next read! Emika Chen, a young bounty hunter, accidentally glitches into the opening ceremony of Warcross, the world’s biggest virtual reality tournament. However, instead of getting arrested, she’s offered a chance to go undercover and investigate a security breach within the game.

As Emika navigates the virtual world, she uncovers a conspiracy that could have real-world consequences. With thrilling action, a dash of romance, and a captivating virtual world, Warcross is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure!

Looking for a YA sci-fi adventure with a found family vibe? Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff delivers a space opera filled with humor and heart. Tyler Jones, star student of Aurora Academy, dreams of leading the perfect squad. However, a rescue mission gone wrong leaves him with a team of misfits and a mysterious girl who’s been in cryo-sleep for 200 years.

Their first mission together? Unravel the secrets of Aurora’s past before a galactic war breaks out. With a diverse crew of characters, witty banter, and high-stakes action, this book is perfect for anyone who loves a good space adventure with a found family at its core.

“Nyxia” by Scott Reintgen is a high-octane YA sci-fi thriller that will leave you breathless! Emmett Atwater joins a mysterious mission led by the Babel Corporation, hoping to secure a fortune for his family. But as he competes against other recruits to mine a valuable substance on the hidden planet of Eden, Emmett discovers a ship full of secrets.

With non-stop action and high stakes reminiscent of “The Maze Runner” and “Illuminae,” “Nyxia” is a standout in YA sci-fi books. Emmett must choose between winning at any cost or fighting for his humanity in this gripping start to a trilogy.

Ever heard of a Diabolic? They’re these genetically engineered beings designed to be ruthless protectors. In The Diabolic, Nemesis is one of them, created to guard Sidonia, the daughter of a powerful senator. They grow up together, more like sisters than anything else.

But, when Sidonia becomes a pawn in the emperor’s power plays, Nemesis must take her place. This leads to her navigating the treacherous world of the galactic court, where secrets and danger lurk around every corner. If you’re a fan of young adult sci-fi thrillers with a touch of romance, this is a must-read!

“Winter’s Orbit” by Everina Maxwell is a captivating sci-fi novel that bridges the gap between YA and adult fiction. With an arranged marriage, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance, this book offers a fresh take on classic YA themes in a mature space opera setting.
Perfect for older teens and adults who love YA tropes, “Winter’s Orbit” features complex characters, high-stakes adventure, and tastefully written spicy scenes. If you’re looking for a sci-fi story that combines the best of YA and adult fiction, this book is definitely worth checking out!

Imagine a space opera inspired by ancient Indian stories, where a lost princess fights to reclaim her rightful throne. That’s A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna. Esmae, raised in exile, faces fierce rivals and the challenge of winning over Titania, a powerful sentient warship.

With political intrigue, thrilling space battles, and a touch of magic, this is a must-read for fans of YA sci-fi. If you’re looking for a captivating story with a unique cultural backdrop, A Spark of White Fire won’t disappoint.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if, for 50 years, only boys were born? That’s the premise of Eve of Man by Giovanna and Tom Fletcher. It’s a captivating YA sci-fi story where girls are extinct, and Eve is the first one born in decades.

She’s the hope for humanity’s future, but is kept isolated and controlled. However, when Eve meets Bram, a forbidden connection forms, challenging everything she knows. If you enjoy dystopian worlds, forbidden love, and stories that make you question everything, this one is definitely worth reading.

Looking for a fresh take on a classic fairytale? Then Cinder by Marissa Meyer is a must-read! This YA sci-fi Cinderella story reimagines Cyborg mechanic Cinder in a futuristic New Beijing. With a cruel stepmother and stepsisters, a charming prince, and a forbidden romance, Cinder will whisk you away to a world that’s both familiar and totally unique.

But beware, this cyborg Cinderella isn’t afraid to fight for her own happily ever after. If you love fairy tales with a twist, action-packed adventures, and a touch of romance, then you’ll be completely captivated by Cinder’s story.

Imagine being stranded on an unknown planet with the one person you never expected. That’s the thrilling premise of These Broken Stars. This YA sci-fi adventure follows Lilac, a socialite, and Tarver, a soldier, as they crash land on a desolate world.

Forced to rely on each other, they must overcome their differences to survive. But as they unravel the secrets of their surroundings, they discover their crash was no accident. Get ready for a heart-pounding journey of survival, romance, and uncovering a conspiracy that reaches far beyond the stars.

Ever wished you could travel through time? In Passenger by Alexandra Bracken, Etta Spencer gets her wish, but it’s not all fun and games. Thrown into the past, Etta discovers she’s not the only one manipulating time. A dangerous secret society is also at play, threatening the future as we know it.

Teaming up with Nicholas, a mysterious pirate, Etta must race against the clock to protect a powerful object. With the past constantly shifting and danger lurking around every corner, can Etta unravel the truth and save the future? This time-travel adventure is perfect for fans of history, romance, and heart-stopping action.

Romy Silvers is the loneliest girl in the universe. Not an exaggeration—she’s the only one on a spaceship millions of miles from Earth. But then, a new ship launches, carrying a boy named J. Finally, Romy has someone to talk to.

They email back and forth, falling in love through messages that take months to arrive. However, when a deadly secret is revealed, Romy must make a life or death choice. If you like gripping YA sci-fi books with mind-blowing twists, this one’s for you. Prepare to be sucked in by a story of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.