Not Just Teen Drama: These Young Adult Novels Hit Hard

25 Jul 2025

Not Just Teen Drama: These Young Adult Novels Hit Hard

From unexpected betrayals to long-lost secrets, these stories aren’t afraid to shake things up. Each one follows teens facing big questions, bigger feelings, and the biggest leap of all—growing into who they are. The ride might be wild, but it’s always worth it.

---

Setanta and The Lady by the Water (The Raven Chronicles Book 1)

by J.M. Lane

Release Date: July 3, 2025

A dark Irish folktale for readers who believe legends never truly die. Setanta knows only this: his mother vanished, his father is a ghost of a man, and something ancient is following them. From haunted towns to forgotten hills, they chase the Lady by the Water, a banshee whose song marks the doomed. But when a cursed hound spares Setanta’s life, everything he thought he knew begins to unravel.

Buy on Amazon

---

Surrender (Wish Book 15)

by Morgan Rice

Release Date: July 21, 2025

Mistfalls Wilderness Camp is an awful place, a series of islands in the rainy Northwest, populated by delinquents and outcasts from their families. It is supposed to be a remedial place—but Taylor soon learns something else is happening here. They are training the kids here for something. But what?

Buy on Amazon

---

Refusing Mia (Books of Dalthia)

by Annette K. Larsen

Release Date: June 30, 2025

When she meets the intriguing Lord Havington, something about him feels different. Their connection is undeniable, yet he pushes her away at every turn. Is there something wrong with her, or is there more to his refusal than he’s willing to admit? Mia must decide: walk away and marry for duty—or fight for the one man who holds her heart.

Buy on Amazon

---

The Laughing Dead (Steinbeck and Reed Book 3)

by Jess Lourey

Release Date: July 22, 2025

The bodies of three teenage girls are found in central Minnesota—each with her mouth fixed in a ghoulish grin, smiling at a deadly joke no one can hear. But authorities eventually close and forget the curious case, dubbed the Laughing Dead.

Buy on Amazon

---

His True Silent Luna

by Aiden Voss

Release Date: June 30, 2025

Juliet was born into a powerful werewolf bloodline—but instead of privilege, she’s known only pain. Silenced by trauma, forgotten by her pack, and broken by the very family who should have protected her, Juliet has learned one rule: survive in silence. Her voice is gone. Her wolf is missing. Her hope? Long buried.

Buy on Amazon

---

Tidal (Elemental Series Book 4)

by Sofia Simpson

Release Date: July 7, 2025

Thrown together to save a fractured world, three people fight to achieve their destinies. Elementals continue to battle on the borders. Extremists still hunt the Chosen Child. One girl must hide who she is until it’s time to show the world her power.

Buy on Amazon

---