As we are in the new year, YA readers can look forward to an abundance of fresh and Most anticipated YA novels of January 2023. With the start of a new year comes new reading goals and calendars, and there are plenty of exceptional young adult books coming out in January to add to your list. While there are many highly-anticipated releases from popular authors such as Holly Black, Cassie Clare, and Emma Lord, this list focuses on some lesser-known but equally noteworthy books coming out this month that are worth adding to your to-be-read pile.
Most Anticipated YA Novels of January 2023
French Kissing in New York
Margot is excited to visit New York and reunite with Zach, the American boy she fell for in Paris last summer, while working in the restaurant scene and attending her father’s wedding. However, as she arrives in the city, Margot finds herself questioning her feelings and considering the potential of new experiences in New York, compared to the memories of her perfect night in Paris.
Rebel of Fire and Flight
Khadija, who is drawn to tales of magic and romance, finds her own life to be quite restricted. Upon learning that her marriage has been arranged, she impulsively decides to escape in a hot air balloon, leading her to cross paths with a poor glassmaker’s apprentice and becoming embroiled in a conflict.
We Are All So Good At Smiling
Whimsy, who is in the hospital receiving treatment for clinical depression, meets Faerry and feels an immediate connection with him. As they become better acquainted, they realize that their lives and experiences are intertwined in multiple ways. This novel in verse, written by the award-winning author of Me (Moth), explores the relationship between Whimsy and Faerry.
Mysteries of Thorn Manor
This novella is a sequel to Sorcery of Thorns, a fantasy adventure about a Librarian’s apprentice who learns that there is more to sorcery than she previously thought. In this sequel, Elisabeth and Nathaniel are confined to his manor due to the protective wards surrounding the estate, following their adventures in Sorcery of Thorns.
6 times we almost kissed (and one time we did)
Penny and Tate have a strong dislike for each other, but they are forced to work together when Penny’s mom becomes the living kidney donor for Tate’s mom. As they care for their mothers during their recovery, they find themselves almost repeatedly kissing, which only serves to complicate and pique their curiosity about one another.
Promise Boys
J.B., Ramón, and Trey are enrolled at Urban Promise Prep School, a school that aims to prepare and reform teenage boys for college and success through strict discipline. ,However when their principal is found murdered, the police suspect the three students and they must work together to uncover the real culprit and prove their innocence.
Breakup from Hell
Mica’s life in a small Vermont town is mundane until she meets Sam, who brings excitement and intrigue into her life. However, the more time she spends with Sam, the more peculiar things become. When Mica uncovers some of Sam’s secrets, she realizes she needs to end their relationship. But she is concerned about the potential aftermath of their breakup.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute
Former best friends Bradley and Celine have not spoken in years due to their rivalries in academia. Bradley is now a popular football player and jock, while Celine has gained social media fame for her explorations of conspiracy theories. When they both enroll in the same wilderness survival course, they are forced to work together, much to their dismay. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to remember why they were once friends and consider the possibility of a new future together.
The Buried And The Bound
As the only hedge witch in her town, Aziza spends much of her time fixing magical mishaps and misdeeds. However, she becomes faced with a greater challenge when the forest outside town is consumed by darkness. She seeks the assistance of Leo, who is searching for a way to alleviate the pain of forgetting his true love due to a curse. In exchange for helping Aziza, he hopes she can help lift his curse. However, their plan becomes complicated by the arrival of a newcomer and the malevolent force they are fighting.
The Minus-One Club
Kermit is struggling to cope with the loss of his sister when he is invited to join the Minus-One Club, a group of students at his school who have also experienced the loss of a loved one. As he grows closer to this unexpected community, he develops feelings for Matt, whose positive attitude helps Kermit move forward. However, when Matt’s own reluctance to fully confront his loss puts him in danger, Kermit must take action to unite the group.
Also Read: Most Anticipated Horror Novels of 2023
