If you think you’ve got a knack for predicting plot twists, think again! The best YA books not only captivate you with their characters and world-building but also keep you on the edge of your seat with unexpected surprises. Whether it’s a fantasy filled with magical betrayal or a psychological thriller that will leave your heart pounding, these books deliver twists that you won’t see coming. Get ready to dive into a rollercoaster of emotions, shocking reveals, and jaw-dropping moments that will leave you reeling.These YA books have the best YA plot twists that will leave you speechless. Here are 10 must-read YA novels in no particular order that are packed with the kind of plot twists that will make you question everything you thought you knew. Grab these books—because nothing is as it seems!
1. The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Imagine being thrust into a warzone in space—two megacorporations are battling for control, and you're stuck on a damaged fleet, running for your life. But the real danger isn’t just the enemy ships; it’s the artificial intelligence meant to protect you that’s starting to think for itself. The Illuminae Files is not your typical space opera. Told through hacked files, interviews, and secret communications, this book feels like a real-time investigation into a catastrophe. Every page pulls you deeper into the conspiracy, and the characters’ personal struggles are raw and intense. The twists in this series will blow your mind, making you question everything you thought you knew. If you love adrenaline-filled sci-fi with a unique storytelling format, The Illuminae Files will keep you up all night.
2. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
What if your grief unlocked a hidden world of magic—and revealed a connection to a legendary past you never knew existed? Legendborn follows Bree Matthews as she stumbles upon a secret society at her university that’s rooted in Arthurian legend. But as Bree digs deeper, she discovers her personal history is intertwined with this dangerous world in ways she never imagined. Tracy Deonn masterfully combines magic, history, and identity in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. Bree’s journey isn’t just about fighting monsters—it’s about finding her place in a world that has tried to erase her. The twists in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat, especially as Bree begins to unlock her own powers and the truth about her family. If you love stories that mix legend with modern-day, filled with strong heroines and emotional depth, Legendborn is an absolute must-read.
3. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In a world where power is determined by the color of your blood, Mare Barrow stands out as a shocking anomaly. Born a Red—without abilities—Mare suddenly finds herself possessing powers that could topple the kingdom’s fragile balance. As she’s thrust into the world of the elite Silvers, she must navigate deadly political games where everyone is a potential enemy. Betrayal and deception rule the court, and no one is safe from manipulation. The twists in Red Queen will have you questioning everyone’s motives, especially as Mare learns that power doesn’t just corrupt—it destroys. Victoria Aveyard's dystopian fantasy is filled with pulse-pounding action, complex characters, and betrayals that will leave you gasping for more. If you love high-stakes drama and political intrigue, this series will keep you hooked.
4. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Picture a world where ash falls from the sky, and an immortal tyrant has ruled for a thousand years. That’s the grim setting of Mistborn, where magic is tied to metals, and only a select few can manipulate these powers. Vin, a street urchin with incredible hidden abilities, joins a crew of rebels in an attempt to overthrow the all-powerful Lord Ruler. What begins as a fight for freedom quickly escalates into something much larger—and the secrets of this world are far deeper than anyone realizes. Brandon Sanderson’s world-building is unparalleled, and the twisty nature of the plot will keep you guessing at every turn. As the characters uncover hidden truths about their world, you’ll be swept into a tale of betrayal, sacrifice, and unexpected revelations. If you crave epic fantasy with a highly original magic system, Mistborn is a series you can’t miss.
5. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
The Sinclair family appears to have it all—privilege, wealth, and perfect summers on their private island. But beneath the flawless surface of this beautiful family is a darkness that simmers just out of sight. We Were Liars is a haunting and atmospheric novel that unravels the mystery behind a tragic summer. As you piece together the fragmented memories of the protagonist, you’ll feel the weight of grief, guilt, and the desperate need to belong. The writing is lyrical and dreamlike, pulling you into the narrator’s unreliable point of view. And when the truth finally comes out, it’s so devastating that it will leave you reeling long after you close the book. If you love psychological mysteries with emotional depth and haunting prose, We Were Liars is a must-read.
6. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
In the small town of Fairview, everyone believes the case of Andie Bell’s murder was solved five years ago. Everyone except Pip, a high school student determined to uncover the truth. What starts as a school project quickly spirals into a full-fledged investigation that exposes the town’s dark secrets. As Pip gets closer to the truth, she realizes that the real killer is still out there—and they’ll do anything to keep their identity hidden. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue, with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very last page. If you love clever mysteries with a tenacious protagonist who won't back down, this is the perfect thriller for you.
7. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Faerie courts are known for their beauty and cruelty, and no one knows this better than Jude, a mortal girl raised among the treacherous fae. Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince takes you deep into a world of deception, power plays, and dangerous alliances. Jude is determined to prove herself in the cutthroat faerie court, but the game she’s playing is more dangerous than she realizes. With twists that leave you gasping and characters who are as ruthless as they are captivating, this book will have you on the edge of your seat. The intricate politics of the faerie world and Jude’s cunning make for a story that is both thrilling and utterly addictive. If you’re a fan of dark, morally complex fantasy, The Cruel Prince will sweep you away.
8. The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Zalindov is a prison where hope goes to die—unless you’re Kiva, the prison healer who’s used to surviving against impossible odds. When a mysterious prisoner is brought in, Kiva is thrust into a deadly challenge to save both the prisoner and herself. But nothing in Zalindov is as it seems, and Kiva’s past may hold the key to unlocking the prison’s darkest secrets. The Prison Healer is filled with intense trials, magical twists, and dangerous alliances that will keep you glued to the page. Lynette Noni weaves a tale of resilience and hope in the face of overwhelming darkness, with characters who will capture your heart. If you love high-stakes fantasy with rich world-building and jaw-dropping surprises, you won’t want to miss this one.
9. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
If you're looking for a seductive, dark fantasy with a cunning and ruthless protagonist, The Shadows Between Us is the book for you. Alessandra has a clear plan—seduce the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him to claim his throne for herself. But as she gets closer to the king, her feelings—and his—become far more complicated than she expected. Filled with court intrigue, dangerous secrets, and unexpected twists, this story is both thrilling and romantic. Just when you think you know where the plot is going, the surprises keep coming. This is perfect for readers who love morally complex characters and shocking revelations.
10. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
In Caraval, nothing is as it seems. Scarlett has always dreamed of attending the mysterious and magical Caraval—a once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show. But when her sister, Tella, is kidnapped as part of the game, Scarlett must navigate a world of illusions and deception to find her before time runs out. Every decision she makes in the game comes with high stakes, and as the lines between reality and fantasy blur, Scarlett discovers that not everything—or everyone—can be trusted. The twists in this book will leave you questioning what's real right up to the dramatic conclusion. If you love fantasy worlds with rich, magical atmospheres and plot twists you’ll never see coming, Caraval is a must-read.
What YA book did you read that had the best plot twist? Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments below!