Best for Beginners: Teen and Young Adult Books to Start With

This is the fifth book in the Hunger Games series, so it works best once you know the world. It follows Haymitch Abernathy as the fiftieth annual Games begin, and reviewers say it is a quick read with an unpredictable plot and emotional moments. Customers also say it adds new insight into other characters and acts as a bridge between the earlier story and the original trilogy. The audiobook listing notes that actor Jefferson White narrates it.

This is a fantasy story that mixes romance with faerie lore, and it is the first book in its series. Feyre's story begins with a single act that sends her into a magical land she knows only from legends, which gives new readers a clear starting point. Reviewers say they could not put it down and finished it in a day, praising the love story and the strong lead. The Fae world has its own rules, so expect to pick up some background as you read.

This is the second book in the series, so start with the first. Feyre is dealing with trauma and a divided sense of self, and the plot moves through politics and power. Readers mention many twists and turns and say the ending reveals more depth to the story. Many say they read it in a single day, which makes it a natural next step for anyone who finished the first book and wants more.

This book is a Goodreads Choice Award winner in the Best Young Adult Fantasy category, and it follows Aelin as she fights to reclaim her kingdom. Reviewers praise the relentless pacing and say the writing is well crafted, with some finishing it in two days. Customers also point to Aelin's growth across the series, which is most rewarding if you have followed her from the beginning. Newcomers may find the many allies and past events easier to follow after reading the earlier books.

This is the book to open first if you are new to the genre. Reviewers describe it as engaging and fast-paced, with a protagonist, Katniss, whose choices are easy to follow. Some readers finish it in just a few days and say it exceeded their expectations. This special edition also adds an interview with Suzanne Collins, a behind-the-scenes look at how the series was created, and a conversation with Walter Dean Myers about writing on war, which gives newcomers useful context.

This is the conclusion of the Throne of Glass series, which the publisher describes as years in the making. Its plot draws together threads from across the series, with war spreading and several characters on separate paths. Reviewers say the ending is stunning and some were moved to tears, and they praise the character development. Because it wraps up many storylines, it is not a suitable starting point for a new reader.