Discover hidden heroes with these 12 fantastic young adult books
Take another look. These "weaklings" are not what they appear to be.
Many young adult books and series start off with the warrior heroes - the Feyre's, the Katnisses(?), you know which ones I mean. Those "underdog" characters who are already actually the strongest characters right from Chapter 1.
But what about that orphaned mapmaker from the Royal Corps of Surveyors in the First Army (Shadow and Bone)? Sure, she could throw a decent punch but then Alina turns out to be the rarest Grisha with the ability to control light.
Or that reluctant-human-turned-elf named Nesta (A Court of Silver Flames). Well, because--go and find out what she's capable of right at the end! (Not saying for spoilers!)
Or that innocent star from the other side of Wall (Stardust) who was minding her own business when some necklace knocked her out of the sky. What does she do best again?
And yes, that brooding teenaged girl who moves to Seattle to live with her dad and then makes friends with a pale vegetarian vampire? (Twilight) Talk about starting weak and finishing strong.
Besides, what's more awesome than a training montage?
Are you feeling it? Check out these fantastic sci-fi & fantasy young adult books where these heroes are hidden at first, until they discover their true, inner, awesome power.
Seven Crowns (Shadows & Starlight Book 1) by E. V. Everest
Foster kid, Ana, may or may not have the ability to heal. If she can't prove her gift, she risks being labeled an imposter and executed.
A crown is dangerous. A crown split seven ways is deadly.
Travel to a glittering, dangerous world with political alliances and ballgowns, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Cinder.
Saving Eden: A YA Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic Adventure (The Eden Saga Book 1) by K. R. S. McEntire
Angela is unaware that she has mutant powers or that mutants even exist until she leaves her garden paradise home for the first time and discovers that the world is not what she thought.
A jaded resistance fighter. A magical mutant girl. A quest to save the last beacon of hope in a deadly, dystopian world.
The Curse of the Arcadian Stone: Nameless Fay (Volumes 1-3) by S. R. Breaker
A simple forest fairy guarding a legendary stone. She doesn't even really have a name. So when someone steals the mythical stone and she loses her powers, she's helpless...right?
Or does this set off a chain reaction of events that lead to uncovering the mysteries behind the curse, the secret nature of her being, and the inevitable fate of the world?
If you like Neil Gaiman's "Stardust" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" with a twist, you’ll enjoy this fast-paced YA fantasy adventure.
Viridia: A science fantasy YA adventure (with dragons) (Dragontek Lore Book 1) by Tim Frankovich
Beryl knows he has a minor cybernetic implant, but discovers it’s far, far more than he understood.
When Beryl uses his cybernetic implant to help a mysterious refugee escape the police, he finds himself leading a revolution.
Finding Me: Young Adult Urban Fantasy (Magic, Action, Romance) by Dawn Brazil
Chloe, doesn’t know who she is. She has to be taught everything about her life, even her real name.
Little does she know, she holds great power on the other five universes.
Chimera Skies by Sharlene Healy
Sam is an ordinary high school girl on summer vacation with her family when her parents are abducted. She and her siblings escape and end up in an underground bunker where their lives are turned upside down.
Sam starts out physically "weak" but trains her body and learns to fight. Little by little, she uncovers the truth: monsters aren't the only things lurking in the dark.
The Lament of Death: Children of Chaos Series by Maria Vermisoglou
Kyara is preparing to be a healer at the Choice but becomes a banshee instead. She has to come in terms with her gift first, train and save the world. Piece of cake.
She has many powers but doesn't know how to use them. She thinks they're useless but by the end, will she be a master of her fate and power?