Rehabilitating YA: 20 Trope-Free Standalones/Series to Read if You've Given Up on It (Pt.1)

Hello sweeties!

I've been wanting to write a post like this for a while. Every now and then, I hear someone say they've given up on YA (or are reading much less of it lately) because they got fed up with the tropes that come with the "genre". Now, while of course it's not mandatory to read YA at any age, and while I'm not denying the existence of such tropes (though really, any literary genre/age range has got its share of them...), I made it my reader's life mission to discover YA books that stand out for any reason and employ as little of those overused plot devices as it's humanly possible (hence, of course, my blog's name). So I thought I'd put together a list of YA novels blissfully devoid of tropes (or employing them in minimal doses), hoping to prove those reluctant/jaded readers that there's so much more to YA than meets the eye. And I ultimately decided to make this post into a series, because my list was too long for a single one. Here goes Part 1 (broken down by genres/my blog's Reading Rooms)...

(Note: these are not necessarily my favourite books - though some of them are. I only choose them for their lack/minimal amount of tropes. Also, there are a few mature YA/NA/adult friendly books in this list).

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CHRISTOPHER PIKE

Thirst (formerly known as The Last Vampire) series - in progress (? books)

(see my reviews of Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3)

• An original take on vampires, that blends urban fantasy with thriller, history, and more than anything, Eastern spirituality.
• Romance plays a minimal role through the series, though there's a love story going on...and off (for certain reasons) in the first installments, and it MIGHT sound like instalove at first, except you'll find out that things are different than they seem. Another relationship will occur later, but then again, Thirst never puts romance at its center - and anyway, it's not your usual romance.
• Sita is both the monster and the saviour in this story, since she feels a responsibility to save the human race from the threat her own blood poses to them. That doesn't prevent the body count in the series from being massive - but Sita does have a moral compass, thanks to her ages-old connection with Krishna.

Please note: for years The Last Vampire/Thirst has been considered YA lit, but the human age of the protagonist would place it in the NA category nowadays, and the series gets more mature - and darker - by the book.

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AFTERLIFE

Deadgirl series by B.C. Johnson - in progress (4 books + 1 novella)

(see my reviews of Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3 | Daphne novella)

• Original premise (after a brush with death, the main character Lucy comes back as a phantom who needs "essence" in order to stay solid), solid and fresh mythology, engaging writing, wonderful cast.
• There's a dose of teen angst about first loves, former boyfriends, rocky friendships - but it's all so realistic (despite the otherworldly premise) and THINGS GET RESOLVED. Friendship and camaraderie in the face of death remain the key words. Also, the characters mature a lot through the series, without losing their teen appeal.
• The cast isn't trying to save the world - they're sort of accidental heroes because of their association with Lucy, and their aim is to help her stay alive...and not to die themselves at the hands of her enemies. Still, they kick ass in so many ways. And they don't always win...which is heartbreaking, but realistic.

The Balance series by C.W. Snyder - in progress (3 books)
(see my reviews of Book 1 | Book 2)

• Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired series that doesn't read at all like your usual retelling, since it only marginally relies on the original Alice mould and weaves lots of literary and mythological references into a fresh (and complex, and DARK) story.
• Alice is a pivotal character for Nod (the afterlife), but she isn't your usual Chosen One - her peculiarity is rooted in facts, not in random gifts granted by a superior entity. And though she does pick up information and abilities that will be needed for the final showdown (and even in death, she grows up), she still manages to retain her humanity and a sense of wonder.
• Friendship/companionship are the key words here, and despite a couple of hints about something more, the series (so far) is blissfully void of romance.

Please note: this series is marketed as NA (though the main character starts out as little girl), due to its being far more mature than your usual YA. As a whole, The Balance is complex and dark enough that it will appeal to adults as well.
Also please note: the original publisher very recently shut up shop, but since the rights have been reverted to the author, the whole trilogy should be available soon-ish via another one. Keep your eyes peeled! Of course I will be advertising/reviewing when it's time.

Shallow Graves by Kali Wallace

(see my review)

• The book is told from the monster(s)' perspective (the lead monster being undead girl Breezy, who came back with the ability of sensing and killing...killers), and explores the forever-shifting boundaries between the once-human and the monster itself.
• There's no mandatory romance - despite meeting other "creatures" and forging alliances with some of them, Breezy never develops romantic feelings (or lust) for anyone. And mind you, she's not asexual or aromantic (she's bisexual).
• The main character delivers a powerful feminist message without sounding like a walking manifesto, all while fighting the monster rhetoric as well (as in, not buying into the fact that, since she's got the power to kill the bad guys, she's destined to succumb to it and turn into a vigilante).

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Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where I'll recommend you a few Supernatural/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy books/series and a couple of Sci-Fi standalones!