Best Monster Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised Edition is a comprehensive guide for girls aged 8 and up to understand the changes happening in their bodies. Written by American Girl Library, this book covers topics ranging from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. The book is updated with all-new illustrations and content, making it an informative and engaging read. The medical consultant, Cara Natterson, MD, provides expert advice on various topics. Overall, it is an excellent resource for young girls to understand and take care of their bodies.

Guts: A Graphic Novel is a touching and humorous true story about a girl named Raina who wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. As she deals with the usual highs and lows of school life, her tummy trouble doesn't go away and she begins to worry about food, school, and changing friendships. Raina Telgemeier, the author of Smile, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts, once again brings us a thoughtful and charming tale about growing up and gathering the courage to face and conquer her fears. This book is a must-read for anyone struggling with anxiety disorders.

The Fazbear Frights Four Book Box Set: An AFK Book Series is a collection of spine-chilling short stories straight from the twisted mind of Five Nights at Freddy's creator, Scott Cawthon. This box set includes the first four collections of the Fazbear Frights series, each filled with original and haunting tales that are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. From characters struggling with their deepest desires to those falling prey to gruesome curses, the sinister world of Five Nights at Freddy's is brought to life in this box set. Overall, this book set is a must-have for fans of the horror genre and the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a poignant and darkly funny novel that explores the theme of loss through the eyes of a young boy named Conor. The monster in Conor’s backyard wants something terrible and dangerous from him, the truth. The book, inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd, is a haunting masterpiece that refuses to flinch from the ugly truth about life. The illustrations by Jim Kay are atmospheric and ominous, and the ideal pairing of text and illustration makes it a potent piece of art. A Monster Calls is a unique and powerful tale that will stay with readers long after they finish it.

Into the Pit (Five Nights at Freddy's: Fazbear Frights #1) is a spine-chilling collection of three novella-length tales that will keep even the bravest Five Nights at Freddy's fans up at night. The stories explore the twisted world of the game, where the deepest desires of the characters come with an unexpected cost. The book features cover art from fan-favorite artist LadyFiszi and is authored by Scott Cawthon, the creator of the Five Nights at Freddy's video game series. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of horror and the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise.

"Hell Followed With Us" is a thrilling queer debut novel that tells the story of Benji, a trans boy on the run from the cult that raised him. Along the way, he discovers that the bioweapon the cult infected him with is mutating him into a deadly monster. He finds refuge among a group of teens from the local LGBTQ+ center, but soon realizes that their leader has a hidden agenda. The book is a timely and riveting tale that tackles important issues while delivering a unique and exciting story. It is a must-read for fans of YA horror and LGBTQ+ fiction.

Bones & All is a unique and edgy novel that delves into the life of Maren Yearly, a young woman with a shameful secret. Maren's search for her father leads her to discover a world of fellow eaters, potential enemies, and the prospect of love. The book explores young women's sexuality, self-reliance, and the importance of being true to oneself. The author, DeAngelis, doesn't shy away from Maren's dark nature but manages to keep her sweet, giving us a portrait of a young girl who wants to fit in. Overall, Bones & All is a genuinely entertaining and quirky read that draws the reader in.

The Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy by Laini Taylor is a New York Times bestselling epic fantasy series that tells a story of a forbidden love, an ancient and epic battle, and hope for a world remade. The complete gift set includes all three books in paperback - Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Days of Blood & Starlight, and Dreams of Gods & Monsters. Laini Taylor's writing style is gorgeously written and captivating, making this series a must-read for monster fiction enthusiasts. Overall, this gift set is a perfect addition to any reader's collection, and it's a great way to binge-read the entire series.

The second volume of the Fazbear Frights series, "Fetch," offers three more bone-chilling tales that will keep even the bravest Five Nights at Freddy's player up at night. The stories follow three characters who are ready to take control of their lives and test their limits. However, as they soon learn, control is a fragile thing in the sinister world of Five Nights at Freddy's. Andrea Rains Waggener and Carly Anne West deliver yet another thrilling installment that is sure to unsettle even the most hardened fans of the series.

Realm Breaker 2-Book Hardcover Box Set: Realm Breaker, Blade Breaker is a thrilling fantasy action and adventure book for teens and young adults. The box set features the first two books in the trilogy and follows the journey of Corayne and her companions as they stand against an invincible opponent determined to burn all kingdoms to ash. With breakneck action, impossible thrills, and lethal surprises, this series is a true fantasy masterpiece. The characters are well-developed and the world-building is exceptional. Overall, this box set is a must-read for fans of the genre.