Best Mystery & Thriller Action & Adventure Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Island by Natasha Preston is a thrilling YA novel that follows six social media influencers who are invited to an exclusive amusement park on a private island. The group quickly discovers that something is off about the island, and they must fight for their survival. The author's use of the human-made island setting adds to the story's unique and playful tone. The book's tension builds steadily, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last word. Overall, The Island is a must-read for fans of fast-paced thrillers.

Thunderhead (2) (Arc of a Scythe) by Neal Shusterman is a chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe. The book follows Rowan and Citra, who take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds. As corruption within the Scythedom spreads, they begin to lose hope. The Thunderhead, the perfect ruler of a perfect world, may or may not intervene. The book interweaves questions of morality, responsibility, loyalty, and power, building to a devastatingly intense conclusion that sends the characters and larger world into terrifying new territory. Overall, Thunderhead is an intelligent and entertaining blend of dark humor and high death tolls, making it a unique and compelling read for science fiction action & adventure fans.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is a timeless classic that won the Newbery Medal for its intriguing storyline. Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where they stumble upon a mystery involving a beautiful statue with an unknown maker. The book is a perfect blend of adventure, mystery, and sibling bonding, making it a must-read for teens and young adults. The unique setting of the museum and the clever plot twists keep readers engaged until the very end. Overall, this book is a delightful read that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.

The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is a thrilling epic fantasy that takes readers on a journey of power, betrayal, and rebellion. Set in a world where blood determines social status, Mare Barrow, a Red, discovers she has a superhuman ability and is forced to play the role of a lost Silver princess. As she delves deeper into the Silver world, Mare risks everything to help the Scarlet Guard, a growing Red rebellion. With a gasp-worthy twist and engaging characters, this inventive and character-driven novel is an unexpected and worthy addition to any genre fan's reading list.

The His Dark Materials 3-Book Paperback Boxed Set includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass, which tell the story of Lyra and Will on their dangerous journey through otherworlds, encountering witches, armored bears, fallen angels, and more. Phillip Pullman’s captivating trilogy has won acclaim and graced bestseller lists for over twenty years. The books will have readers questioning their world and wondering what lies beyond. The set is perfect for fans or newcomers to this modern fantasy classic series. Overall, the series is a literary rollercoaster ride that combines war, politics, magic, science, individual lives, and cosmic destinies into a narrative of tremendous pace, making it a must-read for epic fantasy fans.

"Legend" by Marie Lu is a gripping dystopian novel set in a future Los Angeles where the western United States is now the Republic, a nation constantly at war with its neighbors. The story follows two teenagers, June and Day, who come from very different worlds and have no reason to cross paths until a tragic event brings them together. Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to captivate readers. The book has received high praise from various publications, and it deserves all the hype it gets. Overall, "Legend" is a must-read for fans of science fiction action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

Michael Vey 8: The Parasite is the latest addition to the popular young adult series by Richard Paul Evans. The electrifying eighth installment follows Michael and the Electroclan as they face a new, more dangerous threat than ever before. As they try to return to a normal life, they quickly learn that it's not as easy as they thought it would be. Fans of the series will be thrilled with the return of their favorite electric superheroes. Overall, the book is an action-packed adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Code of Honor is a heart-racing action-adventure about the War on Terror and the bond between brothers. Kamran Smith, a high school football star, dates the most popular girl in school and plans to join the Army like his big brother, Darius. But when Darius is accused of being a terrorist, Kamran must clear his brother's name and piece together a series of clues and codes to find the truth. The book tackles important themes such as loyalty, trust, and family, making it a must-read for young adults.

The Lake by Natasha Preston is a gripping YA thriller about two friends Esme and Kayla who return to Camp Pine Lake as counselors-in-training. But their excitement turns to fear when they receive a message that the lake never forgets, threatening to expose a dark secret they have kept buried for years. The story is reminiscent of classic summer camp slasher films and horror fans will appreciate the paranoia-fueled tale. The strong buildup leads to a satisfying finale, making it an eerie thriller that will keep readers on edge.

Six of Crows is a thrilling fantasy action and adventure book for teens and young adults. Leigh Bardugo, the #1 bestselling author, takes readers on a journey with Kaz Brekker and his crew of dangerous outcasts to pull off a deadly heist in the bustling hub of international trade, Ketterdam. The characters are complex, and their relationships are compelling, making the story an unforgettable tale about the opportunity and adventure of a lifetime. The book is a must-read for those who love action-packed stories with intricate world-building and unique characters.