Best Space Opera Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

This second installment of the Star Wars: The High Republic series, Path of Vengeance, follows the story of cousins Marda and Yana Ro, who belong to the Path of the Open Hand, a group that opposes the use of the Force. While Marda goes on a dangerous mission to find creatures to use against the Jedi, Yana forms an unexpected alliance with her dead lover's father to take down the Path's leader. Cavan Scott's writing is enthralling, and the characters' dilemmas are relatable, making this book a great addition to the series. Fans of Star Wars and young adult fiction will enjoy this book's unique storyline.

The Ender Saga #1 box set contains five volumes: Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, Children of the Mind, and Ender in Exile. Orson Scott Card's science fiction series is widely considered one of the greatest ever written, translated into over 34 languages and selling millions of copies in the US and Canada. The series follows the life of Ender Wiggin, beginning with his training as a child soldier to his eventual leadership in an interstellar war. The books offer a captivating mix of action, philosophy, and empathy. This box set is perfect for new readers and collectors alike.

"Star Wars: The High Republic: Path of Deceit" is a thrilling addition to the High Republic series, set 150 years before Phase I. Zallah and Kevmo arrive on the planet Dalna to investigate a stolen Force artifact and discover the Path of the Open Hand, a group of believers who think the Force should be free and not used by anyone, even the Jedi. When Marda and Kevmo meet, their connection is instant, but Marda soon discovers Kevmo is a Jedi. The story heats up as Marda must choose between her faith and her new friend. This book is a must-read for sci-fi fans, especially those who love Star Wars.

Defiant (The Skyward Series) is the final book in an epic science fiction series written by Brandon Sanderson. The story is about a girl named Spensa, who travels beyond the stars to save the world she loves from destruction. Spensa is Cytonic, and her gifts are more complicated than she ever imagined. The book explores how far Spensa is willing to go for victory, even if it means losing herself and her friends in the process. The book is a thrilling conclusion to a fantastic series, and Sanderson does an excellent job of tying up all the loose ends. Defiant is a must-read for any science fiction fan.

Star Wars: The High Republic:: Midnight Horizon is a thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe. Set centuries before the events of The Phantom Menace, the book follows Jedi Masters and Padawans as they investigate a suspected Nihil attack on Corellia. The story is action-packed and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Daniel Jos Older does a great job of capturing the spirit of the Star Wars franchise while introducing new and exciting characters. The book is a must-read for fans of science fiction action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

Saga: Compendium One is a must-read for fans of science fiction graphic novels. This compendium collects the first nine volumes of the New York Times bestselling series, featuring over 1,300 pages of gorgeously graphic full-color artwork. The story follows a girl named Hazel and her star-crossed parents, telling the entire story (so far!). The new cover from Eisner Award-winning SAGA co-creator FIONA STAPLES adds an extra touch of beauty to the already stunning artwork. Overall, this compendium is an incredible binge-read and a fantastic addition to any graphic novel collection.

Star Wars: The High Republic: Out of the Shadows is an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times best-selling series. The story follows Sylvestri Yarrow, a hauler who is struggling to keep her family's business afloat after her mother's death. When she heads to Coruscant for help, she gets caught up in a family dispute over a patch of space on the frontier. Meanwhile, Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh is summoned to Coruscant with no explanation. As the two storylines intertwine, the characters are taken on a thrilling journey that reveals long-held secrets. Overall, this is an essential read for die-hard Star Wars fans and a great addition to the High Republic era.

Star Wars: The High Republic: Into the Dark is a thrilling science-fiction adventure novel for teens and young adults. The story follows Padawan Reath Silas, who is sent on a mission to an undeveloped frontier, but finds himself at the center of a galactic-wide disaster. He and his Jedi companions take refuge on a mysterious abandoned space station, where they uncover a dark truth that could lead to tragedy. Written by Claudia Gray, this book is a must-read for any Star Wars fan in 2021, with incredible depth and emotionally resonant storytelling.

Queen's Hope, a thrilling Star Wars adventure, follows Padmé Amidala as she adjusts to being a wartime senator during the Clone Wars, while her husband Anakin Skywalker fights the war as a Jedi. Meanwhile, Padmé's handmaiden Sabé steps into the role of Senator Amidala, and both are horrified by the machinations of the Senate. As Chancellor Palpatine manipulates the players to his own ends, the stakes have never been higher for the galaxy or the newly-married couple. E.K. Johnston's cohesive and engaging writing style makes this a satisfying read for fans of the Star Wars universe.