This Week in Young Adult Fantasy — Week of June 29, 2026

Biggest Gainers

A Darker Shore: Letters from Ketterdam by Leigh Bardugo, E.K. Belsher

Published: June 30, 2026

Debuting this week at the top of the charts, A Darker Shore gained 49 ratings, marking a growth of 35%. This short story from the acclaimed Grishaverse taps into the suspenseful aftermath of Crooked Kingdom and has ignited interest among fans, showcasing a refreshing revival of excitement for the series just after its release.

Stats: 139 → 188 (+49)

The River She Became by Emily Varga

Published: June 30, 2026

Also an exciting new entry, The River She Became grew by 26 ratings, achieving 4.6% growth this week. This title's engaging premise of a relic-hunter restoring magic to her world has resonated well, placing it solidly in the second position among new releases and indicating a strong start in an active market for fantasy romantasy.

Stats: 569 → 595 (+26)

When Dealing With Dragons by Dana Swift

Published: June 30, 2026

Holding strong at #3, When Dealing With Dragons also registered a modest gain of 26 ratings, which translates to a 6.6% increase. This title joins the ranks of new fantasy releases with dual perspectives, and though it doesn’t boast the highest numbers, its steady growth demonstrates resilience in the current release landscape.

Stats: 396 → 422 (+26)

Surprise of the Week

Kingdom of Waves by Melissa de la Cruz

Published: June 16, 2026

This week, Kingdom of Waves showcased unexpected resilience with an increase of 22 ratings, resulting in a growth of 14%. Its focused narrative about thieves in search of mythical treasures seems to resonate more as it establishes its presence amid the competitive landscape, jumping into a leading trajectory amongst newly released stories.

Stats: 154 → 176 (+22)

Quick Hits

All We Hunger For by Anna Mercier

Continuing its debut momentum this year, All We Hunger For increased by 19 ratings (10%), reflecting engagement in its magical baking contest narrative. Stats: 190 → 209 (+19)

What Lives in the Mountains

The magical aspects of What Lives in the Mountains appear to be captivating readers, showing promising initial ratings growth. Stats: 412 → 436 (+24)

Unbroken Horizons by Aisha N. Khatun

This title is gaining traction with a 20 rating uptick this week, emphasizing its evolving engagement in the genre. Stats: 300 → 320 (+20)

Pick of the Week

This week’s standout is undoubtedly #1 A Darker Shore: Letters from Ketterdam, which not only debuted atop the charts but also achieved a remarkable 35% growth with 49 new ratings within just a week of release. Its performance reflects a strong interest, likely driven by the established fanbase of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse and the intriguing mystery woven into its narrative. This significant uptick positions it as a captivating entry into the Young Adult Fantasy space.