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Happy National Author’s Day! Today on Pop Culturalist we’re celebrating five YA authors who have given us epic stories to fall in love with, an ocean of bookish feels to drown in, and inspiring quotes to live by. I’ve read every book written by these authors, and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in high fantasy and science fiction. These authors are masters at world building and creating fleshed out characters, yet each has their own distinctive writing style. All have earned a spot (some multiple times) on the New York Times Best Seller List and are beloved by readers of YA. This year on National Author’s Day we honor Cassandra Clare, Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, Renee Ahdieh, and Marie Lu.

Cassandra Clare

Award: Writing That Slays Every Time
Reasons: Cassandra Clare is exceptional at weaving intricate plots that connect across her multiple series. It is essential to read The Shadowhunters Novels in a particular order to avoid spoilers. Each series has its own arc but connects to and adds to the larger narrative. When all the pieces of the story fit together to complete the puzzle, you are left with your mind-blown.
Book Series: The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, The Dark Artifices

Sarah J. Maas

Award: Writing That Will Leave You Emotionally Compromised
Reasons: Not only can Sarah J. Maas plot the hell out of a story (just look at the size of A Court of Wings and Ruin and Kingdom of Ash!), she can also create complex characters that resonate deeply with readers. Maas skillfully peels back their layers over time to reveal the true character within. I can start out not caring about a couple of them, or even strongly dislike a few, but by the end of the book (or series) I’ve formed a strong emotional attachment to ALL of them. With a mix of twisty plots and multifaceted characters, the only way to end a Sarah J. Maas series is in an emotionally compromised state.
Book Series: Throne of Glass series, A Court of Thorns and Roses series, DC Icons: Catwoman Soulstealer

Sabaa Tahir

Award: Writing That Immerses You
Reasons: Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series has a dark, intense, and foreboding atmosphere that makes me genuinely afraid of what will happen in the story and what the characters will experience. Despite the fear and uncertainty, I’m drawn into the world Tahir has created and compelled to read on because I care about the characters so much.
Books: An Ember in the Ashes, A Torch Against the Night, A Reaper at the Gates

Renee Ahdieh

Award: Writing That Makes You Swoon
Reasons: I’m a huge fan of the romantic relationships in both of Renee Ahdieh’s series. She knows how to blend the tension, chemistry, emotions, and dialogue to induce hard-core swooning. What makes the romantic pairings even more enjoyable is that they represent an equal partnership between two characters that love, trust, and respect one another.
Books: The Wrath and the Dawn duology, Flame in the Mist, Smoke in the Sun

Marie Lu

Award: Writing That Thrills You
Reasons: Any time I pick up a book by Marie Lu, I know I will experience a thrilling adventure that will excite, entertain, and transport me to unique worlds. Whether it’s a dystopian, fantasy, or science fiction novel, Lu’s writing never loses her fast-paced, riveting style of storytelling.
Book Series: Legend Trilogy, The Young Elites Trilogy, Warcross, Wildcard, DC Icons: Batman Nightwalker

Thank you to each of the authors on this list for working hard to bring readers exceptional stories to enjoy. We love you, appreciate you, and are forever grateful for all that you share with us!

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About the Pop Culturalist Contributor, Amna
Amna is an elementary school teacher living in Texas who enjoys reading and writing about YA books in her free time. Her favorite authors include: Cassandra Clare, Sarah J. Mass, Sabaa Tahir, and Renee Ahdieh.

Photo Credit: Paul Schafer of Unsplash