Oregon lawmakers’ overseas trips funded by lobby groups, Taiwanese government

As 2023 comes to a close, it's a great time to reflect on the remarkable young adult speculative fiction released this year. With over 320 books in the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror hitting the shelves, I've narrowed down the list to 30 standout titles. "Striking" is a term that can be interpreted in various ways, but for me, it signifies books that redefine boundaries, offer compelling narratives, or leave a lasting impact.

Treasury of South Asian Legends: Wizardry Has No Boundaries edited by Samira Ahmed, Sona Charaipotra This anthology features 14 YA authors delving into South Asian legends and cultural traditions, spanning fantasy to sci-fi. Notable stories include Naz Kutub's "The Falcon's Explanation," Preeti Chhibber's "Disentangled," and Nafiza Azad's "Mirch, Masala, and Wizardry," each accompanied by stunning original artwork.

Eccentric Horror Anthology: Night of the Living Queers: 13 Stories of Fearful Delight edited by Shelly Page and Alex Brown Thirteen new and established authors contribute to this anthology, presenting BIPOC queer teens navigating a wild Halloween night. Memorable stories include "Rough Street with Caramel Shower" by Kosoko Jackson, "Leyla Mendoza and the Last House on the Path" by Maya Gittelman, and "Trinket" by Ryan Douglass.

Horror with a Captivating Twist: I Feed Her to the Monster and the Monster Is Me by Jamison Shea Set in the Parisian ballet, Laure is determined to steal the spotlight, even if it means making a pact with a monster in the Mausoleums. The cost of her desires proves higher than expected, leading to transformative consequences.

Supernatural Thriller in the Bronx: Plagued: A MTV Dread Novel by Angel Luis Colón Manny is dragged across the country to renovate a haunted Bronx high-rise plagued by more than just cockroaches. A tale of ghosts, cockroaches, and malevolent forces, this novel explores horror within the realms of construction.

Vietnamese Supernatural Mystery: She Is an Unpleasant by Trang Tranh Tran Jade embarks on a journey to Vietnam to assist her father in renovating a seemingly ordinary French colonial house. However, the house holds dark secrets, and Jade must protect her sibling from the horrors of imperialism that transcend time.

Corn Maze Conundrum: What Stalks Among Us by Sarah Hollowell Breaking the rules leads to a nightmarish experience for high school seniors Sadie and Logan as they enter a corn maze. Trapped alongside infinite versions of themselves, they must navigate the labyrinth to survive.

Magical Intrigue in New Orleans: Blood Obligations by Terry J. Benton-Walker (Blood Obligations #1) Twins Clem and Cris Depart, part of an ancient New Orleans magical family, unravel a conspiracy that reaches the pinnacle of the region's politically connected magical clans.

Royal Intrigue in Fantasy Realm: Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena Roshan, raised by a heartless guardian, assumes leadership of the Shadow Tribe outlaws. When they capture Prince Navin, the black sheep of the royal family, a complex tale of power, persecution, and blossoming romance unfolds.

Charming Magical Tale: Enchanted by F. T. Lukens Rook, aspiring to be a magician despite lacking magical abilities, lands a job with an outcast magician. Chaos and romance ensue as Rook meets the enigmatic Sun, the companion to Antonia's rival Tale.

Mystery and Renovation at Hiraeth Estate: A Study in Suffocating by Ava Reid Effy, the only girl in the design department at Llyr College, surprises everyone by winning a valuable project to renovate Hiraeth Estate. As mysteries unfold, Effy collaborates with a literature student to uncover the truth behind the estate and its famous owner, Myrddin.

Jekyll and Hyde Remix in Victorian London: My Dear Henry: A Jekyll and Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron Set in 1885 London, Gabriel returns after a scandal involving his friend Henry Jekyll. Encountering Hyde, a boy with shades of Henry, the narrative explores themes of queerphobia and racism, weaving a twisted relationship.

Metal Manipulation in Shakespearean London: That Same Metal by Brittany N. Williams (Fashion and Fury Adventure #1) In 1605 London, siblings Joan and James work in Shakespeare's acting company, secretly harnessing the power of the Orisha to control metal. As fairies attack London, Joan must defend her loved ones while pushing her abilities to the limit.

Historical Retribution with a Golem: Fury Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros Set in 1943 Lithuania, Vera, a golem created by a father seeking revenge for his daughter's death, embarks on a journey of violence. As Vera seeks vengeance, the narrative explores themes beyond rage.

Demonic Intrigue in School Play: Damned If You Do by Alex Brown Cordelia navigates a crush on her best friend, school play tech week, and demonic interference. Two demons vie for her soul, leading to a compelling narrative with supernatural elements.