YouTube sensations, epic space battles and haunted castles – here are six of the best November young adult releases.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff have come together to pen one of the most heart-stopping and action-packed novels of the year. Part techo-thriller, part space-opera, Illuminae is told through a series of emails, transcripts and dossiers as it follows the stories of Kady and Ezra: one-time lovers now caught up in a conspiracy of galactic proportions.

Liquidator by Andy Mulligan

If you’re searching for a highly original read, look no further than Liquidator. Vicky and her class are doing work experience, and she’s been saddled with the job of ‘assistant sandwich maker’ at a law firm. But rather than making sandwiches, she stumbles upon a dangerous secret surrounding Liquidator, the world’s most popular soft drink. Vicky and her friends are going to need to use all their wits to survive the machinations of the evil company.

The Red Queen by Isobelle Carmody

The moment so many of us have been waiting for is almost here – The Red Queen, the seventh and final book in Isobelle Carmody’s Obernewtyn Chronicles, is out on 12 November. Elspeth has finally come to accept her role as the Seeker, but her battle is far from over: she is the only one who can stop the Destroyer from bringing the world to its knees.

Darkmere by Helen Maslin

Kate’s dreams come true when popular Leo invites her to his newly-inherited castle, Darkmere. But once they arrive, she can’t ignore the uneasy feeling she gets from the looming building. She begins to unravel the castle’s dark history and its secrets, and finds there’s another guest staying at Darkmere: the ghost of long-dead bride who has cursed them all. Our reviewer says it remind her, “of the old slasher movies from the 90s, but without the slasher part”…

They Let Me Write a Book! by Jamie Curry

I’ll admit it – when I first picked this up, I didn’t know who Jamie Curry was. I don’t think I’m really part of the 19-year-old YouTube sensation’s target audience (which currently stands at over 1.3 million subscribers). But as I read her story of she came to achieve internet stardom told through a series of anecdotes and lists, I couldn’t help admiring her humour and wit, as well as her overarching message of the importance of accepting your true self. This is a really inspiring read for teens of all ages!

Soundless by Richelle Mead

The author of the phenomenally successful Vampire Academy novels is breaking new ground with Soundless, the first book in a fantasy series anchored in Asian mythology. Fei lives in a village without sound, trapped on the mountainside by frequent avalanches. As the village slowly starves, Fei discovers something to help her in the fight to save her people: sound. A rich, highly imaginative read that’s sure to impress.

Holly Harper