If you enjoy reading books by Barry Lyga then you might also like the following authors:
Neal Shusterman is an author known for exploring dark and thought-provoking stories. One of his standout novels, “Unwind,” imagines a world where teenagers can be “unwound”—a process that separates and redistributes their body parts to others.
The story follows three teens trying to escape their grim fate, putting them on a journey that challenges the morality of their society.
Fans of Barry Lyga, especially those who enjoyed complex human dilemmas in his thrillers, might find themselves hooked on Shusterman’s intense storytelling.
Gillian Flynn is an author who crafts dark, twisty stories that explore the darker sides of human nature. One of her best-known books, “Gone Girl,” tells the story of Nick and Amy, a married couple whose lives unravel when Amy disappears on their fifth anniversary.
The investigation into Amy’s disappearance pulls secrets into the light, showing how complicated and toxic their relationship really is. The story moves between Nick’s perspective and Amy’s journal entries, keeping the reader unsure of who to trust.
It’s a book full of surprises that grabs attention with its sharp-edged characters and tense atmosphere.
Courtney Summers writes intense and emotionally charged stories, often centering on teens grappling with dark and difficult experiences. Her book, “Sadie,” follows a young girl on a mission to find her sister’s killer.
The story flips between Sadie’s raw, driven perspective and a podcast that pieces together her journey. It doesn’t shy away from hard realities, making it a powerful read for fans of Barry Lyga’s unflinching narratives.
Juno Dawson is an author known for writing stories that tackle real issues with gripping honesty. One of her standout books, “Meat Market,” follows Jana Novak, a working-class teenager whose life changes when she’s scouted to become a high-fashion model.
The world she enters, though glamorous on the surface, reveals itself to be dark and exploitative. The book takes readers behind the scenes of the modeling industry, highlighting the pressure, power dynamics, and dangers Jana faces as she tries to hold on to her sense of self.
If you enjoy emotionally intense stories that explore how young people navigate challenging situations, Dawson’s work might be worth checking out.
Karen M. McManus writes mystery novels that grab your attention right away. Her book, “One of Us Is Lying,” starts with five high school students walking into detention, but only four of them make it out alive.
Each of the survivors has secrets, and the story makes you question who’s telling the truth. It has a mix of suspense and high school drama that fans of Barry Lyga might enjoy.
Lisa McMann is an author who writes stories that pull you in with their strong characters and unique plots. In her book “Wake,” she introduces Janie, a girl who is drawn into other people’s dreams whenever they fall asleep near her.
This isn’t a gift she enjoys—it’s a chaotic and exhausting ability that becomes dangerous. When she stumbles into a dream that reveals a disturbing secret, she is faced with a choice that could change her life.
Fans of Barry Lyga might enjoy the mix of dark themes and emotional depth in McMann’s writing, as well as her focus on teenagers dealing with extraordinary situations.
Jay Asher is an author known for stories that explore the struggles and emotions of young people. His book, “Thirteen Reasons Why,” follows a boy named Clay who receives a set of tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah after she takes her own life.
The tapes reveal the events and choices that contributed to her death. The story moves through Clay’s journey as he listens to Hannah’s words, uncovering how actions and relationships can ripple through people’s lives.
Stephanie Kuehn is known for writing dark and thought-provoking stories about teens grappling with intense emotions and secrets. One of her books, “Charm & Strange,” is about a boy named Andrew Winston Winters, who carries a heavy burden from his past.
At his boarding school, he wrestles with his identity and the trauma that lingers in his life. The book slowly unravels the truth about what he’s hiding and why he feels so disconnected. It explores memory, guilt, and the ways people cope with unbearable pain.
Fans of Barry Lyga might enjoy how Kuehn doesn’t shy away from exploring the challenging parts of growing up.
Paula Stokes writes stories that often mix dark themes with personal growth, making her books hard to put down. One of her standout novels, “Liars, Inc.,” follows Max, a teen who covers for his friend Preston when Preston lies about his plans to meet someone.
When Preston disappears, Max gets caught in a web of secrets and dangers that puts his freedom—and life—at risk. The twists and tension in this book keep you guessing, and it explores how lies can spiral out of control.
Fans of Barry Lyga’s books might find her stories equally intense and thought-provoking.
Tess Sharpe writes emotional and suspenseful stories that stick with you. Her book, “Far From You,” follows Sophie, a girl recovering from addiction, who becomes determined to uncover the truth behind her best friend Mina’s death.
The story dives into grief, love, and secrets, as Sophie pieces together clues and faces her own struggles. Tess Sharpe crafts characters who feel real and raw, capturing the pain and hope they carry.
Fans of Barry Lyga’s thought-provoking and character-driven tales might find Sharpe’s work gripping in its honesty.
Ellen Hopkins is known for her raw and emotionally charged novels, often written in free verse. One of her books, “Crank,” tells the story of Kristina, a straight-A teenager whose life spins out of control after she becomes addicted to meth.
The book explores the devastating effects of her choices on her and the people around her. Hopkins doesn’t shy away from harsh realities, making her stories as hard-hitting as they are memorable.
Fans of Barry Lyga’s intense and gritty storytelling might find her work equally unforgettable.
April Henry writes thrillers that pull you into fast-paced, high-stakes situations. One of her books, “The Night She Disappeared,” follows Gabie, a teenager who works at a pizza place.
When another worker, Kayla, goes missing after a delivery, Gabie learns that the kidnapper had actually asked for her that night. With tension building, Gabie teams up with Drew, another coworker, to figure out what happened.
This story is packed with suspense, giving readers a front-row seat to their desperate search.
Robert Cormier was an author known for writing thoughtful and intense stories, often focusing on the struggles of teens. His book “The Chocolate War” follows a boy named Jerry Renault who refuses to take part in a school fundraiser.
This small act of defiance against a manipulative group at his school sets off a chain of events that challenge his courage and principles. Cormier’s work explores the darker side of growing up, with raw honesty that lingers long after you’ve finished the book.
Caroline Kepnes is known for her dark and unique storytelling. Her book “You” introduces Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager who becomes obsessed with a woman named Beck after she walks into his shop.
Joe manipulates his way into her life, using social media and whatever means he can to control her world. The story explores how far someone will go when their obsession takes over, and it’s filled with shocking twists that keep you turning the pages.
Fans of Barry Lyga’s knack for creating unsettling characters might find Kepnes’ work a fascinating read.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes writes twisty, fast-paced stories that grab your attention right away. If you liked Barry Lyga’s books, you might enjoy hers too.
In “The Inheritance Games,” a girl named Avery suddenly inherits a massive fortune from a billionaire she never met, but there’s a mysterious catch.
To claim her inheritance, she has to live in his mansion, where the billionaire’s family—including his clever, sometimes dangerous grandsons—are waiting. The house is full of puzzles, secret passages, and surprises at every turn.