Welcome to the literary arena where two genres, Young Adult (YA) and New Adult (NA), go head to head in a battle for the title of the “Coolest Genre”. In one corner, we have YA, the young, fresh-faced, coming-of-age genre that’s been dominating the market for years. In the other corner, we have NA, the new kid on the block, who’s eager to make a name for itself. But which one will come out on top?
The Lowdown on YA
Let’s start with the granddaddy of them all – YA. YA fiction is aimed at readers aged 12-18, and as the name suggests, it’s all about the ups and downs of being a young adult. From first love to first heartbreak, YA covers it all. It’s like a coming-of-age movie but in written form, and we all know how much better books are than movies (unless it’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, then movies win).
YA fiction is often considered the “safe” option for readers who are looking for a light, easy read. It’s like comfort food for your brain, without the calories. It’s predictable, it’s formulaic, but that’s what makes it so appealing. You know exactly what you’re getting into when you pick up a YA book. A good example of this would be Harper North’s Manipulated series. This series is a fresh take on the dystopian genre. It is clean and low on foul language.
The Rise of NA
Enter NA, the new kid on the block. NA fiction is aimed at readers aged 18-30 and covers the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood. It’s like YA’s edgier, more mature cousin who’s just returned from a gap year in Europe and has a ton of stories to tell.
NA is not as predictable as YA, which is part of its appeal. It tackles more mature themes such as sexuality, substance abuse, and mental health, which are often glossed over in YA fiction. It’s not afraid to push boundaries and challenge its readers. It’s like a coming-of-age movie, but with a lot more sex, drugs, and rock and roll. A great new NA title to check out would be Marisa Claire’s Throne of Wolves series. All the 20s angst with shifters and hot fated mates!
The Battle of the Themes
When it comes to themes, YA is the king of cliches. There’s the popular guy who falls in love with the nerdy girl, the chosen one who must save the world, and the dystopian future where love conquers all. It’s a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but without the multiple endings.
NA, on the other hand, is all about exploring the complexities of adulthood. It’s about figuring out who you are, what you want, and how to get there. It’s about navigating the bumpy road to adulthood and all the challenges that come with it. It’s like a reality show, but with fewer tantrums and more introspection.
The Final Verdict
So, who wins this battle of the genres? It’s a tough call. YA is the comforting, predictable option, while NA is the edgier, more challenging one. It all depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you want a light, easy read, go for YA. But if you’re looking for something that will push your boundaries and challenge your beliefs, go for NA.
Both YA and NA have their pros and cons, and at the end of the day, it’s all about personal preference. So, grab a book, find a cozy spot, and let the reading begin. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite genre.
