Top 10 Rising Authors to Look Out For
Not every author can be as famous as J.K Rowling, Jacqueline Wilson or Michael Morpurgo. Not every series can be as huge as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Percy Jackson or the Hunger Games. These lesser-known authors however, are just as good and could be on the way up.10: Holly Hinton
This young dramatist who never planned on writing a book, recently published her YA debut, The Summer Sacrifice in 2014. An imaginative dystopian fantasy with intriguing ideas, likeable characters and a quirky, enjoyable writing style, though it takes time for the reader to get into, the first instalment in The Master Game Series does show promise.
9: Sonya Hartnett
One of Australia's most acclaimed authors, Sonya Hartnett perhaps comes close to being to famous for this list. Hartnett published her first book at just fifteen and shows no sign of stopping. Having written gently told stories of the world wars, The Silver Donkey and Children of the King (perfect for anyone looking for a change from Michael Morpurgo) to dark and mesmerising YA novels such as Surrender, Hartnett is definitely a talented and versatile writer.
8: L.A Jones
This young author had a clever, original idea for her debut. Her middle grade fantasy-horror The Nightmare Factory sure is a fun read. It's at times, dark cruel and gory, at others, fun, imaginative and quick-witted. L.A Jones has certainly made a good start.
7: Andrew Lane
Andrew Lane's most notable series is Young Sherlock Holmes, where through the intriguing story told in a dark and gripping writing style, we see how the rather ordinary fourteen year-old Sherlock becomes the brilliant detective we all know and love. He's also a sci-fi author, having written Doctor Who novels and recently has started an interesting new series Lost Worlds.
6: Alex Scarrow
Another British sci-fi author, Alex Scarrow's Timeriders series - about three teenagers from different historical eras, given the task of stopping time travel destroying history - is violent and action-packed, with a clever plotline and characters that felt real. Despite some of the books being a little disappointing, his new series, The Legend of Ellie Quin has readers excited.
5: Derek Landy
Though his fantasy series Skulduggery Pleasant isn't as big as Percy Jackson or Artemis Fowl, it is an underground phenomenon. About a teenage girl and a skeleton man in a suit fighting crime and bending the elements in a dark magical underworld across an alternative Britain, Landy's series has exciting action, wild imagination and laugh-out-loud humour.
4: Jenna Moreci
This self-published, Californian model-turned-author (yeah, hear that Sarah J. Maas? There's a prettier YA author in town (but looks don't matter)) knows her stuff. Giving expert writing advice online and marketing her book brilliantly, many readers were excited for her YA debut, Eve: The Awakening. A dystopian sci-fi novel full of brutal fight scenes, heavy backstory and a sense of mystery, driven forward by a fast plot and a strong, believable female character, her first book doesn't disappoint. Oh, and don't worry; she leaves out love-triangles.
3: Bali Rai
If you're looking for realistic fiction, British-Asian author Bali Rai is your guy. Having written cultural fiction and football stories for many years, but to little recognition, his most recent book, Web of Darkness is perhaps his best. A creepy, psychological teenage novel that warns of the dangers of the internet, Web of Darkness ensnares the reader on every page. With relatable characters able to make the reader care, you'll gasp at every plot twist.
2: Rachel Campbell Jonston
A poetry critic for The Guardian for many years, Rachel Campbell Jonston's book The Child's Elephant is by no means old-fashioned or boring. At first a wonderful story of a boy who adopts a baby elephant after its parents are killed by poachers, the book takes a serious turn, exploring the harsh and tragic reality of life as a child soldier. It's perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo who also recommends the book. With her first fiction novel nominated for the Carnegie Award, those who enjoyed it can't wait for her next great book.
1: Charlie Higson
Author of the Young Bond series, thrilling teen spy books far superior to Alex Rider, Higson recognised the one major flaw in the series: you always know the hero will survive. The Enemy series couldn't be more different. Set in a world where everyone over fourteen has become a raging, zombie-like "sicko," these books are completely unpredictable. With suspense, savage twists, thrilling chases and bloody and intense fights, the series has you fearing for the characters and on the edge of your seat. In amongst all the blood and gore, there's a surprising amount of humanity and multiple storylines all linking together. Even people who generally don't like zombie books enjoy this series. It's a masterpiece of modern storytelling and as it comes to an end, there's no knowing what Charlie Higson will write next.
