“Because horror on Earth is real and it is every day. It is like a flower or like the sun; it cannot be contained.”
Hey there, horror fans! Let’s take a trip back in time to the 1990s and 2000s when the world of horror underwent a dramatic shift. Thanks to works like Wes Craven’s Scream, the formula for a good scare changed completely. Gone were the hapless camp counsellors of the slasher era, replaced by resourceful and wise-cracking young adults who grew up on all the horror tropes and cliches. This paved the way for a golden age of young adult horror authors in the 2000s, who churned out spine-tingling stories that still boast stellar legacies today. Join us at What We Reading as we count down the top 12 horror books for teens from the 2000s.
Coraline – Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman’s Coraline is a captivating dark fantasy novella that was started in the early ’90s and finally published in 2002. The story centres around a young girl and her family who move into a converted old estate with a quirky bunch of neighbours.
One day, Coraline discovers a mysterious door that leads to an alternate reality that seems much more appealing than her own. However, things take a sinister turn when she uncovers the truth about the trapped children in this other world. Filled with enchanting magical imagery, Coraline is a timeless classic that will captivate readers of all ages.
Gone – Michael Grant
If you’re looking for a riveting dystopian horror read from the 2000s, look no further than Michael Grant’s Gone. The book takes place in a world where all the adults suddenly vanish, leaving only children and teenagers behind without phones, radios, or any means of seeking help.
With hunger and bullies running rampant, the young people begin to develop dangerous powers and alliances, creating a gripping story of survival. Grant’s fascinating premise and thrilling plot make Gone a must-read.
The Forest Of Hands And Teeth – Carrie Ryan
Welcome to The Forest of Hands and Teeth, a chilling tale by Carrie Ryan that transports readers to a haunting village, seemingly trapped in time.
Mary’s story in Carrie Ryan’s The Forest of Hands and Teeth revolves around three core beliefs instilled in her since childhood: that the Sisterhood always knows best, that the Unconsecrated will never cease their pursuit, and that the village’s fence is impenetrable and should never be breached. But when outside forces threaten their way of life, Mary must confront these beliefs and make life-or-death decisions that could determine her fate.
The House Next Door – Richie Tankersley Cusick
Richie Tankersley Cusick’s The House Next Door is a spine-chilling paranormal haunted house horror novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Emma and Charlie, two siblings who live next to a creepy old house.
Emma, eager to conquer her fears, bets her brother that she can spend a night in the house. But what starts as a simple dare quickly turns into a terrifying encounter with an alluring young man and a haunting recollection of the house’s tragic past. Emma soon realizes that she may be part of a harrowing reenactment of a tragic love story, and she begins to uncover the terrifying truth behind the house next door. This gripping and immersive tale is a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare.
Check out the best Haunted House horror books!
The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones tells the story of Susie Salmon, a fourteen-year-old girl murdered in 1976. The book follows her as she adjusts to her new home in heaven, which turns out to be very different from what she had imagined. From this new perspective, she watches as life on Earth continues without her. Her friends speculate about her disappearance, her family struggles to come to terms with their grief, and her killer tries to cover up the crime.
Despite the tragic backdrop, Sebold weaves together a captivating and fantastical tale that manages to capture moments of humour, joy, and hope. This horror book for teens is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that explores both the pain and beauty of life.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Lovely Bones
The Enemy – Charlie Higson
The Enemy, a dystopian young adult horror book from the creative mind of Charlie Higson, takes readers on a thrilling ride across London. The story revolves around a deadly infection that has turned everyone over the age of fourteen into mindless, cannibalistic zombies.
The book follows a group of children living in Holloway, who are struggling to survive in a world overrun by these monsters. With the zombies lurking outside their sanctuary in a local Waitrose, the group embarks on a dangerous journey across the city in search of safety within the walls of Buckingham Palace. Higson’s writing is gripping and filled with vivid detail, making each dark sequence unforgettable. The Enemy is a must-read for anyone who loves dystopian horror and action-packed adventures.
The Devouring – Simon Holt
Simon Holt’s The Devouring introduces readers to The Vours, malevolent beings that possess humans on Sorry Night, the darkest period of the Winter Solstice. Reggie, the protagonist, investigates these demonic spirits as her brother begins to exhibit strange behaviour.
In order to save her loved ones, she must confront her deepest fears and navigate a world full of nightmares. Holt’s teenage horror book is a thrilling and captivating tale of survival, raising the chilling question: what happens when your worst fears become a reality? The Devouring is a must-read for fans of horror and suspense.
I Am Not A Serial Killer – Dan Wells
I Am Not A Serial Killer, the first book in a spine-chilling trilogy by Dan Wells, follows the life of John Wayne Cleaver, a young man who struggles with his obsession with serial killers. He sets strict rules to prevent himself from becoming a killer, but when a dead body appears at the local laundromat, he knows something is amiss.
With his knowledge and fascination with death, he decides to take matters into his own hands and stop the killer. This horror book for teens is a heart-pumping blend of fantasy and true crime as John tries to save his town from terrifying forces while battling his inner demons.
Bad Girls Don’t Die – Katie Alender
Meet Alexis, your average teenager with a little bit of family drama. However, everything changes after a big fight with her family. Suddenly, strange things start happening with her younger sister Kasey. Kasey’s love for dolls takes a creepy turn as she starts speaking in an old-fashioned language and her eye colour changes.
Alexis becomes worried when Kasey starts losing memories of huge parts of her life. And, when their old house starts acting up, Alexis realizes that her family may be in serious danger. Dive into the hauntingly thrilling coming-of-age tale, Bad Girls Don’t Die – perfect for young adults who love a good scare.
The Vampire’s Assistant – Darren Shan
Meet Darren Shan, an average teenager whose life takes a wild turn after meeting Mr Crepsley at the Cirque Du Freak. Darren navigates the new world he’s been thrust into as a vampire’s assistant in the second instalment of The Saga of Darren Shan series.
This young adult horror book tackles complex moral issues without the sugarcoating found in many other works aimed at this demographic. Darren struggles with the idea of drinking blood to survive, but will he be able to resist the primal urge? Follow Darren’s thrilling journey and discover the price of immortality.
Infected – Scott Sigler
Scott Sigler’s Infected series begins with a gripping tale of a mysterious disease that is ravaging America. The bioengineered parasite is turning ordinary people into violent killers who attack strangers, family members and even themselves.
As those in power struggle to find answers, readers follow Perry Dawson, a former footballer who wakes up with strange welts growing on his body. Sigler weaves a chilling tale of horror and suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Spook’s Apprentice – Joseph Delaney
In The Spook’s Apprentice, the first book in Joseph Delaney’s Wardstone Chronicle series, readers are introduced to Tom Ward. As the seventh son of a seventh son, Tom possesses special abilities that lead him to become a “Spook,” under the guidance of the experienced Thomas Gregory.
Together, they defend their region from a host of supernatural threats. This fast-paced and thrilling tale features some of the most genuinely terrifying moments in young adult horror literature. Delaney’s vivid world-building and gripping storytelling is still unmatched.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
