Young World: The explosive debut YA thriller from a bestselling author

By Author / Illustrator

Soman Chainani

Genre

Suspense & Thrillers

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Simon & Schuster YA

ISBN

9781398547162

Format

Hardback

Published

04-06-2026

Synopsis

What would happen if the US elected a 17 year old as President? Find out in this sizzling, genre-busting YA political thriller from bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil.

When 17-year-old Benton Young uploads a video daring the world to elect him as US President, the video goes viral. Young people have lost all faith in their leaders, and Benton's video ignites a national revolution . . . resulting in Benton as President.

Inspired, young people from across the globe take to the streets, and soon eight of the world's most powerful nations are led by teenagers. Their mission: to set a bold new course for the future. But, on the eve of their first global summit, one of the leaders is murdered in cold blood . . . and Benton is the only suspect. Now Benton must untangle a deadly web of secrets, betrayal and power plays to prove his innocence. The world's future - and his own - is on the line . . .

With globe-spanning action, shocking twists and an electric new brand of storytelling, Young World is a heartstopping thriller that asks: what happens when the future really does belong to the young?

Young World is a genre-busting YA thriller of teen leaders, murder, and revolution told in a stunning mixed-media style with 150+ explosive neon-orange visuals. Perfect for fans of fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers like The Hunger Games, All That's Left in the World and The Inheritance Games. Themes include: power, greed, betrayal, activism, revolution, found family, love, friendship, finding your voice. Read the book! Join the revolution!

Praise for Young World: 'A neon-bright, post-modern, action-movie Coachella party of a book. Young World proves Chainani is the UNHINGED VISIONARY we always suspected him to be.' - E. Lockhart, bestselling author of We Were Liars. 'Chainani has outdone himself. Young World is ferocious, funny, wickedly smart, and groundbreaking. It will keep you guessing until the very end. A masterpiece by a true innovator.' - Marie Lu, bestselling author of Legend. 'The perfect read for our tumultuous times.' - Veronica Roth, bestselling author of Divergent.

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Reviews

Rachel

Buckle up and sit back for one of the most fast-paced, crazy YA novels to come out this year! Published in hardback with a neon-pink cover and edged papers, Young Blood not only tells a story - it shows it. An extensive array of striking posters, diagrams, maps, list and messages complement a story line which is both unconventional and implausible. Or is it?

17-year-old Benton Young finds himself elected as the President of the United States. He hadn’t intended his social media video to go viral but it sparked a revolution across the planet, inspiring other teens to do the same. Their mission is to repair the damage previous older leaders have done, thus giving them a future.

It's a tempting idea and one which would make for great class discussion. I liked the way in which the narrative works on three levels: the murder mystery which places Benton as the chief suspect; the detailed insight into the world of global politics; and the very real world of a confused 17-year-old as he navigates family and friend relationships and a new job.

This is a fantastic read and should be left out in front of any young person who is watching what is happening in the world and asking themselves, what if . . .?

480 pages / Reviewed by Rachel Bolton

Clare

Benton Young isn't particularly interested in world politics and current affairs. Vaguely aware that some not great stuff is happening, he's far too preoccupied with a certain female and his unsuccessful attempts to get her attention. Realising the way to her heart is to present himself as politically engaged and serious, he releases a video daring disenfranchised young people to elect him as president. Fuelled by social media, youth disillusionment with traditional politicians sparks a revolution . . .and delivers a teenage president. Then an untimely murder throws the spotlight on Benton and suddenly he needs to save himself, before he can save the world.

Soman Chainani's propulsive and extravagantly presented book is a genuinely unique piece of YA literature. The mixed-media style and bold use of colour is eye-catching but always relevant to the storytelling. It's a hefty book but readers will simply race through it.

The concept of young people setting the direction for the future and remodelling a stale political environment is an intriguing one but the reality of a disaffected youth suddenly in control is not sugar-coated. There's disagreement, discord and plenty of duplicity.

A cinematic and singular book, with a thrilling story and plenty of provocative questions.

480 pages / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian