Entangled Publishing, which publishes Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, is launching two YA imprints: Mischief Books and Mayhem Books, offering "stories that align with varying levels of maturity, ensuring that every teen finds their perfect literary match," the company said.
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| Liz Pelletier | |
"In the last few years, I've seen a dramatic shift in the Young Adult market, with YA titles being sold more to adults and leaving teens looking for content that was truly crafted with them in mind--especially for those young readers moving up from Middle Grade fiction," said Liz Pelletier, CEO and publisher of Entangled. "Teens develop at different paces, and their reading choices should reflect that."
Created for teens who aren't quite ready for New Adult fiction, Mayhem Books (aimed at ages 16-plus) "won't shy away from bold themes and situations more mature teens want to explore," the publisher noted, with each book jacket branded with a Mature 16+ warning label as well as including a content note for parents and teens. Mischief Books (ages 13-plus) will make its debut in 2026 and offer "tales to guide, entertain, and inspire as today's teens come of age in an increasingly uncertain world.... without the inclusion of overly mature or potentially distressing content."
"We can't forget the importance of providing the right books for younger teen readers, too. My goal is to have separate shelves for General YA, Mature YA, and New Adult," said Justine Bylo, associate publisher at Entangled. "We want Mischief and Mayhem to grow with teens through bold storytelling and untamed imagination."
The first titles from Mayhem Books will release in fall 2025: A Stage Set for Villains by debut author Shannon J. Spann and Dragon Cursed by Elise Kova. Additional Mayhem authors with upcoming books include Nisha J. Tuli, Jess Lourey, Monica Murphy, and Katherine Quinn.
"Life is fast-paced for many of us, but those late teen years are like a rocket ship toward adulthood," Bylo added. "I'm excited that, with Mayhem Books, we've created a safe space, especially for those mature teen readers right as the world is opening up wide in front of them. The possibilities are truly boundless."