Where to Start with Anna Jarzab
Anna Jarzab has built a career writing emotionally resonant Young Adult fiction that spans two distinct camps: gripping contemporary mysteries/dramas and a high-stakes parallel-universe science fiction series. Because her contemporary books are entirely self-contained standalones, your starting point depends on your favorite genre:
- For Sci-Fi & Fantasy Fans: Start with Tandem (2013), the opening novel of the Many-Worlds series. It introduces a multi-dimensional conspiracy filled with royal intrigue, romance, and rebellion.
- For Mystery & Thriller Lovers: Start with her debut novel, All Unquiet Things (2009). It is a dark, atmospheric murder mystery set in a wealthy California community, perfect for fans of young adult noir.
- For Sports & Contemporary Drama Fans: Begin with Breath Like Water (2020), a deeply personal story about a competitive swimmer fighting to return to elite form while dealing with love and mental health.
The Many-Worlds Series
The Many-Worlds series is a science fiction adventure that follows Sasha Lawson, a teenage girl who is dragged from her ordinary life in Chicago into a parallel universe called Aurora. There, she must act as a double for her alternate-universe counterpart, Princess Anastasia, and navigate a web of political danger and unexpected romance. Although originally planned as a trilogy, the series was cut short after the second installment.
1. Tandem (2013)
The first book introduces Sasha and the complex mechanics of the parallel worlds. After being kidnapped and brought to Aurora, she is forced to play the part of a missing princess to prevent a war, only to find herself falling for the handsome but dangerous guard assigned to protect her.
2. Tether (2015)
In the second book, the stakes escalate as Sasha returns to her own world, only to find the boundaries between the parallel dimensions collapsing. She must find a way to protect both her home and the people she grew up with, while dealing with the fallout of the political conspiracies in Aurora.
The Cancelled Third Book: A Crucial Caveat
Readers should be aware that the Many-Worlds series ends on a significant cliffhanger. The publisher decided to cancel the third book after the release of Tether. The author has shared that she was not informed of the cancellation until after the second book was completed, meaning she was unable to wrap up the narrative. While she has expressed interest in finishing the story independently and sharing it online (such as on platforms like Wattpad), no official conclusion has been released.
Anna Jarzab's Standalone Novels
Jarzab's contemporary novels do not share characters or settings, allowing readers to enjoy them in any order they choose. These books are known for their authentic depiction of teenage struggles, grief, and identity.
All Unquiet Things (2009)
Jarzab's debut novel is a dual-perspective murder mystery. When Carly Henderson is murdered in a wealthy northern California enclave, the police arrest her boyfriend. However, Carly's cousin Audrey and her ex-boyfriend Neily suspect the real killer is still at large. The two team up to uncover the dark secrets of their community, leading to a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller.
The Opposite of Hallelujah (2012)
This emotional contemporary novel centers on teenage Caro Mitchell, whose life is upended when her older sister, Hannah, returns home after spending five years in a religious cult. The story explores the complex bonds of sisterhood, faith, and the difficult path to forgiveness as Caro tries to understand why her sister left and how to rebuild their relationship.
Red Dirt (2017)
Set in the small town of Lake Bittersweet, Oklahoma, this mystery-romance focuses on Sammy Lester. Sammy is determined to discover the truth behind her father's disappearance years ago. As she digs into local secrets, she forms a deep bond with Brayton, a boy dealing with his own family trauma, combining a suspenseful search for answers with a tender romance.
Breath Like Water (2020)
Originally titled Outside Smoke during its development phase, this novel draws heavily on Jarzab's own past as a competitive swimmer. The story follows Susannah Ramos, a former world-champion swimmer who has lost her edge due to physical changes and mental barriers. As she fights to qualify for the Olympic trials under a demanding new coach, she finds support and a complicated romance with a fellow swimmer named Harry.
Complete Publication Order of Anna Jarzab's Books
If you prefer to see how the author's writing style and themes evolved over time, you can follow her bibliography in chronological order of publication. Note that Outside Smoke and Breath Like Water refer to the same 2020 novel.
- All Unquiet Things (December 2009 / January 2010)
- The Opposite of Hallelujah (October 2012)
- Tandem (Many-Worlds Book 1) (October 2013)
- Tether (Many-Worlds Book 2) (March 2015)
- Red Dirt (August 2017)
- Breath Like Water (also known as Outside Smoke) (May 2020)