Guest Post: Friendships in YA - That Fiction Life

Jace and Alec, Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare


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A key aspect that I enjoy from the Shadowhunter Chronicles is the idea of having a parabatai (two Shadowhunter warriors that share an angelic bond) as it perfectly captures how non-related people can become family. I am so overcome with emotion every time there is a scene with Jace and Alec in any Shadowhunters novel as you can genuinely feel their connection coming off the page, there is never a doubt that they would be willing to die for each other, even when they disagree. 

Millie and Sophie, Blood for Blood trilogy by Catherine Doyle 


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This whole article was inspired by the friendship between these two characters, as thus far I have yet to encounter a more perfectly written relationship between two friends than this one. Quite often in literature, the main protagonist gets so caught up in the plot of the story and any new characters that enter their lives that they dismiss any previous relationships. On the contrary in this series, Millie remains integral to Sophie’s life and they are a very inspiring representation of true friendship. Catherine Doyle manages to maintain their bond, despite a very action packed and dangerous plotline (this is a criminal underworld series, enough said), and showcase a very positive relationship. 

Kenji and Juliette, Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi 


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If you have read the Shatter Me series then Kenji is most likely at the top of your most loved characters’ list, but it is his friendship with Juliette that makes him so unique in Young Adult (YA) literature. I am of the opinion that YA isn’t representative enough of platonic friendships between girls and guys and it is rare for a friendship to not develop into a romantic relationship. Kenji and Juliette are a perfect example how women and men can function as just friends and great ones at that! Tahereh Mafi manages to capture us with their dialogue, it’s witty and their constant banter feels so real and genuine. 

Harry and Ron, Harry Potter series by JK Rowling 



A list isn’t complete without a sneaky mention of Hogwarts. Harry and Ron have one of the best friendships in literature purely for it’s realistic properties. Throughout the series, the two frequently have disagreements and even fall out during Goblet of Fire and the Deathly Hallows and it is common for even best friends to have disagreements and sometimes this is overlooked in books. 

Finnick and Katniss, The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins


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It is not a secret that I did not enjoy Mockingjay, albeit it broke my soul in half from emotions it was a somewhat slow novel for which I had very high expectations after Catching Fire. One aspect that I will always treasure despite this, was the aforementioned characters' friendship. Both characters are put in the worst positions imaginable by losing their significant others to President Snow and their technique of dealing is to get closer as friends as they are the only ones who truly understand their corresponding circumstances. 

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