📖 Overview
Justin A. Reynolds is a young adult fiction author known for contemporary novels that blend romance, humor, and themes of grief, family, and second chances. His debut novel "Opposite of Always" (2019) received significant attention and was optioned for film by Paramount Players.
Reynolds writes stories featuring Black teen protagonists navigating complex emotional terrain while dealing with elements of time travel and alternate realities. His second novel "Early Departures" (2020) explores friendship and loss through a science fiction lens, while maintaining the contemporary young adult setting he established in his debut.
Before becoming an author, Reynolds worked as a registered nurse and later transitioned to writing full-time. He has also ventured into middle-grade fiction with "It's the End of the World and I'm In My Bathing Suit" (2022) and contributed to various young adult anthologies.
Reynolds resides in Cleveland, Ohio and continues to produce work that examines relationships, identity, and choices through both realistic and speculative fiction frameworks. His books have been translated into multiple languages and are published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect with Reynolds' authentic teen voices and natural dialogue, particularly in "Opposite of Always." Many reviewers note his ability to balance heavy themes with humor and hope. The time-loop elements add tension without overshadowing the character relationships.
Liked:
- Representation of Black teens in non-trauma focused stories
- Complex family dynamics and friendships
- Balance of serious topics with lighter moments
- Engaging narrative voice and conversational style
Disliked:
- Some readers found the time travel mechanics confusing
- Pacing issues, especially in middle sections
- Repetitive elements in time loop sequences
- Resolution felt rushed to some
Ratings:
Opposite of Always
- Goodreads: 3.9/5 (22,000+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ reviews)
Early Departures
- Goodreads: 4.0/5 (3,000+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.6/5 (200+ reviews)
"The characters feel real and messy in the best way," noted one Goodreads reviewer. Another mentioned: "The sci-fi elements work because they serve the emotional story, not the other way around."
📚 Books by Justin A. Reynolds
Opposite of Always
When Jack falls in love with Kate, who later dies, he finds himself traveling back in time to prevent her death - forcing him to make increasingly complex choices between saving her and helping his other friends who need him.
Early Departures After his best friend Jamal dies, Declan is offered the chance to bring him back to life for a few weeks, but Jamal won't remember their falling out or know that his time is limited.
It Ends in Fire A young witch infiltrates an elite magic school to get revenge on those responsible for destroying her childhood home and killing her parents.
We Were Liars: Family Reunion A graphic novel adaptation and reimagining of E. Lockhart's "We Were Liars," co-created with Stacey Lee, exploring themes of family secrets and privilege through a new lens.
Early Departures After his best friend Jamal dies, Declan is offered the chance to bring him back to life for a few weeks, but Jamal won't remember their falling out or know that his time is limited.
It Ends in Fire A young witch infiltrates an elite magic school to get revenge on those responsible for destroying her childhood home and killing her parents.
We Were Liars: Family Reunion A graphic novel adaptation and reimagining of E. Lockhart's "We Were Liars," co-created with Stacey Lee, exploring themes of family secrets and privilege through a new lens.
👥 Similar authors
Nicola Yoon writes contemporary YA romance featuring Black protagonists navigating relationships and identity. Her novels deal with themes of fate, family expectations, and cross-cultural relationships similar to Reynolds' work.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz focuses on teen characters discovering themselves while dealing with family dynamics and first love. His narratives explore grief and healing in ways that parallel Reynolds' storytelling approach.
Adam Silvera creates stories that blend contemporary settings with speculative elements, particularly around death and time. His characters face complex emotional choices while questioning their place in the world.
Elizabeth Acevedo writes about young people finding their voice amid family pressures and social expectations. Her work centers on characters processing loss while forming new connections.
Nic Stone develops stories about Black teens dealing with relationships, identity, and social issues. Her characters navigate similar coming-of-age experiences and romantic relationships as those found in Reynolds' books.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz focuses on teen characters discovering themselves while dealing with family dynamics and first love. His narratives explore grief and healing in ways that parallel Reynolds' storytelling approach.
Adam Silvera creates stories that blend contemporary settings with speculative elements, particularly around death and time. His characters face complex emotional choices while questioning their place in the world.
Elizabeth Acevedo writes about young people finding their voice amid family pressures and social expectations. Her work centers on characters processing loss while forming new connections.
Nic Stone develops stories about Black teens dealing with relationships, identity, and social issues. Her characters navigate similar coming-of-age experiences and romantic relationships as those found in Reynolds' books.