New Adult fiction is a genre that focuses on the experiences of characters between the ages of 18 and 30, exploring the transition from adolescence to adulthood. These stories often deal with themes of independence, identity formation, career choices, relationships, and the challenges of navigating the adult world for the first time. New Adult fiction bridges the gap between Young Adult and traditional adult fiction, offering stories that are more mature than YA but still accessible to readers who are experiencing similar life transitions. What makes New Adult unique is its focus on the specific challenges and opportunities of early adulthood, including college life, first jobs, serious relationships, and the search for personal and professional identity.

New Adult fiction emerged in the early 2010s as a response to the growing market for stories about characters in their late teens and early twenties. The genre was initially popularized by self-published authors and quickly gained mainstream recognition. Early New Adult books often focused heavily on romance, but the genre has since expanded to include a wider range of themes and experiences. Today, New Adult fiction continues to evolve, incorporating diverse perspectives and exploring a broader range of life experiences while maintaining its focus on the unique challenges of early adulthood.