40 Best Fantasy Books For Teens And Young Adults

Three Dark Crowns – Kendare Blake

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, Katharine is a poisoner and Arsinoe is a naturalist, who is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

Akata Witch – Nnedi Okorafor

Twelve-year-old Sunny lives in Nigeria, but she was born American. Her features are African, but she’s albino. She’s a terrific athlete, but can’t go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing—she is a “free agent” with latent magical powers. Soon she’s part of a quartet of magic students, studying the visible and invisible, learning to change reality. But will it be enough to help them when they are asked to catch a career criminal who knows magic too?

The Hobbit – J. R. R. Tolkien

Prelude to the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins as his peaceful life is disturbed by a plot to raid the treasure haud guarded by a dragon.

“A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible . . .” – New York Times

Binti Series – Nnedi Okorafor

The Binti Trilogy is a series of 3 novella in the Africanfuturist science fiction genre. There are three titles in the series – Binti, Binti: Home and Binti: The Night Masquerade. The series follows the story of protagonist Binti as she leaves earth to study at a prestigious university in space.

The Starless Sea – Erin Morgenstern

Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood.

The Raven Boys – Maggie Stiefvater

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue never sees them. Until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks to her. His name is Gansey, a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

A Wizard of Earthsea – Ursula K. Le Guin

Ged, the greatest sorcerer in Earthsea, was the reckless Sparrowhawk in his youth. In his hunger for power and knowledge, he released a terrible shadow upon the world.

“The magic of Earthsea is primal; the lessons of Earthsea remain as potent, as wise, and as necessary as anyone could dream.” — Neil Gaiman

Daughter Of Smoke And Bone – Laini Taylor

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth have grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Beautiful Creatures – Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

The Gilded Ones – Namina Forna

Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. But then, her blood runs gold – the color of impurity – and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse that death.

Caraval – Stephanie Garber

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful and cruel father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, a once-a-year performance, are over. But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation arrives.

Graceling – Kristin Cashore

Kristin Cashore’s bestselling, award-winning fantasy Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable-yet-strong Katsa, a smart, beautiful teenager who lives in a world where selected people are given a Grace, a special talent that can be anything from dancing to swimming. Katsa’s is killing. As the king’s niece, she is forced to use her extreme skills as his thug. Along the way, Katsa must learn to decipher the true nature of her Grace… and how to put it to good use. A thrilling, action-packed fantasy adventure (and steamy romance!) that will resonate deeply with adolescents trying to find their way in the world.

City of Bones – Cassandra Clare

Clary was just a normal girl, until she witnessed a murder at a nightclub and suddenly she’s swept up into the world of Shadowhunters. It’s because of this that she meets Jace and Clary can’t stop herself from falling in love with him, despite the fact that he acts like a jerk. Book One in the Mortal Instruments young adult fantasy series.
“Prepare to be hooked” – Entertainment Weekly

Wicked Fox – Kat Cho

Eighteen year old, Gu Miyoung has a secret. She’s a gumiho, a nine tailed fox who must devour the energy of men to survive. With so many evil men who no one will miss, Seoul makes for the perfect hunting ground.

Cinderella is Dead – Kalynn Bayron

Sophia knows the story. Every young girl does. And they know they only have one chance at the royal ball for choosing. For the lives of those not chosen by a man at the ball are forfeit. But Sophia doesn’t want to be chosen.

The Cruel Prince – Holly Black

One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. Kidnapped by the assassins to the land of the Faeries, Jude is installed in the Royal Court.

Sabriel – Gareth Nix

Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead. But during her final semester, her father does missing. And Sabriel knows she must enter the dangerous Old Kingdom to find him.

Game of Thrones fans will love the New York Times bestselling Abhorsen series. Sabriel, the first installment in the trilogy, launched critically acclaimed author Garth Nix onto the fantasy scene as a rising star.

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children – Ransom Riggs

Sixteen year old Jacob finds himself on the remote island off the coast of Wales. There’s a crumbled old building, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As he explores the ruins, it becomes clear that they were more than peculiar. And that they’re still alive.

An Ember in the Ashes – Sabaa Tahir

Defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Empire risk the destruction of all they love and hold dear. Laia is a slave and Elias is a soldier, but neither are free.

Uprooted – Naomi Novik

The villagers require protection off the wizard, but his help comes at a price: one young woman must serve him for ten years. Agnieszka fears that her best friend will be chosen, but it’s not her best friend he chooses.

A dark enchantment blights the land in the award-winning Uprooted – a enthralling fantasy inspired by fairy tales, by Naomi Novik, author of the Temeraire series.

The Name of the Wind – Patrick Rothfuss

The tale of Kvothe, the notorious magician, the accomplished thief, the masterful musician, the dragon-slayer, the legend-hunter, infamous assassin, and unassuming innkeeper.

‘This is a magnificent book’ – Anne McCaffrey

Beautiful Creatures – Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Hush, Hush – Becca Fitzpatrick

Romance was not part of Nora Grey’s plan. She’s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora’s not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can’t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide.

A Deadly Education – Naomi Novik

There are no teachers, no holidays, friendships are purely strategic, and the odds of survival are never equal. Once you’re inside, there are only two ways out: you graduate or you die.

Enter a school of magic unlike any you have ever encountered.

The Lost Years (Merlin Series Book 1) – TA Barron

A raging sea tosses a boy upon the shores of ancient Wales. Left for dead, he has no memory, no name, and no home. But it is his determination to find out who he is—to learn the truth about his mysterious powers—that leads him to a strange and enchanted land. And it is there he discovers that the fate of this land and his personal quest are strangely entwined.

Magic For Liars – Sarah Gailey

When a gruesome murder is discovered at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, where her estranged twin sister teaches Theoretical Magic, reluctant detective Ivy Gamble is pulled into the world of untold power and dangerous secrets. She will have to find a murderer and reclaim her sister.

Tempests and Slaughter – Tamora Pierce

Arram Draper is set to be one of the realm’s most powerful mages. With his best friends, Varice and Ozorne, they form a bond that will one day shape the kingdom.

“Tamora Pierce’s books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration.” – SARAH J. MAAS

His Dark Materials – Philip Pullman

Lyra is heading North, where the Gobblers take the children (including her friend) and her fearsome uncle is trying to build a bridge to a parallel world. Lyra knows she needs to act, but to help one is to betray the other.

The modern fantasy classic that Entertainment Weekly named an “All-Time Greatest Novel” and Newsweek hailed as a “Top 100 Book of All Time.”

Howl’s Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones

Sophie is the eldest of three sisters, destined to fail miserably. But she attracts the attention of the Witch of the Waste and finds herself transformed into an old lady. The only person who can break the spell is the wizard Howl.

Diana Wynne Jones’ entrancing, classic fantasy novel is filled with surprises at every turn. 

The Last Unicorn – Peter S. Beagle

The unicorn lived in the safety of an enchanted forest, all alone. So she ventured out to find more of her kind, joined by a wizard and Molly Grue.

“The Last Unicorn is the best book I have ever read. You need to read it. If you’ve already read it, you need to read it again.” — Patrick Rothfuss

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe – C. S. Lewis

Four adventurous siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch.

Don’t miss one of America’s top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS’s The Great American Read.

Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo

Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams – but he can’t pull it off alone. Six outcasts and one impossible heist.

Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017, this fantasy epic from the No. 1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the Grisha trilogy is gripping, sweeping and memorable

Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo

Orphaned and expendable, Alina Starkov is a soldier who knows she may not survive her first battle. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes a dormant power she didn’t know she had.

Enter the Grishaverse with book one of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy by number one New York Times-bestselling author, Leigh Bardugo.

Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi

Zélie remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic, when three different clans ruled. Everything changed when magic suddenly disappeared. A ruthless king killed everyone who had powers, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Tomi Adeyemi conjures a stunning world of dark magic and danger in her West African-inspired fantasy debut Children of Blood and Bone.

Eragon – Christopher Paolini

Poor farm boy, Eragon, finds a stone in the forest. It turns out it wasn’t a stone at all when it hatches a dragon. His simple life has changed drastically and now he must take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders.

The fate of the Empire rests in his hands. . .

A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas

Feyre is a huntress, but killing the wrong wolf changes her life forever. She’s taken away from her family by a man in a jewelled mask named Tamlin. As her feelings for Tamlin turn from hostility to passion, Fayre learns the land of the faerie are much more dangerous than she realized.

“With bits of Buffy, Game Of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series of total joy ” – Stylist

Throne of Glass – Sarah J. Maas

Celaena Sardothien is a beautiful but deadly assassin. When she gets caught in the act, Captain Westfall offers a proposition: represent the Prince in a to-the-death tournament in exchange for her freedom. What she doesn’t expect is to develop feelings for the two men protecting her.

Cinder – Marissa Meyer

Cinder is a gifted mechanic and a cyborg, she’s reviled by her mother and blamed for her sister’s illness. Then her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai and she needs to learn the secrets about her past for the world’s future.

“A mash up of fairy tales and science fiction . . . a cross between Cinderalla, Terminator, and Star Wars.” ― Entertainment Weekly

Red Queen – Victoria Aveyard

The Reds are commoners ruled by the Silvers. Mare Barrow is a Red who finds herself working in the Silver Place. There, she discovers that she possesses a deadly power. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

THIS IS A WORLD DIVIDED BY BLOOD – RED OR SILVER

To Kill a Kingdom – Alexandra Christo

Princes Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. But as a punishment for killing one of her own, Lira is transformed into a human. Then she meets Prince Elian, a siren hunter, and she promises him the key to destroying sirens for good.

Dark and romantic teen fantasy about the siren with a taste for royal blood and the prince who has sworn to destroy her.

Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!