Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults
Over the years, I have developed a love for fantasy book series for young adults. It always started with reading one book, which quickly led to the entire series being devoured.
I wanted to give you a list of my favorite series. I have read many YA fantasy series and not all are created equal. I want to save you from reading a YA fantasy series that lacks the plot or character development to keep you invested for multiple books.
Young adult books are written for readers between the ages of 12-18. Fantasy novels are books that have magic, take place in a different world, and/or have magical creatures in them. Many books written for YA are not appropriate for readers 12-15 years old and are more appropriate for readers ages 16 and up due to sexual content. I have included appropriate ages in the descriptions of the books.
In addition, books published under the category of YA may be appropriate for a younger audience initially. However, later books in the series are not appropriate for teens younger than 18 years of age. If you are looking for the best young adult fantasy series for readers ages 12-14, we suggest our Ultimate List of Middle Grade Fantasy.
The Best Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of YA fantasy series. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Magical YA Fantasy Series
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn- Click here to see the review and more books in this category
Best Dystopian YA Fantasy Series
Cinder by Marissa Meyer- Click here to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Fantasy Romance Book Series for Young Adults
Caraval by Stephanie Garber- Click to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Popular Young Adult Fantasy Book Series
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas- Click to read the review and see more books in this category
*YA Fantasy Series Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Magic Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults
Legendborn
Author: Tracy Deonn
Year: 202
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Bree Matthews’s mother died in a tragic accident and she cannot seem to recover. When she has a chance to attend a special program for bright high school students at UNC-Chapel Hill, she jumps at the chance.
When Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night there, her world is thrown upside down as she enters the world of the Legendborn. It is a secret society of students with powerful magic who are also descendants of King Arthur! This is one of the best re-tellings I have read.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Why did I not read this book before now? In a way, I’m glad I just read this because I only have to wait a few more months for the sequel. If you love YA fantasy books, this King Arthur re-imagining is a must-read.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Teens / Books About Secret Societies / Dark Academia / Books Set in College / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books
Children of Blood and Bone
Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Legacy of Orisha, #1
An Instant New York Times Bestseller, A TIME top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time, A New York Times Notable Children’s Books, A Kirkus Prize Finalist
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When magic disappeared from Orisha, Zelie’s world changed forever. When the king ordered all the Maji killed, Zelie was left without a mother or magic. She is on a quest to find revenge and bring magic back to Orisha (Orisha is a mythical Nigeria). This is one of the fantasy books for teens that builds a whole new world and brings young adult fantasy books to a whole new level.
Zelie must use the help of a princess to escape from the crown prince who wants to finish what his father started and erase all magic permanently. This book is filled with magic, spirits, and danger.
Why Jackie loves it
I enjoyed this book which is the first in a fantasy series for Young Adults. I listened to the amazing audiobook and I loved listening to the story the way that the story was intended to sound.
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / YA Books About Witches / 15 Novels About Africa / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Year: 2012
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Shadow and Bone #1, Part of the Grishaverse
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Alina Starkov is an orphan who has never excelled in anything. When her regiment is sent into the fold and her best friend is in danger of being killed, she unleashes a power, unlike anything anyone has seen. It may be the answer to the wars that have ravaged her nation.
Why Jackie loves it
I was so excited when I learned that Netflix was making this young adult fantasy book series into an adaptation. I think it will be amazing on screen and I am so curious to see if they keep to the book or change things, which is so often the case.
Find this book in: Books Like Shadow and Bone / Leigh Bardugo Books in Order/ Netflix Adaptations / Fun Books for Teens / Popular Fantasy Book Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best Books by Jewish Authors / Books Like a Court of Thorns and Roses
The Gilded Wolves
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Gilded Wolves Book 1 of 3
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This YA historical fantasy takes place in Paris in 1889 where coercion, magic, betrayal, and murder are the norm. At the Exposition Universelle World Fair is an artifact that will give the owner magical Forging abilities.
Severin and his fiercely loyal friends come together to take the artifact in the hope of also obtaining Serverin’s inheritance. Severin finds himself torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire for revenge.
Why Jackie loves it
This first book in the series was captivating from the first page. The characters are fun and complex and the plot is unlike any other book I have read.
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Historical Fantasy Books
The City of Brass
Author: S. A. Chakraborty
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: The Daevabad Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This historical fantasy takes place in 18th-century Cairo. When Nahri accidentally summons Dara, a Djinn warrior, she is swept to Daevabad, the City of Brass. Soon Nahri must learn who to trust in a city when magic cannot shield her from the danger that threatens from all around her.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book a few years ago when we first started the blog. This book was one of the books that got me back into reading fantasy, one of my favorite genres to read.
Find this book in: Mythology Books / Books about Con Artists / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults
Dystopian Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults
Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Year: 2012
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy/ Sci-Fi/ Fairy Tale Retelling
More info: Lunar Chronicles Book 1 of 4
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This four-book series is set in the future in a time of disease and war. This series is part twisted fairy tale, part dystopia, and part sci-fi fantasy.
Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel are re-imagined as you have never seen them before. All of them are smart and strong women far from the helpless damsels in distress we know them to be.
The first in this series of classic book retellings introduces us to Cinder. She is a cyborg (part human, part machine) who lives with her……..you guessed it….. two step-sisters and stepmother.
Why Jackie loves it
I read the first book and immediately read the rest of the books in the series. Even though this is a series that is over a decade old, it is still one of the best YA fantasy book series I have read and still recommend it all the time to teens and adults alike
Find this book in: Books Like Cinder / YA Dystopian Books / YA Romance Fantasy Books / Best Teen Fantasy / Books Like The Selection / Best YA Romance Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds
Red Queen
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Year: 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Red Queen #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
In this world, those with red blood are common and those with silver blood are elite with superhuman abilities. In the war against Silvers and Reds, Mare Barrow is special. She’s a red blood with the abilities of a Silver. But how can that be? To cover the anomaly, she is brought into the King’s home where it’s announced that she will be marrying one of the princes, Maven, who she begins to grow close to. But she’s also attracted to Cal, the heir to the throne. As their attraction grows, so do the problems in the realm, and Mare’s knowledge of just how dangerous the world can be.
Why Kirsten loves it
I have been on some weird YA fantasy/sci-fi kick recently – which is funny because I had to be forced to read the Hunger Games. Now I can’t seem to stop! I’m sure I’ll switch gears this summer, but I love this young adult fantasy novel. The ending was a total shock! I couldn’t put it down.
Find this book in: Books like The Hunger Games / YA Romance fantasy books / Books like ACOTAR / YA Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Selection / Books with Red in the Title / Best YA Romance Books
The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2008
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: Hunger Games #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This is the first book in the Hunger Games series and it is epic! In the aftermath of what was once North America, there are 12 Districts surrounding the capital.
Each year, each district sends one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a competition called “The Hunger Games”. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister, Prim, from certain death in the games where it is kill-or-be-killed.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This sci-fi book has everything but at its heart, it is a book about family, love, and survival. This book has a heart while also being a total pageturner!
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not usually a sci-fi girly, but Jackie convinced me to read this one and I finished the entire series in a week and immediately binged the movies!
Find this book in: Books Like The Hunger Games / Young Adult Fantasy Series / Books About Sisters / Sci-Fi Books / Books Like Fourth Wing / YA Dystopian Novels / Fun Books for Teens / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 11-year-olds
Deadly Education
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Finalist for the Lodestar Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Thank goodness Hogwarts is nothing like this school. There is not a single first year that would survive. This magic school, The Scholomance, is bursting with magic that is very dark and unforgiving.
Losing a few classmates is nothing surprising. You either graduate or die. If you love the dark side of Harry Potter, you will love this YA fantasy book.
El, along with all other magical children are sent to the Schoolomnace because even though there is a chance they will die inside, they will almost certainly be killed on the outside. There are no holidays and no packages from home. El isn’t exactly worried because she has powers that make her the most dangerous thing inside the walls.
But Orion Lake keeps saving her life and she cannot understand why. All she knows is that she is supposed to stay away from him.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved how dark and disturbing this book is while somehow also being fun. It seems like an oxymoron. El has abilities that make her one of the most dangerous people on the planter; yet, she chooses kindness. I loved all three books in this series.
Find this book in: Dark Academia Books /Young Adult Dystopian Novels / Best Young Adult Fantasy Series / Fantasy Books for Teens / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter /Best Magic School Books
Fantasy Romance Book Series for Young Adults
Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Fantasy debut
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When it comes to YA Fantasy books, this one is a classic. The story begins with letters from Scarlett to Legend, the leader of Caraval- a game played once a year in a far-off destination.
Every year, every time it is played, the game is different. Filled with magic and wonder, Scarlet plays this destination-based competition to win this year’s prize – her sister Tella – before anyone else can. This is a game filled with magic where the stakes become higher the longer Scarlet plays.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in a three-part series that gets better and more complex with each new book. This series of YA fantasy romance books is a must-read.
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / YA Fantasy Romance Books / Books Like the Selection / Best Puzzle Books / Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books /Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood /14 Best Carnival and Circus Books / Best YA Romance Books
The Cruel Prince
Author: Holly Black
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Folk of Air #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When Jude was seven years old, her parents were murdered and she was taken to live in the high court of the Faeries with her two sisters. Now, ten years later, Jude is living as a human among faeries and trying to find her place in Court. She must survive life as a human in Faerie.
But as civil war threatens, Jude will need to risk her life to save herself, her sisters, and Faerie.
If you are looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, this pick is tamer but addictive as well. This series should be on your radar for books that are more appropriate for the younger YA audience as well.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is filled with angst, treachery, and drama that makes it completely addicting. I ordered the sequel the minute that I was done with this book, which is the first in a trilogy.
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Romance / Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / YA Fantasy Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Enemies-to-lovers books
Storm and Fury
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
More info: Harbinger book 1 of 3
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It’s actually a spin-off of one of Armentrout’s other YA fantasy book series, which I didn’t know until after I read the story. I didn’t feel like I missed anything having read this first. Gargoyles are Wardens out to fight demons and protect humans, and one special human in particular. This urban fantasy is as much romance as fantasy.
Trinity can see and communicate with ghosts. This is the reason she has had to have protection from the wardens. Demons will want to absorb her powers! Trinity will have to learn to trust herself and Zayne who has a secret of his own
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the Disney cartoon Gargoyles when I was a little girl, so when I saw a YA Fantasy book that is also a paranormal romance book, I knew I needed it. I read this to help ease me out of my House of Earth and Blood book hangover and it was a perfect read.
Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Series / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Best YA Romance Books
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Year: 2019
Genre: YA fantasy
More info: Cursebreaker Book 1 of 3
Spice Rating: 💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is a fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I read it for a buddy read with some bookstagram friends. I love that the modern retelling of some of the classics give more power to the women in the story.
I enjoyed this first in the series of YA fantasy romance books although it is a lot tamer than the other books in the series. It is not a typical Beauty and the Beast retelling because it has more of a love triangle but, I don’t want to reveal more. It’s the first in the series about Prince Rhen and his kingdom.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the love triangle in this first book in the Cursebreaker series. There were twists and turns I was not expecting.
Why Jackie loves it
I also read this book as a buddy read and enjoyed it. This book sets the stage for the other books in the series that become more complex with plot and characters.
Find this book in: Books Like Cinder / Books like A Court of Thorns and Roses
Popular YA Fantasy Series
Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Throne of Glass Book 1 of 7
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This epic book series from Sarah J. Maas was started when Sarah was still a teenager! It’s all about Celaena, an imprisoned assassin who is offered freedom by acting as the champion for Prince Dorian.
As she prepares to earn her freedom in the competition, she begins training sessions with the captain of the guard. As she tries to acclimate to court life, the prince is drawn to her, and a love triangle forms. This series is perfect for YA fantasy lovers. It has everything you want from world-building to plot and great characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
The YA fantasy series gets better and better with each book! It is total must-read if you are looking for books like ACOTAR and a must-read if you love fae books. I am still amazed that Maas wrote this at such a young age
Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing /Adult and YA Fae Books
Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Fallen #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Luce has been sent to Sword and Cross boarding school, a place for other troubled kids like her. The minute she gets to the school, Daniel catches her eye but he will not give her the time of day. But there is more to Daniel and Luce will discover his secrets no matter what the cost.
This series is addicting. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. If you are looking for romance books about second chances (or third or fourth), you will love this book. If you are into Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, and the other winged warriors of the Night Court, then you will love this series of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked up the first book in this YA fantasy series and quickly fell in love with the first book and the story of Daniel and Luce’s love.
Why Jackie loves it
This series is addicting. It did not take me long to read them all because I could not get enough of the forbidden romance. I think this is one of the only series I have read about angels.
Find this book in: Best Fantasy Books for Teens / Urban Fantasy / Books Set in High School / High School Romance Books / Books like ACOTAR
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
More info: Miss Peregruine’s Peculiar Children book 1 of 6
Age Range: 9+
Plot
When Jacob experiences a family tragedy, he finds himself on a remote island off the coast of Whales. He Discovers a crumbling ruin that was once Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
As Jacob explores the ruins, he finds clues that lead him to believe these children might be alive even though it seems impossible.
Why Jackie loves it
This series is full of magic and mystery. The amazing combination of fiction with antique photographs leads to a truly unique story that brings the characters to life.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy / Halloween Chapter Books / Time Loop Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Time Travel Books
Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Year: 2005
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Twilight Saga #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When Bella Swan goes to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she needs to start a new school. As she begins to settle in and make friends, she is drawn to Edward Cullen, a mysterious teenager with an old soul.
But Edward and his family are keeping secrets – they are more dangerous than they look. Can Bella stay away or will she fall for Edward and risk her life in the process?
Why Kirsten loves it
The way I binged this book series…. it took over my life! When the movie came out, I decided to finally read this series I had heard so much about. I finished each book in about a day and then promptly dragged my husband to see it with me. I haven’t been this obsessed with a series since HP.
Why Jackie loves it
Twilight started a phenomenon and obsession with vampires in the same way that Harry Potter created an obsession with magic. It was addictive to read! This is my opinion but I am sticking with it. This is a must-read young adult fantasy book.
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series / Books Set in High School / High School Romances / Twilight Books in Order / Urban Fantasy Books / Vampire Books / List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books
Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Year: 2003
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 11+
More info: Inheritance Cycle #1
Plot
Eragon, a 15-year-old boy, believes that he is merely a farm boy until one day, he discovers a polished blue stone in the forest. When the stone hatches and a dragon emerges, Eragon enters a world full of magic and power that he never knew existed. Eragon discovers he is a dragon rider, one of the few left.
Why Jackie loves it
This middle-school fantasy series is a world of dragons, magic, and power. Almost a “Dragon Masters” for the more mature reader, this series took me into a world of fantasy I won’t forget.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Popular Fantasy Series for Young Adults / Fantasy Books for Teens / Books like Fourth Wing / Dragon Books for Adults and Teens / Dragon Books for Tweens / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Expert Tip
Are you the kind of person who reads a series all the way through or are you the kind of person who can wait? If you want to start and read a series all the way through, pick a series that is completed. Here are my top picks for completed YA fantasy book series
- Throne of Glass
- Cinder
- Red Queen
- Cruel Prince
FAQ About Young Adult Fantasy Book Series
What is a young adult fantasy book?
A young adult fantasy book is written for readers between the ages of 12-18. Fantasy novels are books that have magic, take place in a different world, and/or have magical creatures in them.
Many books written for YA are not appropriate for readers 12-15 years old and are more appropriate for readers ages 16 and up due to sexual content.
What age is young adult fantasy for?
Young adult books are written for readers between the ages of 12-18. That being said, many books written for YA are not appropriate for readers 12-15 years old and are more appropriate for readers ages 16 and up due to mature content.
Is Mistborn a young adult?
The Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson is considered an adult fantasy novel due to its mature themes. There is significant world-building and a complex storyline.
Is Throne of Glass a YA series?
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is considered a fantasy series for young adults. This is one of the series that we do not recommend for younger readers because of the mature subject matter.
Related Content
Epilogue
What is your favorite YA fantasy series and did I include it on this list? I would love to hear what other series I need to read!
Ultimate List of YA Fantasy
If fantasy books are your favorite books, then these are the perfect book lists for you. We carefully divided them into sub-genres.
