The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books

My love for young adult fantasy books was sparked as a teenager, now 30 years later, I have read more YA fantasies than could ever fit on one list. From my reading experience, the ones below are the best of the bunch.

Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books

Gathering a list of my favorites was the easiest part of the task. The hard part? Narrowing them down! Over the years, the choices and variety of YA fantasy books have grown exponentially. The genre has taken off in a way that it now appeals to people who do not typically read fantasy. A book can have romance or history and have a fantasy component as well. Check out our list of Historical Fantasy Books and Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books

But the best thing about these books is that every young adult fantasy will take you away to a different time or place and let you immerse yourself in a new reality for a little while. I love YA fantasy books and read them consistently so that you can read only the best.

The Best YA Fantasy Books

Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of young adult fantasy books. 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 New YA Fantasy Books

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Secret Projects #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

This is the book that you would get if The Princess Bride had a book baby that empowered women everywhere to be the heroes in their own story, seek out adventure, and be brave enough to become who they were intended to be.

Tress has grown up on her tiny island with her one friend Charlie, who is also the Duke’s son, to keep her company. When the Duke takes Charlie away and he doesn’t return, Tress sets off to rescue him from the Sorceress who lives on the deadly Midnight Sea. She will encounter pirates, talking rats, betrayal, love, and friendship on her voyage.

If you love fantasy books of any kind, stop now and make time to read this fantastic book. It earns all the stars! While technically this is a fantasy book for adults, it is appropriate for a young adult or teen audience as well.

Find this book in: Pirate Books / YA Fantasy / Best of 2023 / Adult Fantasy Novels

heartless hunter

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli

Year: 2024

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

This new fantasy book is the first in a series and I am already dying to read the next one.

Witches were once the queens and rulers until the night of the revolution. Now, witches are hunted down and Rune must hide her true identity. During the day, Rune acts like a socialite with nothing on her mind other than parties and gossip. By night, she is the Crimson Moth, a rebel who rescues witches before they can be murdered.

After a rescue went very wrong, she needs info she can only get from Gideon, a witch hunter. The book becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse when Gideon and Rune start to fall for each other.

This fantasy romance kept me on my toes throughout. Gideon and Rune are the epitome of enemies to lovers with a side of fake-dating. The tension between these two is palpable and the story is page-turning

Find this book in: Best Enemies-to-Lovers Books

Dangerous Ones

Author: Lauren Blackwood

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

Jerusalem is a Saint, a human with superhuman strength and reflexes designed to kill vampires. There is one vampire in particular she needs to kill to avenge the death of her family.

Jerusalem has been fighting against the Confederate army since she escaped slavery with her one goal in mind but she knows that she will need, Alexi to accomplish that goal. He is an ancient vampire who fights with the Union. Everything in her being says that he cannot be the man for her because he is not only a vampire, but a white one as well.

This historical fantasy novel wonders what the Civil War would be like if vampires fought. The love/hate relationship between Alexi and Jerusalem has some humor in what would otherwise be very tense with the racial and special divide. #gifted

Find this book in: Vampire Books / Historical Fantasy Books

the spellshop

Author: Sarah Beth Durst

Year: 2024

Genre: Romantasy

More info: New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

In this cozy, heartwarming romantic fantasy story, Kiela escapes the fire at the Great Library of Alyssium and saves a few magical tomes along the way. She ends up back in her parents’ cottage on a faraway island with Caz, her assistant who happens to be a friendly spider plant.

There, she uses the books she rescued to save the creatures and inhabitants of her new home. Along the way, she falls for her handsome neighbor. As she uses the illegal magic to help the townspeople, she might just be putting them all in danger.

The world-building on this charming romantasy reminds me of Animal Crossing in some ways. It’s not a scary, dark world, but a charming, sweet village where magical creatures roam and magic is embraced by all. It was the coziest fantasy romance I have ever read. The cottage core vibes truly swept me away. #gifted by Bramble.

Find this book in: Adult Romance Fantasy / Cozy Books / YA Fantasy Novels

YA Fantasy Books: Romance

Serpent and Dove

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Serpent & Dove Book 1 of 3
New York Times Bestseller, B&N YA Book Club Pick, Indiebound Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Louise Le Blanche is a witch and Reid Diggory is a witch hunter, but when they are forced to be married Lou has to keep her identity a secret and try not to fall for her handsome husband. Could you ask for anything more from enemies-to-lovers books?

She is trying to change his mind about being a witch hunter while hiding her true identity. She is also using the inside knowledge to save her witch friends. Set in the pre-industrial age in Paris, France, this book is perfect for lovers of YA!

This book has funny, fierce heroines, a steamy love story, and a cast of characters that is diverse. I devoured all thee books in this series in a week.

Find this book in: YA Books About Witches / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Historical Fantasy Book / Books Set in Paris / YA Historical Fiction Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books

caraval

Author: Stephanie Garber 

Year: 2017

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestselling Fantasy debut

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

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.

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

million Junes

Author: Emily Henry

Year: 2017

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

In the small town of Five Fingers, Michigan, live the O‘Donnells and the Angerts, two families feuding for generations. Jack “June” O’Donnell has always stayed away from the Angert family with no real explanation for the cause of the feud.

When June meets Saul Angert, everything changes. She can’t seem to stay away from him and strange things begin to happen. June decides she needs answers and embarks on a journey that will take her to places she never thought were possible.

This is a perfect YA Fantasy read with just the right amount of romance, conflict, mystery, and magic. It’s such a unique Romeo and Juliet retelling.

Find this book in: Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best Books for 13-Year-olds / Favorite Audiobook Narrators / Best Books of 2017

Young Adult Fantasy Novels with Paranormal Protagonist

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+

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.

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

Twilight

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Year: 2005

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Twilight Saga #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

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?

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.

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

Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Folk of Air #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

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.

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+

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

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

YA Fantasy Novels: Fairy Tale Retellings

Spinning silver

Author: Naomi Novik

Year: 2018

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Nebula and Hugo Award Finalist

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Miryem’s family are moneylenders but her family is in poverty because her father does not collect his debts. In an effort to save her family, Miryem begins collecting the debts herself and soon a rumor begins that she can turn silver into gold. Soon, these rumors spread to the king of Staryk, and Miryem’s life changes forever when he comes to see if the rumors are true.

I adored this YA fantasy book by Novik. I loved the strong female characters, the story, and the writing.  This book is a classic retelling of Rumplestiltskin that is complex and wonderful and the ending had me in tears.

Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / The Best Winter Books / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books with Colors in the Title

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: 12+

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.

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

norcturne

Author: Alyssa Wees

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 17+

I absolutely adored this pick for best fantasy books of 2023 because it’s pure magic at its best. What starts as a historical fiction set in Chicago in the 1930s transforms into a beautiful fantasy about a ballerina, her violin, and the kingdom of death.

When Grace becomes the prima ballerina at The Near North Ballet Company, she is overjoyed that her dream has come true. In accepting this position, she has become a patron of Master LaRosa and must move into his mansion.

She is not sure what he wants from her. Soon, she discovers there is so much more within the mansion than she thought possible.

This Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect for a list of books like ACOTAR. It is beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. The writing is lyrical and I savored every minute.

Find this book in: The Best Books of 2023 / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Books Like The Night Circus / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books

Within These Wicked Walls

Author: Lauren Blackwood

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Reese’s Book Club Fall 2021 YA Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

This debut novel is billed as an Ethiopian-inspired fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre but I think the Jane Eyre part is the least exciting part of this fantastical tale. (Which is saying something!)

I’ve never read any YA Fantasy book like this one. The world-building is so unique. Andromeda is an exorcist who cleanses households of the evil eye. Magnus Rochester is desperate to have the evil eye removed from his household but no other exorcist will take the job. 

The chemistry between these two is intense and instant, the scenes of terror throughout the book are ideal for the haunting season, and the subtle Jane Eyre references bring the whole thing up a notice. This YA fantasy is one of the best retellings I have read and I loved it.

Find this book in: Novels about Africa.

Dark Academia YA Fantasy Books

legendborn

Author: Tracy Deonn

Year: 202

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award

Age Range: 14+

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.

Racism, Death of parent

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

Deadly Education

Author: Naomi Novik

Year: 2020

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestseller, Finalist for the Lodestar Award

Age Range: 14+

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.

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

Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead

Year: 2006

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Vampire Academy #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Royal vampires and their bodyguards train at the famed Vampire Academy where this book is set. Lissa is a princess and her best friend, Rose, is preparing to be her protector. When a series of crazy events threaten Lissa’s safety, Rose is on a mission to figure out who is behind the threats….. if she doesn’t get distracted while lusting over her teacher first.

This is a ya fantasy that is not to be missed. If you like the Zodiac Academy books, we think you will love this pick from fantasy romance books for teens!

Find this book in: High School Romance Books / Vampire Books / YA Fantasy Romance Books / YA Fantasy Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Netflix Book Adaptations

Historical Young Adult Fantasy Books

my lady Jane

Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

Year: 2016

Genre: YA Historical Fantasy

More info: The Lady Janies #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

I listened to this young adult historical fiction book and it was such a unique twist on the historical tale of Lady Jane Grey, the 9 Days Queen. Instead of Catholics and Protestants, this book gave us people who could transform into animals and those who could not. It was ridiculous but funny and the authors cleverly wove in historical details and sayings attributing them to the characters.

Ok, this story barely resembles the history it was inspired by, but it’s absolutely hysterical and incredibly fun! Part of the fun is knowing the history and spotting what was made different in the story, but an added element was the incredible voices done by the audiobook narrator. Make sure you read this before watching the adaptation!

Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / YA Historical Fiction / Best Historical Fiction / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Best YA Romance Books

lovely war

Author: Julie Berry

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 14+

In this novel, Aphrodite is telling the story of 2 wartime couples who show that love can thrive no matter the obstacles in their path. Pianist Hazel meets new solider James at a party in London before he’s off to the battlefields of war. Meanwhile, Audrey is a gifted musician off to fight in the 15th New York Infantry, an all-Black regiment sent to Europe to help win World War 1. There, he meets Colette, a Belgian singer whose life has already been devastated by the war.

Over the course of the story, both couples navigate the complexities of a wartorn romance while Aphrodite tries to use their tale to get out of a pickle involving her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares during WWII.

Racism, PTSD, War

This book’s premise had me a little skeptical, Greek Gods telling a love story set in WWI? I didn’t think it was up my alley. I must have had it recommended to me almost a dozen times now, and now I’m the one recommending this young adult fantasy novel. It was two, sort of three, love stories in one historical romance book, but it touched on racism, PTSD, and the sacrifices of war. It was so well handled that I was sad to see it end.

Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings/ YA Historical Fiction / YA Fantasy Books / Historical Romances / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books

The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Year: 2005

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age: 12+

This magical realism book is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany in 1939. Liesel is living with her foster parents and learning to read from stolen books. She also shares these books with the Jewish man who is hiding in her basement.

Death, Antisemitism, War

This book is a brilliant, powerful, poignant, and unforgettable look at Nazi Germany. It’s becoming part of many school curriculums for good reason. I’ve never read a story that encapsulates life for ordinary children during this harrowing time in history.

Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / YA Historical Fiction Books / Books about the Holocaust / Coming-of-age Books for Teens

fable 1

Fable (Fable #1) by Adrienne Young

October 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club Pick

If you are interested in young adult pirate books, you must add this to your list. This story of a bad-ass female pirate was incredible. Normally, I only like fantasies if they have a strong romantic element. But in Fable, I found myself drawn in by our namesake character and the vivid world description.

Well done, Reese with this sailing novelI need to go update our list of the best Reese Book Club picks now, because this one is top-notch. This is a must-read in this list of fantasy books for teens.

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+

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.

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

Young Adult Fantasy Book 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+

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.

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

Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Year: 2015

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Red Queen #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 15+

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.

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 belles

Author: Dhonielle Clayton

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Belles #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

The people in the world of Orleans are devoid of natural beauty and need The Belles to use their magical treatments to be beautiful. The most powerful of the Belles is known as the favorite and works for the royal family to set trends and perform beauty treatments.

But what happens when a sick queen and a greedy princess have differing views on ruling the people of Orléans and The Belles of the world?

Body shaming, Sexual assault

I loved the first book. I finished it and immediately rushed into book 2. The world-building in this YA Fantasy was wonderful and the descriptions of the elaborate beauty treatments painted a vivid picture. The characters were flawed but wonderfully constructed and the teacup pets were adorable.

Find this book in: Books Like the Selection / YA Fantasy / Best Books for 13-year-olds

Shadow and Bone

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Year: 2012

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Shadow and Bone #1, Part of the Grishaverse

Age Range: 12+

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.

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

YA Fantasy Duologies

Divine Rivals

Author: Rebecca Ross

Year: 2023

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Letters of Enchantment Book 1 of 2

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Iris Winnow works at the Oath Gazetter and hopes to get the promotion she has been working so hard for. Her rival at the Gazette is Roman Kitt who stands between her and the promotion she so badly needs. Her brother has gone missing in the War of the Gods, and her mother is battling addiction.

To keep herself connected to her brother, she writes him letters and slips them underneath her door where they vanish. The letters she receives in return are from an anonymous writer who is not her brother, but her rival Roman. Her connection with Roman Kitt will take her to the battlefront in search of her brother while trying to save mankind from a horrible fate.

War, death of a parent, alcoholism

This is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance novel that I loved. The story is so original and addictive and it is a romance without explicit scenes making it appropriate for ages 14+. I love how the characters develop and the plot is so unique. This is a perfect book for anyone who loves a YA Fantasy book with Gods.

Find this book in: The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books

strangethedreamer

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

This book started so strong for me, I was completely enraptured with this world. As the story continued, I found the story changed tones. What was once a hopeful story, slowly became a story of unreachable love.

200 years ago Weep was cut off from the world, so much so that nobody can even remember the city’s real name. When Lazio starts dreaming of a blue-skinned woman, he cannot forget her.

This YA fantasy book has warriors and magic, but is it also a completely original paranormal book. It is unlike any other.

Daughter of the Mood Goddess boy Sue Lynn Tan

Daughter of the Moon Goddess: A Novel by Sue Lynn Tan

This debut fantasy is inputted by the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. I have never heard of the legend but this book intrigued me.

Xingyin lives with her mother on the moon and is not aware that her mother has been hiding her from the Celestial Emperor. When Xingyin’s magic seeks to reveal her cover, she must escape and leave her mother behind.

Xingyin must make her own way while finding a path back to her mother. I enjoyed this YA fantasy that is unlike any other that I have read

YA Fantasy Stand Alone Books

night circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Year: 2011

Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.

As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.

Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.

This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.

Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Like the Night Circus / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

Dreams lie beneath

Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross

I adored this stand-alone YA fantasy novel in which local wardens are responsible for recording dreams and later fighting the same dreams when they appear on the night of the new moon.

Clementine is training to be a warden under her father, but he loses his post, and she swears revenge on the challengers. While plotting her revenge, she also seeks to overturn the curse that is haunting the entire kingdom.

Find this book in the Ultimate List of YA Fantasy

An enchantment of ravens

Author: Margaret Rogerson

Year: 2017

Genre:

More info:

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

A stand-alone YA fantasy romance book? These are few and far between, but this one is perfect for fans of ACOTAR.

This story of a human falling in love with a Fae prince has tons of elements for Sarah J. Maas fans to love. From Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn Fae courts, to enchantments and a forbidden love story, this is one of the fae books you will want to add to your TBR.

I fell hard for Rook and Isobel. I think you all will fall for this fae romance book from our list of best YA fantasy books!

Find this book in: Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult and YA Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses

girl serpent thorn

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

“There was and there was not.” This fairy tale retelling is about a girl cursed with being poisonous to anyone who touches her and her quest to free herself from her curse.

What could have been another princess in distress story became a story about finding your own power and using it in this young adult fantasy novel

Heartless

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Marissa Meyer is the queen of the twisted fairy tale retelling.  This story tells us about the famous queen in Alice’s Wonderland who is always yelling “Off with his head!”. It is original, well thought out, and fun to read.

Like other fairy tale retellings, this is one of the best books like the Lunar Chronicles series.

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Are you new to fantasy and not sure where to start? Do you love fantasy but are not sure what to read next? No worries, I have you covered

  • I divided the YA fantasy books into smaller sections to narrow your choices. If you are new to fantasy, check out some of the standalone books, these are the perfect way to delve into fantasy without worrying about the complex world-building in some of the series.
  • What was the last fantasy you read and loved? Have a look at other books in that subcategory to see if you can find similar books.

Frequently Asked Questions About YA Fantasy

What Does YA Fantasy Mean?

YA fantasy is short for young adult fantasy. YA fantasy are books written for ages 12-18. Here at Beyond the Bookends, our list of YA fantasy books is primarily for an audience of 14+. While many middle schoolers are able to read at higher levels, the content may not be appropriate.

What is the Difference between YA fantasy and NA fantasy?

Young adult refers to teen readers from ages 12-18 whereas new adult is typically ages 18-25. There is often no difference in the content of NA books and adult books other than the age of the characters. NA books are usually not appropriate for young adult readers because of the content in the books which may have more graphic sexual content.

What age is YA fantasy?

In YA books, the protagonists are typically ages 12-18. Often authors will make the protagonist the age of the audience. For example in the first Harry Potter, he is 11 but by the end of the series, he is 17. The subject matter in the later books is more mature.

What are the most popular Ya Fantasy books

The most popular YA fantasy books on BookTok are:
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Shatter Me by Tehereh Mafi

Epilogue

Whew. That’s our extensive list of YA fantasy books. Is your favorite on the list? Are there books I should be adding to read?

This post fulfills a prompt for the 2024 reading challenge! It’s not too late to join!

best teen fantasy header

24 Best Fantasy Books for Teens to Read Now

If you love this list of YA fantasy novels and are looking for more, you can check out this post