YA Historical Fantasy Books
YA historical fantasy books combine two of my favorite genres: historical fiction and young adult fantasy. I read so many of these books that I wanted to put all my favorites in one place. This way, you don’t have to search through lists of books trying to find the best of the best.
Kirsten and I read over three hundred books a year and have become increasingly selective about the books we put on any list. We only put on books that we read and enjoyed! When we were thinking about our favorite historical fantasy books, there were too many to fit in one place. I knew I needed to make one list for adult books and another for young adults.
The Best YA Historical Fantasy Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. 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 Standalone YA Fantasy Book
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern- Jump to section
The Best YA Fantasy Series
Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin- Jump to Section
*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.
Standalone YA Historical Fantasy Books
The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
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.
Why Jackie loves it
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
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 / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Find more like this: Books Like the Night Circus
The Princess Bride
Author: William Goldman
Year: 1973
Genre: Fantasy
Spice Rating: 💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Read all about Buttercup and her beloved Wesley and their harrowing tale of finding true love. It will not disappoint you. You might even want to read the book to someone else.
In the book, the author is narrating for the reader and describing a fictional book that his father read to him as a child. Sound confusing? It’s straightforward and a wonderful pick from books about weddings.
Why Jackie loves it
This movie is one of my favorites of all time and I was so shocked to learn that it was originally a book. If you lived through the ’80s then you might think that this is inconceivable but, alas, it is true.Â
Find this book in: Pirate Books / Books About Weddings
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Antisemitism, War
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is a brilliant, powerful, poignant, and unforgettable look at Nazi Germany. It’s becoming part of many school curricula 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
Lovely War
Author: Julie Berry
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
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.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, PTSD, War
Why Kirsten loves it
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 / WWI Books
Revelle
Author: Lyssa Mia Smith
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This prohibition-era historical fantasy novel was inspired by Moulin Rouge! It’s filled with romance, carnival performers, and a magical community on an island near New York. Luxe (our Satine) can use her magic to create illusions to give people exactly what they want but what her family needs is money.
When Dewey, a time-traveling smuggler, asks her to help him become mayor by pretending to be his fiance, she thinks her prayers are answered.Until she meets Jamison, a poor commoner with no magic to speak of. They begin an illicit relationship that might spell doom for them all.
Why Kirsten loves it
This YA historical fantasy novel held me captive. It was so original! If you are looking for young adult fantasy romance books, this one should be on your TBR.
Find this book in: Jazz Age Novels /Carnival Books/ Books Like the Night Circus
The Dangerous Ones
Author: Lauren Blackwood
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
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.
Why Jackie loves it
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
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+
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
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
YA Historical Fantasy Series
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+
Plot
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!
Why Kirsten loves it
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/ Books Set in Paris / YA Historical Fiction Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books
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
All That Glitters
Author: Gita Trelease
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Enchanteé #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Camille is an orphan who must use magic to transform pieces of metal into money in order to buy food for her sister. But when the magic starts to fail, Camille must use dark magic to transform herself into a baroness in the court of Louis the 16th.
Soon, the dark magic takes its toll and Camille must make a choice between reality and magic. When revolution erupts, Camille must determine how to survive.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction
Why Jackie loves it
The magic is beautiful in this young adult fantasy novel. This book was unlike any other I’ve read!
Find this book in: YA Historical Fiction Books / Books About Sisters / Books Set in Paris
The Paper Magician
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Year: 2014
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Paper Magician Series Book 1 of 4
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Ceony has graduated from Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined and is disappointed when she is assigned to be bonded to paper. Once magicians bond with one magic, it is the only magic they can ever practice. When Ceony encounters a dark magician, she must use every piece of magic she knows to save her mentor.
Why Jackie loves it
I kept hearing about this book and when I saw it in paperback at the Amazon bookstore in NYC, I could not resist. I didn’t put it down until I was done. It was such a different look at the idea of magic, I loved it.
Find this book in: Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter
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. I love the dark magic woven throughout.
Find this book in: Mythology Books / Books about Con Artists / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Novels Set in Egypt / Historical Fantasy Books
Expert Tip
Young adult books are appropriate for ages 13 to 18. What might be appropriate for a 17-year-old may not be appropriate for a 13-year-old. If you are helping your team pick a book, here are some helpful tips.
- Look at my recommended age. I have considered the content of the book when making these recommendations. You can also do further research if there are particular topics that may be triggers for your teen.
- Kirsten and I read every book on this list. Have a look at the descriptions of each book to see if the subject appeals to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a YA historical fantasy book?
A young adult historical fantasy book is a novel that combines historical fiction and fantasy. These books are appropriate for ages 12-16+. I have included the recommended ages for each book depending on the content. While “young adult” is technically 13-18, what is appropriate content for a 17-year-old may not be for a 13-year-old.
What are the best YA historical fantasy books?
There are so many fantastic YA historical fantasy books that it’s almost impossible to choose between them. Kirsten and my favorites include:
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
2. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
3. Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
