Fantasy has become increasingly popular in the young adult genre, with a plethora of incredible works emerging in the past decade. However, with so many options available, it can be easy to miss out on some of the best stories. This article aims to provide a list of 25 of the best fantasy books for both teen and adult readers, featuring a mix of new and classic tales. From mythical creatures to love triangles, and from fantastical worlds to magic that exists in our own reality, these books are sure to captivate any reader’s imagination.
One of the books featured in this list is “Six Crimson Cranes,” which promises to be a thrilling read. With its intriguing cover and unique storyline, this book is just one example of the many fantastic works of fantasy that readers can discover in this article.
The Gilded Ones
“The Gilded Ones” is a popular fantasy novel that draws inspiration from West African folklore. It has been recognized as a New York Times bestseller and named one of the best books of the year by Teen Vogue. The novel is set in a fantasy world that features blood ceremonies, magical warriors, and a corrupt empire in need of salvation. Readers will be transported into a thrilling adventure that involves saving the empire from its perilous state.
Six Crimson Cranes
“Six Crimson Cranes” is a captivating fairy tale about a princess named Shiori, who is banished by her evil stepmother and her brothers are turned into swans. The story follows the exiled princess as she sets out to break the curse on her brothers and save her kingdom from a growing conspiracy. This book has gained immense popularity on #booktok and is a must-read for anyone who loves fairy tales and folklore.
Song of Silver
In this bestselling YA fantasy novel, Lan and Zen’s destinies become intertwined as they journey to the deepest reaches of the empire. The story features a fallen kingdom, hidden magic, and a powerful girl who could either destroy or redeem it all. Lan and Zen search for answers while keeping their darkest secrets hidden from each other. With a captivating plot and well-developed characters, Song of Silver is a must-read for fans of the genre.
Seasparrow
Seasparrow is the latest addition to the Graceling Realm series, a popular YA fantasy series that has sold over 1.7 million copies. The story follows Queen Bitterblue as she embarks on a journey to the neighboring kingdom of Winterkeep. Readers can expect to find a mix of battles, romance, magic, and adventure within the pages of this five-book series. Seasparrow promises to be a thrilling addition to the beloved Graceling Realm universe.
Ash Princess
Ash Princess is a gripping dark fantasy novel written by Laura Sebastian. It tells the story of Theodosia, a fallen princess who is held captive in her own kingdom. Theodosia hatches a daring plan to reclaim her throne, but it requires great courage, deception, and a bit of luck. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Theodosia’s journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. This novel is a must-read for fans of the young adult genre.
Vampire Academy
Rose and Lissa are two best friends, but their friendship is not an ordinary one. Lissa is a princess of the Moroi vampires, and Rose, a half-human Dhampir, is her bodyguard. However, their lives are not easy as they are constantly hunted by the world’s most dangerous vampires. After being on the run, they are sent to St. Vladimir’s Academy, a boarding school for vampire elite. Here, they face numerous challenges, including dealing with the dangerous vampires who want to take Lissa for their own.
Rebel of the Sands
Rebel of the Sands is a novel written by Alwyn Hamilton. The book follows the story of Amani, a skilled gunslinger who dreams of escaping her impoverished life in Dustwalk. When a mysterious foreigner named Jin arrives in town, Amani’s life takes an unexpected turn. Together, they embark on a journey filled with magic, mythical creatures, and danger. Amani discovers that she has a connection to the magic that exists in the world, and that her destiny may be greater than she ever imagined. Rebel of the Sands is the first book in a thrilling three-part series.
Hotel Magnifique
Hotel Magnifique is an upscale and magical hotel that changes location every day. It is the perfect place for those looking for a luxurious and unique experience. However, as two sisters soon discover, there is something sinister lurking behind the hotel’s glitz and glam. Once inside, leaving is not an option. Despite this, the hotel remains a popular destination for those seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Wicked Fox
In the novel Wicked Fox by Kat Cho, the protagonist Miyoung is a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox that feeds on the energy of men. She appears as an ordinary girl in modern-day Seoul until she loses her fox bead, which grants her immortality, during an encounter with a human boy named Jihoon. As their relationship develops, they face threats from ancient forces that endanger their world. The sequel, Vicious Spirits, expands on their world and the challenges they face.
House of Salt and Sorrows
House of Salt and Sorrows is a spooky fantasy novel written by Erin A. Craig. The book is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Twelve Dancing Princesses and revolves around the mysterious deaths of several sisters. Annaleigh, the protagonist, believes that a family curse is to blame for the deaths and sets out to uncover the truth. Along the way, she attends opulent balls with her remaining sisters and encounters threatening apparitions. The novel is filled with ghostly visions, sinister plots, and chilling revelations that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
The Queen’s Assassin
In Melissa de la Cruz’s bestselling fantasy duology, Cal is an assassin who is magically bound to the queen, while Shadow is an aspiring assassin forced to become a servant of the court. Together, they team up to root out spies and eliminate threats to the crown as war threatens the kingdom. This gripping tale of assassins, forbidden romance, and court drama will keep readers engaged well into the night.
Eragon
Eragon is a captivating novel by Christopher Paolini, part of the bestselling series, The Inheritance Cycle. The story follows the journey of Eragon, who is faced with life-changing decisions that can either restore or destroy the Empire. The tale is filled with magical elements, prophecies, and battles, making it a must-read for fans of the Lord of the Rings series. With a page-turning plot, readers are sure to be engrossed in Eragon’s journey.
An Ember in the Ashes
In Sabaa Tahir’s Ember quartet, Laia and Elias are introduced as two individuals living in the Martial Empire. Laia, a slave, is struggling to survive in the empire’s poorest areas when her brother is arrested for treason. Rebels offer to save him if Laia agrees to spy on the empire’s prestigious military academy. During her time there, Laia meets Elias, the academy’s top soldier, who wants to escape the tyrannical empire’s grasp. The story follows their journey as they navigate the complexities of the empire and their personal struggles.
In Akwaeke Emezi’s YA novel, “Pet,” the protagonist Jam and her friend Redemption reside in the seemingly perfect town of Lucille where evil no longer exists. However, when a creature named Pet emerges from one of Jam’s mother’s paintings, on the hunt for a monster, Jam’s beliefs are challenged. Pet’s appearance forces Jam to question everything she has been taught and reconsider her ideas of justice, good and evil. The novel presents a thought-provoking exploration of morality and the power of speaking out.
The Kingdom of Back
In Marie Lu’s standalone fantasy novel, “The Kingdom of Back,” readers are introduced to Nannerl, the older sister of Amadeus Mozart. Despite her own prodigious piano talent, Nannerl’s career is cut short as soon as she comes of marriageable age. However, a mysterious stranger offers her a costly deal that could change her fate. Lu’s novel delves into the world of 18th-century Europe and the struggles of women trying to pursue their passions.
The Guinevere Deception
In the Camelot Rising trilogy, Princess Guinevere and King Arthur are betrothed by Merlin to protect Camelot. However, Guinevere is actually a changeling who must navigate the strict royal protocols while the people of Camelot demand change. The series follows Guinevere’s journey as she tries to keep her true identity a secret while also trying to save Camelot from impending danger.
Fireborne
Annie and Lee, orphaned during an uprising, are now training to become dragonriders and join the governing body. However, their loyalty is tested when the old regime rises to power. In book two of the Aurelian Cycle series, readers witness the friends’ life-altering decisions. Will Lee betray his new family to return to his aristocratic roots? And will Annie protect him? The war rages on in this high-flying adventure.
Half Bad
In The Half Bad Trilogy by Sally Green, Nathan is a unique character who is both a White witch and a Black witch. He is also the illegitimate son of the most dangerous witch in the world, and possesses a power unlike any other magic. Nathan is imprisoned in a cage and hunted by all, knowing he must escape before his 17th birthday to receive three gifts from his powerful and deadly father. However, finding his father first and staying out of the hands of those who would see him locked up forever are his biggest challenges.
This thrilling story explores the theme of identity and the struggles of a young man trying to find his place in a world that doesn’t accept him. With its captivating plot, The Half Bad Trilogy is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
Seraphina
Seraphina is the protagonist of Rachel Hartman’s debut novel, a half-human and half-dragon character who tries to keep her ancestry hidden. The story is set in a world where humans and dragons coexist, but tensions between them are on the rise. Seraphina’s mother is a dragon who can take human form, and her father is a human who despises dragons. When a member of the royal family is murdered, Seraphina is called upon to help investigate the crime alongside a perceptive prince. However, her ability to keep her ancestry hidden is in danger, and failure to do so may result in her death. Seraphina’s story is filled with timely themes and has the potential to become a classic in the teen fantasy genre. The sequel, Shadow Scale, is also available for fans to read.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a series of dark and mysterious novels by Ransom Riggs. The story follows sixteen-year-old Jacob as he explores the ruins of the titular home on an abandoned island off the coast of Wales. As he delves deeper into the crumbling ruins, Jacob discovers that the peculiar children who once lived there may still be alive, and potentially dangerous. The series is perfect for those who enjoy tales of the strange and unusual.
The Reader
Sefia, the protagonist of the story, is a young girl who has never seen a book before. After her father’s murder and her aunt’s disappearance, Sefia is left with a mysterious rectangular object that turns out to be a book. This discovery sets her on a journey to uncover the truth behind her father’s death and her own destiny. As the story progresses, Sefia’s relationship with books and reading evolves, becoming a crucial part of her identity and mission. The book serves as a symbol of knowledge and power, representing the potential for change and growth in Sefia’s life.
The Kinder Poison
In The Kinder Poison, author Natalie Mae creates a captivating world filled with ancient magic, political intrigue, and a deadly game. Zahru, an animal Whisperer for the royal family, is chosen as the human sacrifice for the Crossing, a race between the royal heirs to determine the kingdom’s next ruler. This brutal tradition has never spared anyone in Zahru’s position. Will she be the first to survive? Mae’s novel explores themes of power, sacrifice, and survival, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
Summary
The world of young adult fantasy books is vast and varied, but there are a few standout titles that have captured the hearts of readers. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling is a classic that has introduced many young readers to the genre. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins and “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan are also popular choices. Other notable titles include “The Mortal Instruments” series by Cassandra Clare and “The Lunar Chronicles” by Marissa Meyer. These books offer imaginative worlds, relatable characters, and thrilling adventures that keep readers engaged from beginning to end.