25 Must-Read YA Fantasy Books
Young Adult fantasy has become one of the most exciting areas of modern storytelling. These books transport readers into magical worlds filled with ancient prophecies, dangerous quests, hidden realms, and unforgettable heroes discovering who they are meant to be.
Whether you love epic adventures, dark magical courts, mysterious prophecies, or character-driven journeys, YA fantasy offers something for everyone. Here are 25 YA fantasy books worth adding to your reading list.
1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
A brilliant fantasy heist set in the gritty city of Ketterdam. Criminal mastermind Kaz Brekker gathers a group of dangerous outcasts to attempt an impossible job.
2. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
After a tragic loss, Bree Matthews discovers a secret magical society tied to Arthurian legend and realizes she may be connected to ancient power.
3. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Set in a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome, this story follows two young rebels whose paths collide in the fight against tyranny.
4. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
A dark fantasy filled with political intrigue and dangerous faerie courts where a mortal girl struggles for power and survival.
5. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
A legendary assassin competes for her freedom in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion.
6. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
A young soldier discovers a rare magical power that could change the fate of her world.
7. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
A farm boy discovers a dragon egg, beginning an epic journey that helped define modern YA fantasy.
8. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
A beautifully written story about a dreamer obsessed with a mysterious lost city.
9. Fatebound by Graham Fontaine
Fourteen-year-old Mia discovers that her world is connected to a hidden realm woven with magic, danger, and ancient secrets. As she begins to uncover the truth about her past and her connection to this mysterious world, Mia finds herself drawn into a struggle that could shape the fate of two realms.
10. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
A sweeping West African inspired fantasy about restoring magic to a kingdom where it was violently stolen.
11. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
A mysterious story about friendship, magic, and a search for a long-lost king.
12. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
A magical competition full of illusions, romance, and dangerous secrets.
13. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
In a world where some people are born with supernatural abilities called Graces, a young woman with a deadly gift must decide who she wants to become.
14. The Beechwood Chronicles by Adin Spina
A fantasy series set in a mysterious world filled with magic, secrets, and adventure. As young characters discover hidden powers and ancient forces stirring beneath the surface, they must navigate friendship, danger, and the responsibilities that come with extraordinary abilities.
15. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
Triplet queens raised apart must eventually fight to the death for the throne in this dark and gripping fantasy.
16. The Young Elites by Marie Lu
A darker YA fantasy about a girl with dangerous powers in a world that hunts people like her.
17. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
A magical library filled with enchanted grimoires becomes the center of a dangerous conspiracy.
18. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
A touching urban fantasy about identity, family, and summoning the wrong ghost.
19. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
A witch and a witch hunter are forced into marriage in this enemies-to-lovers fantasy.
20. Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa
Inspired by Japanese mythology, this story follows a girl carrying part of an ancient demon’s power.
21. The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski
A beautifully crafted fantasy about strategy, power, and forbidden love.
22. Angelfall by Susan Ee
In a world devastated by angels, a teenage girl fights to rescue her sister.
23. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
A dystopian fantasy where clairvoyants are hunted and controlled by a powerful regime.
24. The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman
Four royal siblings search for a legendary artifact that could restore magic to their kingdom.
25. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
A magical and heartfelt story about a girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon.
Final Thoughts
YA fantasy continues to captivate readers because it blends imaginative worlds with deeply human stories about courage, friendship, and destiny. Whether you prefer epic quests, magical courts, or mysterious hidden realms, these books offer unforgettable adventures for readers of all ages.