The Best Fantasy Books for Teens: Magic, Adventure, and Unforgettable Worlds
The best fantasy books for teens offer magic, adventure, and memorable worlds. From classics like Harry Potter and The Hobbit to modern hits like Shadow and Bone and Children of Blood and Bone, these stories explore courage, identity, friendship, and the challenges of growing up.
Fantasy has always held a special place in the hearts of teenage readers. It offers escape, wonder, and possibility, a chance to step into worlds filled with magic, epic quests, complex heroes, and stories that reflect the challenges of growing up. Whether it’s battling dark forces, uncovering ancient prophecies, or navigating first love in magical realms, fantasy books help teens explore identity, courage, and belonging in powerful ways.
From beloved classics to modern bestselling series, today’s fantasy books for teens span a wide range of styles: magical schools, dystopian futures, mythological retellings, political intrigue, and richly imagined worlds inspired by real cultures. In this guide, we’ll explore the best fantasy books for teens, highlighting must read series, timeless classics, and standout authors that continue to captivate young adult readers.
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Why Fantasy Books Are Perfect for Teen Readers
Fantasy resonates deeply with teens because it mirrors their internal world: change, discovery, and the struggle to define who they are.
These fantasy books often explore coming-of-age journeys, deep bonds of friendship and loyalty, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. Through stories centred on power, responsibility, and personal choice, these books reflect the challenges of growing up while also questioning authority, identity, and belonging. While the settings may include dragons, gods, or magical kingdoms, the themes are often grounded in real emotional experiences. By placing these themes within magical worlds and epic adventures, fantasy offers both escapism and reflection, giving young readers a safe, imaginative space to process real life emotions, decisions, and transitions.
Bestselling & Highly Recommended Fantasy Series for Teens
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Although often categorised as dystopian fiction, The Hunger Games remains a cornerstone of teen fantasy reading. Set in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, the series follows Katniss Everdeen as she navigates survival, political rebellion, and moral compromise.
This series is ideal for teens who enjoy intense plots, emotional depth, and stories that question authority and systems of control.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Set in the richly imagined Grishaverse, Shadow and Bone introduces readers to a world divided by darkness and ruled by dangerous magic. Alina Starkov discovers she possesses a rare power that could change her country’s fate, and her own.
Fans of this series often go on to read Bardugo’s Six of Crows, a darker, heist-style fantasy beloved by older teens.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Although often categorised as dystopian fiction, The Hunger Games remains a cornerstone of teen fantasy reading. Set in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, the series follows Katniss Everdeen as she navigates survival, political rebellion, and moral compromise.
This series is ideal for teens who enjoy intense plots, emotional depth, and stories that question authority and systems of control.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Set in the richly imagined Grishaverse, Shadow and Bone introduces readers to a world divided by darkness and ruled by dangerous magic. Alina Starkov discovers she possesses a rare power that could change her country’s fate, and her own.
Fans of this series often go on to read Bardugo’s Six of Crows, a darker, heist-style fantasy beloved by older teens.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This wildly popular series blends fantasy, romance, and mythological elements in a lush fae world. Following Feyre Archeron, a mortal drawn into the realm of the High Fae, the story evolves from fairy-tale retelling to epic political fantasy.
This series is often recommended for older teens due to its more mature themes in later books.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan
A modern fantasy classic, this series brings Greek mythology into the present day. Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is thrust into a world of monsters, quests, and gods with very human flaws.
Riordan’s inclusive storytelling and accessible writing style make this a go-to entry point for fantasy.
If monsters and the surreal world take your fancy, have a read of our In All Jest Series.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Set in a brutal, Roman-inspired empire, this series follows Laia, a scholar, and Elias, a soldier, whose lives intertwine in a fight against tyranny.
This is a gripping choice for teens who enjoy darker fantasy with moral complexity.
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Inspired by West African mythology, this powerful fantasy novel explores magic, identity, and systemic oppression. Zélie fights to restore magic to her people in a world determined to erase it.
This series is often praised for expanding representation in YA fantasy.
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
Atmospheric and character-driven, The Raven Cycle blends fantasy with mystery. It follows Blue Sargent and a group of private school boys searching for a long lost Welsh king.
This series is ideal for teens who prefer slower, more introspective fantasy.
Classic & Epic Fantasy for Young Readers
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Few fantasy series have shaped young adult reading like Harry Potter. From magical classes at Hogwarts to the ultimate battle against Voldemort, the series grows darker and more complex as its characters mature.
It remains a rite of passage for fantasy readers of all ages.
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s work laid the foundation for modern fantasy. The Hobbit is especially accessible for teens, following Bilbo Baggins on an unexpected adventure.
These books reward patient readers who enjoy epic journeys.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
This intellectually rich trilogy follows Lyra Belacqua across parallel worlds filled with daemons, mysterious Dust, and powerful institutions.
It’s ideal for teens who enjoy fantasy that challenges their thinking.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
A classic portal fantasy series where ordinary children step into an extraordinary world. While written for younger readers, Narnia continues to resonate with teens exploring the roots of fantasy.If a book like Narnia takes your interest, you may want to explore our blog on Fantasy Archetypes.
Other Popular Fantasy Books for Teens
Holly Black – The Folk of the Air
Dark, cunning, and morally complex, this fae-centred series follows Jude, a mortal girl navigating a treacherous fairy court.
Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments
Set in a hidden world of Shadowhunters, demons, and angels, this series blends urban fantasy with romance and action.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
A gritty fantasy heist featuring six morally grey characters. This duology is often considered one of the strongest YA fantasy series of recent years.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
While more mystery-driven than traditional fantasy, this series appeals to fantasy readers who love puzzles, secrets, and high-stakes intrigue.
How to Choose the Right Fantasy Book for a Teen
When selecting a fantasy book, consider:
- Reading level and age appropriateness
- Interest in romance, action, or politics
- Preferred pacing (fast vs. atmospheric)
- Representation and themes
Fantasy is a broad genre: there’s a perfect book for every teen reader.
Unsure of the different Fantasy genres? Learn more about Epic Fantasy Versus High Fantasy.
Final Thoughts: Why Fantasy Matters
The best fantasy books for teens do more than entertain. They empower readers to imagine different futures, challenge injustice, and believe in their own resilience. Whether through epic battles, quiet magic, or unforgettable characters, these stories stay with readers long after the final page.
From Harry Potter to Children of Blood and Bone, fantasy continues to evolve — offering teens stories that reflect both the wonder of imagination and the realities of growing up.
Final Thoughts: Why Fantasy Matters
Great fantasy books for teens do more than entertain. They empower readers to imagine different futures, challenge injustice, and believe in their own resilience. Whether through epic battles, quiet magic, or unforgettable characters, these stories stay with readers long after the final page.
From Harry Potter to Children of Blood and Bone, fantasy continues to evolve: offering teens stories that reflect both the wonder of imagination and the realities of growing up.
If you or your parent is searching for books filled with magic, adventure, romance, and unforgettable worlds, this list is the perfect place to start.