Best Young Adult Fantasy Books
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Young adult fantasy has the power to transport readers to breathtaking worlds, introduce unforgettable characters, and explore themes of destiny, identity, and courage. The best YA fantasy books don’t just provide escapism—they offer deep, emotional journeys where characters must fight for their place in a world that often feels larger than life. Whether through magic, mythology, or adventure, these five books stand out as some of the best in young adult fantasy, each offering something unique and unforgettable.
Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular by RJ Roark
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular by RJ Roark
Why Amelia Moon & the Solstice Spectacular is a Best Young Adult Fantasy Book:
A great YA fantasy novel doesn’t just create a world—it makes the reader feel as if they are uncovering a hidden truth that was always there, waiting to be found. Amelia Moon & The Solstice Spectacular does exactly that, weaving a compelling story of cosmic mystery, forgotten folklore, and personal discovery. Amelia, a sharp and determined protagonist, is drawn into the secrets of Sundance, Wyoming, where an annual solstice festival is more than just a celebration—it holds ancient riddles and a power long buried in history. The novel blends elements of mythology, science, and adventure in a way that feels refreshingly original while capturing the same sense of wonder that defines the best YA fantasy. With its unique approach to magic—rooted in celestial mysteries rather than spells and wands—this book stands out as a must-read for those looking for something that blends the fantastical with the deeply personal.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Why An Ember in the Ashes is a Best Young Adult Fantasy Book:
Fantasy thrives when it is both immersive and emotionally resonant, and An Ember in the Ashes delivers on both fronts. Set in a brutal, Rome-inspired empire where oppression is law and resistance is deadly, this novel follows Laia, a scholar forced to go undercover as a slave in the empire’s elite military academy, and Elias, a soldier who dreams of escaping the violence he was raised to enforce. Their paths intertwine in a narrative filled with high stakes, complex characters, and a rebellion simmering beneath the surface. The novel excels in its world-building, creating a universe that feels as real as it is ruthless. What makes it one of the best YA fantasy books is not just the thrilling action or the magic hidden within its depths, but the way it explores themes of power, freedom, and sacrifice in a way that resonates deeply with readers.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Why the The Priory of the Orange Tree is a Best Young Adult Fantasy Book:
A truly great fantasy novel doesn’t just build a world—it builds an entire history, mythology, and sense of place that makes it feel like it has existed long before the reader arrived. The Priory of the Orange Tree is a masterclass in world-building, offering a sweeping, feminist reimagining of dragon lore. At its heart, the story follows multiple protagonists, including a dragon-riding warrior, a queen struggling to maintain her rule, and a secret society of priestesses who hold ancient knowledge of the dragons’ return. While the book is often categorized as adult fantasy, its themes of identity, destiny, and political intrigue make it deeply compelling for YA fantasy readers looking for a mature, richly woven narrative. The story stands out not only because of its intricate plot and strong female leads but because it redefines what modern fantasy can be—bold, inclusive, and utterly spellbinding.
The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross
Why The Queen’s Rising is a Best Young Adult Fantasy Book:
A standout YA fantasy novel needs more than magic—it needs a protagonist whose journey is just as compelling as the world they inhabit. The Queen’s Rising introduces readers to Brienna, a young woman who grows up in a society where children are trained in one of five “passions”—art, music, dramatics, wit, or knowledge. But Brienna is different. She doesn’t quite fit into any category, and when she finally discovers where she belongs, she’s thrown into the middle of a rebellion that threatens the kingdom. This book excels in its character-driven storytelling, exploring Brienna’s struggle with identity and belonging in a way that feels both deeply personal and grandly epic. What makes it one of the best in YA fantasy is its lush writing, intricate political intrigue, and a protagonist whose growth feels genuine and inspiring.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Why The Gilded Wolves is a Best Young Adult Fantasy Book:
The best YA fantasy books don’t just transport readers to another world—they make that world feel alive with rich history, diverse cultures, and thrilling mysteries. The Gilded Wolves is a dazzling mix of heist, magic, and adventure set in an alternate 19th-century Paris where secret societies wield ancient magical artifacts. The story follows Séverin, a treasure hunter and outcast, as he assembles a team of misfits to uncover a long-lost artifact that could change everything. With a diverse cast of characters, lush prose, and a plot filled with puzzles and intrigue, this book stands out as one of the most unique and compelling YA fantasy reads. Much like Harry Potter, The Gilded Wolves balances wonder and danger, making it impossible to put down.
Final Thoughts on the Best Young Adult Fantasy Books:
Each of these books offers something extraordinary to the world of young adult fantasy. Amelia Moon & The Solstice Spectacular blends cosmic mysteries with a modern fantasy setting, An Ember in the Ashes delivers a high-stakes rebellion in a brutal empire, The Priory of the Orange Tree crafts a sweeping feminist epic filled with dragons and political intrigue, The Queen’s Rising offers a slow-burning character-driven tale of identity and revolution, and The Gilded Wolves creates a richly imagined alternate history filled with magic, heists, and hidden secrets.
For readers who crave immersive worlds, unforgettable characters, and stories that linger long after the final page, these books represent the very best of young adult fantasy.