10 Best Fantasy Books for Young Adults in 2025
Looking for fantasy books for young adults? Here are our top picks. Magical worlds, brave heroes, and unforgettable adventures await in every story.
If you’re on the hunt for the best fantasy books for young adults, you’ve come to the right place! We know the world of YA fantasy can be as wild as a wizard’s closet, so we’ve rolled up our sleeves and sorted through every spell, sword, and secret door to pick the top reads. When we sat down to pick these fantasy books for young adults, we focused on wild adventures, unforgettable characters, and worlds that stick with you long after you close the book. Whether you’re after magical quests, clever heroes, or a touch of romance, this list has something for every new reader (or even veteran magical bookworm) ready to jump in.
On this list:
10 Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
This one is a classic for fantasy books for young adults. Greek gods, ADHD-powered demigods, and a mystery as zippy as a kid after too much cola. We loved the fast pace and laugh-out-loud chapter headings. Not too heavy, just the right amount of monster-squashing and friendship-building.
9 Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini
Paolini wrote this when he was still in his teens, which made us all feel a bit unproductive. Dragons, sword-fighting, and enough twists to tie your shoelaces together. At times, the pacing gets slow, but overall it’s a grand adventure in the land of Alagaësia.
8 Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
We picked this one because it brings Russian-inspired magic, a lovable underdog, and a villain with more charisma than our high school principal. The world-building made us want to dress in keftas and practice ‘the Small Science.’ The romance can be a bit melodramatic, but hey, we’re not judging.
7 Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Heists, found family, and more double-crossing than a game of Monopoly. The ensemble cast is top notch and the stakes are higher than our hopes after drinking three espressos. Some plot details need a second read, but it’s clever and gritty fantasy fun.
6 An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Ancient Rome vibes, magic, and serious rebellion. We loved how the main characters felt real, even as they dodged executioners and magical prophecies. Some heavy themes, but nothing too much for teens looking for fantasy books for young adults.
5 The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Not all fantasy books for young adults are doom and gloom! This one is whimsical and heartwarming, with a witch, a tiny dragon, and lots of magic. Sometimes it’s a touch slow, but we loved the lyrical writing and powerful themes.
4 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
It’s Beauty and the Beast with more fae, more action, and more romance than most of us can handle. The world is lush, the plot spicy. It does get a bit steamy, so maybe don’t read it out loud to your grandma.
3 Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Dragons who debate philosophy – who knew? This pick stands out among fantasy books for young adults thanks to a clever heroine and a smart, unique take on dragons. There’s a lot of court intrigue and some tricky language, but we finished it feeling smarter.
2 The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials) by Philip Pullman
Talking animals, parallel worlds, and a heroine who makes mistakes (just like us, but more dramatically). The world Pullman builds is both magical and kind of scary. Some deep topics, but we think that makes it more rewarding.
1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
We chose this as the best for fantasy books for young adults because it’s the book that made us all wish we got a letter by owl. The writing is funny, the magic is memorable, and the friendships feel real. We played out scenes with our friends and it worked every time—except no one wanted to be Filch. Sure, it’s everywhere, but there’s a reason for that: it’s pure fun. The plot zips along, the villains are over-the-top, and it started a love for reading in so many of us. Even if you know how it ends, it’s a joy to revisit and perfect for any age. Downside? The food descriptions will make you hungry for a Hogwarts feast, and you’ll spend years waiting for your own letter. Still, this is the gold standard for fantasy books for young adults.
