10 Best YA Book Fantasy Picks to Read in 2025
Searching for the best ya book fantasy? We’ve picked top stories with magic, drama, laughs, and a few dragons tossed in.
Welcome, fellow magic lovers! We know that picking the right ya book fantasy can feel like hunting for a unicorn in a haystack. When we choose books for our lists, we look for gripping plots, characters who stick in your memory (for better or worse), and worlds that make you forget about chores. Trust us, we’ve laughed, rolled our eyes, and spilled coffee over these stories while arguing with friends about who should rule the fictional kingdoms. Whether you want wild twists, dark drama, or just a good bit of swoon, our picks for the 10 best ya book fantasy reads cover all the bases. Get ready for a wild bookshelf ride!
On this list:
10 Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
We had a blast reading this one! It’s a wild heist adventure with magic, mayhem, and a bunch of lovable troublemakers. If you like your ya book fantasy with a pinch of crime and a dash of grumpy banter, this will hit the spot. It’s clever and never takes itself too seriously, which is why it made our list.
9 An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
This book trapped us like a bad haircut you can’t look away from. There’s rebellion, magic, and the kind of cliffhangers that made us yell at our friends for not warning us. The world is gritty and easy to get lost in (sometimes too easy—bring a map).
8 Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
If you like stories with magic, dark lords, and some really questionable fashion choices, Shadow and Bone is a ya book fantasy classic. It’s not perfect (the romance is a tad ‘meh’), but the magic system is fun and the action keeps things moving. We had late nights with this one!
7 Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Assassins, contests, and more plot twists than our last family game night. While the lead character is a bit too good at everything, it’s still a fun ride. Best enjoyed with snacks and some dramatic music in the background.
6 The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Ever wanted to be bullied by fairies? No? Well, this book might change your mind. The characters are sharp, the world is prickly, and we couldn’t put it down. Great for fans of snarky dialogue and fae drama.
5 Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Heaps of magic and a West African-inspired world that feels fresh and full of heart. The pacing is a bit up and down, but the creative spells and wild chase scenes won us over. Worth reading, even just for the giant cats.
4 Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Witches. Witch hunters. Forced fake marriage. What could go wrong? Apparently, everything. Lots of laughs, snark, and a few steamy bits. Some parts drag, but the main pair’s bickering makes up for it. This ya book fantasy has some real charm.
3 Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Step right up for magic, mystery, and the most confusing carnival since our last attempt at using a GPS. It’s whimsical and surprising, but sometimes the plot gets a bit tangled. Still, we loved the twists and couldn’t guess the ending.
2 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Imagine Beauty and the Beast, but with more faeries and a few questionable decisions. This ya book fantasy tale is filled with romance and action. A bit steamy for some, but we had fun, even while yelling at the characters.
1 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
We picked this as our top ya book fantasy not just because it’s famous, but because it got every single one of us reading—yes, even that one friend who says books are ‘too much work.’ Katniss is a legend, the world is brutal, and there’s action on every page. This book broke us out of a reading slump faster than you can say ‘May the odds be ever in your favor.’ Sure, it’s more dystopian than magical, but the world-building, suspense, and heart make it a clear standout. We read it together, argued about Team Peeta or Team Gale, and ended up throwing snacks at each other during the most tense moments. The Hunger Games is the ya book fantasy everyone should try at least once.
