Best YA Fantasy Novels of 2025: Top 5 Picks

Explore the magic of ya fantasy novels with our top five picks, each offering adventure, mystery, and thrilling tales.

Six of Crows coverThrone of Glass coverThe Cruel Prince cover

If you’re lost in a world of dragons, magic, and teenage angst, you’re not alone. We’ve traveled the thrilling realms of ya fantasy novels to find the best adventures out there. With an eye for gripping plots, relatable characters, and immersive worlds, our selection will have you ready to binge-read faster than you can say ‘expelliarmus’. So, grab your cloak, maybe a snack, and get ready for a journey that rivals any quest for the One Ring.

On this list:

5 Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 465

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Six of Crows weaves high-stakes heist action with rich character development. Kaz and his squad will steal your heart as they plan a daring mission. If Ocean’s Eleven got caught in a magical whirlwind, this would be the result. Yeah, I might have tried to convince my own friends to plan a heist after reading this.

4 Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 404

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Throne of Glass introduces us to Celaena, a deadly assassin. We love how the pages turn themselves as you follow her journey of self-discovery and politics. I got so involved, I almost started attending royal court meetings in my pajamas.

3 The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

The Cruel Prince cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 370

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The Cruel Prince entices with its dark and twisted fairy tale elements. Jude’s quest for power will keep you up at night. We couldn’t help but think about our own sibling rivalries as we read along.

2 Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Lady Midnight cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 668

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Lady Midnight pulls you into the Shadowhunter universe. Emma and Julian’s story is packed with mystery and romance. We love how we can get lost within the plot twists. Just make sure you don’t get twisted in your own shadow!

1 The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give cover

  • Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 464

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Although not strictly fantasy, The Hate U Give deserves a spot. It offers a powerful message wrapped in a compelling story. Starr’s journey of finding her voice resonates with readers. This book shines as it tackles profound themes. While not fantasy, its impact is magical. The combination of realism and imaginative storytelling lands it as our top pick.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!