Young Adult (YA) fantasy stands out as one of the most exciting genres in literature. In fact, magic, intrigue, and unforgettable characters fill its pages. I read a variety of genres, but fantasy holds a special place in my heart. Therefore, whether you love courtly politics, high-stakes heists, or magical destinies, you will find a YA fantasy book for you.
In this post, I explore 10 of the best YA fantasy novels that have captured my heart. Furthermore, if you are looking to expand your reading list even further, check out my list of Fiction Fantasy Novels: 15 Series I’m Obsessed With.
Hey there! Just a heads-up: This post contains book recommendations. If you love discovering new worlds, you are going to love this list.
Table of Contents
My Top 10 Young Adult Fantasy Novels
1. The Cruel Prince
If you love dark fairy tales, political intrigue, and morally gray characters, The Cruel Prince is a must-read. Jude, a mortal girl raised in the land of the fae, must navigate a world where power determines everything. Consequently, she clashes with the cruel and arrogant Prince Cardan because she is determined to carve out her place. Moreover, the story teems with backstabbing, deception, and slow-burning romance, making it an addictive read.
This book kicks off The Folk of the Air trilogy, and the stakes get higher with each installment. Holly Black masterfully crafts a dangerous and enchanting fae world. In full transparency, when I started this series, I struggled to relate to Jude, but she eventually grew on me.
2. A Crown of Broken Wings
This story introduces Cressa, a flightless fairy living in the shadows of Atheria. She hides her true identity to survive in a city where magic is life. However, when a mysterious blight begins poisoning the city’s heart, events drag her into the light. Eventually, Lord Riven, an arrogant Elven warrior, arrests Cressa. Therefore, she must form a tense alliance with him to prove her innocence.
If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes and hidden identities, you will love this. Caught between an elf who challenges her and a wizard who cherishes her, Cressa unearths a deadly conspiracy. Ultimately, she discovers the blight is no accident, linking the responsible monster directly to her past.
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses
A mix of fairy tale retelling, romance, and high fantasy, this book starts as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling. However, it quickly expands into a thrilling, action-packed series. A beast drags Feyre, a mortal huntress, to the faerie realm of Prythian as punishment for killing a wolf. There, she discovers secrets that could change everything.
The series evolves into something much grander, with powerful courts and magical battles. If this blend of genres appeals to you, you might also want to explore The Best Romantasy Books for Beginners: Your Gateway to Magic, Romance & Adventure. I will say this series gets better with each book. In fact, Book 2 is jaw-dropping and mind-blowing.
4. The Villainess Rewrites Her Ending
After a lifetime of neglect, college student Anna finds her escape in a fantasy game. But following a mysterious crash, she wakes up as the game’s villainess, Emily de Valois. In this brutal world, every choice leads to her death. Therefore, she must use her knowledge of the game to win the affection of the male leads before the “true” heroine returns.
Now trapped in a world programmed for her demise, Anna must rewrite her tragic role. Consequently, she transforms from a terrified victim into a proactive strategist. Her journey centers on fighting for her right to exist and turning the tables on fate.
5. An Ember in the Ashes
Set in a brutal world inspired by the Roman Empire, An Ember in the Ashes follows Laia. She is a scholar whose family the ruthless Martial Empire tears apart. Desperate to save her brother, she infiltrates the empire’s most elite military school. Meanwhile, she meets Elias, a soldier questioning everything his superiors taught him.
This book packs intense action, a gripping rebellion, and star-crossed romance into every chapter. Additionally, Sabaa Tahir delivers a fast-paced, emotional journey. This author always gets to me. Specifically, she will take your heart, stomp on it, and mend it again.
6. Glass Empire
Princess Evelyn Langston is the powerless jewel of the Aurelian Empire. Her life is a beautiful lie scripted by her brother, Crown Prince Asher. To secure his throne, Asher orchestrates her death. However, Evelyn’s end is a new beginning. She wakes up three years in the past with a chilling memory of her murder and fierce magic roaring to life.
Consequently, forced to resume her role as the perfect princess, Evelyn wages a secret war. She uses her knowledge of the future to forge alliances in the shadows. Furthermore, trapped in a dangerous dance of duty, she must learn to trust her guard, Lord Ian Magnus, to shatter the glass empire before it consumes them.
7. Six of Crows
For fans of heist stories and found family tropes, Six of Crows is a perfect choice. Set in the Grishaverse, the book follows Kaz Brekker. He is a criminal mastermind who assembles a team of outcasts for an impossible heist.
Each character has a rich backstory and personal stakes, making the story deeply engaging. Additionally, the book delivers action, humor, and emotional moments. Its sequel, Crooked Kingdom, is just as thrilling. This book took some time to hook me, but when it did, I could not put it down.
8. The Witch’s Mirrored Soul
After a fatal accident, a brilliant CEO wakes up in the body of Sera, a despised witch in a magical kingdom. Unfortunately, her new life is a nightmare. She lives as the outcast sister of the beloved Lilliana, whom the powerful Lord Victor intends to marry. As she navigates a court that expects her to fail, she suspects the original Sera’s villainous reputation was a lie.
Torn between a duty-bound lord and a mysterious warlock, she must unravel a conspiracy. Eventually, she claims a second chance at life and love, discovering that good and evil are only a matter of reflection in this world.
[Read The Witch’s Mirrored Soul on MistNovel]
9. The Merciful Crow
This gritty fantasy novel follows Fie, a member of the Crows. This caste removes plague victims’ bodies. However, when the caste tasks her with protecting a runaway prince, she must use her wits and magic to survive against ruthless enemies.
The book explores class struggles and found family with a fresh magic system. If you love underdog protagonists, this one is for you. This book was everything I didn’t know I needed. Above all, the magic system was simply amazing.
10. The Solstice Swap
Rowan, a burnt-out Dark Sorceress, attempts a spell to swap her tower for a vacation. Instead, she lands in a snowed-in cottage in Ever-Frost. There, she encounters Magnus, an Orc Sheriff desperate for a fake fiancée. Therefore, they strike a deal to survive the town’s mandatory “Twelve Days of Solstice” festival together.
However, a ruthless Paladin hunter arrives to track the missing Sorceress. Consequently, Rowan must hide her corrupt magic or risk losing the first home she has ever loved. This is a cozy, humorous, and heartwarming tale of enemies becoming lovers. For more stories where love takes center stage, take a look at our Top Romance YA Novels That Will Steal Your Heart.
Final Thoughts
YA fantasy offers endless possibilities, from magical worlds to high-stakes adventures. Whether you love romantic fantasy, heist stories, or classic hero journeys, you will find something for everyone on this list.
Have you read any of these? Which YA fantasy novel is your favorite? If you want to dive into unique stories like A Crown of Broken Wings or Glass Empire, be sure to visit MistNovel. Let me know in the comments!
