In no particular order, here are the top 15 young adult fantasy novels every bookworm must read. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift, or your next great read, this list of books are guaranteed to satisfy.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
By Rick Riordan
Arguably the go to young adult series for this generation. Perfect for the reader who enjoys a modern twist on Greek mythology and adventure.
The Mortal Instruments
By Cassandra Clare
This series is the perfect blend of fantasy and romance. Set in New York City we are introduced to a secret group of enhanced hunters who must protect the unknowing populations from the demons that hide in society.
The Grisha Trilogy
By Leigh Bardugo
Set in a fantasy world based on the constructs of Tsarist Russia. This trilogy uses Russian folklore to to guide the plot as our hero must use magic to stop the uprising of an ancient being who’s spent centuries hiding in the shadows.
Harry Potter
By J.K. Rowling
Though the author has come under heavy criticism as of late, there is no denying the impact these books had/continue to have. A great young adult series that answers the question, ‘what if I was a wizard?’
The Lost Artefacts
By Johnathon Nicolaou
Packed with sorcerers, hunters, demons, monsters, nature spirits, and more, these books tick off all fantasy boxes as we follow our heroes travel through different dimension as they uncover a decade old mystery tied to an ancient evil.
The Six of Crows Duology
By Leigh Bardugo
This book is what would happen if Ocean’s Eleven had a baby with the fantasy genre. The characters a brilliantly written, and the story is intelligently crafted.
The Kane Chronicles
By Rick Riordan
After finding success in the young adult Greek mythology department, Riordan turned his focus to Egyptian mythology, drawing on his expertise as a high school history teacher.
Throne of Glass
By Sarah J. Maas
Built entirely in its own world, we are introduced to a former assassin who’s been given a second chance at life when the prince calls upon her services in a deadly tournament.
The Lorien Legacies
By Pitticus Lore
A series built around powered teens from another planet who are being hunted and murdered. Numbers one through three are already dead, number four is next…
The Wolves of Mercy Falls
By Maggie Stiefvater
A fantasy romance set in the real world where our protagonist is attacked by a werewolf, becoming one herself…
Beautiful Creatures
By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
This is one of the few books that only hold up for the YA audience. It is a great read about magic and vampires, but definitely only for young adults, I was unable to read it when I returned to it years later.
The Infernal Devices
By Cassandra Clare
Set in Victorian London, we are introduced to an older time in the Shadowhunter chronicles. It’s a love triangle at its finest and extremely well written.
The Folk of the Air
By Holly Black
A book about a mortal orphan who has been raised by the Fey, forced to live in a society that despises mortals… what could possibly go wrong?
Vampire Academy
By Richelle Mead
Two best friends who’ve been hunted are forced into a boarding school for vampires.
His Dark Materials
By Phillip Pullman
Raised in ignorance of her true our protagonist is sent traveling across the world in search of her kidnapped friend and imprisoned uncle.
The Lost Artefacts Series
If you love a good fantasy read then you should check out The Lost Artefacts series, starting with The Chain Between Worlds.
The Dome Trilogy
100 years in the future… The world is a post apocalyptic wasteland. What was once thriving with life is now a desolate wilderness. The earth is scorched, the air is toxic, and the world is ruled by mutant monsters… continue reading >
Johnathon Nicolaou 
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