The young adult fantasy genre has soared in popularity over the past decade, giving rise to new compelling stories to captivate teenage readers. From magical school settings to epic quests, these tales transport readers to worlds of wonder and excitement unlike anything in real life, gripped with strong character backstories. With so many great options available, it can be tough to separate the cream of the crop from the merely good.
Here are some of the undisputed best young adult fantasy novels guaranteed to keep pages turning long into the night.
The Final Word by Bruce Hanlon
Bruce Hanlon is a gifted storyteller who knows how to captivate his readers from the first page. Hanlon has the rare ability to craft vivid, compelling characters that readers become invested in. Under his skilled writing, even the most bizarre or unexpected plot twists feel organic and suspenseful. In The Final Word, the storyline moves quickly, sure to keep attention, with twists ensuring readers stay hooked to the end.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Like Harry Potter, C.S. Lewis’ timeless Chronicles of Narnia saga feels like a pillar of the genre. Overflowing with Christian allegory and rich world-building, the imaginative tales take readers on epic quests through the land of Narnia. Memorable characters like Aslan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie stir wonder and teach moral lessons that are still resonant today.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Drawing deftly from Greek mythology, Riordan brought that rich tradition to life in a way young readers could relate to. Funny and action-packed, the books follow the demigod Percy Jackson as he discovers his powers and battles with monsters. Complex characters and clever twists made these tales perennially re-readable and launched Riordan’s prolific career crafting mythology-inspired adventures.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Pullman’s epic trilogy married whimsical fantasy with heady philosophical themes in a deeply imaginative way. Lyra’s journey through various worlds is both exciting and thought-provoking. The armored bears, subtle daemons, and intricate parallel universe mechanics made Pullman’s intricate universe endlessly re-readable and influential.
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Part scavenger hunt, part creature feature, DiTerlizzi and Black’s quintet of books delighted readers with its menagerie of fairies, goblins, and other mystical beasts hiding just out of sight in the natural world. Engrossing mysteries and gorgeous illustrations vividly brought this supernatural New England saga to life.
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
While the His Dark Materials trilogy changed the game, The Golden Compass as a standalone work proved dazzling. Lyra’s journey to the frozen North to understand Dust and save her friend left readers spellbound with its blend of intrigue, daemons, armored bears, and whimsical yet wise storytelling.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
As the first published Narnia story, Lewis’ classic introduction to the magical land still feels breathtaking today. The Discovery of the wardrobe portal and Lucy’s initial journey into fantastical Narnia pull readers into the imagination in a way few books can match, setting the stage for the wealth of adventures.
Wrapping Up
Of course, this is only a snapshot of some of the most seminal works that helped shape young adult fantasy into the powerhouse genre it is today. With fresh new tales of wonder emerging all the time, there’s never been a better moment for readers to immerse themselves in these imaginative, meaningful stories. Dive into any of these classic novels to understand why they remain the undisputed gold standard for enchanting, thought-provoking adventure.
Bruce Hanlon is also a writer whose imagination knows no bounds. Get your copy now to experience The Final Word’s gripping narrative style and unputdownable story.