15 of the best fantasy books for teens

Picture this: It's a cold winter night, and your teen is wrapped up in a blanket, nose in a fantasy book. The last time they checked their smartphone was hours ago, opting instead to find out what happens next in the book. Sound appealing? If you're hoping to encourage teen reading habits, check out these top fantasy books for teens.

1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

"The Six of Crows" tells the story of Kaz Brekker, a 17-year-old criminal mastermind in charge of the Crow Club. He embarks on a heist to free Bo Yul-Bayur from captivity in a foreign country. Yul-Bayur is a scientist who invents a drug that enhances magical powers, and securing his release can protect humankind. 

2. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

"Children of Blood and Bone" combines West African mythology with a thorough review of racism and oppression. It tracks Zélie Adebola as she tries to right the wrongs in the Kingdom of Orïsha and return magic to the people. She undertakes several adventures, including meeting with Maji (people who use magic) at a temple and escaping prison after a guard catches her. 

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3. Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

In "Skin of the Sea," readers explore mythical creatures known as Mami Wata. They are similar in appearance to mermaids and capture the souls of people who die at sea and send them to the afterlife. Simi is a Mami Wata but wants to become a human again. After rescuing a boy from drowning, she seeks forgiveness from the Supreme Creator to avoid world devastation. 

4. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

The "Harry Potter" series is one of the most recognizable and beloved sets of fantasy books. It follows Harry Potter as he learns the arts of wizarding at Hogwarts. When Lord Voldemort, the evil wizard who killed Harry's parents, begins his comeback, Harry and his friends set out to thwart his evil plans.

5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" frequently ranks among must-read fantasy books. It traces the footsteps of Bilbo Baggins, who lives in Middle-earth and pairs up with Gandalf, a wizard, to recover a dragon's treasure. "The Hobbit" is the prequel to "The Lord of the Rings," which further develops the tales of Middle-earth and the creatures that live there.

6. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

"Eragon" is the first book of the four-book “Inheritance Cycle” series in the fantasy genre. It introduces readers to the main character, Eragon, who believes he is average until he discovers his abilities as a dragon rider. He uncovers a dragon egg and explores the world of Alagaësia, which is full of elves, dwarves, urgals, and werecats.

7. Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor

In "Hotel Magnifique," French culture combines with magic to tell the story of a hotel that vanishes every midnight and appears once every decade. After seeing an ad, two young girls attempt to get a job at the hotel but quickly discover everything isn't exactly as it seems. "Hotel Magnifique" ranks among the top fantasy fiction books for teens.

8. Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao

Inspired by Chinese mythology, "Song of Silver, Flame Like Night" tells the story of Lan, an orphan with few memories of her past. She has a mysterious mark on her arm that Zen, a magician, observes while at a teahouse together. Lan and Zen undertake adventures to free their people.

9. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan

The "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" book series follows Percy Jackson as he attempts to defeat several Greek gods during the 21st century. Percy is the son of Poseidon but is utterly unaware since his father didn't communicate with him throughout his childhood. He decides to join a team of other demigods like himself as the world falls under the threat of the Titans.

10. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

In this classic teen fantasy book, four siblings find a hidden door to a different world known as Narnia while playing hide-and-seek. Narnia is under the control of the White Witch. One day, the White Witch entices one of the siblings, Edmund, and holds him under her power. The siblings partner with a mysterious man, Mr. Beaver, and a lion, Aslan, to overthrow the White Witch.

11. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

Based in a fictional African kingdom, "The Gilded Ones" is a magical fantasy that tells the story of Deka. After she bleeds gold during the Ritual of Purity, rulers exile her to a dungeon, where she must fight to escape by defeating evil creatures known as death shrieks.

12. The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson

The five-book epic fantasy series is set in Roshar, a fictional world with a dusty, unliveable landscape. Few plants and animals survive, and a war rages between 10 armies, each fighting to defeat one enemy.

13. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

"An Ember in the Ashes" is the introductory tale in this fantasy book series for teens. It tells the story of Laia, a slave who lives in poverty and marks her days doing hard work. When the government arrests her brother for treason, she agrees to become a spy for the rebels, who have decided to save him. 

14. His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman

"His Dark Materials" explores a parallel universe where a battle rages for freedom. It tells the story of Lyra, who sets out to find her best friend, Roger. Lyra believes a mysterious organization kidnapped Roger and took him to the North, where witches and bears reign supreme. 

15. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

The first book in the Daevabad Trilogy is set during the 1700s in a mythical fantasy version of Cairo. "The City of Brass" follows Nahri, a young woman with healing powers. After attempting to scam a warrior, Nahri flees the city and encounters mythical creatures and ancient ruins. 

Fostering your teen's creativity with magical adventures

Fantasy books ignite the imagination with tales of the outlandish, whimsical, and mysterious. Some offer entirely new worlds and languages. Others explore remnants of history and mythology. As your teen journeys through the fantasy genre, consider starting a family book club so you can all explore together.