Thrilling Books for Teens Who Love Fantasy

Wonderful world-building and exciting stories make these fantasy books gripping reads for teens. From magic spells to ghosts, fairies, evil rulers, and fearsome, grotesque creatures, the fantastic elements and riveting characters in these books take readers out of the here and now and plunge them into unreal action, peril, and triumph. There's romance and brave self-sacrifice, too. Pick your poison -- literally. For more exciting teen reads, check out our Thriller Books for Teens and Romantic Fantasy Books for Teens

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The Belles Poster Image
BOOK

The Belles

age 13+

Richly imagined dark fantasy explores the price of beauty.

By: Dhonielle Clayton (2018)
Covershot
BOOK

The Book of Living Secrets

age 13+

Spunky teen time travelers get lost in a good bad book.

By: Madeleine Roux (2022)
Illustration of a determined young brown woman standing between two large, menacing claws. Two young men are each seated in his own circle at her feet. The dark-haired young man holds a small, glowing stick and a white-haired young man in tatters holds a knife.
BOOK

The Buried and the Bound

age 14+

Friendship is the heart of this dark, compelling fantasy.

By: Rochelle Hassan (2023)
Flamecaster: Shattered Realms, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Flamecaster: Shattered Realms, Book 1

age 13+

Absorbing fantasy romance full of spies and palace intrigue.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns:  Rise of the Empress, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns: Rise of the Empress, Book 1

age 13+

Vivid dark-fantasy series off to a compelling start.

By: Julie C. Dao (2017)
Illustration of three young brown women posing confidently in front of a building, one holds a pink bottle emitting smoke.
BOOK

How to Succeed in Witchcraft

age 13+

Modern-day witch story has fun while making a strong point.

By: Aislinn Brophy (2022)
In Every Generation Poster Image
BOOK

In Every Generation

age 13+

Witty, fun, and very gory Buffy vampire series reboot.

By: Kendare Blake (2022)
The cover illustration shows a red sun rising over the Himalayas.
BOOK

Karma of the Sun

age 13+

Teen hero aims to stop doomsday in thoughtful adventure.

The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic Poster Image
BOOK

The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

age 13+

Deliciously dark, illustrated Grisha world fairy tales.

By: Leigh Bardugo (2017)
A young woman holds a teacup and steam, koi fish, and flowers swirl around her.
BOOK

A Magic Steeped in Poison: The Book of Tea, Book 1

age 13+

Unique fantasy has intrigue, magic, and tea.

By: Judy I. Lin (2022)
A Psalm of Storms and Silence Poster Image
BOOK

A Psalm of Storms and Silence

age 13+

African myth drives exciting saga of cursed princess.

By: Roseanne A. Brown (2021)
The Scorpio Races Poster Image
BOOK

The Scorpio Races

age 13+

Bloodthirsty horses star in thrilling coming-of-age tale.

By: Maggie Stiefvater (2011)
A young woman in a flowing, bright-red kimono-style robe.
BOOK

A Thousand Steps Into Night

age 13+

Fantastic, sweeping, folklore-based fantasy epic.

By: Traci Chee (2022)
Book cover: When the Angels Left the Old Country
BOOK

When the Angels Left the Old Country

age 13+

Wild tale of Jewish immigrants and supernatural beings.

By: Sacha Lamb (2022)
Dark-skinned girl with thick hair, armor, and tattoos
BOOK

Ashes of Gold: Wings of Ebony, Book 2

age 14+

Teen heeds call to lead in satisfying fantasy conclusion.

By: J. Elle (2022)
Ballad & Dagger: Outlaw Saints, Book 1
BOOK

Ballad & Dagger: Outlaw Saints, Book 1

age 14+

Pirates, reborn Caribbean saints mix in fascinating fantasy.

By: Daniel Jose Older (2022)
Bitter Poster Image
BOOK

Bitter

age 14+

Beautiful fantasy about girl's quest for safety, power.

By: Akwaeke Emezi (2022)
Children of Ragnarok: The Runestone Saga, Book 1
BOOK

Children of Ragnarok: The Runestone Saga, Book 1

age 14+

Medieval Scandinavian saga brims with magic and intrigue.

The Cruel Prince: The Folk of the Air, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

The Cruel Prince: The Folk of the Air, Book 1

age 14+

Tricky fantasy will keep readers guessing until the end.

By: Holly Black (2018)
Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Book 1

age 14+

Dynamic writing sets intense angel romance apart.

By: Laini Taylor (2011)