All-Time Favorite Fantasy Books for Tweens and Teens
You know that feeling when you crack open a book, and suddenly the world around you just... fades away? You're no longer sitting in your room or curled up on the couch. Instead, you're dodging dragons, casting spells, or embarking on a quest to save a kingdom you've never heard of until now. As someone who's spent countless nights under the covers with a flashlight (yes, even past the acceptable age), I can attest to the magic that lies within the pages of a fantastic fantasy book.
Over the years, I've compiled a list—a treasure trove, if you will—of the most enchanting fantasy books that have captured not just my imagination but the hearts of tweens and teens everywhere. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just dipping your toes into mystical waters, there's something here for everyone.
So grab your sword, don your cloak, and let's dive into worlds where anything is possible.
Table of Contents
- Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
- Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
- His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer
- Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini
- The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
- Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
- Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
- Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
- The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
- The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
- The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Coraline by Neil Gaiman
- Wolves of Betrayal: My Werewolf Ex-husband's Regret
1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Why It's a Must-Read:
Do I even need to introduce this one? The Harry Potter series has become a rite of passage for young readers. Following the journey of an 11-year-old boy who discovers he's a wizard, this series combines friendship, bravery, and a hefty dose of magic.
Personal Take:
I still remember getting the first book as a birthday gift. Little did I know, I'd spend the next several years eagerly awaiting each new installment. There was something incredibly relatable about Harry's struggles—even if mine didn't involve dark wizards and mythical creatures.
Highlights:
- Themes of Friendship and Courage
- Intricate World-Building
- Character Growth Over Seven Books
2. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
Why It's a Must-Read:
Mixing modern-day adventures with ancient Greek mythology, Percy Jackson discovers he's a demigod—the son of Poseidon. The series is a rollercoaster of quests, battles, and humorous encounters with gods and monsters.
Personal Take:
This series rekindled my interest in mythology. I found myself Googling myths and legends late into the night, much to the chagrin of my sleep schedule.
Highlights:
- Humorous Narration
- Educational Mythological References
- Fast-Paced Action
3. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Why It's a Must-Read:
Enter the wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia, where animals talk, and children become heroes. This classic series explores themes of good versus evil, faith, and redemption.
Personal Take:
I stumbled upon The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in my school's library. The idea of discovering a hidden world in an old wardrobe had me checking the back of every closet in my house.
Highlights:
- Timeless Storytelling
- Moral and Philosophical Depth
- Enchanting Settings
4. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Why It's a Must-Read:
A daring girl named Lyra sets out on a journey that spans multiple universes. His Dark Materials tackles complex themes like religion, consciousness, and the nature of the soul.
Personal Take:
This series challenged me in ways I didn't expect. It made me question and think deeply about the world around me.
Highlights:
- Complex Characters
- Philosophical Themes
- Steampunk Elements
5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Why It's a Must-Read:
Before there was Frodo, there was Bilbo Baggins. The Hobbit is the prelude to the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, taking readers on an adventure filled with dwarves, dragons, and a certain precious ring.
Personal Take:
Reading this felt like sitting by a fireplace while a grandparent tells you the most exciting bedtime story ever.
Highlights:
- Rich Descriptive Language
- Classic Hero's Journey
- Introduction to Middle-earth
6. Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer
Why It's a Must-Read:
Meet Artemis Fowl II—a 12-year-old genius, millionaire, and... criminal mastermind? This series flips the script by making the protagonist a bit of an anti-hero, dabbling in the world of fairies and advanced technology.
Personal Take:
I was immediately drawn to Artemis's sharp wit and the blend of fantasy with sci-fi elements. Plus, who doesn't love a good heist?
Highlights:
- Anti-Hero Protagonist
- Blend of Magic and Technology
- Humor and Wit
7. Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini
Why It's a Must-Read:
At just 15 years old, Paolini penned Eragon, the story of a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg. This sets him on a path of becoming a Dragon Rider and battling evil forces threatening his world.
Personal Take:
Knowing the author was a teen when he wrote it made me believe that age truly is just a number when it comes to talent and ambition.
Highlights:
- Dragons and Magic
- Epic Battles
- Coming-of-Age Story
8. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Why It's a Must-Read:
Best friends Sophie and Agatha are whisked away to a school where children are trained to become fairy tale heroes and villains. But when they end up in unexpected schools, their friendship is put to the test.
Personal Take:
This series cleverly plays with fairy tale tropes, and I found myself questioning what it truly means to be 'good' or 'evil.'
Highlights:
- Twists on Fairy Tale Conventions
- Strong Female Friendship
- Moral Ambiguity
9. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Why It's a Must-Read:
Sophie Foster is a telepathic girl who discovers she's not quite human and belongs in a world she never knew existed. Cue the adventure involving magical abilities, political intrigue, and a mysterious organization.
Personal Take:
I was hooked from the first chapter. Sophie's journey of self-discovery resonated with me, reminding me of the times I felt out of place growing up.
Highlights:
- Intricate Plot
- Relatable Protagonist
- Blend of Fantasy and Mystery
10. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Why It's a Must-Read:
Jacob discovers an abandoned orphanage with a peculiar past. The story is interwoven with vintage photographs that add an eerie depth to this dark fantasy tale.
Personal Take:
The photos creeped me out—in the best way possible. It added a layer of realism that blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
Highlights:
- Unique Storytelling Format
- Supernatural Elements
- Time Loops and Adventure
11. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Why It's a Must-Read:
Set in a West African-inspired fantasy world, Zélie embarks on a quest to restore magic and strike against the monarchy that tried to eradicate it.
Personal Take:
This book was a breath of fresh air. The rich cultural elements and strong social themes made it more than just an adventure—it was a powerful statement.
Highlights:
- Diverse Representation
- Strong Social Commentary
- Intense Action and Magic
12. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Why It's a Must-Read:
Meg Murry, along with her brother and a friend, travels through space and time to rescue her father from evil forces that threaten the universe.
Personal Take:
This was one of the first books that made me ponder the concept of dimensions beyond our own. It was both mind-bending and heartwarming.
Highlights:
- Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blend
- Family Bonds
- Exploration of Good vs. Evil
13. Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
Why It's a Must-Read:
Imagine being able to bring characters out of books into the real world. That's exactly what happens when Meggie's father reads aloud from a mysterious book called Inkheart.
Personal Take:
As someone who often wished fictional characters were real, this book was a dream—and a nightmare—come true.
Highlights:
- Meta-Fantasy Elements
- Love for Books and Reading
- Adventure Across Worlds
14. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
Why It's a Must-Read:
When Clary Fray witnesses a murder no one else can see, she's pulled into the world of Shadowhunters—warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons.
Personal Take:
This series is like a rollercoaster ride through a supernatural New York City. The blend of romance, action, and humor kept me turning pages late into the night.
Highlights:
- Urban Fantasy Setting
- Complex Relationships
- Supernatural Creatures Galore
15. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
Why It's a Must-Read:
A young girl named Luna is accidentally enmagicked by moonlight as a baby. As her powers grow, so does the looming threat to her world.
Personal Take:
This book reads like a timeless fairy tale. It's beautifully written and touches on themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of hope.
Highlights:
- Lyrical Prose
- Magical Realism
- Emotional Depth
16. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Why It's a Must-Read:
In a brutal world inspired by ancient Rome, Laia goes undercover as a slave to save her brother, while Elias, a soldier, seeks his own freedom from tyranny.
Personal Take:
The dual perspectives offer a gripping narrative. It's intense and doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war and oppression.
Highlights:
- Strong World-Building
- Moral Complexity
- Action-Packed Plot
17. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
Why It's a Must-Read:
Bastian Balthazar Bux discovers a magical book that transports him to the world of Fantastica, where his imagination becomes reality.
Personal Take:
This book made me believe in the limitless power of storytelling. It was a journey I never wanted to end—ironically fitting, given the title.
Highlights:
- Imaginative Settings
- Themes of Self-Discovery
- The Power of Imagination
18. The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper
Why It's a Must-Read:
Will Stanton discovers on his eleventh birthday that he's the last of the Old Ones, destined to seek the signs of light to combat the dark forces rising.
Personal Take:
The series has a haunting quality that lingered with me. It weaves British folklore into a modern setting seamlessly.
Highlights:
- Mythological Elements
- Atmospheric Writing
- Epic Battle Between Light and Dark
19. The Giver by Lois Lowry
Why It's a Must-Read:
In a seemingly perfect society without pain or war, 12-year-old Jonas is assigned the role of Receiver of Memories and uncovers unsettling truths about his world.
Personal Take:
This book was my first introduction to dystopian fiction. It made me question the cost of a "perfect" society.
Highlights:
- Thought-Provoking Themes
- Emotional Depth
- Exploration of Individuality
20. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Why It's a Must-Read:
Coraline Jones discovers a parallel world that mirrors her own but seems much better—until its sinister secrets emerge.
Personal Take:
This is the kind of creepy that keeps you hooked. It's a modern fairy tale with a dark twist.
Highlights:
- Eerie Atmosphere
- Strong Heroine
- Themes of Bravery
21.Wolves of Betrayal: My Werewolf Ex-husband's Regret
Why Fantasy Matters for Young Readers
Fantasy isn't just about escaping reality—it's about exploring possibilities. For tweens and teens navigating the complexities of growing up, these stories offer more than just entertainment. They provide:
- Empathy Building: Understanding diverse characters and cultures.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Watching protagonists overcome challenges.
- Moral Lessons: Grappling with themes of right and wrong.
I remember times when a character's journey mirrored my own struggles, providing comfort and guidance in a way real life sometimes couldn't.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Books
- Journaling: Keep a reading journal to jot down thoughts, favorite quotes, or questions.
- Discussion Groups: Join or form a book club to share perspectives.
- Creative Projects: Draw scenes, write fan fiction, or compose music inspired by the stories.
- Explore Further: Delve into related myths, legends, or historical contexts mentioned.
The Magic Continues
The beauty of fantasy is that it never truly ends. There's always another world to discover, another hero to root for, and another adventure waiting just beyond the turn of a page.
As I look back on the countless hours spent immersed in these stories, I realize they've shaped me in more ways than one. They've taught me courage, empathy, and the importance of dreaming big.
So here's to the magic makers—the authors who dared to imagine the unimaginable and invited us along for the ride.
Happy reading, fellow adventurers. The next world awaits.
Posts
