8 Epic Fantasy Book Series Every Young Adult Should Read
Fantasy books open doors to magical worlds where anything is possible.
For young adults, these stories offer more than just entertainment—they teach courage, friendship, and the power of believing in yourself.
Whether you’re battling dark wizards or exploring mythical kingdoms, these epic series will keep you turning pages late into the night.
1. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan
Imagine finding out your dad is the god of the sea!
Percy Jackson’s life turns upside down when monsters start chasing him through New York City.
Camp Half-Blood becomes his summer home, where demigods train to survive mythological threats.
Greek gods walk among us in this series, wearing jeans and causing chaos in the modern world.
Packed with humor and heart-pounding quests, these books make ancient myths feel totally fresh.
2. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Ever wondered what it would be like to get a letter inviting you to wizard school?
Harry Potter discovers he’s famous in the magical world on his eleventh birthday.
From battling trolls in dungeons to facing the darkest wizard of all time, his adventures at Hogwarts never disappoint.
The friendships he builds with Ron and Hermione prove that loyalty matters more than magic.
This series changed reading forever, making millions fall in love with fantasy.
3. The Folk of the Air by Holly Black
Being human in the land of faeries sounds like a nightmare, right?
Jude Duarte refuses to stay weak among creatures who see mortals as playthings.
She fights, schemes, and claws her way to power in Elfhame’s treacherous courts.
Betrayal lurks around every corner, and trust becomes the rarest treasure of all.
This New York Times bestseller proves that cunning can beat magic when you’re brave enough to play dirty.
4. Legacy of Orïsha by Tomi Adeyemi
Magic died in Orïsha, stolen by a cruel king who feared its power.
Zélie Adebola carries the weight of her people’s suffering on her shoulders.
When a chance to restore magic appears, she embarks on a dangerous mission that could change everything.
West African culture breathes life into every page, creating a world unlike any other fantasy realm.
Topping bestseller lists wasn’t luck—this series earned its place with powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters.
5. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
Finding a dragon egg in the forest changes everything for farm boy Eragon.
His bond with Saphira, a brilliant blue dragon, launches him into an ancient war against a tyrant king.
Paolini wrote the first book as a teenager himself, proving young people can create epic worlds.
From learning the old language to mastering dragon flight, Eragon’s journey spans continents and years.
Fans of classic high fantasy will devour this tale of destiny, magic, and rebellion.
6. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Cinderella as a cyborg mechanic in New Beijing?
Sounds wild, but that’s exactly what makes this series so brilliant.
Marissa Meyer reimagines classic fairy tales in a future where Earth and the Moon are at war.
Each book follows a different character—Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter—whose stories beautifully intertwine.
Sci-fi technology meets fantasy magic in this creative twist that feels both familiar and totally original.
7. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
Alina Starkov seems ordinary until she unleashes a power that could save her war-torn country.
Whisked away to train with the Grisha—magical elite soldiers—she discovers a world of luxury and danger.
Russian folklore inspires this dark fantasy where light battles shadow in more ways than one.
The Darkling might be the most complicated villain you’ll ever root for and fear simultaneously.
This trilogy launched an entire Grishaverse that keeps expanding with more incredible stories.
8. The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Will wanted to be a knight, but his small size landed him an apprenticeship with the mysterious Rangers instead.
These cloaked figures protect the kingdom from shadows, using stealth and skill over brute strength.
Twelve books follow Will’s growth from awkward kid to legendary Ranger, facing enemies and forging lifelong friendships.
Medieval adventure meets coming-of-age story in this series that never feels preachy.
Perfect for readers who want action-packed fantasy without overwhelming magic systems.
