Best 10 YA Fantasy Books That Girls Love
There are so many YA books to read and the genre continues to grow in popularity.
YA books, standing for 'young adult', is a fictional book genre targeted to teenagers (13-19 years old) and it revolves around a teenage protagonist, usually in the late teens (15-19). The themes of the story are also expressed through a teenage voice.
Although it's intended for teenage readers, many adults enjoy YA books as well! It's a great way for them to reminisce on their younger years. Young adult books also have a variety of subgenres such as fantasy, romance, drama, action, sci-fi and so on. And, since the genre is named because of the age of the characters and target audience, it can have content from any of the other well-known genres stated.
Fantasy novels are a genre set in fictional worlds with supernatural characters and elements and sometimes inspired by myths, legends and fairy tales. It is not based on the real world or true facts.
Similarly, fantasy narratives can also mix romance and action and other genres within. Clearly, most books can have parts of multiple genres.
Lots of novels are on the rise with new authors being loved and I think these deserve much attention. If you're a girl looking for a book series to keep you entertained and fall in love with or you want to buy a present for a young woman, these books are perfect for you.
Start with these 10 great young adult fantasy books for girls:
1. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
Already a popular series with a movie and TV show is The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. The Mortal Instruments series has six books and was published in 2007-2014. Although it was the first series published in The Shadowhunter Chronicles, it is the third one chronologically. So, you should definitely read all the series as you will fall in love with this magical world and the diverse, interesting characters.
It's even filled with the perfect mix of romance and action. I read it after it was recommended by all my friends and family and couldn't put it down - the creative world had me in awe. By #1 New York Times bestselling author, these series are a must-read for all girls and even boys - mostly suited for those over 13.
Plot: Starting from the first book, City of Bones, Clary Fray accidentally witnesses a murder in New York City by other teenagers with weird tattoos and weapons. She later learns that they are Shadowhunters, who are trained to defeat demons in the world and are invisible to mundanes (humans) yet she can see them.
Clary discovers she now has the Sight and when a demon attacks her, and her mum vanishes, Clary is thrust into the Shadowhunter world. Enjoy her magical adventures as she meets new people, especially the hot but rude Shadowhunter, Jace.
2. Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
Written by Sarah J. Maas from 2012 to 2018, it is a 7 book series with a prequel and all are definitely worth reading. Likewise, it's a well-received, popular series for young women - also a New York Times bestselling series among other awards. Throne of Glass is more focused on action and fantasy than romance. The strong main character will grow the reader's confidence as they immerse themselves in the action-packed novels.
While some readers prefer this series by Maas (claiming better character and plot development) over her other one, A Court of Thorns and Roses, some enjoy that one better. However, it may be recommended to read this one first as it's her earlier one. Also, as a young-adult novel, it's often more suited for those over 15-years-old.
Plot: Celaena Sardothien, an 18-year-old assassin working hard to pay for her crimes, is taken to Crown Prince Dorian, who is offering her freedom. But she can only get it if she wins the series of competitions against many killers, warriors and thieves. Then she can achieve her freedom after four years of serving the king.
It gets spicy when the prince takes an interest in her, but so does the understanding Captain Westfall, the captain of the guards who leads Celaena's exciting training sessions. However, one of the competitors somehow ends up dead and then another. Celaena must figure out who the evil killer is while fighting to stay alive so she doesn't die next, nor her world.
3. The Wrath & the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
Published in 2015 by Renee Ahdieh, The Wrath & the Dawn captured lots of attention and even has a sequel in this 2-book series. If the story sounds familiar, that's because it is. The novel is inspired by the '1001 Nights' story and it's well written to see a different take on the tale while completely satisfying our need for romance. Hearing this story when I was younger and seeing this book made me happy and reminiscent while it was perfect for a romantic like me.
In addition, it's another New York Times bestseller, so be sure to read this beautiful and breathtaking romance novel.
Plot: 16-year-old Shahrzad lives in a land where the ruthless teenage king, Khalid, takes a new bride every night just to have her killed the next morning. When her close friend dies because of him, Shahrzad volunteers to be his bride in order to take revenge - ending his murderous ways while staying alive.
Each night, she uses her smart skills to tell enchanting stories and manages to live the next day but she never knows when it could be her last. Shahrzad soon finds herself falling in love with the king as she discovers that the murders and Khalid are not all as they seem. Will she get her revenge or will her love get in the way?
4. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
This novel was published in 2015 by the New York Times bestselling author, Leigh Bardugo, and had a sequel in 2016 called Crooked Kingdom to complete the duology. It's also set in the same universe as Bardugo's previous Shadow and Bone Trilogy (or Grisha trilogy). But, you don't have to read the Grisha trilogy before Six of Crows.
Although it has some romance, it's more known for its amazing fantasy, mystery and crime. Six of Crows has been popular for a while as I see the covers everywhere. It's great even for boys and girls who like mystery.
Plot: Kaz Brekker is a criminal prodigy living in Ketterdam, a place where you can haggle for lots of international trade. He's given a chance at an impossible and deadly yet very rewarding heist, so to succeed, he is joined by six outcasts.
A revenge-thirsty convict. A sharpshooter who can't leave wagers. A runaway with a privileged history. A spy called the Wraith. A magic-user Heartrender who lives in the slums. Finally, a thief with skills for miraculous escapes. Together, they might be the only people who can save the world from destruction, but they have to get along and not kill each other first.
5. Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard
With the first book of the same name, this 4 book series is written by Victoria Aveyard from 2015 to 2018. As her first novel, this bestselling series has done amazing to make all of its readers invested in the storyline and characters. Reviewers have expressed their love for it with the sweet romance and shocking ending. Red Queen is a fantasy and slight dystopian series worth reading filled with romance including a love square or circle.
Set in the Kingdom of Norta, the main character is Mare Molly Barrow, who tells the story in a tone of determination and strong willpower. It's definitely an interesting concept that pulls me in and others who enjoy something new. Recommended readers are often over 13 or 14.
Plot: Red and silver: those are the blood colours that divide the world. Reds are simply commoners while the Silvers are high-class with superpowers. Mare Barrow, a Red girl, ends up working in the Silver Palace and discovers that she has a unique power that could threaten the balance of power. Scared of her abilities, the Silvers pretend she is a long-lost Silver princess who's engaged to a Silver prince.
While being careful not to get caught or step out of line, Mare helps to take down the Silvers with the resistance group, the Red Guard. With new friends and shocking betrayals, the battle is tougher than you can imagine.
6. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Written by Holly Black in 2018, this is the first book in The Folk of the Air trilogy. Winning the Inky Award in 2019 and coming second in the Locus Awards among other great praise, it's a well known and enjoyed novel you must read. As expressed by readers, the protagonist is relatable, smart and loveable - perfect for young women.
The Cruel Prince is an LGBT book as it's normal for the fey to be queer. Furthermore, it's also not that inappropriate - with not a lot of swearing and only a few light swear words, and the most sexual content is passionate kissing. Therefore, readers over 13 or 14 can enjoy it.
Plot: After Jude Duarte's parents were killed when she was a child, she is taken away with her two sisters to stay in the High Court of Faerie. Though many of the fey hate humans, Jude wants to belong there, even if it means going against Prince Cardan, the youngest but most vicious prince.
As betrayal erupts that could destroy the Courts of Faerie, Jude learns of her wit and violence which she must use to save her sisters and the fey from danger. Not only that but could romance be blooming from her risky alliance?
7. A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Released in 2015, this series is also written by Sarah J. Maas and though it's not yet as well known or loved as her other series, A Court of Thorns and Roses is definitely on the rise and worth the read. It includes a finished 3-book trilogy and a spinoff. Once again, Maas has captured girls' hearts with a focus on amazing romance in a creative, fantasy world. It's one of the first fantasy books I really remember reading and all the characters had me immersed.
You do not have to read Throne of Glass beforehand since the plots aren't related. Nonetheless, A Court of Thorns and Roses is connected to Throne of Glass by the same universe, though they aren't in the same world.
With violence and some adult content, it might be better enjoyed by a reader over 13 or 14. And, feel free to skip the sex scenes and be careful of emotional and physical violence if they're not your cup of tea.
Plot: Feyre Archeron lives in a cold forest where she hunts and kills to survive. After she kills a faerie wolf, she is brought to the magical kingdom by a man with a jewelled mask - Tamlin, who is a High Fae and one of the seven High Lords of Prythian.
Feyre begins to discover secrets while she lives in the Spring Court with him and slowly falls in love with him. But she may lose Tamlin forever if she can't destroy an ancient curse.
8. Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi
With the first book published in 2011 by Tahereh Mafi, this is one of the series I love to reread the most and the powerful female protagonist is always a likeable character for me. This is perfect for girls who enjoy dystopian novels, and people have described it as similar to Throne of Glass and Divergent.
There are 6 books in the Shatter Me series. It also has 5 novellas and even though you don't need to read them, I recommend them as they give you Warner and Adam's point of view that satisfyingly and interestingly completes the series. It's also recommended to read it in the numbered book order with the novellas in between.
While some reviews disliked the writing style, it was a creative way to make the piece more unique. Of course, everyone has different tastes so you should definitely give it a try because the lovable and funny characters had me smiling so wide. I read it when I was 14 so from 14 and above is a great age to read it happily. Moreover, Shatter Me has great romance that gets the reader invested.
Plot: 17-year-old Juliette has a dangerous power - one where her touch is so deadly that The Reestablishment had her locked up in a cell for murder. Meanwhile, the world outside slowly rots away as people die from diseases, there's no food and the clouds aren't the right colour.
The way of The Reestablishment doesn't seem correct anymore and the survivors seek was so The Reestablishment think that using Juliette could help them. It's up to her to be a weapon or fight against them. What will she choose when there's also romance and someone who can actually touch her?
9. Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian
This popular trilogy by Laura Sebastian was released from 2018 to 2020. Ash Princess is the first book in the series of the same name. The genre of Ash Princess is fantasy fiction and romance - with two love interests. Maybe it's something with royals but the romance of royalty in fantasy worlds make the best imaginative stories that I can never get in reality. With mentions of some darker themes, older girls will enjoy the engaging story and strong protagonist.
Sebastian has spoken about the violence in the book - how it reflects the real history in our world from the horrors of war and colonisation so the realistic aspect opens our eyes to them. And though readers have agreed the plot seems cliche with a love triangle and a heroine reclaiming the throne, they couldn't put it down and reviews say it's entertaining.
Plot: When Theodosia was six, her country was invaded by the Kaiser and as a result, her mother, the Fire Queen, was killed and Theo was given the title of shame, Ash princess. After being abused and held prisoner in her own place for ten years, she's had enough. With her mind as her greatest strength that's better than others, she is ready to take back her kingdom.
10. Shadow Falls series by C. C. Hunter
Written by C. C. Hunter, this series is another that I love to reread. Shadow Falls is a young-adult fantasy fiction series focusing on supernatural creatures. The first book, Born at Midnight, was published in 2011. The Shadow Falls series has 5 books, as well as novellas and a great spinoff (Shadow Falls: After Dark) on one of the best characters, Della the vampire.
If you're like me and missing a good book with supernatural creatures like vampires and werewolves, this has them all plus more. A camp for the supernatural? Hell yes. It's also great for girls who love something scarier as the protagonist has a unique, haunting gift that's hardly seen in novels. Furthermore, the two hot males were perfect for the romantic I am.
Plot: When Kylie Galen is forced to go to Shadow Falls, a camp for troubled teens, she discovers that it's secretly a place that trains paranormal people to control their magic. Among the vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches and shapeshifters, Kylie feels like she doesn't belong there.
As she figures out who she is, two completely different boys have caught her heart. There's the half-fae, Derek, and the hot werewolf, Lucas. Slowly but surely, Kylie learns that she's right where she belongs in Shadow Falls.
Why should you read fantasy novels?
The hundreds of different fantasy novels in the world are so popular and enjoyable because they provide an escape from reality. It's great for creativity and imagination, especially for younger people. From the comfort of anywhere at a low cost, you can travel to different worlds and learn things while improving your literature skills.
Specifically, YA books connect well with teenagers as they are the same age as the characters and it can help give readers the strength and dreams of them; though adults get invested just as much. I've fallen in love with the creativity of fantasy since I was a young teen. In conclusion, reading is great for all ages and genders and this list details only some of the top books we love.