Young Adult (YA) fantasy is one of the most exciting genres in literature, filled with magic, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. I read a variety of genres, but Fantasy holds a special place in my heart. Whether you love courtly politics, high-stakes heists, or magical destinies, there’s a YA fantasy book for you.

In this post, I explore 10 of the best YA fantasy novels that have captured my heart.

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1. The Cruel Prince – Holly Black

If you love dark fairy tales, political intrigue, and morally gray characters, The Cruel Prince is a must-read. Jude, a mortal girl raised in the land of the fae, must navigate a world where power is everything. Determined to carve out her place, she clashes with the cruel and arrogant Prince Cardan. The story is full of backstabbing, deception, and slow-burning romance, making it an addictive read.

This book kicks off The Folk of the Air trilogy, and the stakes get higher with each installment. Holly Black masterfully crafts a dangerous and enchanting fae world, proving why she’s called the “Queen of Faerie.” In full transparency, when I started this series, I had difficulty relating to Jude, but it grew on me.

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas

A mix of fairy tale retelling, romance, and high fantasy, this book starts as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling before expanding into a thrilling, action-packed series. Feyre, a mortal huntress, is taken to the faerie realm of Prythian as punishment for killing a wolf. There, she discovers secrets that could change everything.

The series evolves into something much grander, with powerful courts, magical battles, and romance that will keep you turning the pages. If you love steamy romance and fae lore, this one’s for you. I will say this series gets better with each book. Book 2 is a jaw-dropping and mind-blowing book.

3. An Ember in the Ashes – Sabaa Tahir

Set in a brutal world inspired by the Roman Empire, An Ember in the Ashes follows Laia, a scholar whose family is torn apart by the ruthless Martial Empire. Desperate to save her brother, she infiltrates the empire’s most elite military school, where she meets Elias, a soldier questioning everything he’s been taught.

This book is packed with intense action, a gripping rebellion, and star-crossed romance. Sabaa Tahir delivers a fast-paced, emotional journey that continues in an unforgettable series. This author always gets to me. She will take your heart, stomp on it, mend it, and destroy it again, but you’ll be happy about it.

4. Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo

For fans of heist stories, morally gray characters, and found family tropes, Six of Crows is a perfect choice. Set in the Grishaverse (the same world as Shadow and Bone), the book follows Kaz Brekker, a criminal mastermind who assembles a team of outcasts for an impossible heist.

Each character has a rich backstory and personal stakes, making the story deeply engaging. The book delivers action, humor, and emotional moments, and its sequel, Crooked Kingdom, is just as thrilling. This book took some time to hook me, but when it did, it was glued to my hands. Check out my review!

5. The Merciful Crow – Margaret Owen

This gritty and unique fantasy novel follows Fie, a member of the Crows—a caste that removes and burns plague victims’ bodies in a world of rigid social hierarchy. When she is tasked with protecting a runaway prince, she must use her wits, magic, and cunning to survive against ruthless enemies.

The book explores class struggles, found family, and dark magic, with a fresh and engaging magic system. If you love underdog protagonists and rich world-building, this one is for you. This book was everything I didn’t know I needed. This magic system was simply amazing. Check out my review!

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6. Fourth Wing – Rebecca Yarros

This book took the fantasy world by storm with its mix of dragons, deadly competition, and slow-burn romance. Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, who is forced into a brutal war college where she must fight for her life to become a dragon rider.

With intense training sequences, high stakes, and an electrifying enemies-to-lovers romance, this book is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and A Court of Thorns and Roses. The world-building is rich, the action is nonstop, and the romance? Absolutely swoon-worthy. This book was an “I-can’t-stop-reading” type of story that made me think of sleep as optional.

7. Fable – Adrienne Young

If you love pirate adventures, high-seas drama, and survival stories, Fable is a must-read. The story follows Fable, a girl abandoned by her father on a dangerous island, who must fight to earn her place in a ruthless world of traders and thieves.

With lush descriptions, an independent heroine, and a slow-burn romance, this book is an immersive journey that makes you feel like you’re sailing the seas alongside Fable. This author is on my auto-buy. The world building was rich and captivating. This is nothing short of a riveting story that will stay with you. Check out my review!

8. Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco

A dark and seductive fantasy filled with witches, demons, and murder mysteries, Kingdom of the Wicked follows Emilia, a young witch seeking revenge for her sister’s brutal murder. To uncover the truth, she summons Wrath, one of the Seven Princes of Hell, and finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of secrets and magic.

This book is perfect for fans of gothic fantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance, and morally gray characters. Its atmospheric writing and simmering tension make it a thrilling and addictive read. This series is such a fun read, engaging your senses and making your head spin with all the mysteries. I absolutely loved it.

9. Serpent & Dove – Shelby Mahurin

This book is for fans of witches, enemies-to-lovers romance, and action-packed storytelling. Louise (Lou) is a witch hiding in plain sight, while Reid is a witch hunter bound by duty. When fate forces them into an unexpected marriage, their worlds collide in a battle of love and war.

The chemistry between Lou and Reid is electric, and the book mixes humor with dark themes, making it an unforgettable read. The stakes and the chemistry are off the charts in this series. I loved this story so much.

10. The Inheritance Games – Jennifer Lynn Barnes

A mix of fantasy, mystery, and thriller, this book follows Avery, a teenager who unexpectedly inherits a billionaire’s fortune—on the condition that she survives a series of riddles left behind by the deceased.

The book has a Knives Out vibe, with puzzles, secrets, and a compelling mystery that keeps you hooked. It’s the perfect mix of intrigue, romance, and family drama. The riddles, the intrigues, and the mystery made me love this series as much as it made me question my intelligence. LOL I loved every minute of it.

Final Thoughts

YA fantasy offers endless possibilities, from magical worlds to high-stakes adventures. Whether you love romantic fantasy, heist stories, or classic hero’s journeys, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Have you read any of these? Which YA fantasy novel is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!