Hey there, fellow bookworms! If you’re anything like us, you’re always itching for your YA next fantasy fix (thankfully we’ve got you covered with five amazing YA fantasy authors). There’s just something about those epic quests, enchanting worlds, and characters that feel like old friends that keep us coming back for more, right?
Seriously, who hasn’t dreamt of soaring through the skies on the back of a dragon or stumbling upon a hidden portal to a magical realm? YA fantasy has this incredible knack for whisking us away from the humdrum of everyday life and dropping us smack dab in the middle of an adventure of a lifetime.
Whether you find yourself yearning for the pulse-pounding excitement of battles against dark forces, the quiet solace of hidden realms waiting to be uncovered, or the heart-wrenching beauty of friendships forged amidst adversity, YA fantasy offers something for every reader to cherish.
Grab your favorite snacks, cozy up in your reading nook, and let’s set off on a journey filled with dragons, wizards, and a whole lot of excitement. Are you with us? Let’s do this!
Tasha Suri
Tasha Suri is definitely someone to keep an eye on in the YA fantasy world! Her stories are brimming with vibrant cultures, intricate magic, and characters you can’t help but root for. She’s a master at creating worlds that feel so real, you’ll swear you can smell the spices in the marketplace or feel the heat of the desert sun on your skin. Plus, she’s got this knack for weaving together plots that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.
It’s no wonder she’s quickly become a favorite among YA fantasy fans everywhere! Check out her books below:
- The Burning Kingdoms Trilogy: This gripping series follows the journey of Princess Malini and her maidservant, Priya, as they navigate a world of intrigue, magic, and political turmoil. With the fate of their kingdom hanging in the balance, they must join forces to overthrow Malini’s despotic brother, the emperor, and bring peace to their land. Filled with adventure, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, this trilogy is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- The Books of Ambha Duology: In a Mughal India-inspired world, a nobleman’s daughter named Mehr wrestles with her Amrithi lineage and its mystical abilities. Amidst persecution and political scheming, Mehr must defy the Emperor’s enigmatic figures while confronting the reawakening of vengeful ancient deities. Through rich prose and enthralling narrative, this duology delves into themes of identity, authority, and the quest for liberty within a spellbinding fantasy odyssey.
Morgan Rhodes
Morgan Rhodes is a talented Canadian author who’s made quite a splash in the world of young adult fantasy fiction. She has a knack for creating incredibly immersive worlds with characters you can’t help but root for. Her characters practically leap off the page – you’ll find yourself getting invested in their struggles, their triumphs, their heartbreaks. They’re flawed, complex, and utterly compelling, which makes it impossible not to root for them as they face whatever challenges come their way.
But, what really sets Rhodes apart is the way she weaves together intricate plots with deep emotional resonance. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to see what happens next, but you’ll also be deeply moved by the relationships, the sacrifices, and the moments of profound growth that pepper her stories.
If you’re into YA fantasy that’s rich in both plot and emotion, she’s definitely an author worth checking out! Check out her books below:
- Falling Kingdoms Series: This series follows the intertwined destinies of characters from different kingdoms in the world of Mytica, marked by political intrigue and magical turmoil. As they navigate war and power struggles, including the kingdoms of Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia, alliances shift and betrayals abound, threatening the fate of their world. With themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice, the series captivates readers with its richly imagined world and complex characters facing moral dilemmas and personal growth.
- Spirits and Thieves Series: Worlds collide in this suspenseful, page-turning Falling Kingdoms spin-off series, which explores a whole new side of Mytica—and an even darker version of its magic. Set in the same universe as the Falling Kingdoms series, Spirits and Thieves follows modern-day teenagers Maddox and Farrell as they discover a portal to the ancient world of Mytica, where they become entangled in a web of ancient secrets, dangerous magic, and treacherous politics. As they navigate this perilous realm, they must uncover hidden truths about themselves and their connection to Mytica while confronting powerful forces determined to keep its secrets buried.
- Echos and Empires Series: Josslyn Drake’s world is upended when she’s infected with dangerous magic during a botched robbery at the Queen’s Gala, allowing her to enter the memories of a notorious warlock. Desperate to rid herself of the magic before it consumes her, she reluctantly partners with outlaw Jericho Nox. Despite her initial reservations, Joss finds herself questioning her beliefs about magic, power, and herself as she navigates a dangerous world outside her sheltered existence.
Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb is like the royalty of YA fantasy fiction, weaving tales that draw you in and refuse to let you go. She creates richly detailed worlds and characters that leap off the page. And, let’s not forget about the dragons! Hobb’s dragons are unlike any you’ve ever encountered. They’re not just creatures of fire and fury; they have their own personalities, their own desires, and their own struggles.
Robin Hobb’s storytelling prowess, however, is what really draws us to her books. Her prose is like poetry, painting vivid images with words and pulling you into a world where magic feels real and anything is possible.
Whether you’re a die-hard YA fantasy fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, Robin Hobb’s books are a journey you won’t soon forget. Check out her books below:
- Farseer Trilogy: In a kingdom where royalty embodies virtues, Fitz, born a royal bastard, finds himself an outcast with only his connection to animals through the forbidden magic known as the Wit for solace. Adopted into the royal household, he must forsake his old life and train as an assassin, navigating courtly intrigue and the dangers of his own magical abilities. As Fitz grapples with his identity and loyalty, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and political intrigue in a world where secrets can be deadly.
- The Liveship Traders Trilogy: Althea, cast out from her family’s living ship, seeks allies like Brashen Trell and the enigmatic woodcarver Amber to reclaim control. Alongside the notorious mad Liveship Paragon, they face pirates, a slave rebellion, and mysteries surrounding Liveships’ true nature, discovering that these vessels harbor dreams of their own. Through perilous waters and daunting challenges, Althea’s determination remains unwavering as she navigates a path to reclaim her destiny and unlock the secrets of the sea.
- The Tawny Man Trilogy: The Tawny Man Trilogy continues the saga of FitzChivalry Farseer 15 years after the Red Ship Wars, reintroducing characters from the Farseer Trilogy while exploring themes of loyalty, politics, and magic. Fitz is drawn back into intrigue as he confronts the threats posed by Witted revolutionaries, navigates the complexities of court life, and grapples with his ultimate destiny alongside the enigmatic Fool. Throughout the trilogy, the struggle for equality and the consequences of past actions drive Fitz’s journey in the Realm of the Elderlings.
- The Rain Wild Chronicles: Set in the Rain Wilds, a forested region where people dwell in tree-built houses above the acidic waters of the Rain Wild River, the series follows the emergence of stunted dragons from a set of long-dormant eggs. These dragons, with malformed wings and inability to fly, prompt a group of dragon keepers to embark on a journey to Kelsingra, the mythical city of dragons and Elderlings, in hopes of restoring the creatures to their former glory. Along the perilous voyage, the characters navigate treacherous waters and uncover ancient secrets that could reshape the destiny of their world.
- Fitz and the Fool Trilogy: Living under the guise of Tom Badgerlock in Withywoods alongside his wife Molly, FitzChivalry Farseer’s past as an assassin and wielder of Beast-magic comes back to haunt him when a mysterious messenger seeks him out and subsequently vanishes. As Fitz delves into the disappearance, his tranquil existence is shattered, unveiling a web of danger and intrigue that threatens everything he holds dear. With his turbulent past resurfacing, Fitz must confront old demons and unravel the mysteries that threaten to engulf his newfound peace.
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Jennifer L. Armentrout, or JLA as her fans affectionately call her, is a powerhouse in the world of young adult and new adult fiction. Her stories are like a rollercoaster ride of emotions, whisking you away to fantastical worlds or dropping you right into the midst of heart-pounding romances. She’s got this knack for creating characters you feel like you could bump into on the street, and plots that keep you turning pages late into the night.
Whether she’s delving into the supernatural, whisking you off to far-off galaxies, or keeping it grounded with contemporary romance, JLA’s writing is always full of heart and humor. Plus, she’s got this way with dialogue that just crackles off the page, making you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action.
So if you’re looking for a read that’ll sweep you off your feet and keep you up way past your bedtime, JLA’s books are definitely worth checking out! Check out her books below:
- Blood and Ash Series: Poppy, chosen from birth as the Maiden, faces a life devoid of touch, speech, or pleasure, bound to her duty to usher in a new era. When Hawke, a guard tasked with her protection, disrupts her world with forbidden desires, Poppy finds herself torn between destiny and longing. As a fallen kingdom rises with vengeance, Poppy’s heart, duty, and life intertwine in a dangerous dance, threatening to unravel everything she holds dear.
- Lux Series: Moving to West Virginia brings unexpected encounters for the protagonist, including her infuriatingly arrogant neighbor, Daemon, who turns out to be an alien. After Daemon saves her life with his extraordinary abilities, she becomes marked and entangled in a dangerous intergalactic conflict, finding herself reliant on him for survival despite their tumultuous relationship. As they navigate threats from extraterrestrial enemies, she must grapple with her growing attraction to Daemon while confronting the possibility of betraying him for her own safety.
- Obsidian (from Katy’s point of view)
- Onyx (from Katy’s point of view)
- Opal (from Katy’s point of view)
- Origin
- Opposition
- Covenant Series: Alexandria, a half-blood, faces the harsh realities of her society where pure-bloods hold power. Determined to prove herself, she risks breaking the Covenant’s rules, especially the one forbidding relationships between pures and halfs, as she falls for Aiden, a pure-blood. With her future hanging in the balance, Alex must navigate deadly threats and her forbidden feelings while striving to become a Sentinel to avoid a fate worse than death.
- Flesh and Fire Series: Seraphena Mierel, born into a destiny as the promised Maiden, is tasked with an intricate mission: to assassinate the Primal of Death by making him fall in love. However, as she grapples with her identity as both chosen consort and deadly weapon, unexpected feelings and desires emerge when confronted with the Primal’s surprising actions and touch. Trapped between duty and newfound passion, Sera faces an inevitable fate, her life intertwined with the forces of Life and Death.
- The Dark Elements Series: Seventeen-year-old Layla Shaw faces the daunting challenge of balancing her desire for normalcy with her supernatural heritage as a half-demon, half-gargoyle. Caught between her long-standing crush on Zayne, a gargoyle Warden, and her forbidden attraction to Roth, a demon, Layla’s world spirals into chaos as she uncovers her pivotal role in a looming demon uprising. With the fate of humanity at stake, Layla must navigate her feelings and alliances carefully, risking everything for love and the greater good.
- A Wicked Trilogy: Ivy Morgan grapples with a life bound to the Order, haunted by past losses inflicted by the creatures she hunts in the French Quarter. When Ren Owens unexpectedly enters her world, his charm and secrets ignite a dangerous attraction, blurring the lines between duty and desire. As Ivy’s heart and soul become entangled with Ren’s, she faces a perilous choice between the ancient threats lurking in the shadows and the enigmatic man vying for her affections.
- The Harbinger Series: Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow’s unique ability to see and communicate with spirits forces her into hiding within a compound guarded by Wardens, who protect humanity from demons. When demons begin targeting both their kind and the Wardens, Trinity’s world is shattered, especially with the arrival of Zayne, an intriguing outsider harboring secrets of his own. As demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret is exposed, she must ally with Zayne to save her family and prevent a supernatural war from engulfing the world.
- Titan Series: In a tale where gods wield control, Seth’s pact with them leads to violent tasks until he’s assigned to protect Josie, challenging his restraint. Josie’s world collides with myth as a mysterious stranger, Seth, enters her life, igniting an attraction fraught with danger amidst ancient forces. As history repeats, their unlikely bond becomes the most perilous element in their unfolding saga.
- Origin Series: In the Lux universe, Evie Dasher encounters long-buried secrets and a potential betrayal, alongside an enigmatic figure named Luc, whose true nature holds unexpected power. As Evie’s attraction to Luc deepens, she navigates a world of alien conflict and hidden truths, where her perceptions are challenged and her life is forever changed.
Rebecca Ross
Rebecca Ross is an exciting voice in the realm of young adult fantasy fiction. Ross has a talent for creating richly imagined settings that feel both familiar and enchantingly new, drawing readers into worlds filled with magic, intrigue, and adventure.
One of the standout features of Ross’s writing is her ability to craft complex characters with depth and nuance. Whether it’s a determined heroine navigating the intricacies of court politics or a charming rogue with a hidden agenda, her characters leap off the page, their struggles and triumphs resonating with readers long after the final page is turned.
Rebecca Ross’s novels offer a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure, making them a must-read for fans of young adult fiction. With each new release, she continues to solidify her place as a rising star in the genre, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what enchanting worlds she’ll bring to life next. Check out her books below:
- Dreams Lie Beneath: In the cursed realm of Azenor, magicians serve as wardens against nightmares unleashed by the mountain’s magic every new moon. Clementine Madigan aims to become her town’s warden, but when two rival magicians arrive, she’s thrust into a century-old conflict. As she navigates secrets and unexpected romance with Phelan, she must unite with him to combat the curse haunting Azenor, risking everything to save their world from the relentless nightmares.
- Sisters of Sword and Song: After eight years apart, Evadne is eager to reunite with her sister Halcyon, who unexpectedly arrives early and reveals she’s been charged with a serious crime. Determined to prove Halcyon’s innocence, Evadne volunteers to share her sister’s fifteen-year sentence. As they navigate the harsh realities of their punishment, the sisters uncover dark secrets and realize that their fates may be more intertwined than they ever imagined.
- Letters of Enchantment Series: As the gods resume their ancient conflict, Iris Winnow strives to keep her family together amidst her mother’s addiction and her brother’s absence from the warfront. Desperate to secure a columnist position at the Oath Gazette, she finds solace in writing letters to her missing brother, which mysteriously reach Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper. Their anonymous correspondence sparks an unexpected connection that leads Iris into the heart of the battle, where she fights not only for her family and humanity’s fate but also for the blossoming love between her and Roman.
- Elements of Cadence Series: Jack Tamerlaine returns to Cadence after a decade to investigate the disappearances of girls, aided by his childhood rival Adaira. They uncover a dark secret about the island involving elemental spirits, and Jack’s bardic music becomes crucial in their battle against ancient forces. Rebecca Ross’s debut adult fantasy promises a captivating journey of duty, love, and the struggle for balance in a world caught between opposing powers.
- The Queen’s Rising Series: Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron. Left without one, she reluctantly accepts patronage from a suspicious lord, unaware of his involvement in a plot to overthrow Maevana’s king. As war looms, Brienna faces a pivotal choice between loyalty to her passion and allegiance to her kingdom’s destiny.
Embrace the Magic: Your Next YA Fantasy Adventure Awaits!
YA fantasy is like stepping into a whole new world every time you crack open a book. It’s an invitation to explore realms filled with magic, adventure, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re in the mood for epic battles that leave you on the edge of your seat or heartwarming friendships that tug at your heartstrings, YA fantasy has something for everyone.
And, let’s be real, who doesn’t love getting lost in a story? YA fantasy has this incredible way of sparking our imagination and reminding us that there’s magic all around us, if only we’re willing to look.
So, fellow bookworms, are you ready to dive into the enchanting world of YA fantasy with the incredible authors previously mentioned?
