This post was last updated on September 17th, 2025 at 08:26 pm
What is YA Fantasy? YA Fantasy is a literary genre featuring magic and fantastical elements written for young adults (primarily teens) between the ages of 12 and 18. As such, common side themes include growing up, personal and emotional development, relationships, and life changes. Stories in this genre are generally set in a world that is very different from our own.
While many young adult fantasy books perfectly suit adults, as the name implies, YA Fantasy speaks to adolescents. While each book is as unique as its author and readership, certain elements define this fun and exciting genre.
YA Fantasy books feature young protagonists in a fantastical world. The characters must navigate magic beyond their control and understanding, as well as strange beasts, time travel, and physics that would be utterly foreign to us. In addition to all that, they have to deal with the challenges that come with growing up. And isn’t that the hardest part of all?
This post is all about YA Fantasy in literature.
YA Fantasy in Literature
Traditionally, authors in this genre keep the intimate content and violence within acceptable levels for a young audience. Of course, what is acceptable and what isn’t can be quite subjective. Books don’t have the same rating system as movies (PG, R, etc.), but you won’t have to look long to find examples of YA Fantasy books that hit every point along the spectrum on the shockability factor. There are definitely books out there that many parents of teens would disapprove of (and if you read the reviews, you’ll see many examples). Some parents argue that adult content in young adult books is damaging.
Another factor, however, is that authors have little control over who chooses to pick up their books. While they may be writing primarily for a 17-year-old audience, that won’t stop a 12-year-old from downloading and reading their Kindle book. To rule out this possibility, many authors in the YA Fantasy genre try to make their writing appropriate for all ages, even children.
Whatever your take on what’s acceptable and what isn’t, unless otherwise specified, all the books linked or listed here are age and content-appropriate for young adults. We’ll dive into this genre and everything that makes it tick!
What is YA Fantasy?
When people ask for the ultimate YA fantasy definition, there is one franchise that instantly springs to mind, and that is, of course, Harry Potter. Young adult fantasy is a fusion of two popular genres—fantasy fiction and young adult fiction. Any book or piece of creative content featuring a young protagonist or young protagonists, such as Enid Blyton’s Famous Five, is deemed YA. Add young, often adolescent, characters into a fantasy setting, such as Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, and you have the makings of YA fantasy.
This hugely popular literary genre features young protagonists, along with mystical, magical, and fantastical elements. It’s written for younger readers aged between 13 and 18, though in reality, it has proved to be very popular with adults as well.
YA fantasy will often explore issues young adults may encounter while growing up. There are often themes of coming of age as well as aspects such as emotional development, biological changes, relationships, friendships, life changes, education, and more. As we’re talking about YA fantasy, the setting will likely be in a world very different from our own. You can expect things such as mages, wizards, witches, dragons, trolls, and sorcerers. Of course, the great thing about fantasy is the fact that it can take place in any setting, in any world, in any period, with all kinds of mythical and magical characters.
Making the Distinction: YA or NA Meaning
At this point, you’ve likely heard the term “New Adult,” and you’ve probably already read your fair share of novels in this relatively new genre. St. Martin’s Press coined the term in 2009. New Adult is fiction similar to young adult fiction, but for young adults who are, well, older. Authors of these books write for readers aged 18-29.
Since New Adult fiction is written for people over the age of 18, stories can explore adult topics like life choices, careers, addiction, sexuality, violence, etc. Of course, there can be some crossover. Some New Adult books would be appropriate for young adults and vice versa. That crossover potential is why St. Martin’s Press created the New Adult genre in the first place.
So, the primary distinction between YA and NA meaning is that New Adult books are written for adults, while YA books are written for teens.
Fantasy Books for 13-Year-Olds
Turning 13 is a huge event in a person’s life. This birthday marks when a child becomes a teenager—and they’ve been waiting for this moment for 13 whole years! Now that they’ve made it to young adulthood, their reading material reflects this. They’re thinking about all the changes they’re going through and beginning to think about the inevitability of becoming an adult. This stage in life includes exploring more mature themes. At the same time, reading material must be appropriate for a teenager.
Since jconradfantasy is a book blog focusing on Welsh and Celtic stuff, you’ll find here a list of some of the best fantasy books for 13-year-olds set in Wales. These books are age-appropriate, with some also being great choices for younger kids. In each of these novels or collections of stories, the story takes place entirely in Wales, or most of the action happens there.
Speaking of collections, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention The Four Branches of the Mabinogi by Siân Lewis. This classic collection of legendary Welsh stories hits all the marks in young adult fantasy with its elements of sorcery, giants, and even shapeshifters. In Lewis’ version, the stories have been, shall we say, “tempered” for a younger audience. If you’ve read the original, you know what I mean! In addition to this, the tales are beautifully illustrated.
Fantasy Books for 14-Year-Olds
Although there may not be a huge difference here compared to the previous section, a 14-year-old starting high school is a big deal, and there’s unmistakably a different mindset that follows. In the UK, what is called 9th grade in the US is referred to as Year 10. By this point, the kids are really in their zone as teenagers, tackling everything that comes with it.
The Blackthorn Branch by Elen Caldecott
The first YA fantasy book recommendation on this list is the Blackthorn Branch by Elen Caldecott. It was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing and has proved a big hit with younger and older readers.
The story centers on Cassie and her search for her brother, Byron, seemingly abducted by the Fair Folk known as the Tylwyth Teg, who have transported Byron to another world. Now, Cassie and her cousin Sian must search for Byron before it’s too late.
Their search leads them to a rundown, abandoned railway tunnel that leads to the Annwn, the underworld. There, they encounter Gwenhidw, the leader of the Fair Folk, who wishes to protect Annwn from humans at all costs, even if it means keeping Byron there for all eternity. Can Cassie rescue her brother before it’s too late, and how will they return home?
Tales of Witches and Wyverns by S. Ramsey
Our next recommendation is Tales of Witches and Wyverns: A Portal Fantasy Adventure (Tales of Affalon Isle Book 1). For those with a keen interest in mythical beasts and creatures, this is a book you won’t want to put down from start to finish.
The novel features a cursed witch’s daughter named Enid Davis, who is not your average teen protagonist. On the day of her 16th birthday, Enid’s best friend Dylan is whisked off to another world called Afallon by an evil queen named Malagant, who has sinister intentions up her sleeve.
Enid, with help from the valiant Knights of the Round Table, as well as Merlin himself, embarks on a quest to Afallon to stop the evil queen and rescue her best friend.
The Shadow Order by Rebecca John
Finally, the last book in this section brings us to The Shadow Order, penned by Rebecca John. It’s a dark and eerie tale filled with mystery and suspense. The book follows Teddy, Effie, and Betsy as they take a massive risk by watching the gorgeous winter sunrise over Cooperwell in defiance of the Shadow Order—one year after the day when the shadows shifted and exposed people’s true selves.
While watching from afar, the three young teens witness a mysterious woman screaming words of warning before being arrested and taken away. This moment sets off a chain of events that leads the teens on a series of extraordinary adventures to save their beloved town. On their journey, they learn more not only about the Shadow Order but about themselves as well.
This book is full of twists and turns, making for amazing reading. Just don’t make plans to do anything else on the day you start reading because it’s a non-stop thrill ride from start to end.
More Fantasy Books for 14-Year-Olds
As you can see from the site, the majority of book recommendations focus on Welsh and Celtic folklore. If you’ve landed here, the chances are high that you love it too, so you’ve come to the right place. Much of the landscape of Cymru (Wales) looks as if it has been plucked directly out of a fantasy world. For young readers with a keen interest in Wales and Celtic mythology and legends, you can find even more books like those above in the following post.
YA High Fantasy Books
OK, so here’s another distinction. What is the difference between young adult fantasy and young adult high fantasy? High fantasy, whether for adults or young adults, is also known as “epic fantasy.” Books in this category have several things in common.
YA high fantasy is set in a very different world from our own Earth. Yes, it may look like Earth in some ways and even have similar plants and animals to a certain extent. But the fantastical elements, physics, and general rules of the world are of a different sort.
Low Fantasy vs. High Fantasy
In contrast to high fantasy, there is such a thing as “low fantasy.” In low fantasy, the story is set in a world we’d recognize as regular Earth. The magical elements are limited. A good example of low fantasy is Twilight. Bella lives in Washington state, US. It’s just regular Washington. Except Bella learns that there are things like werewolves and vampires living right alongside her in the same town.
As mentioned earlier, the story’s world in high fantasy generally runs on a different set of scientific principles or involves magic or another reality. The plot of a high fantasy novel often revolves around a great quest. You see this less often in low fantasy. In high fantasy, the characters may be trying to stop a problem that threatens to destroy the world.
A young adult high fantasy story is often told from the viewpoint of the main protagonist. The protagonist is not necessarily a human (though it often is). Sometimes, however, the story is told from many different points of view. For example, each chapter may present what’s happening to a different character as the story moves toward the climax. The Lord of the Rings is one of the most well-known books employing the technique of omniscient third person, even though Frodo Baggins remains the main character.
Young Adult Fantasy Series
Fantasy is a genre that has existed for a long time, but not in the same way we know it today. For example, in ancient times, people handed down stories through oral tradition. Their stories featured gods and goddesses, supernatural beings, magic, and other realms. What we know as modern fantasy, especially serials, didn’t become a thing until the 20th century. In the early 1900s, we saw the emergence of epics like Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. This period was considered the Golden Age of Fantasy. It defined truly superb fantasy. Its writers also set the stage (set the page?) for the authors that followed in their pen strokes.
During this golden age, young adult culture didn’t exist in the same way it does now. There were certainly novels and films that teens liked. Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland was a favorite, for example. Still, there was no such thing back then as a YA Fantasy section at your local bookstore. It wasn’t until the 1960s that books were specifically written and published for adolescents.
YA Fantasy Book Series
There’s nothing worse than finding a good book, reading the entire thing in one sitting, only to find that, once you’ve finished reading, it’s the only one in the series. Imagine if Tolkien had left it at The Hobbit? A world without The Lord of the Rings? That doesn’t bear thinking about (I can’t even).
Thankfully, there are plenty of books out there that are part of a series featuring some of the most complex and interesting characters and worlds you could ever imagine. If you’re able to carve out some time, a binge-reading session could be in order. We’ve got just the recommendations to help. Here are two of the best YA fantasy book series to get you started.
The Caraval Trilogy by Stephanie Garber
If you’re looking for a well-written, poignant, moving, and exhilarating YA fantasy series, look no further than The Caraval Trilogy. Expertly penned by Stephanie Garber, the series centers around a mysterious circus carnival rolling into town and the events that follow. Perhaps the most binding element of all, however, is the bond between two sisters, Donatella and Scarlett. It is the love of these characters that keeps you reading and shows the power of love and family.
Caraval is a New York Times Bestseller, and it’s easy to see why that is. Oh, and if you do finish the trilogy and are craving more, you can pick up Once Upon a Broken Heart, which is a spin-off series following Evangeline Fox.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend a cold, wet, and windy weekend, Leigh Bardugo’s two-part series, Six of Crows, is ideal. This duology is one of the best-written YA fantasy book series you’ll ever encounter. It’s got romance, fantasy, heists, murder, comedy, tragedy, and more twists and turns than a Welsh country lane.
The story follows protagonist Kaz Brekker, a gang leader, scam artist, and master criminal, as a powerful and mysterious organization abducts him. They know Kaz can pull off any job and want him to break into Fjerda’s Ice Court to retrieve a mysterious object for them.
Kaz, known as Dirtyhands throughout the lands of Ketterdam because there’s no job too dirty or risky for him, is promised riches beyond his wildest fantasies if he succeeds. Should he fail, however, and the consequences go beyond his worst nightmares. Kaz must assemble a rag-tag crew to carry out the heist. But can they work together and achieve their goal, or will they turn against each other in the process? If you imagine Ocean’s 11 in a fantasy setting, you’ve pretty much got Six of Crows.
How to Choose the Best YA Fantasy Book Series
One of the toughest decisions you’ll make as an avid bookworm is which book to go with when you’re hunting for your next great read. Finding the best YA fantasy series can be tricky, to say the least! Are you in the mood for some carefree escapism, or do you want an epic tale that requires focus and concentration?
While we can’t tell you which young adult fantasy book series to choose next, we can help make your decision that little bit easier. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best YA fantasy series.
Decide What You’re in the Mood For
When reading, you’ll usually find that on different days, you’ll be in the mood for different things. You might want a YA romance novel to sink your teeth into, whereas on another day, you’re craving sword and sorcery. If there are a few YA fantasy books you’ve got your eyes on, why not treat yourself to more than one? Some readers prefer to have several books on hand, reading them alternately on different days, depending on their mood.
Read Reviews
Although book preferences are, of course, subjective, you can get a rough idea of whether you’ll enjoy a book by reading what other people are saying.
Books such as Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead, for example, are bestsellers and have won awards for a reason. These are critically acclaimed, and adoring fans have flooded them with a plethora of glowing reviews.
Don’t get us wrong, these books won’t appeal to everybody, and there will still be negative reviews out there. However, if a YA fantasy book series has received a lot of positive reviews and book critics and reviewers have been impressed by it, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy it too.
Don’t Focus on Copies Sold
While we’ve just touched on how the fact that a YA fantasy book is a bestseller is a good indicator of quality, even so, that doesn’t mean that books that haven’t sold well aren’t worth reading, because that’s not the case.
There are plenty of hidden gems out there, just begging to be discovered. All these books need is their big break. Sadly, most of these books are unlikely to get these big breaks. For every Suzanne Collins and Neil Gaiman novel lining the shelves, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of hugely talented authors waiting for the right person to discover their work.
If you come across a YA fantasy book series that appeals to you, don’t be put off if it hasn’t sold many copies or accumulated too many reviews. It could be a hidden treasure waiting to be unearthed and experienced.
World Building
Another tip for choosing the best young adult fantasy series that you can’t put down is examining the world-building elements the author has incorporated into their books.
One of the main reasons authors such as Rowling, Tolkien, and Martin have enjoyed such great success in the YA fantasy genre is their ability to build worlds from words. Readers of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, for example, feel they’re living in Middle-earth when reading the books. In Harry Potter, readers felt like they were studying at Hogwarts along with Harry and company. This captivating experience not only brings the story to life, but is part of how the books speak to you like few others. So the world-building plays a huge part, especially in a fantasy setting.
If you can find a YA fantasy author who possesses the ability to bring fantasy worlds to life, go ahead and pick that book up and start reading!
We don’t want to say goodbye to our favorite characters, and with an incredible young adult fantasy series, we don’t have to! Well, until the end of the series, that is. Learn how to choose an unputdownable young adult fantasy series here. And as promised, here’s a list of recommendations for some of the best YA fantasy book series to binge-read.
Best Selling YA Fantasy Books
Sticking with the themes we touched upon earlier, this next section focuses on some best-selling YA fantasy books with Welsh and/or Celtic themes. Ever wondered what life in Wales would be like if it were governed by sword and sorcery? These best-selling books can help fill in the blanks.
Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead
Hood (The King Raven Trilogy Book 1) is a medieval fantasy story that breathes new life into the YA fantasy genre. Thought you knew everything there is to know about Robin Hood? Think again! Hood is an epic retelling of the classic outlaw story of Robin Hood that is like nothing you’ve ever read before.
The story follows Bran ap Brychan, the rightful heir to the throne of Elfael, as he is hunted through the forest of Greenwood by Norman invaders and treated like a common animal. This primeval Welsh forest is not like Sherwood or any other typical forest, for that matter. It is a living, breathing, magical entity flooded with magic and secrets.
If Bran wishes to survive, he must use every ounce of cunning and strength he can muster to escape the enchanted woodland and evade his pursuers. If Robin Hood featured more magic and was set in a medieval enchanted forest in Wales, you’d have Hood. This is a critically acclaimed YA fantasy story, and we can definitely see why.
The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Some may classify this as NA fantasy instead of YA fantasy, but either way, it’s one heck of a tale. Critics and book enthusiasts know it’s a page-turner! The Drowned Woods takes place in an alternate Wales. A Welsh fantasy world plagued by conflict and magic. It sees 18-year-old water diviner Mererid, better known as “Mer,” on the run from the ghastly prince who bound her into his service.
The prince uses Mer and her supernatural abilities for his wicked agenda. Unbeknownst to her, he got her to locate the water sources of his enemies and poisoned their wells, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people.
Upon discovering the truth, Mer goes into hiding. When her old handler arrives back on the scene, however, they come up with the ultimate revenge plot and, with a little help from some friends, aim to bring down the evil prince once and for all.
You can find even more best-selling YA Fantasy books with Celtic and Welsh themes by clicking the link below. The great thing about this list is that even though the books fall within the same genre, each one is quite different.
Lugh The Shining One: The Return of the True King by Bob Svihovec
Louis is a budding street artist from Brooklyn with a vivid imagination. So vivid, in fact, that his only desire is to express the visions sensed in his imagination.
Louis finds himself swept up in a fantasy tale of mythical creatures and political struggles for power. Can Louis harness his true power and save the king of the Tuatha De Dannan against the cruelty of the evil cyclops Lord Balor and his underlings?
If you enjoy Tolkien’s work, Lugh The Shining One: The Return of the True King is going to appeal to you. This YA fantasy novel features intricate illustrations and explores themes rooted in Celtic myth and folklore. This book is one not to be missed.
The Obsidian Dagger (Celtic Mythos Book 1) by Brad A. LaMar
When a maniacal witch intent on destroying the world comes into possession of a powerful Obsidian Dagger, she intends to wipe out humanity and eradicate the clans of the Celtic Isles. She only has one problem, however. She never bargained on a 17-year-old American named Brendan O’Neal and his sister Lizzie getting in her way.
Together, with the help of Dorian, the princess of the Leprechauns, and her loyal companions Biddy and Rory, Brendan and Lizzie embark on a quest across Scotland and Ireland. They’ll stop the witch in her tracks and foil her dastardly plan. The group encounters all manner of mythical creatures and beings along the way, but can they reach the witch in time and save humanity?
If you love your fantasy to feature elements of folklore, mythical creatures, pixies, fairies, trolls, witches, spirits, sprites, knights, dragons, and other staples of fantasy, all in Welsh and Celtic settings, you’ll find even more recommendations that you’ll love by clicking on the link below. These fantasy books for YA have everything you could want from a YA fantasy epic, all brought to us by some of the best authors.
Young Adult Celtic Adventure
Finally, here’s a sub-genre that combines Welsh or Celtic elements with YA fantasy, known as young adult Celtic adventure. So, if you love YA and have an interest in Celtic myth, folklore, and legend, here are a couple of young adult Celtic adventure books you won’t want to put down.
Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut
Finn MacCullen (don’t call him Finnegan) is a youngster keen to begin his apprenticeship hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the expert tutelage of the valiant knight Gideon Lir.
Both Finn and his tutor are descendants of a magical race of fierce warriors from Ireland known as the Tuatha De Danaan. The warriors, now scattered throughout Ireland, have been waging a bloody and brutal war against a breed of goblin-like beasts known as the Amandán for thousands of years. Now these creatures have set their sights on Finn.
Finn and Gideon must evade capture and locate the mythical Lost Spear of the Tuatha de Danaan, the only weapon capable of destroying the Amand. The author has given us a very bingeable book that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It also gives an insight into why they’re known as the “fighting Irish.”
The Second Battle by Jennifer L. Gadd
Another great young adult Celtic adventure novel is The Second Battle. As foretold by an ancient prophecy, Lugh is destined to kill his own grandfather. Now, he is determined to escape that fate, whatever the cost, even if it means drawing all of Ireland into bloody conflict.
The tale is a fictionized retelling of the story of Cath Maige Tuired, an account of the battle between the Tuatha de Danaan and the Fomori—one that has captivated readers since the 9th century. It’s compelling, captivating, and hugely entertaining, while also testifying to Gadd’s writing style and abilities.
Best YA Fantasy Romance Books
For those times when you just need a good love story, you can’t beat the perfect romance tale. The best YA fantasy romance books lift your spirits, warm your soul, and enchant you from start to finish. They’re the perfect remedy for feeling gloomy and can lift even the bleakest of moods. From enchanted forests and secret gardens to ancient castles and other worlds, you’ll find epic quests, lovable characters, and budding romance along the journey.
Even if you’re not typically a romance fan, if young adult fantasy is your thing, you’ll adore these YA fantasy books with romantic themes. Here are a few we’re especially fond of.
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Considered by many to be one of the best YA fantasy romance novels of our time, The Shadows Between Us brings us complex characters, fantastic world-building, love, romance, fantasy, betrayal, ulterior motives, and much more. It’s one of the more compelling tales you’ll encounter.
The story centers on Alessandra, a strong and fiercely independent young woman who will do whatever it takes to achieve her objective, even if it means sacrificing the man she once loved, who broke her heart.
Now, Alessandra has her sights set on a new suitor, the king himself. Her power plan is simple. Date the king, marry him, assassinate him, and take his place on the throne. This isn’t your typical romance story, but as they say, “love hurts.”
Runes by Ednah Walters
Raine Cooper is a young woman grieving for her father, whom she tragically lost. The only silver lining is that her trauma helped shape her into the person she is today. However, when the handsome young Torin arrives on the scene and moves in next door, everything changes.
Runes is a paranormal YA fantasy romance tale filled with heartbreak, romance, bad boys, a complex love triangle, and more besides. Despite this popular mixture, however, these themes are merely catalysts that help push the story forward. The book is very cleverly written and, at times, will have you forgetting you’re reading a fantasy tale at all.
Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch
Up next, we’ve got the superb Queen in Exile, written by the equally superb Donna Hatch. Queen in Exile tells the tale of Princess Jeniah, who guards a powerful secret. The secret? Jeniah possesses magical powers and can make herself invisible. She keeps her abilities hidden from her closest family members and constantly feels like an outsider in the royal family.
Feeling as if she has no purpose, Jeniah spends her time riding her beloved duocorn. She learns that her father has promised her hand in marriage to the Prince of Hanora. Jeniah is hesitant as she’s heard rumors surrounding the prince’s father and his fondness for the dark arts, torture, and other equally sinister and nefarious pleasures.
Before Jenaih weds, she escapes with the dashing knight Kai, who whisks her into exile. On her journey, the princess discovers new things about her knight in shining armor, as well as herself. It’s a heart-pounding romantic YA fantasy that’s guaranteed not to disappoint.
Below, the link to the continuation of this list of some of the best YA fantasy romance books brings together novels that will even appeal to non-romance readers. Who’s to say? They may even make a romance reader out of you now that you know what a great genre it is when it’s done right!
The Best Cinderella Retellings
How could we talk about YA fantasy romance books without mentioning Cinderella? Cinderella is one of the most famous fairy tales ever told. We won’t insult your intelligence by running through the plot with you, as you’re almost certainly well aware of the story already.
One of the best things about Cinderella, however, and many other fairytales for that matter, is the fact that authors can retell them in an infinite number of ways. Ever wanted to hear the tale of Cinderella from a different perspective? If so, these are some of the best Cinderella retellings adored by readers.
Cinders: The Untold Story of Cinderella by Finley Aaron
Thought you knew the true tale of Cinderella? Please! You don’t even know the half of it. Cinders, The Untold Story of Cinderella, is a whole new take on the classic fairytale. It reveals Cinderella’s true character and shows us her strength, power, and independence as the woman she truly is.
This YA fantasy reimagines the classic princess in a whole new role, one in which she defends her kingdom from oppressors planning to overthrow the king. It’s a clever, witty, and often moving tale with subtle feminine undertones, and it’s well worth reading.
Cinderella Stories Around the World: 4 Beloved Tales (Multicultural Fairy Tales) by Cari Meister
This collection is another retelling of the classic fairytale, told from multiple perspectives. Most people consider the classic tale of the overworked young girl, her wicked stepsisters, the handsome prince, the giant pumpkin carriage, and the glass slipper to be the definitive version of the story. In truth, different cultures around the world have their own unique versions, and these are just a few examples.
Fated: Cinderella’s Story (Destined Book 1) by Kaylin Lee
This reimagining of the classic fairy tale is set in an urban environment. After working and studying in the big city for the last several years, Cinders is due to graduate and earn a coveted spot in the city’s government. Suddenly, things take a violent turn for the worse.
An unseen, mysterious enemy is targeting the city’s inhabitants, and Cinders and her family are next in line. Now she must overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, tussle with her own grasp of reality, protect her loved ones, save the city, and deal with her romantic feelings for a mage she thinks is way out of her league. If you’ve always wanted a modern-day version of Cinderella, this reimagining of the story is the perfect place to start.
Underrated YA Books
You may have heard that certain young adult books are “underrated.” You may have even used the term yourself to describe one of your favorite novels. What factors contribute to a book being underrated? How did it wind up being underrated in the first place?
Reader Reviews
A book can be underrated due to reviews left by readers. Non-optimum reviews don’t necessarily mean a book received an overall low rating, although in some cases, it could. The problem with reviews is that, like anything else in the fiction world, they are highly subjective. Some books may only appeal to a small group of people. Readers who fall outside the target audience might give a book a low review. It’s a good book, but the topic or style doesn’t appeal to them. Additionally, some books don’t receive as many reviews as others.
Copies Sold
Another way a book might be underrated is by a low number of copies sold. Low sales can happen for different reasons. It doesn’t always mean the author didn’t do their job well. Book sales can be affected by the time of year and the number of other novels simultaneously released. Sales can also be affected by big-name authors releasing their books at the same time. World events can also have a massive impact on book sales. Think back to the pandemic. More than a few great books earned their underrated status by hitting the market in 2020.
Momentum
Lastly, underrated young adult books often remain underrated due to an X factor. We’ll call it a fluke. Luck? Indeed, some great novels may have hit a bestseller list or even won awards. However, not every winning book builds the same momentum, groundbreaking sales, and movie deals as The Hunger Games. Due to this, there are some outstanding undiscovered (to you) novels out there that you may not have even heard of.
This post was all about YA Fantasy in literature.
You may also enjoy the Copper and Cobalt Trilogy, a fantasy series for young adults set in North Wales. Click here for all eReader formats: Universal Book Link, and here for Amazon Kindle and paperback: Amazon
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