This post was last updated on September 5th, 2025 at 10:40 pm
What is Celtic adventure in fiction and YA fantasy books? Celtic adventure books feature thrilling journeys, often within the fantasy genre, that explore Celtic mythology, the Celts (both ancient and modern), and related themes.
In Celtic adventure fiction, the stories usually take place in one or more of the Celtic countries, such as Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany. However, when it comes to this particular fiction genre, Ireland and Scotland seem to dominate the bookshelves. You’ll also frequently find that time travel and dual, competing realities are popular occurrences in these tales—and we readers of fantasy certainly have no problem with that! Certain beings, spirits, and animals also frequently appear. Here are three supernatural characters from Celtic folklore that you’ll soon meet between the pages of the books below.
The Tuatha Dé Danann
As you read through the list below, you’ll notice the recurrence of a few names. For example, many Celtic adventure novels mention the Tuatha Dé Danann. Who are they? The name “Tuatha Dé Danann” means “People of the Goddess Danu” in Gaelic. They are a race of magical beings from Irish mythology, thought of as the ancestors of the Irish. A certain ambiguity exists regarding whether they are gods and goddesses or simply humans with magical abilities. The answer is, in a way, both.
The ancient Irish manuscript Lebor Gabála Érenn (meaning “Book of the Taking of Ireland”) recounts the Tuatha Dé Danann as the fifth group of people to invade Ireland. The book also describes how some of their number are considered gods, while others are regarded as “non-gods.” It depended on their roles and abilities. Collectively, the beings are not immortal and do eventually die. However, they do have very long lifespans compared to humans.
The Fomorians
Like all good heroes in epic tales, the Tuatha Dé Danann must have an enemy. That enemy is the Fomorians. No one has found the exact meaning of the name, but the word conveys concepts like “demons from below” or “undersea ones.” Ancient Irish mythology depicts the Fomorians as dreadful, monstrous creatures, with various (and sometimes conflicting) accounts of their appearance. Some tales say they were born relatively unspoilt and later mutated when exposed to certain elements and occult rituals. Other stories claim they were born with gruesome aspects that repel people at the sight of them. The Fomorians represent chaos and destructive aspects of nature. They are faithful to their own dark gods. While we might consider them to be “evil,” in Celtic mythology, they’re also symbolic of how the destructive forces of nature are a part of life and a necessary stage to new growth.
What is a Pooka?
A pooka is a shape-shifting spirit from Irish folklore whose name comes from the Old Irish word “Púca.” It’s pronounced “poo-ka,” which is probably why we see so many alternative spellings. If you read about these mischievous creatures, you’ll likely come across them as Puka, Plica, Pwwka, Phuca, and Pookha—all of which are considered appropriate. Celtic mythology suggests that pookas inhabit rural areas, particularly around mountain lakes and streams.
Just as there are different tales about the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Fomorians, the same is true of the pooka. Some tales say they have naughty tendencies but are harmless, while others say they can be wicked. A pooka can take different forms depending on its mood. It may become a horse to give a drunk person a ride home. It may transform into a rabbit if it wants to appear benign and engage in a friendly conversation with you. However, if it’s feeling impish, it might try to talk you into doing questionable deeds. In the book The Tales of Tanglewood, the pooka who roams the forest may be of the trickster variety!
This post is about recommendations for Celtic adventure books.
Best YA Celtic Adventure Books
Three Wells of the Sea by Terry Madden
When someone murders the warrior king of the Five Quarters, his kingdom is left with no ruler and finds itself on the brink of civil war. The druidess Lyleth, who was the king’s closest advisor, now has more than a price on her head. She’s also the only one with the evidence to bring the real killer to justice. In her desire to do so and unify the land, she makes a bargain with the gods. Lyleth then performs an ancient spell to bring herself back from Annwn, the land of the dead.
Meanwhile, in the modern day, a mysterious force rips Hugh Cavendish from his everyday life as a high school English teacher. This fierce magic pitches him back into the turbulence of a life he once lived ago—that of King Nechtan. Now, he and Lyleth must reclaim his throne and thwart the civil war. If they fail, the plunderer from the north, called only “the Bear,” will steal what remains of the shattered kingdom. As Hugh tries to hold on to his modern life, in his other world, he faces the war and the beast. Worst of all, if he lets go of either, he’ll lose the kingdom and the only woman he’s ever loved.
Reviews for Three Wells of the Sea
What readers are saying about this Celtic adventure book: “If you are a fan of Celtic literature, or have fond memories of To Green Angel Tower in particular, pick up Three Wells of the Sea as fast as you can.” —New Myths Magazine
“For fans of the dual worlds of Stephen R. Donaldson’s ‘The Land’ and Stephen King’s ‘The Talisman.’ Let’s welcome Terry Madden’s Five Quarters to the world just outside the one we live in. It has a spark of wonder, indeed.” —Rusty Clark, April 2016
Celtic Adventure: Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut
Finn MacCullen is starting a magical and dangerous apprenticeship hunting monsters in the suburbs. (And don’t call him “Finnegan”—he hates that.) Knight Gideon Lir is Finn’s tutor, and both he and Finn trace their ancestry back to the Tuatha Dé Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Irish mythology. Although they were scattered across the world long ago, it turns out that in reality, they’re waging a secret war with an ancient enemy—and have been for the last two thousand years. The enemy is known as the Amand. These cruel, goblin-like beasts threaten to destroy everything Finn loves.
Unfortunately, the monsters have now turned their focus to Finn. Amidst random attacks, he and the Knight must find a magical weapon before it’s too late. The Spear of the Tuatha Dé Danaan is the only thing in existence capable of destroying the Amand. What’s more, Finn and Gideon have to conceal their identity from Rafe and Savannah, Finn’s new friends. Their South African roots may play a vital part in keeping Finn alive. With a bronze dagger, a short temper, and a bit of Celtic magic, Finn gets ready to show his enemies that you don’t mess with the fighting Irish.
Reviews for Finn Finnegan
What readers are saying about this Celtic adventure book: Funny, action-packed, wonderful! I loved this! I can’t possibly describe how giddy reading this book made me feel, but I’ll still give it a try! —Amazon Reviewer
Finn Finnegan brings classic adventure into a modern-day setting for a great read. The Celtic lore in the story is fascinating and gives it an extra richness. This will appeal to all those readers (myself included) who love the idea of a hidden and dangerous world within our own sometimes too-ordinary world. —Dee Garretson, author of Wildfire Run and Wolf Storm
The Forged Prince (The Chronicles of Tethera Book 1) by Michael Laird
For his own part, the boy named Llew intends to show the self-styled Queen of Deceit that even a weapon forged for evil can turn in its maker’s grasp and strike in an unexpected direction—most especially a weapon with a mind of its own.
Forced to venture forth through the wilds, to usurp a throne he does not desire, to save a kingdom he has never seen, Llew at once finds himself pursued by an ever-growing array of deadly enemies. Although he has gone forth to do the impossible, it now seems impossible that he will live long enough to even try. Fortunately, Llew is impossibly optimistic… and fairly handy with a sword.
This is the first book in the Chronicles of Tethera. It has been praised by readers as a very well-written and gripping tale with compelling characters that each speak in their own voice, plenty of action and adventure, and all of it set in the deeply imagined world of a Prydein that never was.
Reviews for The Forged Prince
What readers are saying: “Not being a fantasy fiction reader, I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The setting is interesting, the characters developed, and the story kept me turning the pages. I read the whole book in one sitting and found myself wishing the other books in the series were already available.
Having strong female characters, even though not the protagonist, gave the story a depth not always found in a first novel. Impressive foray into authorship. Hopefully, there will be more books, in this series or others, for me to enjoy in the near future.” —Amazon Reviewer
“Five Stars. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!” —Amazon Reviewer
The Curse of Satyr Stump (The Tales of Tanglewood Book 2) by Scott Michael Kessman
When Colin, a descendant of the Fey, returns to Tanglewood shortly before the night of Sahwen. The sacred Eve of Winter is a time when the magic of the wood is at its height—and Colin finds that supernatural forces have affected the wood far more than he ever would have thought possible. Things have entered the forest that shouldn’t be there, and paths through the woods are no longer safe. Blackberries are dying on the vine, a shape-shifting pooka prowls the forest, and something tells Colin he should stay close to Satry Stump. Here, the Grey Lady has cursed Fionn the satyr, who needs Colin’s help.
Colin must face the Grey Lady, the dark druidess, and break Fionn’s curse. Colin decides to get help from the druid Bairtlemead Muffingrow, the ferrish Ailfrid (a fairy), and Deidre, the elf. However, it’s the satyr chieftain himself who accompanies Colin. He’ll help Colin restore the corrupt parts of Tanglewood piece by piece. Unfortunately, the Grey Lady plans to ensure that they remain powerless in her domain. She’s taking full advantage of Sahwen, showing Colin that during this magical time, Tanglewood is a far more dangerous place than he bargained for. As the second book in the series, the story seamlessly blends Celtic mythology and modern folklore.
Reviews for The Tales of Tanglewood
What readers are saying: “Can’t wait for the next one! An excellent series that keeps the reader guessing and waiting for more. The plot keeps on going, and the characters become more interesting as the series progresses.” —Amazon Reviewer
“Good read (or listen). I really enjoyed listening to the first two stories in the series. If you want to read about a child that discovers the magical world of the fey, this is a good read or listen. I listen to books while I work and want to thank the author for an enjoyable story!” —Amazon Reviewer
Celtic Forest (The Farnir Chronicles Book 1) by Vivette Hauser
Our next Celtic adventure book is Celtic Forest. The young warrior Lugus, who has been left adrift by the murder of his sister, rushes to alert the Council of the Wise. The leaves are about to fall in Celtic Forest. Lugus and his people are now at risk of enslavement under Noxen control. After circumstances throw Lugus together with a girl who has amnesia, he must battle not only his current hardship but his own disillusionment. He has to gather the Celts together and unite them before they destroy themselves.
However, change is visiting other places besides Celtic Forest. A slave boy breaks free to join a hidden pocket of resistance. As the Celts gather their forces, the Noxen kingdom itself is facing inner turmoil that could destroy it. The slave lords, military, and senate begin assuming positions to seize the royal family’s power. Where will the players stand when Celtic Forest collapses?
Celtic Adventure: The Second Battle by Jennifer L. Gadd
What if you were subject to a prophecy that made you destined to kill your own grandfather? Lugh is, and he’s determined to escape it. In this fictionalized retelling of the story of Cath Maige Tuired, Lugh’s actions—actions he must take if he plans to avert his fate—threaten to draw all Ireland into war. Follow the Battle for Ireland between the Tuatha Dé Danaan and the Fomori, a monstrous race, as they clash to control the realm.
Reviews for The Second Battle
What readers are saying: “A Compelling Retelling of Celtic Myth. It is no easy feat to create a modern narrative encompassing a series of Celtic myths, but Ms. Gadd sure pulls it off.” —Amazon Reviewer
“This was terrific! The author has an easy and captivating writing style that keeps you engaged throughout her work. The story is compelling, and despite the challenges of working with Celtic source material, Ms. Gadd has created a full myth cycle with beautiful continuity. Very well done. Highly recommend!” —Amazon Reviewer
Myfanwy (Myfanwy’s People Book 1) by Joseph Liaigh
As if being dragged from the beach in Australia to London in the middle of English winter isn’t bad enough, Tom’s unhappiness is only about to get worse. When a mysterious figure appears out of nowhere on a Westminster Bridge and tries to kill him, Tom’s life becomes a constant fight for survival against supernatural elements. He’s fighting bullies, kidnapped by a secret government agency, and hunted by a deranged magician.
Luckily for Tom, at school, he meets Myfanwy. She knows a bit of magic of her own and might be just the help he needs. Through his newfound friendship with Myfanwy, Tom immerses himself in this whole world of magic and danger. The friendship, however, between a girl who uses magic and Tom, who cannot, may upset the delicate balance of the enchanted realm and ruin what they’re trying to save. Can Tom and Myfanwy save the world when everyone and everything are tearing them apart?
Reviews for Myfanwy
What readers are saying: “An enjoyable read. The characters are realistic, and the magic is explained in an internally consistent way. I always wanted to turn the page, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.” —Amazon Reviewer
“A refreshingly unique story, Myfanwy invites the reader to explore intriguing characters embroiled in age-old conflicts between good and evil in an exciting and modern setting. I am looking forward to my children reading Myfanwy and growing to love its carefully created, layered world while developing their own faith and exploring fundamental questions of right and wrong.” —Riny Davis, Librarian and mother of four.
Celtic Adventure: Fae Horse: A Faerie Tale by Anthea Sharp
A short story of about 5,000 words, the author wrote Fae Horse in the traditional style of a dark fairy tale. After being accused of being a witch, Eileen is on the run for her life. She leaves behind not only her village but also her true love. As those who hunt her draw near, she comes across an otherworldly black horse. But is the price of escape too high?
Reviews for Fae Horse
What readers are saying: “It was so BEAUTIFULLY written.” —Amazon Reviewer
“This is a lovely short story based on an Irish legend or fairy tale. The imagery of the night and the wild ride on the horse was fantastic.” —Amazon Reviewer
This post was about recommendations for Celtic adventure books.
You might also enjoy 7 Best YA Fantasy Novels Set in Ancient Britain and 10 High Fantasy Books for Young Adults with Welsh Themes.
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