The 5 Must-Read Heroic Fantasy Books for Teens
Book RaiderOkay, raise your hand if you ever daydreamed of stepping into the shoes of a valorous knight or a cunning sorceress, embarking on a treacherous quest to save a kingdom, fight off a dragon or just, you know, find that pesky ring that someone thought would look super cool on a dragon Yeah, we’ve all been there. our PJs, biting on a pen, probably ignoring a math assignment, all the while diving headfirst into a realm filled with magic, uncharted territories, and giant spiders. Let’s not dwell on the spiders though.
As teenagers, coming across those iconic tales of heroism and epic journeys lets our imaginations soar, offering us an escape from the mundanity of school deadlines, authoritative parents and...peers (yeah, let's be diplomatic and stick with that word). Heroic fantasy books are the perfect remedy for these teenage predicaments. To aid in your quest, here’s a list of some absolute barn-burners that will whisk you away into worlds of perilous adventures, mythical creatures and, fingers crossed, fewer spiders.
Throne of Glass Series
by Sarah J. Maas
Why Throne of Glass Series is on this list:
The book follows Celaena Sardothien, a fearsome 18-year-old assassin. After a year slave labor, she’s offered a shot at freedom by participating in a deadly competition, and ends up embroiled in a perilous game of royal politics, dark magic and forbidden romance.
What readers like: Readers have fallen head over heels for Celaena. Even though she’s a bit deadly, she’s sincere, funny, and endearing. They also love the rich world-building, the fast-paced action, and the unexpected plot twists that make you gasp out loud. And of course, the romance direction will give your cheeks some serious blush training.
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Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Six of Crows is on this list: Six of Crows is one of those rare gems that capture the essence of heroic fantasy and make it accessible for a teen audience. It checks off all the boxes: A band offits out for an impossible heist, a rich fantastical world, and a good dose of heroism and self-discovery.
Set in the gritty city of Ketterdam, Six of Crows follows a ragtag team of crooks and thieves, led by the cunning Kaz Brekker. When Kaz is offered a chance to pull off a dangerous gamble that might make them rich beyond their wildest dreams, they can't help but take it, even if it means risking their lives. Along the way, each member of the crew faces their demons, finds their strength, and learns what they're truly made of.
What readers like: Readers often rave about the unexpected depth of the characters and the plot twists that will make their heads spin. They admire how Bardugo skillfully weaves intricate plot lines and gives each character their spotlight to shine. The touching character development and the electrifying suspense keep them glued to each page. Plus, the generous sprinkling of humour and the 'found family' theme adds warmth to the high-stakes adventure.
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The Seven Realms Series
by Cinda Williams Chima
Why The Seven Realms Series is on this list: Full of epic quests, magical powers and witty, relatable characters, The Seven Realms Series is pretty much the bee's knees of heroic fantasy. And while our heroes may be young, they've got courage that would put the most seasoned knight to shame. So, if you're a teen looking for a dash of excitement and a sprinkle of magic, this one's for you.
A captivating four-part saga that whisks you away to a riveting and ruthless world. It's got it all - from street lords and mysterious wizards, to castle intrigue, overlapping loyalties and coveted thrones. The story primarily revolves around princess heir Raisa and former streetlord Han, as they navigate the political and magical dangers of their world and courageously fight to protect their homelands.
What readers like: Readers rave about Chima's ability to keep you on your toes with her complex plot twists and turns. The well-rounded characters - both the do-gooders and the not-so-good ones - are so well written that you can't help but be invested in their stories. Oh, and the good dash of romance thrown into the mix? That's just the cherry on top for our teen readers.
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Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
Why Children of Blood and Bone is on this list:
In the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, magic has been banished and the maji, people with magical abilities, have been slaughtered. Our heroine, Zélie, has the chance to restore magic to her people. She races against the prince while navigating feelings for the enemy, grappling with the heavy responsibility, and learning to control her powers.
What readers like: Readers love the book's rich world and vibrant characters. They're also moved by the social issues that are woven into the storyline. And, let's not forget the heart-pounding adventure and hair-raising suspense. You might need a cup of tea after this one.
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The Summoner Series
by Taran Matharu
Why The Summoner Series is on this list: The Summoner Series can take you for a wild ride in the realm of heroic fantasy thanks to the baddest adolescent summoner you’ll ever meet. It's aimed dab at the heart of teens who crave a dose of action, adventure and of course, otherworldly magic.
The Summoner Series starts with Fletcher, our hero, discovering he has the ability to summon demons from another world. Oh boy! Fletcher then lands a slot at a school where he will train to fight in an upcoming war. Imagine Hogwarts, but with a lot more rough and tumble. The series not only delivers fast-paced fantasy battles and high stakes, but also explores some heavy themes like racial and social issues. It’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
What readers like: Readers have fallen for The Summoner series hook, line, and sinker for its magical thrill ride. It’s not just about fantasy battles – though these are a runaway hit – but also the camaraderie, humor, and in-depth character development that keeps fans flipping the pages. Some say they couldn’t put it down. Others warn of sleep loss, so strap in and prepare for a few late nights.
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