The world of fantasy literature is a vast one, with popularity on the rise every year. We all love to escape from our daily lives, and what better way than by immersing yourself in an epic fantasy read. If there’s one subgenre of fantasy that you shouldn’t count out, it’s young adult.
YA fantasy book series are not only numerous, but incredible. They are both sweeping epic and coming-of-age tales. Take a look at some YA fantasy book series that you need to check out.
5. The Last Hours Series by Cassandra Clare
Fans of Shadowhunters, rejoice! Cassandra Clare is always treating us to sweeping, epic stories in an urban fantasy setting. Her latest series takes readers to 1900s London, and follows Cordelia Carstairs, a young woman on a mission to help exonerate her father, who’s been accused of a horrible crime.
The young Shadowhunter will face demons old and new, and fight to become the warrior that she’s always hoped to be. Fans of Clare’s Infernal Devices series will be thrilled to find fan favourite characters amongst this new generation of Shadowhunters. The Last Hours contains 3 installments:
- Chain of Gold
- Chain of Iron
- Chain of Thorns
Why we recommend it: Urban fantasy doesn’t always get the hype that it should, but Cassandra Clare has turned it into an art form.
4. Sisters of the Salt Series by Erin A. Craig
Readers searching for a darker, gothic tone to their YA fantasy TBR will be thrilled with Ern. A Craig’s Sisters of the Salt series. A retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale The Twelve Dancing Princesses, the novels take place in a secluded mansion at the edge of the sea, where 12 sisters live with their father and stepmother.
Mysteriously, several of the sisters have tragically passed away under various circumstances. It soon becomes apparent that there is more to the deaths of these girls than it would seem at first glance. Sisters of the Salt currently has two installments, with a third on the way in 2026:
- House of Salt & Sorrows
- House of Roots & Ruin
- Untitled third book (expected publication: summer 2026)
Why we recommend it: Seeing a lesser-known Grimm fairytale receive an upgrade is a rare thing indeed, and Erin A. Craig has managed to weave a dark tale filled with intrigue and danger.
RelatedWhy Everyone’s Obsessed With Romantasy Books In 2025
3. Dance of Thieves Series by Mary E. Pearson
A band of outlaws, a game of cat-and-mouse, and an enemies-to-lovers arc to satisfy any reader, the Dance of Thieves duology is the perfect choice for YA fantasy lovers who want a dash of epic adventure with their reading. A newly appointed head of a respected outlaw family finds himself thrust together with a thief turned Queen’s guard, and the two must work together in order to free themselves from the clutches of enemy forces.
When their animosity morphs into something more intimate, the two will have to decide whether or not their hearts are worth fighting for. Dance of Thieves has two installments:
- Dance of Thieves
- Vow of Thieves
Why we recommend it: If you’re searching for something with a more fun, more Princess Bride-esque quality, Dance of Thieves will be just the ticket.
RelatedSurvival & Glass Slippers: Review of Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella
2. The Scarlet Veil Series by Shelby Mahurin
For those of us who never grew out of our vampire romantasy phase. The Scarlet Veil follows Célie Tremblay (who fans of Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove series will surely remember), as she defies her good girl image and tracks down a new monster invading her kingdom.
As her investigation draws her into a dark, dangerous world, Célie will realize that she’s not only risking her life, but her heart as well. The Scarlet Veil is a duology, with the second novel published this past March:
- The Scarlet Veil
- The Shadow Bride
Why we recommend it: Fans of Mahurin’s previous work and lovers of a dark vampire romance, will be sure to sink their teeth into this series.
Enjoying this article?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter1. The Fae of Bitter Thorn Series by Kay L. Moody
A determined young woman finds herself swept into a world of Faeries and monsters in this YA series. To save her sisters, Elora strikes a bargain with a Faerie prince. Little does she know, the prince has tricked her, and she must remain trapped in his realm until he is able to take his rightful place on the throne.
As she trains the prince in the art of sword fighting, Elora will find herself having to fight her own mounting feelings for Prince Brannick, while hiding her own betrayal in order to make it home.
The Fae of Bitter Thorn treats readers to multiple installments and even a spinoff or two to boot:
- Heir of Bitter Thorn (prequel to set up the events of the first novel)
- Court of Bitter Thorn
- Castle of Bitter Thorn
- Dragon of Fairfrost (side story set within the same universe)
- Crown of Bitter Thorn
- Queen of Bitter Thorn
Why we recommend it: An immersive world and slow-burning goodness lie at the heart of this Fae fantasy series.
The world of YA fantasy is such a vast one, and you’re bound to find something that appeals to readers of many ages. Filled with intrigue, romance, and adventure, these series are sure to captivate audiences for years to come.
