Ever feel lost in a sea of fantasy books? Do you crave magic, adventure, and characters you can cheer for, but get overwhelmed by all the choices? Picking a new Young Adult (YA) fantasy series can feel like a quest itself! You want something exciting, but you also don’t want to waste time on a series that fizzles out halfway through.
It’s tough to know which worlds to dive into. Maybe you’ve been burned before by a slow start or a predictable plot. Finding that perfect blend of thrilling action and deep connection with the characters is the real treasure hunt.
This post cuts through the noise. We will explore some of the most highly recommended and beloved YA fantasy series out there. You will discover new series that promise unforgettable journeys and help you avoid those reading disappointments.
Get ready to pack your bags for epic new realms! Let’s jump in and find your next favorite fantasy obsession.
Top Ya Fantasy Series Recommendations
- Sanderson, Brandon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 03/31/2020 (Publication Date) - Tor Fantasy (Publisher)
- Garber, Stephanie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 1421 Pages - 10/05/2021 (Publication Date) - Flatiron Books (Publisher)
- Siege and Storm
- Ruin and Rising
- This product will be an excellent pick for you
- Bardugo, Leigh (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Aveyard, Victoria (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 2112 Pages - 10/04/2022 (Publication Date) - HarperCollins (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Brown, Pierce (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 401 Pages - 01/28/2014 (Publication Date) - Del Rey (Publisher)
- Audible Audiobook
- Jeffrey L. Kohanek (Author) - Travis Baldree (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- 07/20/2021 (Publication Date) - Fallbrandt Press (Publisher)
- Bardugo, Leigh (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 1021 Pages - 10/16/2018 (Publication Date) - Square Fish (Publisher)
- Barnes, Jennifer Lynn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 1680 Pages - 10/03/2023 (Publication Date) - Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Publisher)
Your Guide to Choosing the Best ‘Ya Fantasy Series’
Picking a new Young Adult (YA) Fantasy series can feel like stepping into a magical maze! There are so many worlds to explore and characters to meet. This guide will help you choose the perfect series for your next adventure.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a new series, check these important parts first. These features decide how much fun you will have reading.
1. World-Building Depth
- Intricate Magic Systems: Does the magic have clear rules? Simple rules make the story easy to follow. Complex rules make the world feel very real.
- Unique Settings: Look for worlds that feel different from others. Are there floating islands or underwater kingdoms? A fresh setting keeps things exciting.
- Cultural Detail: Do the characters have unique clothing, food, or traditions? Good details make the world come alive.
2. Compelling Characters
- Relatable Heroes: The main character should face real problems, even with magic. You need to care about what happens to them.
- Strong Character Arcs: Watch how the main character changes from the first book to the last. They should learn lessons and grow stronger.
- Well-Developed Villains: The bad guys should have good reasons for what they do. Boring villains make for boring fights.
3. Pacing and Plot Structure
- Consistent Pacing: Does the story move too fast or too slow? The best books balance exciting action with quieter moments for character thought.
- Satisfying Endings: Each book should finish with a meaningful event. The overall series ending must tie up the big story threads neatly.
Important Materials (What Makes a Good Story)
In fantasy, “materials” are the building blocks of the story itself. These elements should be strong.
1. Theme and Message
What is the book *really* about? Great YA fantasy often explores themes like friendship, courage, or identity. A strong underlying message gives the story lasting power.
2. Prose Quality
Prose is just how the author writes the sentences. Clear, engaging writing keeps you turning pages. Flowery, confusing language slows you down. Simple, active sentences often work best for fast-paced fantasy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a series shine, while others can make you want to put the book down.
Quality Boosters:
- Originality: Avoid stories that copy famous fantasy series too closely. New ideas always score higher.
- Emotional Stakes: When you truly worry about the characters, the quality feels higher.
Quality Reducers:
- Info-Dumps: When the author stops the story to explain 10 pages of history, the quality drops. History should be shown, not just told.
- Plot Holes: If the story requires you to ignore common sense or forget earlier rules, the quality suffers.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you read the series matters. Think about when and why you want to read it.
For Quick Escapism:
If you need a fun break, look for series known for high action and straightforward conflicts. These are great for reading on a bus or before bed.
For Deep Immersion:
If you love spending hours researching maps and timelines, choose series with massive world-building. These require more focus but offer a bigger payoff.
Series Length:
Shorter series (2-3 books) are great if you hate waiting years for the next installment. Longer series offer a bigger commitment to one world.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Ya Fantasy Series’
Q: What is the best way to start a new YA Fantasy series?
A: Start with Book One, of course! Also, read the first chapter carefully. If you are hooked by the end of Chapter One, you found a winner.
Q: Should I avoid series that have been adapted into movies or TV shows?
A: Not necessarily. Sometimes the show helps you visualize the world better. However, the book is almost always richer in detail.
Q: How long should a good YA Fantasy series be?
A: There is no perfect length. Many popular series run for three to five main books. Avoid anything over seven unless you really love the world.
Q: What if the romance subplot feels too strong?
A: YA fantasy often includes romance. If it takes over the main plot, it reduces the quality. Look for reviews that mention balanced romance versus adventure.
Q: Are older series less good than new ones?
A: No. Older classics set the standard. Newer series often have better representation and faster pacing, but quality depends on the author, not the date.
Q: What if the main character seems weak at first?
A: This is often intentional! A weak start builds a better character arc. If they are still making the same mistakes by Book Two, then it is a problem.
Q: How do I know if the world-building is too complicated?
A: If you need a separate glossary or map just to understand who is fighting whom, the complexity might be too high for casual reading.
Q: Are standalone fantasy novels better than series?
A: Standalones finish quickly. Series let you live in the world longer. It is just a matter of how much time you want to commit.
Q: What is a “duology”?
A: A duology is a fantasy story told across exactly two books. They are a great middle ground between a single book and a long series.
Q: How important are the cover designs?
A: Cover designs are important because they attract you first. However, a beautiful cover can sometimes hide a weak story inside. Always check the summary!