Best Fantasy Book Series for Teens Who Love Escaping Into Another World
Sometimes the best part of reading is leaving the real world behind.
Whether you’re stepping into a kingdom ruled by dragons, attending a magical academy, surviving deadly competitions, or discovering hidden powers you never knew existed, fantasy books have a way of transporting readers to places where anything feels possible.
One of the best things about fantasy novels is that the adventure doesn’t have to end after one book. Many of the most beloved young adult fantasy stories are part of incredible series that let you spend even more time with your favorite characters and explore richly imagined worlds filled with magic, danger, friendship, and unforgettable adventures.
If you’re looking for your next obsession, these fantasy series are perfect for teens who love getting completely lost in another world.
1. The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Books: 4+ (including prequels)
Recommended Age: 13+
Although often considered dystopian fiction, The Hunger Games contains many fantasy-style elements that make it just as immersive as traditional fantasy novels. Readers are transported to the nation of Panem, where sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to compete in the deadly Hunger Games to save her younger sister.
As the series unfolds, what begins as a fight for survival becomes a much larger story about courage, sacrifice, rebellion, and hope. Suzanne Collins creates a world that feels completely believable, filled with memorable characters and impossible choices that keep readers emotionally invested from beginning to end.
Why Teens Love It: Action, suspense, unforgettable characters, and one of the strongest heroines in young adult fiction.
2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Books: Multiple interconnected series
Recommended Age: 11+
What if the Greek gods were still alive today—and your math teacher turned into a monster?
That’s exactly what Percy Jackson discovers after learning he’s the son of Poseidon. Suddenly he’s attending Camp Half-Blood, battling mythological creatures, and embarking on dangerous quests alongside other demigods.
Rick Riordan masterfully blends Greek mythology with modern humor, making ancient legends feel fresh and exciting for today’s readers. Better yet, Percy’s adventures continue through multiple companion series, giving readers years of adventures to enjoy.
Why Teens Love It: Funny, fast-paced, and filled with nonstop adventure.
3. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Books: 7
Recommended Age: 10+
Few fantasy series have captured readers’ imaginations quite like Harry Potter.
When Harry learns he’s a wizard, his ordinary life is replaced by magical classes, enchanted castles, mythical creatures, and friendships that shape his future. Each year at Hogwarts brings new mysteries, increasingly dangerous adventures, and unforgettable moments.
What makes Harry Potter so enduring is how the characters grow alongside the readers. The books become deeper and more emotionally complex with each installment while never losing the sense of wonder that made readers fall in love with the wizarding world.
Why Teens Love It: Hogwarts feels like a place every reader wishes they could visit.
4. Six of Crows & Shadow and Bone Universe by Leigh Bardugo
Books: Multiple series set in the Grishaverse
Recommended Age: 14+
Leigh Bardugo has created one of the richest fantasy universes in young adult literature.
Readers can begin with the original Shadow and Bone trilogy or jump into the wildly popular Six of Crows duology, where a team of talented outcasts attempts an impossible heist. Throughout the Grishaverse, readers encounter magical Grisha, political intrigue, dangerous missions, unforgettable villains, and characters who feel wonderfully real.
Each series expands the world while introducing new heroes and adventures.
Why Teens Love It: Incredible world-building, morally complex characters, and thrilling adventures.
5. Legendborn Cycle by Tracy Deonn
Books: Ongoing series
Recommended Age: 14+
After her mother’s death, Bree Matthews joins a college program hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she discovers a secret society descended from the legendary Knights of the Round Table.
As Bree uncovers hidden magic, ancient secrets, and her own extraordinary abilities, she becomes caught in a battle far older than she ever imagined.
The series blends Arthurian legend with contemporary fantasy while exploring identity, grief, family, and courage in meaningful ways.
Why Teens Love It: A fresh take on classic legends with unforgettable characters.
6. Powerless Series by Lauren Roberts
Books: Ongoing trilogy
Recommended Age: 14+
In the kingdom of Ilya, magical powers determine everything. Those born without abilities rarely survive.
Paedyn Gray has spent her entire life pretending to possess powers she doesn’t actually have. When she unexpectedly finds herself competing alongside the kingdom’s elite warriors, every challenge threatens to expose her secret.
Filled with romance, political intrigue, dangerous competitions, and impossible choices, Powerless has quickly become one of the hottest fantasy series among teen readers.
Why Teens Love It: Fans of The Hunger Games, Red Queen, and Fourth Wing won’t want to miss this one.
7. The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black
Books: Trilogy plus companion novels
Recommended Age: 14+
Jude Duarte was raised in the dangerous world of Faerie after witnessing her parents’ murder as a child.
Unlike the immortal fae who surround her, Jude is completely human, forcing her to rely on intelligence, determination, and political strategy to survive. Court intrigue, betrayal, romance, and power struggles dominate every page as Jude fights for her place among creatures who underestimate her.
Prince Cardan’s complicated relationship with Jude has become one of YA fantasy’s most talked-about romances.
Why Teens Love It: Enemies-to-lovers romance, political intrigue, and unforgettable plot twists.
8. Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini
Books: 5+
Recommended Age: 12+
When farm boy Eragon discovers what appears to be a strange blue stone, he has no idea it’s actually a dragon egg.
Soon he’s bonded with the dragon Saphira and swept into an epic battle against an evil king threatening the entire kingdom.
Filled with dragons, elves, dwarves, magic, sword fights, and sprawling adventures, this series captures everything readers love about classic fantasy.
Why Teens Love It: If dragons are your favorite fantasy creatures, this series belongs on your bookshelf.
9. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Books: 4 main novels plus novellas
Recommended Age: 13+
Imagine your favorite fairy tales set in a futuristic world filled with cyborgs, space colonies, advanced technology, and political conspiracies.
Each book introduces a new heroine inspired by classic fairy tales including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. Their stories gradually intertwine as they work together to stop an evil queen from conquering Earth.
The series combines science fiction and fantasy into one unforgettable adventure.
Why Teens Love It: Familiar fairy tales with exciting twists and amazing female heroes.
10. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Books: 4
Recommended Age: 14+
Laia lives under the brutal rule of a military empire where speaking out against the government can cost your life.
After her brother is arrested, she agrees to spy on the empire’s elite military academy. There she meets Elias, one of the academy’s most gifted soldiers who secretly dreams of escaping his violent future.
Their lives become intertwined in a story filled with rebellion, ancient magic, loyalty, sacrifice, and hope.
Sabaa Tahir creates an unforgettable fantasy world inspired by ancient Rome while delivering nonstop action and emotional storytelling.
Why Teens Love It: Epic adventures, emotional depth, and characters you’ll never forget.
11. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Books: Ongoing series
Recommended Age: 10+
Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has always known she was different. She can read minds, but she has no idea why.
Everything changes when she discovers she actually belongs in a hidden world filled with elves, magical creatures, and incredible abilities. As Sophie learns about her true past, she uncovers mysteries that could change both worlds forever.
With each new installment, the magical world grows larger while introducing new friendships, villains, and adventures.
Why Teens Love It: A perfect choice for readers graduating from middle-grade fantasy into young adult novels.
12. Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard
Books: 4 main novels plus companion books
Recommended Age: 14+
In Mare Barrow’s world, your blood determines your future.
Those with silver blood possess extraordinary powers and rule over everyone else. Those with red blood are ordinary—and expected to serve.
When Mare unexpectedly displays abilities that shouldn’t exist, she’s forced into the dangerous world of the Silver elite while hiding secrets that could destroy the kingdom.
Filled with betrayals, rebellion, romance, and shocking twists, Red Queen quickly became a favorite among fantasy readers.
Why Teens Love It: Political intrigue, magical powers, and plenty of unexpected surprises.
Why Fantasy Series Are So Addictive
The best fantasy books don’t just tell a story—they build entire worlds that readers never want to leave.
These series introduce magical kingdoms, unforgettable friendships, incredible adventures, and heroes who remind us that courage often comes from the most unlikely places. The longer the series, the more connected readers become to the characters, making every victory feel sweeter and every loss more emotional.
Whether you’re just discovering fantasy or you’re already searching for your next epic adventure, these twelve series offer hundreds of hours of unforgettable reading.
So visit your local library, browse your favorite bookstore, or dust off your e-reader. Once you open the first book, don’t be surprised if you’re still reading long after bedtime—and immediately reaching for book two.
You must be logged in to post a comment.