50 Best Fantasy Books for Teens and Adults Part 2: A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Fantasy Subgenres

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Hello again, fantasy lovers and newbies alike! Welcome to Part 2 of our deep dive into the fantasy genre. If you missed the first part, click here to discover a plethora of fantasy subgenres and recommendations for each one. Now, let me introduce myself once again to newcomers.

Hello there! I’m Emily Campbell, the face behind The Book Nanny. I delve deep into a book, providing clear insights into its content – because no one likes unexpected or unsettling surprises. With the experience of raising two young kids and journeying through two thousand books, I’m a pro at finding the special books that align with discerning reading standards. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and get comfy in your favorite reading chair. It’s time to explore more of the magical world of fantasy, free from unwanted surprises!

A Realm of Magic & Myths Awaits

Fantasy’s beauty lies in its diverse subgenres, each weaving tales that stir the soul in unique ways. Supernatural Fantasy offers a realm where mysteries of the unknown meld with our world. Wander through Magical Fantasy, echoing with enchantments and arcane wonders. In Mythical Fantasy, ancient tales come alive anew, infused with fresh fervor. Revisit the classics with Fantastical Fairytales, rejuvenated and reimagined, and Science Fiction stretches out imagination to the stars and beyond. Choose your path and embark on a reading journey unlike any other.

Supernatural Fantasy

woman in white dress wearing green fairy wings

Supernatural books encompass anything not found in the natural world. They dive into the lives and tales of supernatural creatures, like werewolves, vampires, witches, elves, trolls, and so many more. When you pick up a supernatural book, you’re delving into a world where the extraordinary meets the ordinary. Whether it’s a being with superpowers, reminiscent of Marvel’s heroes, or ancient curses binding age-old spirits, these books promise a thrilling ride.

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper

In a future world where the oceans are high, and the world is very different, orphan twins Connor and Grace are in danger. The only home left for them is out to sea. Connor boards a pirate ship, while Grace ends up on a mysterious vessel with vampire pirates. As they search for one another, a world of adventure, danger, and the supernatural ensnares them.

This is the start of a series. Vampires is the perfect book for readers looking for a long chapter book or branching out after Harry Potter. There is some violence from various sword fights but there is nothing gory. Most of the time they are learning how to fight or avoid the fight. Add this book to your library and get it on Amazon.

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Kaylee Cavanaugh can predict when someone will die. Every time she’s near someone about to pass away, she erupts into uncontrollable shrieks. Trying to figure out her supernatural abilities while navigating teenage life, she’s thrust deeper into a world filled with banshees, reapers, and other mystical entities.

My Soul To Take is targeted at high schoolers and other young adults who want to relive high school. This is the first book of a series. There is some romance but not a lot of steam. Get your copy today at Amazon.

Discovery of Witches

Historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript and knows it’s a magical artifact. Diana is a witch, though she’s long renounced her magical heritage. This discovery sets off a series of events pulling her into a world of witches, daemons, and vampires, including the enigmatic vampire geneticist, Matthew Clairmont.

Discovery of Witches is for Adults. This is the first book of a four-book series. There is a steamy scene in the first book and other more explicit scenes in later books. All of these scenes can easily be skipped. I like how this story doesn’t revolve around the romance but it does play its part. Snag your copy of this popular book on Amazon.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

After Feyre Archeron kills a wolf, she’s taken to a magical realm by a beastly fae named Tamlin. There, she navigates a world of danger, politics, and unexpected romance. As she grows closer to Tamlin, Feyre faces threats and mysteries that challenge the very core of who she is.

This book is rated PG-13 for mature themes and explicit scenes. Ideal for older teens and adults seeking a blend of romance and fantasy. The story touches on dark themes, yet emphasizes strength and love’s transformative power. There are no adult scenes in the first book but there are many in later books in the series. Check out my review for more about this book before getting your copy on Amazon.

A Court of Mist and Fury | Review

Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans

Michael Vey seems ordinary, but he hides a unique electric power. When his mother gets kidnapped due to his secret, Michael teams up with fellow “electric” teen Taylor to uncover a sinister plot. As they dig deeper, they discover more electrified teens and a conspiracy that could change everything.

Michael Vey is similar to a PG movie for action scenes and mild peril. It’s best suited for middle graders and young teens who love sci-fi adventures. The novel blends friendship, courage, and hidden powers, to captive readers. It is the start of a nine-book series. Intrigued by electrifying secrets? Purchase on Amazon today!

Magical Fantasy

Thanks to popular series like Harry Potter, books that focus solely on the element of magic have carved a niche for themselves in the fantasy genre. Whether the protagonist is learning to harness their newfound powers or a kingdom dependent on its sorcerers, magical books take readers on a whirlwind journey through enchanted lands, spellbinding challenges, and battles where wits and spells are your weapons.

Magyk by Angie Sage

When the seventh son of a seventh son, Septimus Heap, is declared dead moments after his birth, a series of events begins. Meanwhile, his father, Silas Heap, comes across an abandoned child in the snow. As the story unfolds, secrets unravel about the Heaps’ true heritage and Septimus’s incredible magical destiny.

Magyk is perfect for young teens. There are no content worries or red flags. It’s all about the journey and the secrets he discovers. This is the first book in the series and can be found on Amazon.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers:

After escaping an arranged marriage and an abusive past, Ismae joins the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters serve the god of Death. They train her as an assassin, and soon she embarks on a mission to the high court of Brittany. There, she navigates a complex web of politics, treachery, and perhaps, unexpected love.

Grave Mercy is for older teens and young adults. For a more in-depth look at this book, check out the Content Guide I wrote here. It is more on the dark side with a lot of talk of death and ways to kill. She is an assassin after all. This is one of my favorites and the start of a trilogy. Get your copy of Grave Mercy on Amazon. You might want to pick up the other two books in the series while you’re at it.

Everless by Sara Holland

In Sempera, time is bound to blood and can be drawn out to add time to one’s lifespan. Jules Ember, once a servant at the wealthy Gerling estate, returns to Everless to earn more time for her ailing father. But as she gets entangled in the estate’s mysteries, Jules discovers dark truths about her past.

This book is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and fantasy violence. It is a mesmerizing choice for older teens who love twists and lush world-building. The narrative delves into the concepts of time, love, and sacrifice. Ready for a time-bending journey? Secure your Amazon copy now and don’t forget book 2!

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Elisabeth, raised in one of the Great Libraries, always knew that sorcerers were evil. But when a disaster strikes, she’s implicated in a crime she didn’t commit. With no one to turn to, she forms a reluctant alliance with a sorcerer and discovers truths about magic, the libraries, and herself.

Sorcery of Thorns is rated PG-13 due to elements of mild fantasy violence and romantic undertones. Ideally tailored for teenagers and older readers, the story merges dark enchantments with explorations of courage and self-discovery. If magical libraries and prohibited spells intrigue you, don’t miss out. Ready for an enchanting adventure? Snag your copy of Sorcery of Thorns on Amazon now!

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Princess Cimorene is no ordinary royal; she’s bored of her tedious life. In defiance, she runs away and volunteers to serve the dragon Kazul. Her unconventional choice leads to adventures, challenging stereotypical princess tales, and upending fairy-tale norms.

Rated PG for light fantasy peril and humor. This enchanting tale is perfect for middle-grade readers who appreciate a witty spin on classics. The story celebrates independence and challenges traditional roles. This is the first in a series. Seeking a dragon-sized adventure? Grab your copy of Dealing with Dragons from Amazon!

Mythical Fantasy

Mythical Fantasy books are a treasure trove of ancient legends and heroic tales but with a fresh spin. These books draw inspiration from time-honored myths, whisking readers away on adventures brimming with heroism, challenges, and age-old mystique. While you might recognize classic figures and narratives, be ready for unexpected twists that add new layers to old stories. This subgenre beautifully marries the reverence of age-old legends with the creativity of modern reinterpretation. From Greek to Norse legends, these tales are a testament to the timelessness of myths and the ever-evolving nature of storytelling. Dive in and let the legends of yesteryears captivate you once more.

Goddess Test by Aimée Carter

Kate Winters relocates to the town of Eden, only to find her life entangled with the dark secrets of its residents. Offered a chance to save her dying mother, Kate agrees to a series of tests that could make her immortal. As she navigates this treacherous path, Kate confronts love, betrayal, and ancient myths.

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and mythical undertones. Tailored for young adults intrigued by modern Greek mythology retellings. The story mixes romance, challenges, and age-old deities in a fresh setting. This is the first in a trilogy. Ready to face the tests of gods? Dive in with a copy from Amazon!

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson discovers he’s no ordinary boy; he’s the son of Poseidon. Blamed for stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, he embarks on a quest with friends Annabeth and Grover to clear his name. Facing monsters and gods alike, Percy unravels a prophecy and his destiny.

Rated PG for mythological action and mild peril. Ideal for middle graders and up, drawing them into a world where myths come alive. This fast-paced adventure combines humor, friendship, and legendary quests. This is the first in a series and the entrance to an entire mythological world. Set on a godly quest? Start your journey with The Lightning Thief from Amazon today!

Nobody’s Princess by Esther Friesner

Meet Helen of Sparta, way before her transformation into Helen of Troy. This Helen doesn’t wait in towers; she actively pursues her destiny outside the palace. Through every adventure and challenge, Helene stands strong defying her royal birthright and showcasing her warrior spirit.

Nobody’s Princess is rated PG. It highlights empowerment and some ancient-world confrontations. Middle-grade readers and older will appreciate Helen’s fiery spirit and determination. This is the first book in an eight-book series. Ready for a legendary journey? Order your tale from Amazon!

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

When twins Sophie and Josh encounter the immortal Nicholas Flamel, they’re thrust into a battle against dark magicians. Possessing the power of the Book of Abraham the Mage, they’re the key to saving humanity. As they uncover their magical abilities, they race against time and ancient foes.

Rated PG for mystical elements and fantasy confrontations. Designed for middle-grade and older readers attracted to magical lore and alchemical tales. The series blends history, magic, and relentless pursuit. This is the first book of a six-book series. Delve into centuries-old secrets? Discover more on Amazon!

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Gen, a skilled thief, is released from prison with a catch: he must steal a legendary object for the king’s magus. As he journeys with the magus and a band of companions, intrigues and secrets unfold, revealing Gen’s actual role in a much larger game of power.

Rated PG for intrigue, theft, and political machinations. This gripping tale is apt for young adults and those young at heart, who appreciate smartly woven plots. It’s a dance of wit, strategy, and unexpected twists. This is the first of six books. Ready for a heist of legendary proportions? Swipe your copy from Amazon! This is one book with a forever home on my bookshelf.

Fantastical Fairytales

Fairytales now captivate adults just as much as children. Dive into the enchanting tales from your childhood, only now with a more mature and imaginative twist. These stories breathe new life into classic fairytales, mixing the familiar with fresh insights and profound themes. They strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation, presenting beloved characters and magical realms in a modern light. While you’ll recognize the fairy godmothers, cursed princesses, and clever foxes, you’ll find they now inhabit stories that have undergone a brilliant transformation.

Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Princess Anidori, bound for a politically arranged marriage, is betrayed en route by her entourage. Disguised as the Goose Girl, she tends to the king’s geese while navigating palace intrigues, making unexpected friends, and reclaiming her true identity and destiny.

This book is similar to a PG movie because of mild fantasy peril and royal conspiracies. Perfect for middle graders, teens, and young adults who adore transformative tales with resilient heroines. A journey of identity and courage unfolds. This is the first of four books. Want to meet the real Goose Girl? Fetch your royal tale from Amazon!

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

Gifted and cursed with the ability to understand animals, Lass has always felt different. When a polar bear promises riches in exchange for her companionship, a Norse fairy tale unravels as they confront an enchanted castle and an ancient curse.

Rated PG for mythical creatures and enchanting challenges. Tailored for teen readers looking for folklore-inspired adventures. Romance is at the center of it, but there is no explicit content here! Eager for this chilly, heartwarming tale? Snag your copy of this winter tale from Amazon!

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Modern Manhattan meets a classic curse when privileged Kyle is transformed into a grotesque beast after mocking a witch. To revert to his former self, he must find someone to love him despite his monstrous appearance, and he must love them in return.

Rated PG-13 for mature themes and modern magical elements. Suited for teenagers and up, especially those who enjoy contemporary spins on age-old tales. Love and redemption are at the story’s heart. Intrigued by modern fairy tales? Discover the truth behind the beast on Amazon!

Geekerella by Ashley Poston

Elle, a die-hard fan of the sci-fi show “Starfield,” dreams of attending ExcelsiCon. When she crosses paths with Darien, the actor slated to play the Federation Prince, their texting relationship sparks in this quirky Cinderella retelling set in the world of fandoms.

Rated PG for fandom fun and light romance. A delightful read for young adults and anyone immersed in fan culture and conventions. A narrative where dreams, geekiness, and love align. Ready to root for a fangirl’s fairy tale? Beam up your copy from Amazon!

The Princess Companion by Melanie Cellier

Alyssa, a woodcutter’s daughter, finds herself playing the part of a royal companion for the temperamental Princess Noelle. As mysteries unfold in the palace, Alyssa discovers conspiracies and magic, while unexpectedly finding herself falling for the elusive prince.

Rated PG for mild danger and budding romance. A heartwarming pick for those who cherish tales of unexpected bravery and romance. This is great for teens of all ages. Dive into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. Fancy a dance of destiny and love? Waltz into the tale with Amazon!

Science Fiction

Person in Space Suit Looking At A Screen

Blending the boundless curiosity of fantasy with the ingenuity of futuristic thought, science fiction propels readers into realms where technology meets the unknown, and galaxies beyond our reach come alive. Dive into stories where aliens cross paths with humans, space travel defies the boundaries of time, and epic quests aboard starships unfold. These tales touch on the marvels of advanced technology, the challenges of survival in otherworldly terrains, imminent disasters, and the ethical dilemmas faced in a universe teeming with possibility. In science fiction, the vastness of space and the intricacies of futuristic visions intertwine, offering a journey that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is awe-inspiring.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Lilac LaRoux, the daughter of the richest man in the universe, and soldier Tarver Merendsen survive a crash on an eerily deserted planet. Together, they must navigate the wild terrain, confront unknown dangers, and grapple with their growing feelings for each other.

Rated PG-13 for perilous situations and underlying romance. Ideal for young adults and fans of space operas with rich emotional depth. A cosmic love story set against a mysterious backdrop awaits. Embark on an interstellar journey? Secure your starlit adventure on Amazon!

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

When their planet is invaded, Kady and Ezra, former lovers, must escape on a starship fleet. Through a compilation of hacked documents, the duo uncovers a vast conspiracy, battling not only the enemy but a lethal plague and AI system on the fritz. Who can they trust? Can they trust each other?

Rated PG-13 for intense sci-fi action and themes. A thrilling ride for teens and up, presented in an unconventional format that uses transcripts, IMs, and more. Experience space warfare and suspense like never before. Dive into the files and uncover the truth on Amazon!

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Young Ender Wiggin is recruited into Battle School. A school in the stars that trains children to fight against an impending alien invasion. Amid rigorous simulations, Ender confronts the ethical quandaries of war, leadership, and his role in humanity’s survival.

Rated PG-13 for strategic battles and deep moral dilemmas. Crafted for those who love intense, thought-provoking military science fiction. It’s best for teens and adults. Witness the making of a legend and the cost of victory. Ready for strategic mastery? Enlist in Ender’s journey on Amazon!

Dune by Frank Herbert

On the barren planet Arrakis, Paul Atreides, the rightful heir of a noble family, becomes embroiled in a fight for dominance over a valuable and potent spice that can bestow extraordinary abilities. Betrayal, prophecies, and vast sandworms lead Paul on a destiny-altering path.

Rated PG-13 for intricate politics, battles, and mature themes. A must-read for epic sci-fi enthusiasts seeking grand scale, deep lore, and intricate character dynamics. It’s perfect for older teens and adults. Traverse the sands of intrigue and destiny. Crave a dive into the universe of Dune? Unearth its secrets on Amazon!

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

In a near-future dystopia, Wade Watts escapes reality by entering the OASIS, a virtual utopia. When its creator dies and leaves behind a treasure hunt for his vast fortune, Wade embarks on a perilous quest, clashing with powerful foes and navigating 80s pop culture references.

Rated PG-13 for action-packed sequences and some mature content. Tailored for fans of video games, virtual realities, and nostalgic 80s references. It is best for adults because of the adult content. A digital realm of treasure, danger, and lore beckons. Ready for the ultimate e-quest? Plug into the OASIS with Amazon!

Conclusion

Well, dear readers, that concludes Part 2 of our fantasy exploration. With so many subgenres and incredible books to explore, there’s truly something for everyone. If you’ve found a title that piques your interest, click on the links to delve deeper.

I’m sorry if I left your favorite fantasy books off this list. I could only include so many. Let me know in the comments which of your favorites needs to be on the next fantasy round-up page. And as always, happy reading!

Until next time,

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and decide to buy, I make a small commission for referring you. This helps me make a few cents for doing what I love.