Fantasy fans love stories that whisk them into vivid worlds with powerful magic, epic quests and unforgettable heroes. The best series don’t just entertain; they pull you into adventures where danger is real, friendships matter and even the smallest choice can change everything.
These books are especially perfect for teens (and anyone who still reads like one) because they capture that exhilarating mix of discovery, identity and high-stakes wonder. Whether you’re into futuristic fairy tales, eerie necromancy or myth-fueled battles, these six series promise journeys worth getting lost in.
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Winter, Fairest: Levana’s Story and Stars Above
In a futuristic world where Earth and the moon (Luna) are at political odds, The Lunar Chronicles retell classic fairy tales with a sci-fi twist. It begins with Cinder, a cyborg mechanic in New Beijing whose life gets tangled with Prince Kai amid a deadly plague and Lunar conspiracies. As more characters emerge — Scarlet, a street fighter; Cress, a hacker trapped on a satellite; and Winter, a Lunar princess — they unite (often reluctantly) to overthrow the tyrannical Queen Levana. Their journey is full of romance, identity struggles, found family and the fight for freedom.
The Kumari Verse by Samuel Johnson
The Kumari Chronicles: The Realm of Magic and Volume One and Two of The Lost Tales of the Kumari Verse
Suburban siblings John and Chloe believe their biggest problems are just high school — but everything changes when their mother suddenly disappears and Uncle Bryan, a stern army veteran, steps in. They discover a hidden magical realm accessible in sleep, full of demons, kidnappers and enigmatic beings like Silver, who bends the rules of reality. The Lost Tales expand that universe through standalone short stories — myths, monsters, magic, gods and legends tied to time travel and local lore — deepening the world’s mysteries and raising the stakes in both ordinary and magical realms.
Old Kingdom Trilogy by Garth Nix
Garth Nix’s classic Old Kingdom trilogy blends dark magic, gothic atmosphere and coming-of-age quests. The story begins with a young necromancer’s daughter who must cross into the Old Kingdom to rescue her father, armed only with a set of magical bells. She soon faces undead horrors, treacherous Free Magic and uneasy allies like the sardonic talking cat, Mogget. The saga continues with Lirael and Prince Sameth as they uncover prophecies and face Orannis the Destroyer, a being of world-ending power. Known for its inventive Charter magic system and unforgettable heroines, the trilogy balances eerie menace with heroic resilience.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
The Gilded Wolves, The Silvered Serpents and The Bronzed Beasts
Set in 1889 Paris, this dazzling blend of heist, history and magic follows Séverin, a treasure hunter coerced by a secret society into finding a powerful artifact. To succeed, he assembles a crew of brilliant misfits: an engineer, a historian, a dancer and more. Together they must unravel cryptic puzzles, wield Forging magic and outwit rivals in a city glittering with danger. As the series progresses, the stakes widen beyond Paris, sweeping into Russia and Venice. Richly atmospheric and emotionally layered, it’s a story of friendship, sacrifice and ambition wrapped in mythic intrigue.
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott
The Alchemyst, The Magician, The Sorceress, The Necromancer, The Warlock and The Enchantress
Ordinary teenage twins Sophie and Josh are thrust into an ancient battle between immortals after encountering the legendary alchemist Nicholas Flamel, who is locked in a struggle against the sinister Dr. John Dee and the Dark Elders. Traveling from San Francisco to Paris, London and beyond, the twins must learn elemental magic while meeting gods and figures from myth and legend, from Bastet to Joan of Arc. Layered with prophecy and peril, the six-book saga is a whirlwind of history, fantasy and nonstop adventure with the fate of humanity at stake.
Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
The Red Pyramid, The Throne of Fire and The Serpent’s Shadow
Best known for his Percy Jackson series, Rick Riordan’s Kane Chronicles infuses Egyptian mythology into a modern setting. Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, estranged by circumstance, reunite only to discover their bloodline ties them to ancient magicians and gods. When chaos god Set rises, they must master magic on the run, drawing aid from deities like Horus and Isis while fending off monsters straight from myth. Told in alternating voices, the trilogy is fast, funny and packed with action. Combining globe-trotting quests, clever banter and mythological depth, it’s a rollercoaster ride through one of history’s most fascinating pantheons.
