Best Epic Fantasy Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Throne of Glass Box Set is a worldwide phenomenon that has taken the fantasy genre by storm. This 8-book paperback set follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a beautiful assassin who fights to protect everything she holds dear in a world ruled by a vicious king. The action-packed series is full of epic fantasy proportions, tightly plotted, and impossible to put down. Sarah J. Maas is a brilliant storyteller who shines in this series. The box set comes complete with an exclusive poster and is a must-read for lovers of epic fantasy and fairy tales.

The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy books for teens and young adults. The trilogy follows Alina Starkov as she discovers her dormant powers and is swept up in a world of luxury and illusion, facing old alliances and the limits of magic. The books offer a fascinating, unique world rich with detail, lush descriptions, intriguing magic, and plenty of twists. The memorable adventure also offers action and intrigue mixed with an undercurrent of romance and danger. Overall, this boxed set is a well-written, well-drawn, and captivating story that will keep readers engaged until the very end.

The Six of Crows Boxed Set by Leigh Bardugo is a must-read for fans of the Grishaverse series. The set includes the thrilling Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom duology, which introduces a new cast of characters, cities, and cultures. Follow Kaz and his crew as they attempt to pull off an impossible heist in a world of magic and mayhem. Bardugo's ingenious plotting and character development are on full display in this exhilarating follow-up. The diverse cast of characters with differing sexual orientations make for a satisfyingly believable family. Overall, this boxed set is a fantastic addition to the Grishaverse and a unique and exciting read for fans of fantasy action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

Murtagh: The World of Eragon is a gripping novel by Christopher Paolini, set a year after the Inheritance Cycle. It follows the journey of Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn, as they confront a new enemy in a world that has abandoned them. The book is a perfect entry point to the World of Eragon and a joyous return for the fans. Paolini's storytelling skills are at their best in this epic fantasy, which is both familiar and untraveled. The book is a must-read for fantasy action and adventure enthusiasts, especially teens and young adults.

The Folk of the Air Complete Paperback Gift Set is a stunning trilogy by Holly Black that takes readers on a thrilling journey to the treacherous High Court of Faerie. The set includes The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, and The Queen of Nothing, where the protagonist, Jude, navigates the dangerous world of Faerie to win a place at the Court and save her sisters. Holly Black's writing is captivating, filled with twists, enchantment, and palace intrigues that keep the reader engaged until the very end. This set is a must-have for fans of fantasy action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

The Hobbit is a classic prelude to J.R.R. Tolkien's famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. The book tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who leads a comfortable life until a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf show up at his doorstep. They convince Bilbo to join them on a quest to raid the treasure hoard guarded by the dangerous dragon, Smaug the Magnificent. This adventure takes Bilbo on a journey through Middle-earth, where he encounters various creatures, including the infamous Gollum. The Hobbit is a well-loved novel filled with suspense, humor, and adventure, making it a must-read for fans of classic literature and fiction books.

The Wicked King by Holly Black is a mesmerizing and violent sequel to The Cruel Prince. The story follows Jude, who has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her and made herself the power behind the throne. However, navigating the political alliances of Faerie is no easy task, especially when Cardan does everything in his power to undermine her. The plot is full of twists and turns, spies, and revels, making for a thrilling read. Black's world-building is intricate and intelligent, and her writing is both contemporary and classic. Overall, The Wicked King is an exceptional addition to the Fantasy Action & Adventure genre for teens and young adults.

The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition is a beautiful gift edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic tale, fully illustrated by artist Jemima Catlin. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is whisked away on a journey to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a dangerous dragon. The New York Times Book Review describes it as "a glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible." The illustrations in this edition bring the story to life, making it a must-have for any Tolkien fan.

The Ballad of Never After is the captivating sequel to Once Upon a Broken Heart, featuring Evangeline Fox and the Prince of Hearts on a new journey of magic, mystery, and heartbreak. After being betrayed by Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, Evangeline swears she'll never trust him again. However, a new curse forces them to team up again, and this time, the rules have changed. The story is filled with non-stop adventure, multiple twists, and a will-they-won't-they relationship that will leave readers breathless. Stephanie Garber's masterful storytelling, combined with the fresh and addictive take on the fairytale trope, makes this book a must-read for fans of epic fantasy books for teens and young adults.