Best Medieval Historical Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Girl in the Castle by James Patterson is a thrilling novel that follows Hannah Dory, a teen caught between two worlds, as she seeks to save her sister by traveling back in time to a brutal winter in 1347. However, Hannah's journey is not without its challenges, and she must navigate the truth of her identity and the consequences of her actions. With action-packed fight scenes, flickers of romance, and Patterson's signature speedy chapters, this survival story is sure to captivate young adult readers who enjoy suspenseful tales with a side of political revolt. Overall, The Girl in the Castle is a unique and exciting addition to the survival stories genre.

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli is a classic tale set in the fourteenth century that tells the story of a young boy's personal heroism after he loses the use of his legs. The book is a heartwarming and inspiring read for children, and its historical setting offers a unique perspective on medieval life. Marguerite de Angeli's beautiful illustrations add to the overall charm of the book. Overall, The Door in the Wall is a must-read for young readers interested in historical fiction and tales of personal triumph.

The Knowledge Seeker by Rae Knightly is a thrilling young-adult dystopian novel that takes a thought-provoking look at what would happen to our civilization six hundred years from now if we disappeared today. The story follows a sixteen-year-old girl who is the sole bearer of the knowledge of the lost civilization. She must find a way to spread knowledge back to the world, or humanity will be doomed to servitude. The book has won multiple awards and received high praise for its clever plot, strong message about climate change, and exciting action-packed adventure. It is a must-read for fans of The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner.

Kingdom's Dawn (Kingdom, Book 1) is a captivating Christian action and adventure book for teens and young adults. The book follows the journey of Leinad, a young farmer's son who discovers his calling to fulfill a mission given to him by the King himself. Teamed up with a young slave girl, Leinad faces adversity and danger in a world where the Dark Knight and his vicious Shadow Warriors will stop at nothing to thwart the King's plan to restore the kingdom. The book is a riveting medieval parallel to the Bible, with swords, knights, and battles that define these captivating tales that parallel biblical events from Genesis to Revelation. Overall, Kingdom's Dawn is a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting adventure with a Christian twist.

Fatal Throne: The Wives of Henry VIII Tell All is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of King Henry VIII's six wives. Written by seven award-winning and bestselling authors, the book offers a unique and intimate perspective on the royals during one of the most treacherous times in history. Each queen's story is told from their own point of view, providing a fascinating insight into their individual experiences. Romance, tragedy, power, and intrigue dominate the accounts, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in British history or the Royal Family. Overall, Fatal Throne is a must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction and want to learn more about the wives of Henry VIII.

Lauren Kate's FALLEN IN LOVE is a USA Today bestseller that tells the story of four intersecting love stories on Valentine's Day in medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love unexpectedly, Roland learns a painful lesson about love, Arriane pays the price for a fierce love, and Daniel and Luce spend a unique night together. This book is a perfect choice for fans of fantasy romance books for teens and young adults. The book's unique blend of romance and fantasy will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman is a fascinating and original take on dragons. Seraphina is a half-dragon, struggling to keep her identity hidden in a world where dragons and humans coexist uneasily. When a member of the royal family is murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside Prince Lucian. As they uncover a plot to destroy the peace of the kingdom, Seraphina's secret becomes increasingly difficult to protect. Hartman's world-building is exceptional, and her dragons are some of the most interesting in fantasy literature. Overall, Seraphina is a beautifully written, intricately plotted fantasy that is not to be missed.

The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson is a retelling of the Snow White story that is set in a post-medieval era. Sophie wants to escape her stepmother’s jealousy and believes that escape is her only chance to be happy. When Gabe arrives from Hagenheim Castle, claiming she is betrothed to his older brother, everything twists upside down. Although romance is impossible, they promise to see the mission through, no matter what. The novel is a well-crafted, solid storytelling, and cleverly woven references to the folktale, making it a likely popular choice for girls in search of gentle romance.

Shadow Scale: A Companion to Seraphina is a thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestselling fantasy, Seraphina. The story follows Seraphina, who is caught between the dragon rebels and the human court, as she embarks on a journey to find her half-dragon brethren and unite the kingdom. However, her task becomes complicated as she uncovers hidden histories and outright lies, and discovers that someone is working against her. This book is full of clever surprises, lovely prose, and interesting dragons. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

The Merchant's Daughter is a Christian historical fiction book that tells the story of Annabel, a former wealthy merchant's daughter, who is now an indentured servant to Lord Ranulf, a rumored terrifying and beastly recluse. Despite the proximity of Ranulf's bailiff, who has made unwelcome advances on her in the past, Annabel finds a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. The book explores Annabel's struggle to confront her feelings and the situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. This book is an excellent choice for young adults who enjoy fairy tale romance stories with a Christian perspective.