Best Norse Myths & Legends Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

The Raven King is the final book in Maggie Stiefvater's spellbinding series, The Raven Cycle. The story revolves around Blue, who has been warned all her life that she will cause her true love's death. As she becomes involved with the Raven Boys, she realizes that her beliefs are being challenged. The book has received glowing reviews, with Kirkus Reviews calling it a "truly one-of-a-kind series," and Publishers Weekly praising the author's razor-sharp characterizations and witty dialogue. The Dream Thieves, the second book in the series, was also highly acclaimed for its rich writing and exploration of magic and reality. The Raven King is a satisfying conclusion to a captivating series that melds Norse myths and legends with modern-day teenage drama.

Beowulf the Warrior, written by Ian Serraillier, is a retelling of the oldest epic in the English language. The book narrates the story of Beowulf, a hero who embarks on three memorable adventures. He rescues Hrothgar the Dane from the monstrous Grendel, defeats Grendel's mother, and saves his own people from a dragon at the cost of his life. This book's heroism and noble heart are sure to inspire any modern listener. Serraillier's modern version is an outstanding read for ages 5 and up.

The Raven God is the final book in The Legends of Orkney series by Alane Adams. The story follows Sam Baron and his friends as they embark on a quest to save Odin, the God of War and Sam's ancestor, from the clutches of the fire giants. With the fate of Orkney at stake, the team must summon all their courage and smarts to overcome the obstacles in their path. The book is a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy, filled with Norse mythology, magical ships, and powerful witches. The Raven God is a must-read for fans of adventure-driven fantasy.

Kalifus Rising is the second book in the Legends of Orkney series by Alane Adams. The story follows Sam Baron, a half-god, half-witch, who is imprisoned by the Volgrim Witches and becomes their most potent weapon. Sam's friends rush to save him, but other forces are at work in Orkney's shadows. This book has something for everyone, including strong female leads, heroic and villainous characters, fantasy, mythology, romance, sword fights, and battles. The book stands out from others in the genre due to its well-rounded and solid adventure.

This ELT graded reader series from Penguin Readers is perfect for English language learners who want to improve their skills while enjoying a compelling story. "Loki and the Giants" is a starter level book that introduces readers to the world of Vikings and their mythology. The book features carefully adapted text, new illustrations, and language learning exercises that follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). The exercises at the back of the book help learners practice grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Overall, "Loki and the Giants" is an excellent choice for young readers who want to improve their English skills while enjoying an exciting story.

The Children of Odin: The Book of Northern Myths by Padriac Colum is a collection of fifteen timeless tales inspired by Norse mythology. The book takes readers on a journey through the magical world of gods and goddesses who lived in the city of Asgard before time as we know it began. The author retells these sagas in a way that gives readers a sense of the powers and wonders that existed in that world. The book is perfect for young adults who are interested in fantasy action and adventure. The beautiful illustrations by William Andrew Pogany make this book a unique addition to any collection.

Odin's Child (1) (The Raven Rings) is an epic fantasy trilogy from Norway that has finally made its way to the United States. The story follows Hirka, a fifteen-year-old tailless rot from another world who learns that she is an Odin's child and is despised, dreaded, and hunted. The novel is a thrilling modern fantasy epic that examines everything its characters believe in, including their history, faith, and themselves, while intertwining elements of politics and Norse mythology with a side of forbidden romance. The intricate and engaging novel is a unique fantasy with Norse roots and is a must-read for fans of the genre.

This book, Thor: Viking God of Thunder (Myths and Legends) by Osprey Publishing, is an informative and attractive collection of the greatest myths and legends of the thunder god, Thor. It covers the history of Thor as a legendary figure, how he was viewed by different cultures from the Romans to the Nazis, and how he endures today as a popular heroic figure. The author's willingness to delve into this vast literature and exhume the prize nuggets makes this book gratifying and edifying. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Norse mythology and a valuable addition to any bookshelf.

Son of Time: A War on the Gods Companion Story is a thrilling addition to the Greek & Roman Myths & Legends Books for Teens & Young Adults category. The book follows Valeria and Greg as they team up with demigods Cyrus and Theia to slay a monster resurrected by the gods. However, as they spend more time together, they realize that things are not as they seem. The author, A.P. Mobley, does an excellent job of building a post-apocalyptic world with likable yet flawed characters. The book is full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end. Overall, Son of Time is a must-read for fans of Greek mythology and post-apocalyptic stories.

The Sword of Summer is the first book in Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. The story follows Magnus, a troubled teenager who discovers he is the son of a Norse god and must embark on a quest to find a lost magical sword to prevent the end of the world. With the help of some unlikely allies, including a valkyrie and a dwarf, Magnus travels through different worlds to fulfill his destiny. This action-packed adventure is perfect for fans of Riordan's other series and those who enjoy mythology-based stories.