Dive into the captivating world of young adult romance fantasy books and witness love intertwined with captivating adventures.
Feel the heart-fluttering romances and epic quests as you delve into these fantastic realms where anything is possible. Experience enchanting fairy tales, daring quests, and star-crossed lovers that promise a journey filled with love, wonder, and heart-pounding excitement.
Embark on a thrilling ride through the pages of these novels and explore realms of enchantment where love knows no bounds and anything is possible.
What is Young Adult Romance Fantasy?
Young Adult Romance Fantasy is a captivating genre that blends romance, fantasy, and adventure for a teen audience. It follows young protagonists navigating relationship challenges and fantastical worlds. The genre provides an escape into realms with mythical creatures, and epic quests, and explores the highs and lows of first love.
It often touches on themes like self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth, allowing readers to connect with characters finding themselves. With its enchanting mix of emotion and adventure, this genre offers a captivating reading experience that resonates with the hearts and imaginations of young adults.
Popular YA Romance Fantasy Authors
When it comes to popular YA romance fantasy authors, several top picks cater to a variety of reader preferences.
Sarah J. Maas is a prominent author known for her captivating worlds and strong heroines. Her "Throne of Glass" series follows the journey of skilled assassin Celaena Sardothien as she fights for her freedom.
On the other hand, Cassandra Clare is famous for her "The Mortal Instruments" series, which combines romance and fantasy in a modern setting. The story revolves around Clary Fray, a girl with the power to see supernatural creatures.
For readers who enjoy magical realism, Laini Taylor's "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" trilogy is a must-read. It follows the life of Karou, a young girl caught between two worlds as she discovers her true identity.
Lastly, Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles is a unique blend of fairy tales and science fiction, with characters like Cinderella and Red Riding Hood reimagined in a futuristic world.
These popular authors and their relevant works cater to the varied preferences of YA romance fantasy readers, whether they seek action-packed adventures, contemporary fantasy settings, magical realism, or fairy tale retellings.
Benefits of Reading YA Romance Fantasy Books
What sets YA romance fantasy books apart is the perfect blend of exciting adventure and emotional depth. The characters face challenges and make discoveries that resonate with readers, leading to a profound connection with the story. The positive impacts of reading in this genre are numerous.
First and foremost, it fosters imagination, sparking creativity and inviting readers to envision extraordinary worlds. In addition, YA romance fantasy books explore themes of love and self-discovery, teaching valuable lessons about relationships and personal growth. They also promote empathy and emotional connection, as readers become invested in the characters' journeys and feel the highs and lows alongside them.
Top YA Fantasy Romance Recommendations
These novels whisk readers into enchanted realms where mythical creatures and love stories come alive. Whether telling a tale of star-crossed lovers or a captivating story of forbidden love, the best fantasy romance books spark the imagination and capture the heart, making them a must-read for fans of both genres. Let's Dive in.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Iris and Roman, initially workplace rivals turned pen pals amidst a war in Cambria. Faced with the awakening of enemy gods, their evolving romance is tested as Iris seeks her missing brother and is forced to make difficult choices in a land torn apart by divine conflicts.
Why do I love it?
I'm not big on the romance aspect of fantasy reads because they tend to either bore me or get on my nerves. The relationship usually doesn't grab my attention much; I'm more into the story or the world it unfolds in. Surprisingly, though, I enjoyed how the relationship was developed in this book. While I typically prefer strong, no-nonsense female leads, Iris's character brought a refreshing change. Rebecca did a fantastic job fleshing out her character.
Roman's quirks in the story made him relatable, but I would've liked the romance to unfold more slowly; it felt a bit rushed for my liking. Despite that, I enjoyed Iris and Roman's characters, though I found myself favoring the secondary characters, especially Attie and Marisol. The second book can not come soon enough!
What you should know
"Divine Rivals" follows Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt from workplace rivals to mystery pen pals through enchanted typewriters. As the war unfolds in west Cambria due to the awakening of enemy gods, Iris seeks her missing brother, Forest, a soldier.
As the war advances, a tense situation forces Iris to make a difficult choice regarding Roman. The story explores their evolving relationships amid the backdrop of a war-torn land.
Lots of focus on characters and heavy on romance, set against a fantasy backdrop.
Spice Level: Zero. One scene that fades to black.
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi
To everyone else, Alizeh seems like just a regular worker, hiding the fact that she's the heir to a secret Jinn kingdom. Crown Prince Kamran, dealing with prophecies saying his king will die, is surprised when the mysterious girl turns out to be the reason things go crazy in his kingdom and even beyond.
Why do I love it?
I love tough women, and Alizeh is awesome. She's a great female lead, and her past just makes me like her even more. Kamran's honesty is the best thing about him, especially when he talks with his grandfather, King Zaal. Even though their relationship is toxic, it makes the story even more interesting.
Tahereh's writing in "This Woven Kingdom" left me amazed; it was so pretty, almost like reading poetry. The banter between Kamran and Alizeh was a highlight. The Persian culture representation is nice. The plot twists blindsided me, and that ending—what?! Can't wait for the next book!
What you should know
In a world with humans and Jinn, Alizeh, a servant, meets Prince Kamran. Their lives get mixed up as they deal with personal problems, a royal prophecy, and Alizeh's hidden Jinn powers.
Kamran faces issues with his family, especially when King Zaal wants Alizeh gone, thinking she might cause trouble. In the middle of all this, a dark secret comes out, causing a big showdown. As the story goes on, Alizeh's future and the balance between humans and Jinn hang in the air, making things even more complicated.
Abundant in cultural richness, world-building, and character development, the focus leans more towards these elements than the romantic aspect.
Spice level: Zero but there is a kissing scene
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
In a fantasy world ruled by the Martial Empire, "An Ember in the Ashes" follows Laia, a fearful Scholar seeking resistance help, and Elias, an elite warrior planning to desert but chosen for trials. As their stories entwine, powerful forces, friendship, and a daring escape shape their fate.
Why do I love it?
The action and characters in the book are just awesome! You've got characters you can't stand, like The Commadant, and characters you adore, like Izzi. There are so many I could mention, but let's say the characters alone were one of the best parts of the story.
The world-building was done effortlessly; she shared just enough information at the right times, so it didn't feel like reading a history book like some fantasy stories tend to. I liked that.
The plot twists did become predictable and the love triangles in this book took some time to get used to, but I'm glad they weren't the main focus. I'm curious about how it'll all play out in the rest of the series.
What you should know
In a land ruled by the Martial Empire. Laia seeks help from the resistance when her family faces danger, while Elias, intending to leave, is unexpectedly selected for leadership trials. As Laia spies for the resistance, she and Elias navigate challenges and form a connection. The trials bring surprises, and a daring escape ensues, altering their fates.
A high-energy, character-focused book full of action. It keeps world-building simple and includes a hint of romance.
Spice level: Zero but has mild kissing scenes
The Prison Healer
17-year-old Kiva Meridan battles for survival in the deadly Zalindov prison, serving as the healer. When the Rebel Queen is captured, Kiva must keep her alive for the Trial by Ordeal, a deadly challenge. A coded message orders Kiva to save the queen, risking her life. With a deadly plague, a mysterious admirer, and a prison rebellion, Kiva faces the unsettling realization that her trials are far from over.
Why do I love it?
The secondary characters added depth to the story and kept me hooked specifically Tipp and Naari. While the romantic aspects didn't resonate with me, I do think it was very sweet. The plot twists were great but left me a bit uncertain, the overall experience was positive.
Despite my mixed feelings, I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, curious to see how the narrative unfolds and what adventures await Kiva.
What you should know
Kiva, imprisoned in Zalindov for a decade, finds a note signaling potential help. Assigned to guide newcomer Jaren, Kiva contends with a mysterious illness reminiscent of her father's fate. The arrival of the Rebel Queen brings elemental trials, and Kiva intervenes to assist. Investigations uncover a sinister plot.
Spice level: Zero
Howl's Moving Castle
Sophie, the unfortunate eldest daughter, gets cursed by the Witch of the Waste, turning her into an old lady. To break the spell, she seeks help from Wizard Howl's moving castle. In the process, Sophie learns there's more to Howl—and herself—than meets the eye.
Why do I love it?
This book has become an all-time favorite of mine. The character development impressed me, and by the end, I was amazed at how the book portrayed unconditional love.
My favorite characters, especially Howl, Sophie, Calcifer, and Michael, formed a team that made the story enjoyable. Diana Wynne Jones's portrayal of the moving castle is a unique idea, and her storytelling brought it to life brilliantly. I'm looking forward to seeing the story come to life in the movie adaptation!
What you should know
The story revolves around Sophie, a young woman who is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old lady. To break the curse, Sophie seeks refuge in Howl's magical moving castle, where she encounters the mysterious wizard Howl. As Sophie navigates the whimsical and enchanting world, she discovers her strength, courage, and love.
Spice level: Zero
Honorable Mentions
While some books are well-known, many others also deserve recognition for their great stories. Even though these books did not make my top list, they still deserve to be talked about.
These books have brought to life enchanting worlds, exciting adventures, and heartwarming love stories, giving readers more chances to explore fantasy and romance.
Throne of Glass
In a magicless realm ruled by a stern king, an 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is summoned to the castle. Her task: was not to kill the brutal king, but to earn freedom by defeating twenty-three rivals in a deadly competition. If she emerges victorious, she serves as the king's champion. Celaena's quest for freedom transforms into a battle for survival and a race to uncover the lurking evil before it devastates her world.
Caraval
Stephanie Garber's bestselling debut is a story about Scarlett's dreams of attending Caraval, a magical event led by Legend, but her father's abusive nature forces her into an arranged marriage. Tella, her sister, plans a fake kidnapping to bring Scarlett to Caraval. The
game involves solving clues to find Tella, who is supposedly kidnapped by Legend. Scarlett faces challenges and discovers the truth about the game's illusions.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
Malik aims for a fresh start in Ziran during the Solstasia festival, but when a spirit kidnaps his sister, Nadia, he strikes a deal to kill Crown Princess Karina for her release. Meanwhile, Karina, facing her challenges, plans to resurrect her mother by marrying the Solstasia competition winner.
As Malik enters the contest, their paths intertwine, leading to deadly consequences and a budding attraction. Can they navigate their tasks without destroying each other?
Shadow and Bone
In a troubled Ravka split by the Shadow Fold, ordinary refugee Alina Starkov discovers a hidden power after a brutal attack. This newfound ability could be the key to saving her war-torn nation.
Taken to the royal court to be trained as a Grisha, a magical elite, Alina must navigate a world filled with secrets. With the fate of the kingdom relying on her untamed power, she confronts not only the mysteries of the Grisha but also her own heart.
The right book for you!
Young adult romance fantasy books offer an exciting mix of adventure and romance that keeps readers engaged in imaginative worlds and captivating stories. These novels explore relationships, and self-discovery, and transport readers to enchanting realms filled with mythical creatures and lands. With relatable characters and engaging plots, these books are a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and romantic escape.
Happy Reading!