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56 Best Romantasy & YA Fantasy Books & Series to Obsess Over (SJM, Fourth Wing, BookTok)
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items The ULTIMATE collection of can't-put-down Young Adult and New Adult reads! Dive into addictive fantasy worlds with high-stakes romance, gripping supernatural series, and BookTok's viral recommendations. Featuring Sarah J. Maas (SJM), Fourth Wing, Jen...
Sections
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Viral Romantasy & Top-Tier Fantasy Starter Books
Supernatural & Urban YA Fantasy
Cozy & Emotional Contemporary/LGBTQ+ Reads
YA Thrillers & Mysteries
Ancient & Middle Grade Adventures
Viral Romantasy & Top-Tier Fantasy Starter Books
If you want love mixed with danger and epic world-building, you're in the right place. These are the non-stop action, spicy, and addictively complex New Adult (NA) fantasy series that have gone viral on BookTok. Featuring dragons, Fae, and powerful h...
The iconic series that redefined Romantasy. Starts as a dark 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling then spirals into high-stakes Fae courts, danger, and truly addictive romance. Essential reading if you love enemies-to-lovers, complex world-building, and ...
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses Series #1)
The viral BookTok hit for a reason! Features a brutal dragon rider academy, impossible trials, and a heroine who must fight to survive. The nonstop action, high-heat romance, and tension all hit hard. Perfect for fans of military fantasy with spice.
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1)
A massive, powerful urban fantasy packed with magic, danger, and emotion. Bryce is a wonderfully messy, relatable heroine navigating a world of angels, vampires, and shifters. Be prepared for an intense slow-burn mystery that is utterly unforgettable...
House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1)
High-stakes YA Fantasy about an elite assassin forced into a deadly competition for her freedom. Celaena is fierce, clever, and the perfect badass heroine to root for. A fantastic blend of court intrigue, thrilling competition, slow-burn romance, and...
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass Series #1) by Sarah J. Maas
From Jennifer L. Armentrout, this is the ultimate addictive NA fantasy with vampires, forbidden love, and non-stop action. Poppy's journey is captivating, and the chemistry is next-level spicy. Guaranteed to keep you up all night for the drama and th...
From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series #1)
I was obsessed from the start—Jude is fierce, ruthless, and impossible not to root for in the cutthroat world of fae politics. The tension between her and Cardan? Absolute chaos in the best way. Dark, twisty, and addictive.
The Cruel Prince
This book is pure magic—vampires, deadly trials, and a delicious slow-burn romance that had me hooked instantly. Oraya is a heroine you’ll root for, and the world-building is so rich. Perfect for fans of Hunger Games-style fantasy with heart and heat...
The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Dark, eerie, and completely captivating. I loved the gothic vibes, the creeping magic, and the way the romance balances out the shadows. If you want fantasy that feels haunting and beautiful at the same time, this is a must.
One Dark Window
This book had me hooked with its mix of romance, betrayal, and political intrigue. Lara’s journey is dangerous and addictive, and the romance has just the right amount of tension. Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers in epic settings.
The Bridge Kingdom
I fell in love with this one—the romance is swoony, the world is enchanting, and the stakes kept me turning pages. It is a perfect Fae standalone if you want a fairytale vibe with a fantasy twist.
A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
The absolute king of Dark Romance and bully academy fantasy. This is a massive, highly addictive series known for high spice, intense drama, and a complicated magical world. Essential if you want to capture the Dark Romantasy reader traffic.
Zodiac Academy 1: The Awakening
This is the foundation of the modern YA Fantasy boom. While the first book is low on romance/spice, the whole Grishaverse is essential reading and is highly searchable. It earns its spot by being a genre foundation, similar to Throne of Glass.
Shadow and Bone (Shadow and Bone Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo
A massive, beloved Young Adult Romantasy hit known for its beautiful writing, gentle romance, and a unique war-torn setting. It perfectly balances the New Adult spice with a highly popular YA choice.
Divine Rivals
This is a classic Monster Romance and a major viral series known for high-heat, high-stakes, and a unique post-apocalyptic fantasy setting. Great for capturing spicy romance readers.
Pestilence
Perfect for fans of the magical school/dark academia trope! This captivating series delivers mystery, dark secrets, danger, and an engaging cast of characters. It has a unique and vibrant magic system with a great mix of fantasy and romance.
Arcana Academy
Supernatural & Urban YA Fantasy
Think magic, monsters, and high school drama all rolled into one chaotic package. These books hook you with vampires, fae, werewolves, and otherworldly secrets, plus enough romance and twists to keep you glued. If you love fast-paced adventures with ...
I got completely sucked in—Juliette’s world is intense, dangerous, and full of twists that kept me turning pages. The romance is slow-burn perfection, and the writing has this hypnotic, emotional pull. If you love YA science fiction and dystopian thr...
Shatter Me (Shatter Me Series #1) by Tahereh Mafi
I was hooked from the first page—Luc and Layla’s chemistry is electric, and the mix of angels, demons, and danger kept me on edge. The romance is swoony, the stakes are high, and I couldn’t stop reading. Perfect if you want supernatural drama with a ...
White Hot Kiss (Dark Elements Series #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This one gave me angels, demons, and banter that made me grin the whole way through. Trinity is such a strong heroine, and Zayne… well, let’s just say he makes the story even harder to put down.
Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This was my first YA series that I read in high school and it made me fall in love with reading and the fantasy genre. It is the classic vampire academy drama, but with so much heart and action. Rose and Lissa’s bond is just as addictive as the roman...
Vampire Academy
It’s wild, dramatic, and full of over-the-top paranormal romance chaos, but that’s exactly why it’s fun. If you miss those addictive YA paranormal vibes, this one delivers.
Crave
Weird, magical, and so atmospheric—it feels like stepping into a dream. The group of friends is what makes it unforgettable.
The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, Book 1)
This one is pure magic. The writing is beautiful, the world is dark and whimsical, and Karou is a heroine I couldn’t stop rooting for.
Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Also one of my first YA fantasy reads. Think fast-paced action, forbidden PNR romance, and a heroine who refuses to back down. It’s addicting and full of sass.
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A heartfelt paranormal story with brujx magic, family, and an unexpectedly sweet romance. It’s powerful, fun, and touching all at once.
Cemetery Boys
This is a beautiful, atmospheric story that is pure, heartbreaking paranormal romance with a focus on shifters/werewolves. The tension is exquisite, the writing is lyrical, and the small-town setting gives it a perfect urban fantasy feel. If you love...
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Cozy & Emotional Contemporary/LGBTQ+ Reads
These are the books that make you feel something deep—whether it’s comfort, heartbreak, or the kind of joy that sticks with you long after. They’re about love, identity, and finding where you belong, and every one of them left me with a full heart. P...
This was pure comfort in book form—sweet, soft, and so easy to love. Nick and Charlie’s story feels like a warm hug with every page. If you want something wholesome but still emotional, this is it.
Heartstopper: Volume 1
It’s funny, charming, and ridiculously romantic—I couldn’t stop smiling while reading it. The banter between Alex and Henry is top tier, but the heart of the book is so much deeper. It’s both swoony and meaningful, which makes it a fave.
Red, White & Royal Blue
Tender, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. The relationship between Ari and Dante grows in such a beautiful way, and the writing makes you feel every single moment. It’s one of those books you just sit with after finishing.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
I loved how real this felt—it’s honest, vulnerable, and so relatable. Darius’ struggles with identity, family, and depression are written with so much care. It’s emotional but also full of hope.
Darius the Great Is Not Okay
Felix’s story is messy, emotional, and so important. It’s about identity, love, and learning to see yourself the way you deserve. I couldn’t put it down because it felt so raw and real.
Felix Ever After
This one is soft but hits hard in the best way. It’s about being nonbinary, finding acceptance, and learning how to breathe again after heartbreak. Gentle, emotional, and so beautifully written.
I Wish You All the Best
Funny, sweet, and surprisingly emotional—this one hit me harder than I expected. It’s a romance wrapped in conversations about self-worth, mental health, and learning how to love yourself. The characters felt so real I didn’t want to let them go.
The Charm Offensive - Alison Cochrun
Quiet, emotional, and full of longing. This story of grief, friendship, and healing is beautifully written. It’s the kind of book that stays in your chest long after you’re done.
We Are Okay
This book is the definition of cozy and makes you laugh out loud. Chloe and Red’s story is fun, steamy, and addresses chronic illness and self-acceptance with such warmth. A perfect mix of high-heat romance and deep emotional connection.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown (Brown Sisters Series #1) by Talia Hibbert
A subway, a time-traveling mystery, and an impossibly charming queer contemporary romance. This book is warm, magical (but still very contemporary in feel), and so utterly heartfelt. It's an exploration of found family and love that feels truly uniqu...
One Last Stop
This YA Contemporary is a total tearjerker about first love, grief, and the difficulty of letting go. The story of a girl who gets one last chance to talk to her deceased boyfriend through an impossible phone call is devastatingly beautiful and focus...
You've Reached Sam - Dustin Thao
YA Thrillers & Mysteries
These are the books that kept me up way too late flipping pages, trying to figure out the truth. They’re twisty, dark, and full of secrets—and honestly, half the fun is being shocked when you think you’ve got it all figured out. Perfect picks if you ...
This was addictive—I felt like I was solving the case right alongside Pip. The mystery is layered with secrets that just keep unraveling, and the pacing is perfect. If you love true-crime vibes in YA form, you’ll fly through this.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder #1)
Creepy, tense, and full of “what is actually happening?!” moments. Holly Jackson does an amazing job making you doubt everyone, and I couldn’t stop second-guessing myself. Definitely one of those stories where you keep saying “just one more chapter.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price
This one is Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars but darker and way more intense. The twists had me on edge the whole time, and the social commentary adds so much depth. It’s sharp, fast-paced, and completely unputdownable.
Sadie by Courtney Summers
Part thriller, part cultural exploration—this one blew me away. The mystery is gripping, but what really stuck with me was the depth of Daunis’ story and the Ojibwe representation. It’s emotional, smart, and unlike anything else I’ve read.
Firekeeper's Daughter
Creepy small-town vibes, layered secrets, and so many twists. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another piece of the puzzle dropped in. If you love thrillers that feel like a slow burn explosion, this one’s perfect.
The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas
This one is like a locked-room mystery with high school drama on steroids. A group of teens stuck together, secrets spilling, and the tension building until the very end. I read it in one sitting because I had to know how it ended.
All Your Twisted Secrets - Diana Urban
Sharp, clever, and so different from other YA thrillers. Nora is one of the most badass heroines I’ve read, and the bank heist setting adds such a cool twist. It’s dark but also empowering, and I loved every page.
The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe
This one is quieter than the rest, but it’s still full of mystery and emotion. Tori’s voice is raw and real, and the whole story has this haunting vibe. It’s less about jump scares and more about the weight of secrets.
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
The ultimate high-stakes, locked-in-a-room mystery—five students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. It's addicting, full of twists, and perfect for fans of The Breakfast Club with a deadly secret. The pace is frantic, and the reveal i...
One of Us Is Lying
Ancient & Middle Grade Adventures
These are the fun, adventurous reads that made me feel like a kid again in the best way. They’re packed with quests, magic, mythology, and lovable characters you can’t help rooting for. Perfect for when you want a story that’s exciting but also full ...
This one’s a classic for a reason—it’s funny, adventurous, and full of Greek mythology in the best way. Percy is such a relatable main character, and I loved following him on his quest. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to dive into the whole...
The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #1)
I loved seeing Apollo knocked down a peg and forced to live as a mortal. It’s witty, fast-paced, and full of familiar faces from the Riordan universe. Such a fun continuation if you’ve already been through Percy’s adventures.
The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo Series #1) by Rick Riordan
This was such a fun ride with Mayan mythology at its heart. Zane is a hilarious and unique hero, and the story is full of twists and magical adventure. If you liked Percy Jackson, this feels like the perfect next step.
The Storm Runner (Storm Runner Series #1) by J. C. Cervantes
Funny, magical, and full of heart. Aru is such a lovable main character, and the Hindu mythology makes the story feel fresh and exciting. It’s adventurous but also full of charm and humor.
Aru Shah and the End of Time (Pandava Series #1)
Fast, funny, and packed with Indian folklore. Kiranmala is such a strong heroine, and the adventure is nonstop. It’s perfect if you love a mix of humor, action, and mythology.
The Serpent's Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond Series #1)
This gave me all the magical vibes—charming, mysterious, and whimsical. Morrigan’s story pulled me in right away, and the world-building feels so rich and exciting. If you loved Harry Potter, this has that same spark of wonder.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor Series #1)
This one feels like Indiana Jones but for younger readers. Theodosia is smart, witty, and constantly uncovering secrets, and I loved all the Egyptian history woven in. It’s adventurous but still cozy to read.
Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos
Nico and Will’s story was so emotional but also full of adventure. I loved how it blended mythological quests with real feelings about love, grief, and hope. It’s heartfelt and epic at the same time.
The Sun and the Star : A Nico di Angelo Adventure
This series is so addictive—I flew through the books. The mix of magic, friendships, and secrets makes it impossible to stop reading. If you want a long, binge-worthy fantasy adventure, this is it.
Keeper of the Lost Cities Series by Shannon Messenger
Creepy, magical, and so atmospheric. I loved the mix of ghost stories with real-world settings like Edinburgh and Paris. It’s spooky but still cozy enough to curl up with.
City of Ghosts (City of Ghosts Series #1) by Victoria Schwab
This book is packed with action, African mythology, and African American folk heroes (like John Henry). Tristan is a relatable hero dealing with grief, and his journey into Alke is a spectacular, funny, and unforgettable quest.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (Tristan Strong Series #1)