Good books for teens can be so hard to find, even as someone in the book world. So today I wanted to share some of my favorite books that are great for teens, but also anyone who loves to read in these genres.
Each of these books are all no, or low spice, not overly graphic, and the language is none to minimal. Most of them also fit into the clean and wholesome category.
Another bonus is that many of these novels are the start to a series, so you have more to read beyond what you find here.
Book recommendations are organized by genre to further help you find the perfect one for you and your teen.
*Some recommendations have editorial reviews attached with a breakdown of content ratings.
Epic Fantasy
The Blood and Flame Saga is a fast-paced, assassin dragon rider series that is sure to excite readers and leave them rooting for more.
An excellent blend of magic, epic battles, swooney romance, and solid christian beliefs, THE RAVENWOOD SAGA is a must read for fantasy and christian readers alike.
The Earthspark will take you on a journey of elemental magic, love, honor, and family. This book is for readers who love fantasy with adventure, betrayals, and a slow-burn romance with a heroine who just wants to make her life mean something.
A true epic fantasy classic.
“One ring to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them.”
Action, danger, and challenging tasks, all underscored by a star-crossed romance, make this Hunger Games X Pirates of the Caribbean X Tinkerbell YA novel a nice lighter-hearted read. (And you can find it in audio on Spotify and Audible).
Destined to become king, but cursed to die before he even gets the crown.
Red and Aly race against the clock to save Red from the same curse that killed his father. However, as their adventure unfolds, they realize the curse was only the beginning.
King Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles…and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.
When fifteen-year-old Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself.
This book has been one of my favorites for several years. I love the story line and when I listened to the audiobook, the narrator, Carol Monda, really brought the characters to life. With magic, a diverse cast, and vivid landscapes, this isn’t one you want to pass by.
When Nic, a slave in the mines outside of Rome, is forced to enter a sealed cavern containing the lost treasures of Julius Caesar, he finds much more than gold and gemstones: He discovers an ancient bulla, an amulet that belonged to the great Caesar and is filled with a magic once reserved for the Gods — magic some Romans would kill for.
Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won’t stop her from being drawn back into her father’s palace politics. He’s second-in-command to the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip.
Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable—until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he’s ever seen.
Romantasy
This story was inspired by the Spanish fairytale The Lily and the Bear, but could also be compared to Beauty and the Beast, one of my favorite fairytales.
In this first book in New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor-winning author Shannon Hale’s beloved YA fantasy series Books of Bayern, Princess Ani must become a goose girl before she can become queen.
Backstabbing pirates. Extravagant dinner parties. Falling in love with the one man who’s out of reach.
Fairytale Retellings and Fairytale Adventure
Meyer’s fairytale retellings weave a spellbinding story that makes it hard to put down. You don’t know what’s going to happen next.
A pirate, a pixie, and a plot to foil Peter Pan…
Dystopian Romance
Perfect for fans of the Selection series by Kiera Cass. Be swept into a world of political intrigue, forbidden love, and royal romance.
Dangerous games. Kill or be killed. Can she survive a king’s ruthless arena?
Fantasy
Meggie loves stories, but her father, Mo, hasn’t read to her since her mother disappeared.
When a stranger knocks at their door, Mo is forced to reveal an extraordinary secret – when he reads aloud, words come alive,
and dangerous characters step out of the pages.
For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. . .
The Chronicles of Narnia has become part of the canon of classic literature, drawing readers of all ages into magical lands with unforgettable characters for over sixty years. Epic battles between good and evil, fantastic creatures, betrayals, heroic deeds, and friendships won and lost all come together in this unforgettable world.
Adventure
This classic tale of “buccaneers and buried gold” has defined the genre of pirate adventures and shaped popular culture with iconic elements like treasure maps marked with an “X,” schooners, the Black Spot, and one-legged sailors with parrots on their shoulders.
An explosion has rocked the quirky town of Saskariver! The town’s devious mayor is unwilling to rebuild. But homeschooled 11-year-old Joey Storthoaks, from a large family with an even larger brood of cats, has other plans. He’s willing to save the town…or to at least die trying. That is if he can first get over his “misfit” self.
Inspirational
Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery and spiritual healing, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, moving millions across the globe and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations. Helping them find inner peace, strength, gratitude, and a deeper, divine connection with themselves and the world around them.
Vanessa Thurgood
is the author of the bestselling epic fantasy series, The Comstock Chronicles.
To get monthly book recommendations, join her book club.
