Best Fantasy Series for Teens (2026): Picks Compared

A teen who has just finished one book wants the next one close at hand, so this list of the best fantasy series for teens compares the picks by what each listing states: reading age, grade level, page count, edition and series position. It is for a teen or a parent who wants a series to start, and it says who each pick suits and who should skip it.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Lunar Chronicles by Meyer	9.7/10	Buy
2	A Twisted Tale by Braswell	9.7/10	Buy
3	Divergent by Roth	9.7/10	Buy
4	Darkblood Academy by DeRosa	9.3/10	Buy

1

The Lunar Chronicles by Meyer

Marissa Meyer·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Futuristic retellings of classic fairy tales with cyborgs and queens, for teen readers who want science fiction and fantasy in one boxed set.

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Pros

• Grade level 7 to 9 is listed, which suits most middle and upper teen readers
• Includes Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Fairest, Stars Above and Winter in one boxed set
• Fairy tales retold as science fiction, for readers who like both genres

Cons

• Reading age of 12+ is marked as from customers, not stated by the publisher
• The description mentions a plague and a rebellion, so check the themes for a younger teen
• A boxed set is a bigger purchase than one volume if the first book does not click

2

A Twisted Tale by Braswell

Liz Braswell·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Retellings of familiar fairy tales with new twists, for teen readers who want the first three books in one set.

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Pros

• The set collects the first three books of the series in one paperback box
• Grade level 7 to 9 is listed, matching a middle to upper teen reader
• Familiar fairy tales told from new angles suit readers who like retellings

Cons

• Reading age of 10+ is marked as from customers, not stated by the publisher
• At 1376 pages, the set is long for a reader who wants a short first book
• The set covers only the first three books, so later volumes are a separate purchase

3

Divergent by Roth

Veronica Roth·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A dystopian series in one paperback box set, for teen readers who want the full trilogy plus the companion volume.

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Pros

• The four-book set includes the three trilogy books and a companion volume told from Tobias's perspective
• Lists a 2016 reprint edition with a January 19, 2016 publication date
• Includes bonus materials by Veronica Roth, as the listing states

Cons

• The description mentions grief, war and romance, so check mature themes before buying for a younger teen
• It is dystopian rather than fantasy, so readers who want magic may find it a looser fit
• At 2064 pages, the set is a long commitment for a reader who wants a short read

4

Darkblood Academy by DeRosa

G.K. DeRosa·9.3/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A supernatural school story with a human heroine among dragon shifters, fae and vampires, for older teen readers.

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Pros

• At 256 pages, it is the shortest print length of these picks
• The description says it is not necessary to read the Hitched series first
• Sets a human heroine in a school of dragon shifters, fae, witches and vampires

Cons

• The description says it is best suited for age 16 and over and notes steamy scenes that grow through the series
• No reading age or grade level is stated on the listing, so check the description against your teen reader
• Book 1 of 4, so readers need the later books to finish the story

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More picks to compare

• Becoming Glitch by SayreFor teen readers who like superhero action and time powers, Book 1 of 2.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 16 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the teen reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level. Most picks list both, and Darkblood Academy lists neither, so it earns no reading points. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best fantasy series for teens

Start with Book 1 and check the series position

Darkblood Academy is listed as Book 1 of 4, so read it first and check the series number before buying more. A boxed set such as The Lunar Chronicles keeps several titles in one purchase, so check which ones it includes. For more box sets, see fantasy box sets.

Match the reading level to the teen

A reading age and a grade level are separate numbers. The Lunar Chronicles and A Twisted Tale list reading ages marked as from customers, while Divergent lists 14 years and up without that mark. For more options by level, see best fantasy books for teens.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date: Divergent lists a 2016 reprint edition.
• Check which book comes first: Darkblood Academy is Book 1 of 4, and the box sets list the titles they include.
• Compare the listed reading age with your teen’s reading level, noting where the age is marked as from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a teen start a fantasy series?

Start with Book 1 and check the series number on the listing. Darkblood Academy is listed as Book 1 of 4, so the later books follow it.

What age does each series list?

The Lunar Chronicles lists 12+ years from customers, A Twisted Tale lists 10+ years from customers, and Divergent lists 14 years and up. Darkblood Academy lists no reading age.

Which edition should I buy?

Check the publication date on each listing. Divergent lists a 2016 reprint, and The Lunar Chronicles lists October 13, 2020.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Lunar Chronicles by Meyer

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Related lists

See every Young Adult list and all Kids and Teens lists.

More lists: best books for teens, best fantasy books for young adults and best fantasy books for teen girls.