Best Fantasy Series YA: 5 Box Sets Compared for Teens

Finding the best fantasy series ya readers actually finish starts with the right boxed set: a complete story in one package, with no waiting for the next release. We compared five YA fantasy series box sets by book count, print length, listed reading age and grade level, and what each description says, so you can match the series to the reader.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Red Queen Box Set by Aveyard	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Cursebreaker by Kemmerer	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Six of Crows by Bardugo	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Caraval Boxed Set by Garber	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	The Naturals by Barnes	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Red Queen Box Set by Aveyard

Victoria Aveyard·9.8/10 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 four-book paperback box set of the Red Queen series, with 2112 pages, for ages 13 and up.

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Pros

• Four books give the complete series in one set
• 2112 pages, the longest stated length here
• Reading age and grade level clearly stated

Cons

• Paperback format, less durable than hardcover
• No book-by-book description beyond the series premise
• 2022 set may be reprinted with changes

2

Cursebreaker by Kemmerer

Brigid Kemmerer·9.8/10 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 three-book hardcover box set of the Cursebreaker series, 1376 pages, for ages 13 to 17.

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Pros

• Hardcover editions hold up to rereading
• 1376 pages stated across the three books
• Complete three-book series in one package

Cons

• Description mentions mature themes a parent should check
• Heavier than paperback sets
• No individual book details beyond the series premise

3

Six of Crows by Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo·9.8/10 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 crew of six dangerous outcasts bands together to pull off an impossible heist in a world of magic and mayhem.

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Pros

• Contains the complete duology across 1021 pages
• Both reading age of 12 to 18 years and grade level 7 to 9 are clearly stated on the listing
• Features a self-contained story arc that does not require reading the earlier Grisha Trilogy first
• Paperback format keeps a two-book collection lightweight for travel or school reading

Cons

• The description mentions dangerous outcasts and mayhem, which brings mature conflict
• Two-book set is shorter than longer epic fantasy collections
• Grade level 7 to 9 spans three years, so reading difficulty varies by individual
• Part of the broader Grishaverse world, so dedicated readers may want companion series next

4

Caraval Boxed Set by Garber

Stephanie Garber·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 three-book hardcover boxed set of the Caraval series, for ages 13 to 18.

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Pros

• Hardcover boxed set, gift-ready
• Complete three-book series in one package
• Reading age and grade level clearly stated

Cons

• No page count stated in the listing
• 2019 publication date is an older edition
• Description mentions a cruel parent figure a buyer should note

5

The Naturals by Barnes

Jennifer Lynn Barnes·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 teen with a gift for reading people is recruited by the FBI to help solve cold cases, a fit for mystery readers who want a long set.

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Pros

• Grade level 9 and up and a reading age of 14 years and up fit a teen reader
• One boxed set includes The Naturals, Killer Instinct, All In, Bad Blood and the novella Twelve
• A team of gifted teens drives the mystery, per the description

Cons

• The description mentions murder and lethal danger, so check the content first
• The novella Twelve is printed inside Bad Blood, so check what each book includes
• At 1680 pages, the set is a big commitment for a reader who wants something short

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Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Three of the five picks list a reading age and grade level; two are title-only listings. 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 ya

Match the age and grade

Every full-data pick here lists a reading age of 13 and up with grades 7 to 9, so they suit the core YA reader. The Red Queen set lists grade 8 to 9, while Caraval and Cursebreaker list grade 7 to 9. If the reader is on the younger side of YA, start with the lower grade band.

Box set or single volumes

A boxed set gives the whole series at once, which suits a reader who burns through books. For more standalone YA options, browse young adult books.

Check the format and length

Hardcover sets like Caraval and Cursebreaker hold up to rereading, while the Red Queen paperback set lists 2112 pages across four books. Longer sets suit committed readers; a shorter set suits someone trying the genre. Confirm the format on the listing before you buy.

Before you buy

• Confirm the edition and publication date on the listing, since box sets are reprinted.
• Check how many books the set includes and whether the series is complete.
• Match the listed reading age or grade level to the reader, and note title-only listings with no stated details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which YA fantasy series box set is the longest?

The Red Queen 4-book set lists 2112 pages, the longest stated page count here. The Cursebreaker 3-book set lists 1376 pages.

Are these box sets complete series?

The listings present each as a complete series set: Caraval has three books, Red Queen has four, and Cursebreaker has three. The Six of Crows set lists two books.

What age are these YA fantasy series for?

The full-data listings give reading ages from 13 years and up, with grade levels 7 to 9. Two picks are title-only listings with no stated age.

Still deciding? Our top pickRed Queen Box Set by Aveyard

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Related lists

See every young adult list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: try YA fantasy and sci-fi books, fantasy series from the last 10 years.