Romantasy books for teens
Teen romantasy books mix magic and romance in stories made for young adults, often throwing teen characters into wild, otherworldly settings where love and danger go hand in hand. Expect epic quests, supernatural twists, and a whole lot of emotional turmoil as characters wrestle with first crushes, hidden powers, and who they really are. It’s drama, enchantment, and heartache all rolled into one. This list features books by Sarah J. Maas, Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, Marissa Meyer, Sue Lynn Tan, Kerri Maniscalco, Gabriela Romero Lacruz, Amie Kaufman, Patrice Caldwell, and Erin A. Craig.
Romantasy stories for teens – our recommendations
Unholy Terrors by Lyndall Clipstone
Everline Blackthorn serves a magical order that protects against vespertines, even though she has no powers of her own. Sent across enemy territory with Ravel, a vespertine whose magic runs on blood, she’s forced to question everything she was raised to believe. As they cross the moors, facing threats and uneasy truths, the line between ally and enemy starts to blur. It’s a story of loyalty, doubt, and what happens when the rules stop making sense.
Hearts That Cut by Kika Hatzopoulou
Io’s search for the god tied to the golden thread takes her deep into the Wastelands, where fate-magic is breaking down, siblings are missing, and trust is in short supply. A growing conspiracy points back to Alante, but everything seems to lead to Nanzy, where gods, grudges, and tangled loyalties collide. With her power fading and alliances shifting, Io is left questioning whether destiny is something you follow or fight. This sequel broadens the world with higher stakes and deeper cracks.
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
Hazel, the thirteenth child in a bustling family, was promised at birth to Merrick, the god of death. Under his watch, she becomes a celebrated healer, able to cure any illness and sense when a life is slipping away. When her work takes her to the royal court, a prince fated to die forces her to question her purpose, her power, and whether following orders is the same as doing what is right. Nothing stays simple for long.
Princess of Souls by Alexandra Christo
Selestra serves King Seryth as his witch, using her magic to predict deaths during the Festival of Predictions. But when she touches Nox, a soldier bent on taking the king down, their fates tangle in ways neither expects. Bound by a dangerous pact that trades souls for immortality, they must survive its trials while unravelling the truth behind the king’s dark power. Set in the To Kill A Kingdom universe, this standalone dives into fate, defiance, and uneasy alliances.
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
In a kingdom where power means everything, Paedyn Gray survives by pretending to be one of the Elite, hiding the truth that she’s an Ordinary. After saving a prince, she’s thrown into the Purging Trials, a brutal competition meant to test magical gifts she doesn’t have. With danger at every turn and a growing connection to the prince she’s supposed to fool, one mistake could cost her everything. The first in Lauren Roberts’ romantasy trilogy, it’s tense, sharp, and full of risk.
The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery
17-year-old Aurelia Wycherley is facing her first season as a witch, but things aren’t easy in a society obsessed with tethered magic. With her wild, cursed powers at risk, she turns to Jules Nightly, a member of a rival family who might just hold the key to saving her magic. As they face dark forces, family feuds, and an undeniable attraction, Aurelia’s world of glamorous balls and magical tests is about to get a whole lot more complicated. It’s a heady brew of gripping romantasy for 14+ year olds.
All the Hidden Monsters by Amie Jordan
Seemingly ordinary girl Sage, who is also a werewolf, finds herself drawn into a murder investigation when her supernatural friend, Lucy, is killed. Can Sage use her unique abilities to unravel the mystery and impress the handsome investigator warlock Oren Rinallis? Blending human and magical worlds the engaging characters, strong chemistry, and seamless world-building make this mystery an immersive hit. We think KS4 fans of supernatural thrillers will eagerly anticipate the next instalment.
The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman
Set sail on a thrilling adventure as Prince Leander navigates the perilous waters of gods and enemies in his quest to save the world. With captivating storytelling and high-stakes tension, this sequel to The Isles of the Gods promises heart-pounding excitement and intricate world-building. It’s an epic tale of magic and sacrifice for fantasy genre fans. Highly recommended. Read our full review.
Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft
A young fairy queen must confront an ancient danger in this magical adventure by Allison Saft. As Clarion prepares for her coronation, whispers of a monster creeping out of the Winter Woods threaten the peace. Determined to protect her kingdom, she crosses the border and meets Milori, a Winter fairy with secrets of his own. As they unravel hidden truths, their bond tests old traditions and the balance between their worlds. It’s a spellbinding tale of duty, romance and courage.
Gilded by Marissa Meyer
In this dark spin on Rumpelstiltskin, Serilda, cursed by the god of lies, finds herself imprisoned by the Erlking after one of her tall tales goes too far. Forced to spin straw into gold or be killed, she turns to Gild, a strange boy with secrets of his own. As the danger closes in, they uncover the truth behind a cursed castle and its restless ghosts. Gilded blends eerie folklore, twisted bargains and doomed romance with sharp, gothic flair.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
In Adarlan, where magic is outlawed, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged from prison to fight for a shot at freedom as the King’s Champion. Inside the glass castle, the competition turns deadly as a shadowy force starts killing the other contenders. Celaena must navigate brutal trials, court politics, and secrets she can’t outrun. The first in Sarah J. Maas’s fantasy series, it mixes blood, mystery, and slow-burn romance with a heroine who’s not easy to pin down.
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle
Shade-magic, gangs and dark secrets fuel this thrilling romantasy between rival assassins in the spellbinding kingdom of Fantome. Perfect for 14+ year-old fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, this enemies-to-lovers blockbuster blends vividly described cityscapes with catacombs, delicious revenge and forbidden love. Highly recommended. You might need a shelf of them to satisfy your KS4 readers.
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
Set eight years after The Queen of Nothing, The Stolen Heir follows Suren, the runaway child queen of the Court of Teeth, as she’s dragged back into the world of faerie by Prince Oak, her former betrothed and heir to Elfhame. Still scarred by her past and wary of Oak’s charm, she agrees to join him on a dangerous mission to stop Lady Nore and her monstrous creations. With eerie magic, court politics, and slow-burning tension, this is a quieter but haunting return to Elfhame.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Signa Farrow is an orphan whose guardians have all met mysterious, untimely ends. Now living with distant relatives at the eerie Thorn Grove estate, Signa is pulled into a dark mystery when a spirit accuses her of poisoning. With the help of a stable boy and Death himself, she uncovers a dangerous web of secrets – and a magnetic connection with the enigmatic figure. A gothic tale brimming with suspense, romance, and mystery, set in an atmosphere thick with tension.
Dangerous Girls by Lisa M. Sylvan
Imogen Brine can grow poisonous flowers with a touch – a rare and dangerous gift. Exiled to a windswept Scottish island with others like her, she’s soon accused when a deer turns up dead. As suspicion builds, Imogen must dig into the island’s secrets and figure out who – or what – is really to blame. A tense blend of fantasy and mystery, this atmospheric teen thriller explores isolation, mistrust, and the fine line between power and danger. A scintilating romatasy for 13+ year olds, Dangerous Girls is highly recommended.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Blue has grown up surrounded by psychics, though she has no powers herself. Things shift when she meets Gansey, Adam, Ronan and Noah, four boys from a nearby private school who are chasing the legend of Glendower, a sleeping Welsh king said to lie hidden on a ley line in Virginia. Blue is drawn into their search, but a strange prophecy linking her to Gansey hints at something darker. This is the first book in The Raven Cycle.
Compass and Blade by Rachel Greenlaw
Compass and Blade weaves a mesmerizing romantasy where wrecker Mira unravels deadly secrets on the isle of Rosevear to save her father. Packed with atmosphere, twists, and pacey fantasy action 14+ year olds will find it an immersive and rewarding. Rich in sirens, magic, loyalty and betral, it’s a compelling pageturner with relatable characters that we think will be a instant hit in secondary school libraries.
My Boyfriend is a Vampire by Eva Knight
Hazy Florence is focused on graduation until her new neighbour, Godric Hawthorn, turns out to be a vampire. As their relationship deepens, Hazy finds herself juggling late-night secrets, university deadlines, and the return of an ex who complicates everything. Keeping Godric’s identity hidden is risky, and the dangers start closing in. Set against a college backdrop, this standalone paranormal romance blends everyday pressures with sharp twists and a love story that refuses to stay in the ordinary.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Inspired by the legend of Chang’e, Daughter of the Moon Goddess follows Xingyin, who has spent her life hidden on the moon by her mother, the exiled goddess. When her magic gives her away, Xingyin escapes to the Celestial Kingdom, where she trains in archery, learns magic, and earns a place beside the Crown Prince. But freeing her mother may cost her everything. This fantasy debut blends Chinese mythology with court politics, elemental power, and a quiet thread of romance.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Violet Sorrengail was meant to be a scribe, not a dragon rider. But when she is forced into Basgiath War College, a brutal academy where survival is never guaranteed, she has no choice but to adapt. With fragile health, enemies in every corner, and dragons to impress, staying alive is its own battle. The first in The Empyrean series, it blends sharp fantasy, rising tension, and a slow-burning romance with plenty of grit.
A Match Made in Hell by Charlotte Ingham
Charlotte Ingham’s A Match Made in Hell throws 21-year-old Willow into the underworld, where she strikes a deal with King Sathanas: complete seven sin-themed tasks and maybe she’ll get her life back. What follows is a twisty journey through temptation, grit, and self-discovery – with plenty of heat along the way. It’s a sharp blend of fantasy and romance, best suited 14+ year olds. Think sassy soul-searching with a dark, mythic edge.
Gild by Raven Kennedy
Raven Kennedy’s Gild reimagines the King Midas myth in a darker, adult fantasy setting. Auren, turned to gold and kept hidden in a gilded cage by King Midas, lives a life more prison than privilege. As war brews and political schemes unfold, she is forced to question who she is and where her loyalty truly lies. Set in the kingdom of Orea, this first book sets up a tense, power-driven world where freedom comes at a cost. Not for younger readers.
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
Set against the backdrop of a drawn-out war, The Hurricane Wars follows Talasyn, raised by the resistance and gifted with light magic, and Alaric, heir to the Night Empire and master of shadows. When they clash in battle, an even greater threat forces them into a fragile alliance. The story weaves together political unrest, magical conflict, and shifting loyalties, kicking off a trilogy built on tension, legacy, and uneasy trust. Contains mature content and is not aimed at younger readers.
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan
This illustrated collection adds new depth to the Celestial Kingdom duology, with stories set before, during, and after the main novels. Told through the eyes of key characters, each piece explores personal histories, choices, and moments that shaped Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior. Alongside fresh scenes and added world detail, it includes a final epilogue that offers a quiet, satisfying close to the series. A thoughtful companion for returning readers.
Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco
Set in the world of Kingdom of the Wicked, this standalone follows the demon Prince of Envy and Camilla, a mortal artist caught in a dangerous supernatural game. Their journey spans demon courts, a vampire dominion, and a fae kingdom, with shifting alliances and plenty of hidden motives. As Envy fights to break a magical curse, Camilla faces blackmail, secrets, and power plays. It expands the universe with fresh lore, new realms, and tangled character dynamics.
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
Yeeran, an elven officer, is exiled after a prophecy from her sister Lettle ends in disaster. Refusing to leave each other behind, the sisters cross into hostile lands and fall into the hands of a fae court believed to be long gone. Trapped in a world of old magic, twisted politics, and uneasy alliances, they are forced to question everything they knew about loyalty, home, and each other. This is the first in a fantasy trilogy set among non-human societies.
Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson
Lola St. James – also known as Astra – has made a name for herself as a skilled thief. But when a job goes sideways, her only way out is the Liar’s Dice Tournament, where secrets are the currency. The mastermind behind it? The mysterious Liar, her mentor’s dangerous brother. As Lola bluffs her way through deadly games, tangled alliances, and an inconvenient attraction to Liar himself, she starts uncovering truths that could change everything. A sharp, high-stakes and twisty tale of deception and power, it’s ideal for 14+ year olds who like romantasies. Highly recommended.
Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare
Kel is pulled from an orphanage to serve as Prince Conor’s body double, trained to stand in and take the fall if needed. In the city of Castellane, where danger hides behind ceremony, his life becomes anything but his own. After a botched assassination, he crosses paths with Lin Caster, a healer from a marginalised magical background. As unrest builds, both are dragged into a web of hidden magic, shifting loyalties, and the city’s criminal underbelly. First in a series.
Immortality: a Love Story by Dana Schwartz
In this sequel to Anatomy, Hazel Sinnett is arrested for performing an outlawed medical procedure, only to be freed and summoned to treat Princess Charlotte, granddaughter of King George III. Drawn into court politics and a mysterious group called the Companions to the Death, Hazel must balance her medical calling with the weight of royal expectations. Set in early 1800s Britain, the story blends class tension, hidden power, and one woman’s determination to follow her own path.
Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell
Set in a world of gods, vampires, and humans, Where Shadows Meet follows Leyla, a malichora princess, on a dangerous quest to save her friend after their capital is attacked. With the help of a seer, Najja, she faces ancient forces that test love, power, and identity. Blending dark fantasy with romance, this gripping tale dives into destiny and sacrifice, perfect for anyone who loves an edgy, otherworldly adventure.
The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz
Gabriela Romero Lacruz’s debut takes place in a world shaped by magic, colonial faith, and deep social divides, inspired by South American culture and history. It follows Reina, who turns to her formidable grandmother after surviving a violent attack, and Eva, a wealthy outsider hiding dangerous magic from her own family. As they move through a society that shuns their mixed heritage, both are pulled into a web of old powers, shifting politics, and clashing beliefs.
Nightweaver by R. M. Gray
Aster Oberon has always lived at sea, far from the grasp of the Nightweavers. But when her family’s ship is attacked and her brother killed, she’s captured and sent to Bludgrave Manor as a servant. Desperate for answers, she strikes a risky deal with Will Castor, son of a Nightweaver lord. With magic, secrets, and danger at every turn, Aster must choose – stay in the shadows or fight for the truth, no matter the cost. Nightweaver is a compelling and surprising pirate romantasy that will appeal to KS4 students.
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BISAC YAF052000 Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Fantasy, YAF019000 Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / General | Thema YFH, YFM
