10+ Best Fantasy Books for 14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms and epic adventures? Look no further! Our carefully curated selection of fantasy books for 14-year-olds is packed with tales that will ignite the imagination and thrill the heart. Whether you're a young reader eager to explore new worlds or a parent seeking engaging and inspiring stories, we've got something that will captivate and enchant. Keep reading to discover our diverse lists of fantasy books tailored just for 14-year-olds!

Fun Fantasy Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the famous Harry Potter series, where young Harry learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his magical heritage.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces magic in a way that is both fun and mysterious, encouraging imagination and a love for reading through its engaging plot and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic and adventure, and anyone new to the fantasy genre.

• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest across the United States to prevent a war among the gods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of modern adventure and ancient Greek mythology, making it an exciting way to learn about classical myths in a contemporary setting.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in mythology and action-packed stories.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Crime
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and holds her for ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family's fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: Combines magic with technology and crime, offering a unique twist on the fantasy genre that keeps readers hooked with its clever plots and high-tech adventures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that feature anti-heroes and a blend of technology with fantasy.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves on opposite ends of a fairy tale when they are swept away into a school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively explores themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good versus evil, all wrapped up in a captivating fairy tale setting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fairy tales and exploring complex characters and themes.

• The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1) by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Magic
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus to assist him in a plot to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from a powerful magician.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features witty dialogue, a thrilling magical system, and complex relationships between characters, providing a fresh and engaging take on the fantasy genre.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of humor, magic, and political intrigue in their fantasy adventures.

Educational Fantasy Books for 14-Year-Olds

• A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of Ged, a young boy with innate magical abilities, as he attends a school of wizardry and learns about the balance of power and the darker sides of magic.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-discovery, ethical decision-making, understanding consequences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of growth and responsibility, woven into a richly detailed fantasy world.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in deep, philosophical themes and classic fantasy narratives.

• The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1) by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a perilous journey to the Arctic to save her kidnapped friend and other abducted children from terrible experiments.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, moral reasoning, science concepts related to parallel universes
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with a complex narrative that challenges notions of authority and individuality.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that blend fantasy with scientific ideas and strong, resourceful characters.

• The Wee Free Men (Discworld) by Terry Pratchett
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Tiffany Aching, a young witch-in-training, teams up with a group of rowdy, small, blue-skinned pictsies to save her brother and their world from an ancient evil.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, resilience, humor in literature
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and heartwarming tale that teaches valuable lessons about bravery and self-reliance.
  • Perfect for: Teens who appreciate a good laugh with their fantasy and strong female protagonists.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo has the ability to bring book characters to life by reading aloud. When a villain from a book called "Inkheart" is freed, they must face the consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, imagination, understanding of narrative consequences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical celebration of books and the act of reading, with a thrilling, multi-layered story.
  • Perfect for: Book lovers and young readers who dream of fantastical worlds and adventures.

• Sabriel (Old Kingdom Series, Book 1) by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, a young necromancer, must venture into the mystical Old Kingdom to find her missing father and confront an evil that threatens all.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of complex fantasy worlds, themes of life and death, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, darker twist on the fantasy genre with a strong female lead and intricate world-building.
  • Perfect for: Fans of high-stakes fantasy and those interested in themes of necromancy and magic.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 14-Year-Olds

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dragons, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons can fold themselves into human shape, Seraphina, a gifted musician, becomes embroiled in a royal murder mystery while grappling with her own secret heritage.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes of identity and diplomacy intertwined with a sophisticated writing style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique take on dragon mythology, richly detailed world-building, and a smart, relatable protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love dragons and are looking for a fantasy with depth and originality.

• The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1) by Patrick Rothfuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Epic
  • Synopsis: This is the first-person narrative of Kvothe, an adventurer and famous musician recounting his life's story to a chronicler, from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players to his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is intricate, blending present-day reflections with past experiences, all written in a rich, evocative prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterfully told story that combines elements of folklore and magic with realistic emotional depth.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who appreciate detailed character development and a slowly unfolding mystery.

• The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard Series, Book 1) by Scott Lynch
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Crime, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Locke Lamora, orphan and thief, attempts to pull off a daring heist in a city full of criminals, corrupt officials, and dark magic.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex plot twists and a deep, detailed fantasy world with a unique system of magic and crime.
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes clever heists and cons with a gritty, immersive world, offering a thrilling ride for readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy stories with anti-heroes and intricate plots.

• The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage (Book of Dust, Volume 1) by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
  • Synopsis: Set ten years before The Golden Compass, this book follows young Malcolm Polstead and his daemon, Asta, in a perilous adventure involving a mysterious baby named Lyra Belacqua.
  • Why this book is challenging: It builds on the complex themes and settings of Pullman's earlier works with new philosophical and moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands the richly imagined universe of His Dark Materials, offering new insights and suspenseful storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Fans of His Dark Materials and new readers looking for a deep, thought-provoking fantasy.

• Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lazlo Strange, an orphan and junior librarian, becomes obsessed with the mythical lost city of Weep and seizes a chance to join a dangerous expedition to uncover its mysteries.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's lush, poetic prose and complex character arcs present a rich reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written tale of dreams, lost cities, and long-awaited destinies, filled with emotional depth and imaginative scope.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories that blend fantasy with elements of romance and mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the magical world of fantasy books is like stepping through a portal to another realm. But to get the most out of your reading adventures, especially if you're around 14 years old, it's great to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you do just that. Not only will these make your reading experience more enriching, but they'll also help you retain what you read and maybe even spur a lifelong love for reading.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Join a book club or start a book discussion group online or with friends.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize a digital application to track your reading habits.
  • How it helps: Helps organize your reading list and reminds you to read daily.
  • Tips: Choose apps that allow you to set reminders and keep notes.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read passages from your book out loud.
  • How it helps: Enhances your understanding and retention of the text.
  • Tips: Try changing your tone and pace to match different characters or scenes.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you finish it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and helps you grasp the plot and character development.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before starting the next reading session.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of fantasy books but also develop skills that are beneficial for all types of reading. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to make these exercises a regular part of your reading habit. Happy reading!