10+ Best Fantasy Books for 17-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you or a teen you know on the hunt for the next great adventure in literature? Dive into our curated selection of fantasy books for 17-year-olds, where magic meets the challenges and dreams of near-adulthood. Whether you're in the mood for epic quests or magical mysteries, our guide has something to captivate every young reader. Keep reading to explore the enchanting worlds we've lined up!

Fun Fantasy Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A group of six outcasts undertake an impossible heist in the gritty, magical underworld of Ketterdam. The story is filled with complex characters, high stakes, and immersive world-building.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, thrilling read that combines clever plotting with deep character development. Perfect for keeping teens engaged and turning pages.
  • Perfect for: Fans of heist stories and dark fantasy, as well as readers who enjoy ensemble casts with dynamic interactions.

• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: After murdering a faerie, 19-year-old huntress Feyre is dragged to a magical kingdom. Her captor, Tamlin, is one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world. As she lives among them, her feelings for Tamlin turn from icy hostility to a fiery passion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a perfect blend of romance and fantasy, ideal for readers who enjoy detailed world-building and complex relationships.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love retellings of classic stories and myths, and anyone interested in romantic fantasy.

• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Blue Sargent, the daughter of a clairvoyant, has been told she will cause her true love to die. She becomes involved with a group of boys from the local private school, known as the Raven Boys, who are on a quest to find a lost king.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique mix of mystery and supernatural elements that keeps the reader guessing. The character dynamics are particularly engaging.
  • Perfect for: Teenagers who enjoy supernatural stories with a bit of romance and mystery.

• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, fight their way through a brutal, ancient-like world inspired by the Roman Empire, seeking freedom and their own destinies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a gripping, fast-paced plot and a harsh, beautifully crafted world that explores themes of freedom and resistance.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in epic fantasies that deal with intense themes and real-world issues.

• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Alina Starkov, an orphan and a soldier, discovers she has a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free from the darkness. She is thrust into the world of the Grisha, a group of magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to a richly detailed universe, the Grishaverse, with complex politics and magic. The story is an excellent mix of adventure, romance, and moral ambiguity.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic fantasy and readers looking for strong female leads in a richly built fantasy world.

Educational Fantasy Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The story follows 12-year-old Meggie and her father Mo, a bookbinder who can bring characters from books to life by reading aloud. Their adventure begins when an evil ruler from a fantasy book tries to manipulate them to gain power in the real world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literary analysis, understanding of narrative structure, creative thinking, and imagination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating read that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, encouraging readers to think about the power of literature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love books about books and stories that involve magical adventures.

• The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The first book in the Bartimaeus trilogy features Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, who summons the djinni Bartimaeus to aid him in a complicated revenge plot against a powerful magician.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of political intrigue, historical context (as it parallels the magical structure with actual historical events)
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, magic, and adventure with a critique of societal and political structures, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in fantasy that includes witty dialogue, complex characters, and a touch of historical reference.

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons and humans coexist in an uneasy peace, Seraphina, a talented musician, becomes embroiled in a royal murder mystery that threatens to ignite widespread conflict.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of diversity and conflict resolution, appreciation for music and its cultural significance
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores complex themes of identity and social acceptance through a beautifully crafted fantasy lens.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a strong female protagonist and a richly built world with a blend of mystery and fantasy.

• The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Epic
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle series, which follows the extraordinary life of Kvothe, an adventurer, musician, and infamous magician, narrating his own life story.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Storytelling techniques, linguistic skills, understanding of myth-making and folklore
  • Why we recommend this book: It's known for its lyrical prose and deep, immersive storytelling, making it a masterpiece of modern fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring writers and anyone who appreciates a well-told, intricate story that unfolds with precision and depth.

• Sabriel by Garth Nix
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Sabriel, a young woman from a family of Necromancers, must venture into the magical Old Kingdom to find her missing father and confront an evil that threatens her world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of thematic elements such as life and death, courage, and duty
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique take on magic and necromancy, wrapped in an action-packed and emotionally driven narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a strong female lead and a fantasy world with a dark, mysterious atmosphere.

Challenging Fantasy Books for 17-Year-Olds

• The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Crime
  • Synopsis: Set in the elaborate and treacherous city of Camorr, the novel follows the escapades of Locke Lamora, a master thief and the leader of a band known as the Gentleman Bastards.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with complex schemes, intricate political plots, and a unique system of magic, requiring readers to keep pace with Locke's sharp mind and the multifaceted story structure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of heist action, dark humor, and fantasy, perfect for readers who appreciate detailed world-building and morally ambiguous characters.
  • Perfect for: Fans of heist stories and dark, gritty fantasy.

• Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Alternative History
  • Synopsis: In an alternate 19th-century England where magic once existed, two magicians emerge to change history: the reclusive Mr Norrell and the daring Jonathan Strange. The novel explores their rivalry and partnership.
  • Why this book is challenging: Clarke's novel is dense with footnotes, historical asides, and intricate narrative threads, requiring significant attention to detail and patience from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book offers a rich tapestry of magical lore and historical detail, providing a deeply immersive reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a twist and those interested in a detailed, slow-building narrative.

• The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Literary
  • Synopsis: This novel spans decades and navigates the lives of several characters, all connected by the protagonist Holly Sykes. Each section delves into different points of view, centered around a mysterious war between immortals.
  • Why this book is challenging: Mitchell employs a variety of styles and perspectives, each with its own unique voice and complex narrative, which demands versatility in reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterful blend of literary and genre fiction, perfect for readers looking for depth, intricate plotting, and character development.
  • Perfect for: Fans of speculative fiction and multi-narrative structures.

• Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Gothic
  • Synopsis: The series centers on the life of Titus Groan, heir to the Gormenghast Castle, and the bizarre, tradition-bound world he inhabits. The narrative focuses on intricate character studies and the crumbling of the old order.
  • Why this book is challenging: Peake's work features dense, descriptive prose and a slow, deliberate pacing that can be daunting but ultimately rewarding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique reading experience with its vividly detailed setting and deeply complex characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate detailed world-building and gothic atmospheres.

• Little, Big by John Crowley
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: The novel tells the story of the Drinkwater family and their relationship with the mystical world of Faerie. The narrative spans several generations and weaves in themes of love, magic, and loss.
  • Why this book is challenging: Crowley's narrative is layered and symbolic, filled with allegories and references that require careful interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poetic and philosophical exploration of the boundaries between the real and the fantastical.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy philosophical depth and a blend of fantasy with magical realism.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of fantasy books and you're around 17 years old, developing good reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some exercises that will not only help you get the most out of your fantasy reads but also make reading more engaging and fun.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and helps in finishing books more systematically.
  • 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 and makes your reading sessions more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and free from distractions.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Exposes you to diverse perspectives and motivates you to read more.
  • Tips: Try finding a club that focuses on fantasy genres or start your own!

• Use Bookmarks with Notes
  • What it is: Use bookmarks where you can jot down notes or thoughts.
  • How it helps: Helps you remember key points and themes in the story.
  • Tips: Write down questions or interesting observations as you read.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Practice reading sections of the book out loud.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you understand the text better.
  • Tips: Try changing your tone for different characters to make it more fun.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Visualize as You Read
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read through the descriptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and makes the reading experience more vivid.
  • Tips: Pause after major descriptions to sketch or list down what you imagine.

These exercises are designed to enrich your reading journey, especially in the realm of fantasy where every detail can open up new worlds. By integrating these practices into your routine, you’ll not only improve your reading habits but also deepen your understanding and appreciation of the books. Dive in and let your adventure begin!