A must - read in YA epic fantasy is 'The Inheritance Cycle' by Christopher Paolini. It's about a young farm boy named Eragon who discovers a dragon egg and embarks on a journey to overthrow an evil king. The world - building is extensive, with different races, languages, and magic systems. 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs also fits the bill. It has a blend of vintage photographs and a strange, magical world where children with special abilities live in a time - loop.
Some of the best ones are 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series. It combines Greek mythology with modern - day settings in a really engaging way for young adults. The characters are relatable and the adventures are exciting.
I'd also recommend 'The Raven Cycle' series. It has a unique blend of magic, mystery, and friendship. The characters are all on a quest to find a lost Welsh king, and along the way, they deal with their own personal issues as well as the strange and magical happenings in their small town.
A great YA epic fantasy novel often has a relatable protagonist, like in 'The Mortal Instruments' series by Cassandra Clare. The main character Clary Fray is a normal teenager thrust into a world of shadowhunters, demons, and magic. Her journey of self - discovery while dealing with these fantastical elements makes the story engaging. Compelling world - building is also key. In 'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir, the world of the Martial Empire is vividly described, with its own cultures, power structures, and dark secrets.
One great YA romance novel is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It tells the story of Hazel and Augustus, two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. Their relationship is beautifully portrayed, filled with humor, deep conversations, and a bittersweet quality. Another is 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han. Lara Jean writes love letters to all her past crushes and somehow they all get sent out. It's a cute and heartwarming story of first love and family relationships. And 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli is also wonderful. Simon is a gay teen trying to figure out his identity while also dealing with a blackmail situation regarding his emails to a mysterious boy he likes.
One great YA crime novel is 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus. It has an interesting premise where five students enter detention and only four come out alive. The mystery unfolds as the characters' secrets are gradually revealed. It keeps you guessing until the end.
One great LGBTQ YA novel is 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli. It's a heartwarming story about a closeted gay teen named Simon who is blackmailed but also on a journey of self - discovery and first love. Another is 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' which beautifully portrays the friendship and budding romance between two boys from different backgrounds. And 'The Miseducation of Cameron Post' is also notable as it deals with a girl's experience in a conversion therapy center and her struggle to accept her own identity.
One of the top YA fantasy novels of 2019 was 'The Gilded Ones' by Namina Forna. It had a captivating story and strong characters.
The 'Percy Jackson' series by Rick Riordan is also great. It blends Greek mythology with modern - day settings. Percy, a demigod, goes on all sorts of adventures, fighting monsters and dealing with the gods. It's a really fun read with lots of action and humor.
One of the best YA fantasy novels is 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling. It's filled with magic, mystery, and a great coming - of - age story. The world of Hogwarts and its many characters are so vividly drawn that it has captured the hearts of millions around the world.
Some of the best epic fantasy novels include 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. This book tells the story of Kvothe, a young man with a mysterious past and great magical talent. 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson is also excellent. It has a unique magic system based on the ingestion of metals and a world filled with political unrest. And then there's 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch, which is set in a Venice - like city and follows the adventures of a group of thieves.