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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 'Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan (and later completed by Brandon Sanderson) is a great choice. It has a large cast of characters and a complex magic system. The story spans over many books and follows the journey of Rand al'Thor as he tries to save the world from the Dark One. It has a lot of elements of traditional epic fantasy, such as prophecies and heroic quests.
One of the best is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a vast and immersive world filled with different races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves. The epic journey to destroy the One Ring is full of adventure, friendship, and sacrifice. Another great one is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. With its complex characters and political intrigue in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, it has captured the hearts of many readers. And 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis is also a classic. It takes readers to the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and tells a story of good versus evil.