Finding a great young adult book series can be tough with so many options out there. I’ve gathered some of the most compelling series across different genres to help narrow things down. Whether you’re into fantasy, dystopian sci-fi, or action-packed mysteries, this list covers a variety of tastes.
Enjoy!
Table of Contents
- FANTASY & MAGIC
- Harry Potter by JK Rowling
- Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
- Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
- Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
- Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
- The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
- The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins
- The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
- The Books Of The Beginning by John Stephens
- Chronicles of The Red King by Jenny Nimmo
- Mrs Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
- DYSTOPIAN & SCI-FI
- ACTION, MYSTERY, & CONSPIRACY
- HISTORICAL & WARRIOR ADVENTURES
- ANIMAL-BASED
FANTASY & MAGIC
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Living with his harsh relatives, Harry Potter’s world changes dramatically when he learns he’s a wizard on his eleventh birthday. At Hogwarts, new students are sorted into one of four Houses – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin – each defined by core traits like bravery, loyalty, wisdom, or ambition. As he navigates this new magical world, he builds close friendships and faces emerging threats connected to a powerful enemy from his childhood.
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
In a world where Greek gods live in modern New York, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod – son of Poseidon – after a dangerous encounter with a mythical creature. Taken to Camp Half-Blood, a refuge for children of the gods, Percy learns about a brewing conflict sparked by the theft of Zeus’s lightning bolt. To prevent a divine war, he must embark on a quest filled with ancient monsters and challenges, all while grappling with his new identity and the responsibilities that come with it.
Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
Evacuated to the countryside during World War II, the Pevensie siblings discover a magical wardrobe that leads to Narnia, a land trapped in eternal winter under the rule of the cruel White Witch. Initially skeptical, the children soon find themselves drawn into Narnia’s unfolding conflict when Edmund falls under the Witch’s influence. Together, the siblings become involved in an ancient prophecy and a battle between the Witch’s forces and Aslan, a noble lion. As they navigate betrayal, alliances, and leadership, they confront challenges that shape both their destiny and Narnia’s future.
Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
The Heroes of Olympus series expands the world of Percy Jackson by blending Greek and Roman mythology, where demigods are divided between two rival camps: Half-Blood and Jupiter. Jason Grace wakes up with no memory amid a dangerous attack and soon discovers his powers. Jason, Piper, and Leo are brought to Camp Half-Blood, where they learn they’re Greek demigods, but Jason’s Roman background hints at a deeper mystery. When the Earth goddess Gaea captures Hera, the trio is sent on a perilous quest to rescue her. Along the way, hidden truths emerge – Jason’s past, Gaea’s rising threat, and Percy’s fate setting the stage for a sweeping conflict.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
In a hidden world beneath the Earth, advanced fairy civilizations live apart from humans, whose exposure to them is forbidden. Twelve-year-old prodigy Artemis Fowl, heir to a fading criminal empire, learns of this secret realm and devises a daring plan to kidnap Holly Short, an elite fairy officer, to ransom for gold. With the help of his loyal bodyguard Butler, Artemis navigates the dangerous intersection of magic and technology, sparking a high-stakes battle of wits and power between two very different worlds.
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
On the harsh island of Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into Wanteds, Necessaries, or Unwanteds – those deemed useless face a grim fate. Alex Stowe, labeled Unwanted for his artistic talents, expects death but instead discovers Artimè, a hidden magical sanctuary where creativity and magic thrive. As Alex learns to harness his abilities, the rigid society of Quill threatens to expose and destroy this secret world. The story explores the struggle between oppression and imagination, as Alex and his friends fight to protect their newfound freedom.
The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins
When Gregor, an ordinary boy from New York City, falls into the vast underground world of the Underland, he discovers a realm inhabited by giant bats, rats, and cockroaches. Bound by an ancient prophecy, Gregor embarks on perilous journeys across hostile territories to rescue someone dear to him. As he navigates complex alliances and escalating conflicts between species, Gregor faces challenges that test his courage and loyalty, drawing him deeper into a struggle that will shape the fate of the Underland and his own family.
The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane reunite after a family tragedy and accidentally awaken ancient Egyptian gods. As descendants of powerful magicians, they must quickly master their abilities to stop a destructive god bent on chaos. Their journey takes them from the British Museum to hidden tombs in Egypt, facing gods, monsters, and rival magicians along the way. Through alternating perspectives, the siblings uncover secrets about their heritage and the heavy responsibilities it brings, all while racing to restore balance between the mortal world and ancient magic.
The Books Of The Beginning by John Stephens
After their parents disappear, siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma are sent to an orphanage, where they discover a magical green book that transports them through time and space. They learn they’re linked to the powerful Books of Beginning, which control the past, present, and future. As they search for the remaining books, they encounter sorcerers, magical creatures, and enchanted realms. Pursued by dangerous forces, the siblings must unlock their own powers and unravel the mysteries of their family’s fate while navigating battles and unexpected alliances.
Chronicles of The Red King by Jenny Nimmo
This prequel series follows Timoken, a young African royal gifted with magic from a star and a flying cloak. After his kingdom is destroyed by dark creatures called viridees, Timoken embarks on a journey across time and realms, seeking safety and a new home. He eventually establishes a magical castle and rules for centuries as the Red King. Through encounters with sorcerers and magical forests, his story unfolds, revealing the origins of a powerful bloodline whose descendants inherit his enchanted legacy.
Mrs Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
After a family tragedy, Jacob uncovers clues leading him to a mysterious island off Wales, where he discovers the ruins of an orphanage and meets children with unusual abilities living in a time loop. Guided by Miss Peregrine, a shape-shifting guardian, Jacob learns these “peculiars” are hunted by monstrous hollowgasts. As he explores his connection to their world, Jacob faces a choice: return to his normal life or join the fight to protect theirs. The series unfolds into a larger conflict filled with shifting alliances and time-bending battles.
DYSTOPIAN & SCI-FI
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
In the dystopian nation of Panem, the powerful Capitol rules over twelve districts, each bound to a specific industry and kept under strict control through surveillance and public punishment. To maintain its dominance, the Capitol hosts the annual Hunger Games – a brutal televised event where one boy and one girl from each district fight to the death in a constantly shifting arena. When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen’s younger sister is chosen as a tribute, Katniss volunteers to take her place, sparking a fight for survival. Alongside Peeta Mellark, a fellow tribute with a complicated past, Katniss must navigate deadly challenges and political intrigue, all under the watchful eyes of the Capitol and a nation captivated by the Games.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Thomas wakes with no memory in the Glade, a mysterious enclosure surrounded by a shifting Maze filled with deadly creatures called Grievers. Alongside other boys who also have no past, he must navigate daily dangers as elite Runners seek an exit. Everything changes when Teresa, the first girl, arrives with a cryptic message, triggering chaos and new threats. As the Maze becomes more unpredictable, Thomas struggles to piece together his memories and understand their purpose, forcing the boys to unite in a desperate fight for survival and answers.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
In a society where every aspect of life is controlled and emotions suppressed, twelve-year-old Jonas is assigned the rare role of Receiver of Memory. Under the tutelage of the Giver, he begins to experience vivid memories of a forgotten past filled with color, pain, love, and loss – emotions erased from his community’s pursuit of sameness. As Jonas uncovers the true cost of conformity, he faces a harrowing choice when he learns of a dark fate planned for his infant brother, forcing him to question everything he’s known and the future he wants.
Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans
Michael Vey, a shy teen with Tourette’s syndrome, discovers he can generate powerful electric surges through touch. His secret comes to light when he defends himself against bullies, catching the attention of Taylor Ridley, who has similar abilities. They learn they share a mysterious connection linked to their birthplace, making them targets of the shadowy group Elgen. When Elgen kidnaps Michael’s mother and Taylor, he sets out to rescue them, uncovering the origins of his powers and the dark plans behind Elgen’s pursuit.
Variant by Robison Wells
Benson Fisher arrives at Maxfield Academy expecting a fresh start but finds himself trapped in a prison-like school ruled by students with no adults in sight. Divided into three factions – Society, Havoc, and Variant – he must choose where he belongs to survive amid strict rules and constant surveillance. As students mysteriously disappear, Benson digs into the school’s dark secrets and its hidden leadership. With each discovery, the danger grows, leading to a gripping fight to uncover the truth behind the Academy and its true purpose.
Dark Life & Riptide by Kat Falls
In a future reshaped by rising oceans, society is divided between crowded surface zones and underwater homesteads. Ty, a teen born beneath the waves with mysterious “dark gifts,” meets Gemma, a surface girl searching for her missing brother. Their journey takes them through submarine cities, pirate attacks, and government conspiracies. As they uncover the truth behind the disappearance and hidden agendas, they face deadly threats from criminals and the harsh underwater world. The story blends mystery, survival, and sci-fi in a fast-paced adventure beneath the sea.
The Compound & Fallout by S.A. Bodeen
After a nuclear war breaks out, Eli and his family take refuge in a luxury underground compound designed to sustain them for 15 years. As time goes on, Eli starts to question his father’s choices and the reality of the disaster above. Uncovering secret rooms and troubling inconsistencies, he suspects they may not be alone – and that the truth is far more complex. The story explores themes of trust, control, and isolation, while the sequel reveals the fallout of Eli’s escape and the dangerous forces determined to keep secrets buried.
ACTION, MYSTERY, & CONSPIRACY
Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz
Fourteen-year-old Alex Rider’s ordinary life changes when his uncle Ian dies under mysterious circumstances. Uncovering Ian’s secret life as an MI6 agent, Alex is drawn into the dangerous world of espionage. His first mission leads him to billionaire Herod Sayle, who plans to distribute a new advanced computer called the Stormbreaker to UK schools. As Alex investigates, he must navigate deadly traps and high-stakes threats to stop a plot that could have devastating consequences, stepping into a role far beyond his years.
39 Clues by Multiple Authors
Siblings Amy and Dan Cahill are thrust into a global scavenger hunt following their grandmother’s death, forced to choose between a cash prize or uncovering their family’s powerful secret. Choosing the Hunt, they discover the Cahills’ ancestors shaped history, with clues leading to a mysterious serum rumored to grant ultimate power. Racing against ruthless relatives from rival branches, Amy and Dan face sabotage, shifting alliances, and dangerous betrayals. Their quest unfolds across continents, unraveling cryptic puzzles and historical mysteries tied to their family’s vast and shadowy legacy.
Conspiracy 365 by Gabrielle Lord
On New Year’s Eve, 15-year-old Callum Ormond is warned by a mysterious stranger that his father was murdered – and he’s next. Within hours, Cal survives a shipwreck, returns home to chaos, and finds himself on the run, framed and hunted. As cryptic messages and dangerous enemies close in, Cal is thrust into a high-stakes chase to uncover the truth behind a secret called the Ormond Singularity. With one year to solve the mystery and survive, the series unfolds day by day in a tense, fast-paced countdown across twelve thrilling books.
The Last 13 by James Clancy Phelan
After a terrifying dream, teenager Sam is abducted and told he’s one of the “Last 13,” a group of teens around the world destined to prevent a global disaster. To succeed, all 13 Dreamers must be found and awakened. As Sam travels across continents, his dreams reveal clues tied to ancient relics, secret organizations, and hidden powers. Pursued by dangerous enemies, the Dreamers must work together to solve complex puzzles, survive ambushes, and unlock their shared destiny before time runs out and catastrophe strikes.
Bodyguard by Chris Bradford
Connor Reeves is recruited into a top-secret program that trains elite teenage bodyguards to protect high-risk clients from threats like kidnappers, terrorists, and assassins. After grueling training, Connor is sent on global missions where he must blend in, assess danger, and make split-second decisions to keep his VIPs safe – many of whom are teens like himself. From ambushes to betrayals, every mission pushes his skills and loyalty to the limit. As he uncovers secrets tied to his own past, Connor must navigate a dangerous world of espionage, duty, and international conspiracy.
HISTORICAL & WARRIOR ADVENTURES
Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
In the Kingdom of Araluen, orphan Will dreams of Battle School but is instead apprenticed to a mysterious Ranger – an elite intelligence agent skilled in tracking, archery, and stealth. As Will trains in the shadowy arts of the Rangers, he uncovers a plot that threatens the entire kingdom. The series spans diverse, culturally inspired lands like the icy Skandia, desert Arrida, and feudal Nihon-ja, each reflecting medieval societies. Will’s journey from uncertain ward to heroic guardian explores loyalty, courage, and the quiet power of those who fight from the shadows.
Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
In Skandia, a cold northern land of seafaring warriors, Hal Mikkelson – a clever outcast and the son of an inventor – is chosen to lead a team of misfits in the Brotherband training competition. Together, they become the crew of the Heron, mastering navigation, shipbuilding, and combat. When a sacred artifact is stolen under their watch, the boys embark on a high-stakes quest to retrieve it. Over the series, the Herons face pirates, political intrigue, and dangerous missions across the seas, proving that ingenuity, loyalty, and courage can rival brute strength.
Young Samurai by Chris Bradford
In 17th century Japan, English teen Jack Fletcher survives a ninja attack that kills his father’s crew and is rescued by samurai Masamoto Takeshi. Orphaned and stranded in a foreign land, Jack must navigate cultural barriers, prejudice, and political tensions. As he trains to become a samurai, mastering swordsmanship and bushido, he uncovers a dangerous ninja plot tied to his father’s past. Set against a backdrop of rigid social hierarchy and samurai tradition, the series blends action, historical fiction, and Jack’s personal quest for honor and belonging.
Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielson
In a kingdom on the brink of civil war, four orphans are recruited to impersonate the long-lost prince of Carthya. Sage, defiant and sharp-witted, plays along to survive – but harbors secrets of his own. Chosen to assume the throne, he must navigate deadly politics, assassins, and rebellion while concealing his true identity. As his power grows, so do the dangers, forcing him into battles of both sword and strategy. Filled with plot twists, espionage, and deception, the trilogy follows Sage’s rise from orphan to ruler in a world where trust is a deadly gamble.
Chronicles of Ancient Darkness by Michelle Paver
Set 6,000 years ago in a mystical Stone Age forest, Chronicles of Ancient Darkness follows Torak, a boy from the extinct Wolf Clan. After a demon-possessed bear kills his father, Torak vows to fulfill his father’s dying wish: reach the Mountain of the World Spirit and stop the beast. Alongside an orphaned wolf pup who becomes his guide, Torak must survive hostile clans, ancient magic, and dark forces. As his bond with Wolf deepens, Torak uncovers secrets about his lineage and destiny, realizing he alone may hold the key to saving their world.
ANIMAL-BASED
Warriors by Erin Hunter
In a forest bordering a human neighborhood, four Clans of wild cats – ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan, and ShadowClan – live by warrior codes and fight to survive. Rusty, a curious housecat, ventures beyond his yard and encounters ThunderClan, who invite him to join despite his outsider roots. Renamed Firepaw, he trains as an apprentice and faces suspicion from fellow warriors. As he proves his loyalty, Firepaw uncovers a deadly conspiracy that could destroy ThunderClan from within. The series explores loyalty, identity, and the fierce battles between Clans and nature in a secret world hidden from humans.
Wolves of the Beyond by Kathryn Lasky
Faolan, a wolf pup born with a twisted paw, is cast out as a cursed outcast but miraculously survives, raised by a nurturing grizzly bear. As he matures, he reenters wolf society and joins the Watch Wolves – guardians of the sacred Ring of Volcanoes. Determined to prove his worth, Faolan uncovers chilling truths about his mysterious birthmark, ancient prophecies, and deep-rooted corruption among the clans. His journey spans harsh wilderness, spiritual awakenings, and fierce rivalries, as he fights to protect the natural order and uncover his true role in the wolves’ destiny.
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