Australia has produced some of the most renowned fantasy authors, and we’re proud to host writers whose magical series blend magical worlds, dragons, vampires, and (often) a romance worthy of fairy-tale retellings.
Whether you’re a teen looking for your next fun read or a first-time reader of YA fantasy books, these seven series by Australian authors promise unforgettable journeys through a different world. Here are several books that live rent-free in our heads.
Table of Contents
But First, What are Fantasy Books?
Fantasy books are a genre of literature that transports readers into magical worlds filled with fantasy elements, such as dark magic, mythical creatures, and extraordinary adventures. These young adult novels often take place in settings that are very different from the real world, such as enchanted kingdoms, distant realms, or alternate realities.
Common elements in fantasy books include wizards, dragons and dragon riders, elves, as well as epic battles between good and evil. Young adult fantasy, or YA fantasy, is a popular subset of this genre, with books aimed at the younger crowd (e.g., The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins).
The fantasy world is often written to explore human emotions, values, and struggles in creative and symbolic ways. These series are also limitless, and anything is possible.
Seven Teen Fantasy Books – Our Editor’s Choice
1. Sabriel by Garth Nix (The Old Kingdom Series)
Garth Nix is practically royalty in the YA fantasy world. His Old Kingdom series, Sabriel, is a must-read for fantasy lovers. The story follows a young necromancer with magical powers (the ability to communicate with the dead) who must journey into a land where the dead don’t stay buried. Armed with a magical set of bells, Sabriel must confront the boundaries between life and death, as well as her own destiny.
Although this book is marketed as a young adult fantasy, it is definitely a top choice for older readers, too.
2. The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
For readers who crave intricate plots and jaw-dropping twists, James Islington’s The Licanius Trilogy (The Shadow of What Was Lost, An Echo of Things to Come, The Light of All That Falls) is a must-read. Set in a richly imagined world where magic is feared and destiny is rewritten, this series explores time travel, prophecy, and moral complexity.
This series is right up there on the scale of Brandon Sanderson or Robert Jordan.
3. We Ride the Storm by Devin Madson
Devin Madson’s Reborn Empire series, starting with Shelve We Ride the Storm, is a thrilling, character-driven young adult fantasy series about war, politics, and survival. The novel follows a fractured empire on the brink of chaos, and weaves multiple points of view, including assassins, warriors, and empresses, into a story that’s both brutal and deeply human. Lovers of the Game of Thrones novels will love this, as it has everything GOT has: epic fights, romance, and high stakes.
4. The Magicians’ Guild by Trudi Canavan
Trudi Canavan’s The Black Magician Trilogy (The Magicians’ Guild, The Novice, The High Lord) is a cornerstone of Australian fantasy. This YA fantasy follows Sonea, a girl from the slums who discovers she possesses powerful magic. Her life changes as she suddenly finds herself thrust into the elite and secretive Magicians’ Guild.
Fantasy novel readers will love this classic “outsider to chosen one” arc, with well-developed characters and interesting magic work.
5. Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
From the author of Looking for Alibrandi, Melina Marchetta’s Lumatere Chronicles (Finnikin of the Rock, Froi of the Exiles, Quintana of Charyn) blends the heart of contemporary YA fantasy with the scope of epic fantasy. Many readers have called this book a hidden treasure, tackling extremely dark, tragic themes and morally complex situations.
6. The Last Stormlord by Glenda Larke
In Glenda Larke’s Watergivers Trilogy (The Last Stormlord, Stormlord Rising, Stormlord’s Exile), water is life, and those who can control it rule the desert. The story follows Shale and Terelle, who fight to right the wrongs in their environments and, in doing so, explore their own identities.
Critics have praised this book as refreshingly different and a pleasant surprise, as it also has themes of climate, scarcity, and balance.
7. City of Lies by Sam Hawke
Canberra author Sam Hawke delivers an unforgettable fantasy mystery in City of Lies and Hollow Empire in his Poison Wars duology. When the ruling family of a city built on secrets is poisoned, two sibling truth-tellers must unravel a conspiracy that threatens their world.
Hawke’s story is extremely high-stakes, featuring characters that are morally complex and ambiguous. If you love mystery and fantasy, then this is a written piece not to be missed.
8. A Fool’s Errand by D.E. King
D.E. King delivers a gripping debut in the epic fantasy genre with his book A Fool’s Errand. This book kicks off his In All Jest Series. The story follows a reluctant heroine, Lani, as she’s thrust into a secret society and hunted by assassins after inheriting a powerful amulet.
The narrative moves at a quick pace, with an enthralling world, memorable characters and mystery at every corner. For those who love fantasy with hidden orders, this fantasy series is an unmissable one.
Why Read YA Fantasy Novels?
Fantasy novels stand out for their heart and humanity. Whether it’s the lovable characters of Glenda Larke’s desert dwellers, the haunting spirituality of Garth Nix’s necromancers, or Melina Marchetta’s emotionally raw fights under exile, these stories have both magic and meaning.
For teens, these books provide an escape and challenge the ideas of power, belonging, and what it means to find your place in a chaotic world. Meanwhile, adult fantasy lovers will enjoy these authors who transport you while still grounding you in real emotions and struggles.
Final Thoughts
With summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to pick up several good YA fantasy books. There’s just something magical about going into another world, whether it involves dragons, magicians, and jesters. And these books definitely deliver.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our picks for fantasy novels. Happy reading!