Most teenagers don’t read all that much. I know a few readers here and there, but for the most part, there just isn’t that much interest, which I think is a real shame. Now, I personally believe everyone’s got that one book destined to get them into reading out there for them, so here’s a list of some great sci-fi and fantasy titles that might just be you or your teenager’s soul-book.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians – Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a five book series following the adventures of Percy Jackson, a misfit who discovers that he’s the demigod son of Poseidon and gets sent to Camp Half-Blood to train to fight monsters. There’s also a sequel series called the Heroes of Olympus and a sequel to that called the Trials of Apollo!
Personal Notes: WOW I LOVE THIS SERIES. Wonderful for younger readers (but still enjoyable for any age group) and absolutely hilarious! Definitely up there with my all-time favorites. Perfect for anyone who wants a cool fantasy adventure and a witty, self proclaimed “troubled kid” as a narrator.
Age Rating: ages 9+
Legacy of Orïsha – Tomi Ayedemi
The Legacy of Orïsha series is an epically written story about a young woman named Zélie determined to restore magic to her homelands, ruled by a king who wants magic gone forever. There are currently two books in the series, the first being Children of Blood and Bone and the second being Children of Virtue and Vengeance.
Personal Notes: I can’t quit talking about this series, honestly. It’s beautifully written, takes place in an African setting, and it has a really cool magic system. It’s great if you love drama and an enemies to lovers subplot (which I do!).
Age Rating: ages 11+
Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows is a duology set in Leigh Bardugo’s immersive and magical Grishaverse, following a group of thieves led by Kaz Brekker who plan a heist unlike any other. The first series in the Grishaverse is the Shadow and Bone trilogy, with the Six of Crows duology followed by the King of Scars trilogy.
Personal Notes: I have NEVER loved a heist novel more. Every character is fleshed out and diverse, and the worldbuilding is impeccable. It’s definitely a great fantasy read for anyone who loves found family, and it’s coming to Netflix sometime soon!
Age Rating: ages 14+
Villains – V.E. Schwab
Villains is a sci-fi duology about two superpowered archnemeses, focusing mainly on Victor Vale, who’s out for revenge against his college best friend, who’s determined to kill all other superhumans out there. The first book in the duology is Vicious, followed by Vengeful, the second and final book.
Personal Notes: Do YOU like morally gray heroes who adopt small children? Boy do I have the book for you! Villains is a really fantastic read great for those who love superhero (or, ahem, supervillain) stories.
Age Rating: ages 14+
The Raven Cycle – Maggie Stiefvater
The Raven Cycle is a four-book paranormal series about a psychic’s daughter named Blue who makes friends with four friends hunting down a dead Welsh king while also trying to figure out their own problems. There’s also an ongoing sequel series
called The Dreamer Trilogy, which centers on Ronan, one of the main characters in The Raven Cycle.
Personal Notes: Definitely one of my favorite books! The writing is so gorgeous, and I love the whimsical vibe attached to the whole thing. If you like found family, the paranormal, and/or dead Welsh kings, please do yourself a favor and read this series.
Content Warnings: There is some strong language used at some points in this book series, and there’s some fight scenes.
Age Rating: 16+
Hopefully one (or more) of these books or series spoke to you in some way! There’s never a day that can’t be made better when you have a good book, and I promise any of these books are great to curl up with and get lost in. Happy reading!
Hi! I’m Piya, an aspiring novelist hoping to someday publish. I spend most of my time reading, writing, or playing music, and I also love spending time with my family. I’m very excited to be sharing my perspective on things here at Waco Moms!
