YA romantasy books: 8 young-adult fantasy romances to start with

Young-adult romantasy is where a lot of readers fall in love with the genre: big feelings, vivid worlds, and romance that keeps the heat lower. Great for teens — and for adults who want the swoon without the spice.

1. Shadow and Bone — Leigh Bardugo

The Grishaverse opener: a soldier with a hidden power and a brooding Darkling. A modern YA staple.

2. The Cruel Prince — Holly Black

Mortal Jude in a cruel fae court. Sharp, addictive, and the gateway drug for many.

3. An Ember in the Ashes — Sabaa Tahir

A brutal empire, dual POVs, and high stakes. More fantasy than romance, beautifully done.

4. Children of Blood and Bone — Tomi Adeyemi

West-African-inspired magic, a fight to restore it, and a slow-burn across enemy lines.

5. Caraval — Stephanie Garber

A magical, deadly game and two sisters. Whimsical and romantic with a low heat level.

6. Throne of Glass — Sarah J. Maas

An assassin competes for her freedom. Maas’s YA series that grows into epic fantasy.

7. Serpent & Dove — Shelby Mahurin

A witch and a witch-hunter forced to marry. Enemies-to-lovers with crossover appeal.

8. Half Bad / These Violent Delights crossover picks

For older teens: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong — Romeo & Juliet in 1920s Shanghai, with monsters.

A note for parents

YA spans a wide age range; heat and darkness vary a lot between titles. If you’re buying for a younger teen, skim a content-warning list or ask us in-store and we’ll point you to the right fit.

Start the journey

Find these on our shelves or ask the Matchmaker for YA romantasy. Want lower spice across the board? See our clean romantasy guide or our fantasy starter list.