9 Exciting YA Fantasy Books About War & Conflict

Young Adult Fantasy: Our 9 Picks

Fun Activities For Fantasy Fans

• Host a magical movie night
• Enter a Magic: The Gathering tournament
• Play a fantasy video game with friends
• Use a Ouija board to contact the spirits
• Create a cosplay of your favorite character
• Have a board game night
• Podcast about your favorite show, movie, or book
• Host a Dungeons and Dragons campaign

8 Great Fantasy Films For Young Adults

1. A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
2. Dragonslayer (1981)
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
4. The Lord of the Rings (2001)
5. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
6. The Dark Crystal (1982)
7. Percy Jackson & the Olympians (2010)
8. The Magic Sword (1962)

The Real Wars That Inspired Game of Thrones

In Depth

Set in fictional worlds full of influential empires, magical creatures, and powerful sorcerers, some of the best fantasy novels revolve around age-old rivalries between warring kingdoms. These stories often feature protagonists who get caught up in an epic battle between good and evil, facing impossible odds in order to lead their side to victory. With that said, here are nine exciting fantasy novels about war and conflict, listed in no particular order.

First up, at #1, we have "Chaos" by C.M. Fenn. Addy is a 17-year-old Realmwalker, which means she can enter the realm of Chaos in her sleep. She and her people are caught up in a war against the Shades, whose sole purpose is to wreak havoc on Earth. One day, the Walkers encounter a seemingly invincible Shade that has a strange obsession with Addy, prompting them to investigate further and find a way to eliminate this threat before it's too late.

Next, at #2, is "Ascension of the Whyte" by Karen Wrighton. After a tragic accident, Sara Carson finds herself reborn in a magical world full of wizards and mythical creatures. Sara, now known as Rose, soon learns that she's a Whyte, a very rare breed of Ascendant. Rose is the only one capable of defeating an evil being that's hell-bent on killing everyone. With war on the horizon, she must hone her powers in order to lead her fellow Ascendants to victory and save them from extinction.

After a tragic accident, Sara Carson finds herself reborn in a magical world full of wizards and mythical creatures.

At #3 is Bentz Deyo's "The Undelightened." One year ago, Leam Holt failed the test that would have granted him magical abilities and thrust him into the war between Darkness and Light. Now, during his brother's delightenment ritual, Leam is told that he can still redeem himself and receive immense power if he continues to follow the Darkness leader's orders. After meeting Eloa, a girl of Light, he gradually learns shocking truths about their warring factions, leaving him conflicted as to which side he should fight for.

Next, at #4, is "Ash Princess" by Laura Sebastian. For ten years, Theodosia has been a prisoner in her own palace, which is held by the tyrannical Kaiser. After being forced to kill her father, Theodosia decides that it's finally time to take back her land. With the help of a band of rebels, she'll do whatever it takes to reclaim the throne of her deceased mother, the Fire Queen, even if it means pretending to be the Kaiser's captive for a little longer.

At #5 is Cassidy Taylor's "When Rains Fall." Sibba Hallowtide is on a quest to rescue her brother, who's set to be the next chief of her clan. Elsewhere, in a land far away, a princess named Rayne Crowheart is determined to make her family pay for their crimes. These two women from vastly different backgrounds eventually meet each other, making them both realize that they're destined for things far greater than what either of them originally had in mind.

Elsewhere, in a land far away, a princess named Rayne Crowheart is determined to make her family pay for their crimes.

Next up, at #6, we have "The Bound" by Michelle Connor. After finally escaping her abusive father, who plans on selling her off to a harsh lord, Aveline encounters a dragon named Aeolius, who she believes is just a figment of her imagination. She eventually meets Prince Dayton, who's being accompanied by his spymaster. With nowhere else to go, Aveline and her dragon join the prince as they set out to defeat an evil force that threatens to destroy the kingdom.

Next, at #7, is Mary Watson's "The Wren Hunt." With her people's power fading, Wren is tasked with infiltrating enemy territory and finding a way to avoid a terrible fate. Working undercover as an intern for Judge Cassa Harkness, whose research could have deadly consequences, Wren will have to rely on her magical ability to see into the future to steal her boss's work and end the war between their two races.

At #8 is "Sedich" by R. Ann Humphries. Rilas Crendu has lived the majority of his life as a slave of the Regiment, the harsh rulers of Lusiartha. When a secret society of rebels captures him, he learns about an ancient prophecy and is exposed to the sedich, a magical stone that grants him abilities beyond his wildest dreams. With his newfound powers, he must lead the people of Lusiartha to war and overthrow the Regiment or die trying.

When a secret society of rebels captures him, he learns about an ancient prophecy and is exposed to the sedich, a magical stone that grants him abilities beyond his wildest dreams.

Finally, at #9, we have "Sword" by Amy Bai. For centuries, the kingdom of Lardan has been at peace, but trouble is brewing, and it's only a matter of time until all hell breaks loose. Kyali Corwynall, the daughter of the Lord General, is a skilled fighter who is close friends with the princess. When an ancient magic is awakened, Kyali, her brother, and the princess realize that all three of them play an important role in a prophecy that will change the world forever.