9 Revelatory Coming of Age Fantasy Books

Coming of age stories depict an evolution that we all have to go through at some point: the transition from childhood to adulthood. There are plenty of great works of realistic fiction that cover this topic, but adding a bit of fantasy into the mix can be a big improvement. Using magic as a metaphor makes it easier for the author to discuss tough subjects and get their message across in an engaging and entertaining way. The nine books listed here are great examples of this. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

9 Revelatory Coming of Age Fantasy Books

Title Author
1. Rise Jennifer Anne Davis
2. Revival Jena Leigh
3. Creatura Nely Cab
4. Blackheath Gabriella Lepore
5. The Gifting Katie Ganshert
6. Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things Martina McAtee
7. Cheyenne Lisa L. Wiedmeier
8. Power Revealed Leah M. Berry
9. Akarnae Lynette Noni

Fun Activities For Fantasy Fans

What is Fantasy?

Fantasy is a genre of fiction that often involves supernatural elements like magic and usually takes place in a fictional universe that is significantly different from reality. Many people group fantasy and science fiction together, but while both are forms of speculative fiction, they are distinct from one another. While sci-fi often attempts to stay grounded in scientific truths, fantasy relies more on imagination and suspension of disbelief. Fantasy's origins are rooted in oral traditions which were eventually written down into books. In modern times, fantasy has expanded into several media, including television, film, and video & tabletop games.

10 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)
  9. The Giver (2014)
  10. The Last Unicorn (1982)

How Fiction Makes Our Brains Better

In Depth

Stories about teenagers transitioning into adulthood are easy to relate to for readers young and old. Adding fantasy elements to these tales creates an extra layer of suspense and presents even more challenges that protagonists have to overcome, typically using newfound magical abilities which they have to learn how to control. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of nine revelatory coming-of-age fantasy novels. Take note that this list is done in no particular order.

First up, at #1, we have "Rise" by Jennifer Anne Davis. In the kingdom of Nelebek, an evil ruler known as Morlet has been hunting down members of the Order, twelve warriors destined to overthrow the mad tyrant. After Morlet successfully captures eleven of them, a young teenager named Kaia accidentally discovers that she is the twelfth member. Now, she has to decide whether she wants to heed the call of the Order or turn herself in to the king, whose intentions may not be as evil as they seem.

Next, at #2, is "Revival" by Jena Leigh. Alexandra Parker has the power to manipulate electricity, and her lack of control over this ability has caused her to become a social outcast. One day, she gets attacked and trapped in a burning bookstore, and is saved by a mysterious man named Declan. She soon learns that she's one of the Variants, mutants with special abilities. Realizing that her entire life has been a lie, she has to avoid dangerous adversaries and figure out how and why her parents really died over a decade ago.

Realizing that her entire life has been a lie, she has to avoid dangerous adversaries and figure out how and why her parents really died over a decade ago.

At #3 is "Creatura" by Nely Cab. After months of experiencing nightmares about a horrifying beast, Isis Martin decides to face her fears and seek out this enigmatic figure. When she realizes that the monster from her dreams is actually a Greek deity named David, she's told that she has been unintentionally visiting another realm that no other mortal is able to enter. Together, they try to figure out why Isis can access this strange land, falling in love with each other along the way.

Next up, at #4, we have "Blackheath" by Gabriella Lepore. Seventeen-year-old Maggie Ellmes has lived her entire life thinking that she is just a very unlucky individual. When a psychic at a carnival tells her that her bouts of misfortune are actually caused by a hex cast on her, Maggie seeks out the help of Joel Tomlins, a boy who comes from a long line of powerful witches.

At #5 is "The Gifting" by K.E. Ganshert. Tess Eckhart is a girl who can see strange entities in her dreams. Convinced that she's going crazy, her family moves across the country so that they can live close to a mental asylum. At her new school, Tess meets a boy named Luka, who seems to know something about her condition. Upon learning that there are other people like her, she and Luka suddenly find themselves thrust into a war between angels and demons, and now they have to depend on each other to survive.

Tess Eckhart is a girl who can see strange entities in her dreams.

Next up, at #6, we have "Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things" by Martina McAtee. Ember Denning is a loner who finds solace in hanging out in old cemeteries. When her abusive and alcoholic father dies, a terrifying creature attacks her after the funeral. Her life changes forever when she's rescued by her long-lost cousins, who tell her that she has the ability to raise the dead. As she uncovers more about her mysterious past, Ember finds herself hunted down by people who deem her powers to be too dangerous.

At #7 is "Cheyenne" by Lisa L. Wiedmeier. When the eponymous heroine's adoptive parents die in a tragic accident, she uncovers shocking secrets about her birth family. Cheyenne learns that she is one of the Timeless, people who age much slower than regular humans after reaching their twenties. Now, the group that killed her biological parents is looking for her, and the only people she can trust are her best friend Colt and his half-brothers, who each have secrets of their own.

Next, at #8, is "Power Revealed" by Leah M. Berry. Justin Wilder moved to a new school after the unfortunate death of his best friend. He soon discovers that he has the ability to manipulate the elements of nature, and he suddenly finds himself hunted by groups who want to control his powers for their own personal gain. When Justin learns that his friend's death was not an accident, he goes off to find and stop the killer before more lives are lost.

Justin Wilder moved to a new school after the unfortunate death of his best friend.

Finally, at #9, we have "Akarnae" by Lynette Noni. During her first day at a new school, Alexandra Jennings stumbles upon a doorway that transports her to the magical world of Medora. In order to return home, she has to find Professor Marselle, who's gone missing. While waiting for him to come back, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, a boarding school for gifted teenagers. When an evil force threatens to wipe out the world, Alex is forced to choose between saving the Medoran race or returning home.