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Young Adult (YA) Fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy fiction tailored for a teenage audience.

It is primarily defined by its protagonists (aged 13–18) and their coming-of-age experiences, rather than its setting.

The stories blend classic fantasy elements—like made-up worlds, mythical creatures, and magic—with plots that focus intensely on issues relevant to teenagers.

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YA urban fantasy is a subgenre of contemporary fantasy that places supernatural elements, like vampires, werewolves, and magic, within a real world, contemporary urban environment for a young adult audience.

Urban Setting: The story is fundamentally rooted in a modern city, whether real or fictional, where the city itself becomes an integral part of the narrative.

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YA contemporary fantasy is a subgenre of Young Adult (YA) fantasy that merges the familiar modern world --the present day-- with magical or fantastical elements that exist secretly within our reality.

Setting: The stories take place in the present day and often in real-world locations.

Cities, high schools, etc.

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High fantasy is a subgenre characterized by three core elements: a secondary world setting, epic quests or world-level conflict, and the presence of magic or fantasy creatures.

Secondary World Setting

High fantasy takes place in a fully imagined, fictional world separate from our own, often called a "secondary world." This is distinct from urban or contemporary fantasy, which uses our familiar world. The secondary world usually has its own:

Geography: Detailed maps and distinct regions.

History and Lore: Deep, complex backstories, cultures, and languages.

Political Systems: Unique governments, kingdoms, or empires.

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Coming of Age: The journey of a teen's transition to adulthood, encompassing character growth, and taking on responsibility.

School/Training: Educational settings often revolve around acquiring magical knowledge or skills.

Adventure/Quest: A central exciting quest or adventure pushes the narrative forward.

Love/Romance: A focus on first love and the intense emotions and confusion of new romantic feelings. While older YA may include some physical intimacy, the emphasis is placed on the emotional development of relationships.

Dysfunctional Families: Often featuring abusive, disinterested, or broken family dynamics as a back story. The fantasy plot may allow the protagonist to cope and resolve their difficult home lives.

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Exploring Fantasy and Magical Realism in YA Literature

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Exploring Fantasy and Magical Realism in YA Literature

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Grade Range: 8–12

Common Core ELA Alignment: (Reading Literature and Speaking & Listening)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.6: Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3: Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions on grade-level topics.

Citation: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and Council of Chief State School Officers. Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts. 2010. Common Core State Standards Initiative, https://corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ADA-Compliant-ELA-Standards.pdf

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Common Themes: The main characters are young adults focused on personal struggles, identity, belonging, and character development in addition to the magical plot.

Blending of Worlds: Protagonists navigate secret societies hidden within the city while using modern technology.

Common Tropes: Navigating relationships with a forbidden romance.

Supernatural Elements: Fantastical creatures and magic are woven into the everyday world, existing alongside modern life.

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~Why it fits: The series is built around an elaborate magical underworld and an ensemble of morally complex teens.
~Why it matters: Combines action, social themes, and character-driven storytelling that hooks reluctant readers.

🔗https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23437156-six-of-crows

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.3

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Magical Blend: Unlike high fantasy's completely separate world, contemporary fantasy's magic, hidden creatures, or supernatural powers are concealed within our current reality.

Protagonist Focus: The main characters are teenagers who primarily deal with classic coming-of-age issues while navigating the sudden discovery or intrusion of the supernatural into their lives.

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Epic Quests or World-Level Conflict

The plot typically centers on a conflict that has catastrophic stakes, threatening the very existence or balance of the entire world. This often involves:

An epic quest undertaken by a chosen hero or fellowship

A clear battle between the forces of good and evil.

A journey that requires the protagonist to travel great distances and undergo significant personal growth.

Magic and Fantasy Creatures

These stories are defined by the pervasive and powerful presence of supernatural elements. This includes:

A well-defined magic system with specific rules and limitations, which may be wielded by certain characters.

A variety of mythical or fantastical beings-- dragons, elves, dwarves, orcs-- that are integral to the world and the conflict.

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Shadow and Bone / Six of Crows (Netflix adaptation)

~Why It Fits:

Lets students analyze how film transforms written fantasy into visual storytelling.

Encourages cross-media literacy and discussions of adaptation choices.

~Why it matters:

Expands Bardugo’s "Grishaverse"; visualizes themes of oppression, magic, and identity through costuming, tone, and cinematography.

🔗https://youtu.be/b1WHQTbJ7vE?si=NKXlntRcsfZiTJ3y

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.7 — analyzing multiple interpretations of a text.

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“Holding Out for More Heroes”

Source: Reactor (Tor.com) — Templeton, Molly. “Holding Out for More Heroes.” 29 June 2023. 🔗https://www.tor.com/2023/06/29/holding-out-for-more-heroes/
Perspective: Examines the growing trend toward morally gray and complex protagonists in speculative and YA fantasy fiction. Templeton argues that readers still crave stories about compassion and moral courage, even amid darker narratives — offering a useful contrast to the antihero dynamics in Six of Crows.
ELA Tie-In: RI.9-10.2; SL.9-10.1

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If there’s one kind of question guaranteed to make me roll my eyes, it’s one about guilty pleasures. You don’t need to feel guilty about the art you enjoy. There are things in life about which a person should feel guilty—kicking puppies, making small children cry, supporting fascists—but liking a particular kind of art or […]

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The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova
Connection: Pairs beautifully with Six of Crows due to its comparing tone — realism vs. mythic dark.
ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.6

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The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

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“Leigh Bardugo Interview at BookCon 2015”
Source: YouTube — “Leigh Bardugo Interview at BookCon 2015,” Rich Fahle, May 2015, 🔗https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH3EDBvPQQY
Perspective: Bardugo discusses her writing process, character motivations, and world-building in the Six of Crows and Grishaverse books. Provides readers direct insight into how she constructs morally complex characters and settings.
ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.7 ; SL.9-10.1

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"Pinned Resources" Citations (Six of Crows)

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"Pinned Resources" Citations (Six of Crows)

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1. Printed Literature

Bardugo, Leigh. Six of Crows. Henry Holt and Company, 2015.

2. Multimedia Adaption

Bardugo, Leigh. Shadow and Bone / Six of Crows. Netflix, 2021–2023.

3. Critical or Nonfiction Perspective

Templeton, Molly. “Holding Out for More Heroes.” Reactor (Tor.com), 29 June 2023,https://reactormag.com/holding-out-for-more-heroes//

4. "Companion" Genre

Córdova, Zoraida. The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. Atria Books, 2021.

5. Author Insight

“Leigh Bardugo Interview at BookCon 2015” — Rich Fahle interviews Leigh Bardugo about Six of Crows. YouTube, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH3EDBvPQQY

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Urban Fantasy, subset of low fantasy, set in a modern city with supernatural elements

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Why it Fits: A 15-year old protagonist encounters a secret society of warriors who battle demons, vampires, and more.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, YA, Romance, Paranormal, Vampires

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Storm Front: A Novel of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

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Storm Front: A Novel of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

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Why it fits: The series blends detective fiction with magic and integrates supernatural creatures and conflicts.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Magic, YA, Science Fiction Fantasy

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Why it Fits: "Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her."

Genres: Urban Fantasy, YA, Paranormal, Romance

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor 

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor 

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Why it fits: Follows a young blue-haired art student raised by monsters, a broken angel, and a war that has raged for 1000 years in another world.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, YA, Romance, Paranormal, Angels, Magic

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Why it fits: Two best friends must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa one of them forever...

Genres: Vampires, YA, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Magic

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Why it fits: The story is in modern Nigeria. Sunny joins a secret society after discovering her magical identity.

Why it matters: The story centers African culture, identity, and challenges western fantasy norms. The narrative explores not only identity but power and community.

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Why it fits: The story is set in a small town where humans and fae coexist, and features ancient magic embedded in everyday life.

Why it matters: The novel explores moral ambiguity, desire, and provokes emotional reflection through its blend of folklore and modern teen experience. The narrative encourages readers to question the price of heroism and identity.

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Why it fits: Humans and dragons live coexist in a fictional kingdom where the narrative centers around court politics, magical secrets, and invented lore.

Why it matters: The story has themes of prejudice, identity, and diplomacy through fantasy allegory. It gives a nuanced look at societal conflict and personal growth.

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The Girl of Fire and Throne by Rae Carson

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The Girl of Fire and Throne by Rae Carson

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Why it fits: Elisa’s journey is set in an imaginary world with divine magic, prophecy, and political upheaval.

Why it matters: The narrative explores faith, self-worth, and leadership under pressure.

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The Girl of Fire and Throne by Rae Carson

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YA dark fantasy is a subgenre of Young Adult (YA) fiction that combines traditional fantasy elements with darker, more frightening themes often drawn from horror.

YA Protagonist: The main characters are young adults, but the stories explore more mature and somber subjects than typical YA fiction.

Horror Elements: The focus is on psychological dread and suspense, often featuring supernatural creatures like vampires or werewolves.

Grim Themes: The narrative explores violence, tragedy, and moral ambiguity. Unlike high fantasy, which emphasizes hope and clear-cut heroes, dark fantasy delves into difficult choices and flawed characters.

Twisted Tropes: It takes familiar fantasy elements, such as magic and mythical creatures, and gives them a sinister or dangerous twist.

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Summary: "Welcome to the Centennial.
Every hundred years, the island of Lightlark appears for only 100 days to host a deadly game, where the rulers of six realms fight to break their curses and win unparalleled power. Each ruler has something to hide. Each curse is uniquely wicked. To break them—and save themselves and their realms—one ruler must die. To survive, Isla Crown must lie, cheat, and betray. Even as love complicates everything …"--Goodreads.com

Themes:

Sacrifice vs. Duty

Betrayal vs. Loyalty

Personal growth,

Freedom vs. Obligation

Deception :"There are lies and liars all around you."

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Darker subject matter:

While the series contains elements of romance and adventure, its core plot centers on a deadly competition set in a world of cursed kingdoms, creating a pervasive atmosphere of deception and betrayal.

Horror elements:

Cannibalism

Sword, knife and arrow violence

Emotional abuse and manipulation

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The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

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The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

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Summary: "Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power:
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?" --Goodreads.com.

Themes:

Ambition

Power

Revenge

Intrigue

Deception

Seduction

Manipulation

Darker Subject Matter:

Morally ambiguous protagonist who is an ambitious and murderous anti-heroine.

Horror Elements:

The novel begins with Alessandra killing her first love. The protagonist is not afraid of getting her hands dirty to get what she desires.

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The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

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Summary: "Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the men who killed his mother. When an old servant tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, Will is ushered into a world of magic, where he must train to play a vital role in the oncoming battle against the Dark..."--Goodreads.com.

Themes:

Good vs. Evil

Destiny vs. Fate

Chosen One

Moral ambiguity

Twisted Trope:
Dark Rise takes familiar fantasy tropes, like the chosen one narrative, and twists them to surprise the reader.

Darker subject matter:

The series deals with sensitive and potentially triggering topics, including murder, torture, abuse, and romantic coercion.

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Why it fits: Ash Mistry, a teen boy with British Indian heritage, visits India where mythical Hindu magic is woven into everyday life.

Why it matters: The novel gives insight into cultural depth and representation from exposure of non-western mythologies.

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Why it fits: Nobody "Bod" Owens is raised by ghosts after surviving a family tragedy. Set in a modern town, the magical graveyard blends into the everyday world.

Why it matters: The story's poetic narrative explores life and death, identity, love, and loss.

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Why it fits: Set entirely in an imaginary world with elves, dwarves, orcs, and a rigid class system. Fletcher, a blacksmith’s apprentice discovers he can use magic and is sent to a military academy.

Why it matters: The protagonist's outsider perspective allows the story to explore themes of prejudice, justice, and belonging.

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The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison 

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The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison 

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Why it fits: A court intrigue narrative set in an imaginary world with its own languages, customs, and political systems. Maia, a half-goblin, half-elf prince inherits the imperial throne.

Why it matters: The protagonist's actions and perspective offer an example of leadership and compassion.

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 The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison 

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~Why it fits: The series opens in a corrupt kingdom filled with assassins, magic bans, and political intrigue. The tone turns darker as Celaena discovers ancient powers, faces demonic forces, and navigates morally gray choices — classic dark-fantasy traits where beauty and brutality coexist.
~Why it matters: Combines court politics, romance, and high-stakes survival — perfect for teens who enjoy layered worldbuilding and strong female leads who break stereotypes. Great for discussions about heroism, trauma, and power in fantasy worlds.
🔗https://sarahjmaas.com/throne-of-glass-series/

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3

Citation: Maas, Sarah J. Throne of Glass. Bloomsbury, 2012.

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~Why it fits: Contemporary fantasy situates the magical within the modern, making wonder feel possible in everyday life. The Raven Boys captures this by layering mystical folklore over an American small-town landscape.

~Why it matters: Encourages reflection on belonging, ambition, and the pull between logic and intuition — resonant for students navigating their own coming-of-age experiences.

🔗 https://maggiestiefvater.com

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2,RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.6

Citation: Stiefvater, Maggie. The Raven Boys. Scholastic Press, 2012.

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~Why it fits: Urban fantasy often embeds magical or fantastical elements into human-made environments — here, the city itself becomes a living organism and moral symbol.
~Why it matters: Encourages students to question the costs of progress and power, and how technology transforms human values. Strong entry point for cross-disciplinary discussion (ELA + social studies or environmental ethics).

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.7

Citation: Reeve, Philip. Mortal Engines. Scholastic, 2001.

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Romantasy is a subgenre that blends both Fantasy and Romance into one. Typically, these novels will have an emphasis on world-building and magical elements with a romance as the primary plot.

Since this subgenre is a blend, qualifying novels may lean more towards one side or the other. However, the fantasy setting and relationship-heavy narrative are a mainstay.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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Credited with popularizing the subgenre; while the first book in the series is YA, the rest of the series gradually becomes New Adult/Adult Romantasy.

Fantasy Elements: A loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this novel features magic that spans both the Fae and human worlds. This high fantasy has intricate world-building with a heavy focus on the Fae realm.

Romance: The romantic escapades of the main character, Feyre, are the central plot of the series. Prominent tropes include enemies-to-lovers, slow-burning passion, fake dating, forced proximity, and forbidden love.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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Magical Setting: Kingdom of Ilya, which is divided by the magical "Elites" and the non-magical "Ordinaries." The Elites have gained these powers after a plague, and the powerless Ordinaries are considered threats.

Romance: This slow-burn romance emerges between Paedyn, an Ordinary who hides her powerlessness, and Prince Kai, an Elite. Their emotional connection deepens as the novel progresses with ample banter and tension.

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Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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Fantasy Elements: This novel takes place in Valenda, a fantastical world that draws heavily from classic fairytales with a setting akin to Alice in Wonderland. Throughout the book, the protagonist encounters magic, Fates, curses, vampires, prophecies, and artifacts.

Romance: The romance central to this novel incorporates enemies-to-lovers, fated love, forbidden romance, slow-burning passion, and a morally gray love interest.

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Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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Historical Fantasy is a subgenre that blends historical fiction with fantastical elements. Primarily, these stories can either be set within a specific period in history with additional fantastical elements or within a fictional, fantastical world that mirrors a particular era in history.

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Set in 19th-century London, this novel has immense details about Victorian England while incorporating demon-slaying "Shadowhunters," supernatural creatures (vampires, demons, angels, etc.), and magical clockwork devices.

Steampunk: The novel also has steampunk technology central to the plot, which consists of clockwork automatons and various steam-powered inventions.

Historical elements: To ground the story within the time period, the novel incorporates quotes from Victorian literature and genuine historical details from Queen Victoria's reign.

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Post-American Civil War, this novel follows Jane McKeene, a teenager who was born amidst a zombie apocalypse, which derailed the Civil War and changed the direction of American history.

Alternate History: Since the dead begin to rise during the Battle of Gettysburg, the Civil War ends abruptly and alters American history immensely.

Supernatural Elements: The existence of the undead requires young adults to enroll in specialty combat schools to fight off the oppressive force.

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Within this retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai, the heirs of two rival gangster families must work together to uncover a mysterious madness that is infecting people in their community.

Historical Elements: Although the gangs within the novel are fictionalized, they are contextualized by the rise of Chinese Communists and the Green Gang.

Fantastical Elements: The mysterious madness is rooted in a water monster (a guai) that appears in the Huangpu River.

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Within the fictional kingdom of Belterra (inspired by medieval France), the Catholic-like church and witches are in an ancient conflict that

Historically Inspired Setting: Although the setting is fictional, it's explicitly inspired by French history and culture. The religious conflict mirrors the witch trials and religious persecution that occurred within France. Additionally, the witch-hunting Chasseurs in the novel are mirrors of the witch hunters of the Inquisition in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Fantastical Elements: Within this world, there are varying witch ovens that specialize in elemental or blood magic. Any magic produced in this world requires a trade-off or sacrifice as well.

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~Why it fits: Divine Rivals intertwines romantic and fantastical elements in equal measure — the romance doesn’t just complement the fantasy world; it drives the story’s emotional stakes and world-building.
~Why it matters: Encourages exploration of empathy, communication, and hope amid conflict — themes relevant to both adolescence and civic literacy. Ideal for comparing with war poetry or historical fiction in interdisciplinary units.

🔗 https://www.rebeccarossauthor.com

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.3, RL.9-10.5

Citation: Ross, Rebecca. Divine Rivals. Wednesday Books, 2023.

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~Why it fits: The Gilded Wolves embeds magic and myth within a meticulously researched historical setting. The fantastical elements amplify real-world themes of colonialism, cultural erasure, and the pursuit of knowledge.
~Why it matters: Offers representation and critical discussion of Eurocentric history, racism, and belonging—encouraging students to question whose stories get told in both history and fantasy.

🔗https://www.roshanichokshi.com

ELA Tie-In: RL.9-10.2, RL.9-10.6, RL.9-10.9

Citation: Chokshi, Roshani. The Gilded Wolves. Wednesday Books, 2019.