We all have genres we can’t resist, and since you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re a sucker for mythology and lore. The good news is that you’re in the right place! The YA books on this reading list will transport you to magical places filled with adventure, romance, angry gods, and epic quests. So what are you waiting for? Dive into a fantastical new world with one of these YA books inspired by mythology and lore.
Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken
We can’t get enough of King Arthur, which is why we’re so obsessed with this new book from the author of the Darkest Minds series! When Tamsin Lark learns that her old foster father might have a magical ring that could break her younger brother’s curse, she sets out to track him down. Dark magic, dangerous secrets, and vicious competition will keep you racing through the pages!
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
Demon magic, romance, political unrest, and Chinese folklore—what more could you want in a fantasy novel? It’s about an orphaned girl named Lan who joins forces with a boy named Zen to save or destroy their kingdom (they’re not sure which). This book is just the thing when you’re in the mood for a total escape from reality!
Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim
Spice Road puts a unique spin on Arabian folklore in this gorgeous fantasy novel. Anything can happen in this world of magical spices, missing brothers, and mystical warriors. So find a comfortable spot to curl up with this book because once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop!
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
We’ve all dreamed about being a magical princess at some point, but what if you had an evil stepmother to go with it? Unfortunately for Shiori, her stepmother lives up to the stereotype. She turns Shiori’s brothers into cranes and banishes her from the kingdom. The exiled princess must find her brothers, break the curse, and save her kingdom.
The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
Dark magic, arranged marriage, and true love make this series irresistible! It’s based on the Arthurian legend and is just as fantastic as you’d suspect. When you’re in the mood for an action-packed fantasy, pick this one up! You won’t be able to put it down!
Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
The Little Mermaid meets West African mythology in this lush under-the-sea fantasy series. Simi is a mermaid who angers the gods when she rescues a human boy from drowning. She journeys across the seas to earn back their trust, facing monsters, danger, and deception at every turn.
Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao
This breathtaking fantasy series reimagines the fate of Anastasia Romanov, the legendary Russian duchess who supposedly escaped her family’s tragic demise. Even though the actual Anastasia died with her family, this book carries on the legend of her escape. Magic, romance, and political corruption make it utterly irresistible!
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
Strap yourself in because this high fantasy novel combines a West Africa–inspired setting with folklore and mythology to create a spellbinding adventure novel. When her village labels her impure, Deka runs away and joins an army of magical warrior girls like herself. But nothing in the empire is quite what it seems, and Deka faces corruption and unrest as she struggles to find her place.
Reawakened by Colleen Houck
If you devoured the Percy Jackson series when you were younger, you’ll love this series, too. Ancient Egyptian mythology (literally) comes to life when Lily meets a resurrected prince at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She soon finds herself racing across the globe to raise mummies from the dead and save the world from a vengeful god.
