10+ Best Fantasy Books for 20-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you a 20-year-old looking to dive into worlds beyond your imagination? Finding the right fantasy books for 20-year-olds can be a thrilling adventure in itself! Whether you're in the mood for epic quests or magical mysteries, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of fantasy books that are perfect for escaping the ordinary and experiencing the extraordinary. Let's explore together!
Table of Contents
Fun Fantasy Books for 20-Year-Olds
- The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Epic
- Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Kvothe, an adventurer and musician, as he recounts his journey from a troupe performer to a notorious wizard.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a masterfully told story that combines magic, music, and mystery. Its deep character development and intricate plot make it a captivating read for young adults seeking an escape into a richly built world.
- Perfect for: Fans of epic tales and anyone interested in a deep, character-driven narrative.
- Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Epic, Adventure
- Synopsis: In a world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the night, a group of rebels, led by a powerful "Mistborn," attempts to overthrow a dark lord who has ruled for a thousand years.
- Why we recommend this book: It features a unique magic system and a compelling heist story, making it a fun and engaging read. It's also a great introduction to Sanderson's larger Cosmere universe.
- Perfect for: Readers who love intricate world-building and revolutionary tales.
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, New Adult
- Synopsis: After killing a wolf in the woods, Feyre is dragged to a magical faerie land by a beast-like creature. Here, she learns that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—an immortal, powerful faerie who once ruled his world.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a perfect blend of romance and fantasy with strong characters and an engaging plot. The magical elements and emotional depth are ideal for young adults.
- Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales and romantic fantasy.
- The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Crime
- Synopsis: This book follows the adventures of Locke Lamora, a master thief with a penchant for elaborate scams, as he navigates the dangerous underworld of a city filled with crime lords and sinister plots.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling mix of heist action and fantasy elements, filled with sharp wit and a fast-paced plot. Great for those who enjoy stories with clever twists and complex characters.
- Perfect for: Readers who like a mix of fantasy and heist, with a side of humor.
- Uprooted by Naomi Novik
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Fairy Tale
- Synopsis: A girl named Agnieszka loves her valley home, but the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life. Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh take on fairy tales with a gripping, magical plot and a strong female protagonist. It's beautifully written, making it easy to dive into and hard to put down.
- Perfect for: Lovers of fairy tales looking for a mature twist and strong, dynamic characters.
Educational Fantasy Books for 20-Year-Olds
- The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Political
- Synopsis: Maia, the disregarded half-goblin son of the Emperor, has lived his entire life in exile. Suddenly, after the death of his father and brothers in an airship crash, he must assume the throne and navigate the complex and dangerous imperial court.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Political intrigue understanding, empathy, social dynamics, leadership skills
- Why we recommend this book: It's a deeply engaging narrative that combines court intrigue with a compassionate and compelling protagonist. The novel avoids typical fantasy battles and instead focuses on personal and political growth.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in a character-driven story and those fascinated by detailed world-building and political intrigue.
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Epic, LGBTQ+
- Synopsis: This epic tale weaves together the stories of a queen without an heir, a lady-in-waiting with a forbidden love, and a dragon rider from the East as they navigate a world on the brink of war with dragons.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity appreciation, strategic thinking, understanding of complex narratives
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly detailed world with an intricate plot and diverse characters, promoting gender equality and challenging stereotypes.
- Perfect for: Fans of epic fantasy and those looking for a standalone novel with significant depth and an inclusive cast.
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical
- Synopsis: Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are trained from childhood to compete in a magical duel by creating wondrous attractions within a mysterious circus that only appears at night. However, their rivalry complicates as they fall in love.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, visual imagination, emotional intelligence
- Why we recommend this book: It captivates with its magical realism and beautiful, detailed descriptions that bring the circus to life. The romance entwined with competition makes for a compelling read.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy magical realism and a blend of romance within their fantasy.
- Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, LGBTQ+
- Synopsis: Gideon Nav, a swordswoman, seeks to escape her servitude from the Ninth House but is drawn into a deadly trial alongside her necromancer, Harrowhark, involving other necromancers and their knights from the empire's various houses.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, understanding complex relationships, tactical thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It uniquely blends fantasy with science fiction and horror, providing a thrilling and darkly humorous read. The characters are vividly portrayed and the plot twists are genuinely surprising.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a blend of horror, humor, and fantasy with a strong, snarky protagonist.
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical, Folklore
- Synopsis: In a village at the edge of the Russian wilderness, Vasilisa grows up wild and free, with a special gift for seeing spirits that protect her home. However, when her mother dies and her father remarries, her new stepmother forbids honoring these spirits, bringing misfortune to their village.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural history, mythology, resilience, environmental awareness
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully interweaves Russian folklore with a coming-of-age story, emphasizing the importance of heritage and the clash between traditional beliefs and modern religion.
- Perfect for: Readers fascinated by folklore and mythological tales, as well as those who appreciate stories of strong, defiant women.
Challenging Fantasy Books for 20-Year-Olds
- The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Literary
- Synopsis: The novel spans decades in the life of Holly Sykes, from a rebellious teenager in the 1980s to an old woman in a dystopian future. Each section of the book introduces new characters linked to Holly and a secret war between immortal factions.
- Why this book is challenging: The complex narrative structure, which jumps through different times and perspectives, requires careful attention and analytical skills to piece together the overarching plot.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thought-provoking blend of literary and speculative fiction that challenges perceptions of time and reality. The intricate plot and well-developed characters make for a deeply engaging read.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and themes involving time, mortality, and the human condition.
- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical, Alternative History
- Synopsis: In an alternate 19th-century England where magic once existed, two magicians emerge to change history. The book follows their rivalry and partnership as they attempt to bring magic back to England.
- Why this book is challenging: Its detailed footnotes and dense, Victorian-style prose require a high level of reading comprehension and patience.
- Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a richly detailed alternative history packed with magical and political intrigue. It's perfect for those who love historical details and complex character dynamics.
- Perfect for: Fans of historical fiction and fantasy who appreciate detailed world-building and a slow-burn narrative.
- Perdido Street Station by China Miéville
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Steampunk, Weird Fiction
- Synopsis: Set in the sprawling, grimy city of New Crobuzon, the story follows a scientist and an artist as they become entangled in a dangerous quest involving nightmarish creatures.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel features an expansive vocabulary, complex world-building, and layers of political and philosophical themes.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a vividly imaginative and intellectually stimulating read that breaks conventional genre boundaries. The narrative is rich with creativity and complexity.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a dark, atmospheric fantasy with a strong steampunk flavor and intellectual depth.
- Little, Big by John Crowley
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism, Literary
- Synopsis: The story spans several generations of the Drinkwater family, who live in a house that bridges the world of humans and the world of Faerie. The narrative weaves together the small details of everyday life with the grand scope of a cosmic struggle.
- Why this book is challenging: It combines a dense, lyrical prose style with a non-linear narrative that spans both time and multiple realities.
- Why we recommend this book: This book is celebrated for its beautiful writing and the depth of its storytelling. It offers a unique blend of the fantastical and the ordinary, providing a profound meditation on love, family, and the nature of reality.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate poetic prose and stories that offer more than just surface-level fantasy.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of fantasy books and you're around 20 years old, developing good reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some exercises that can help you get the most out of your fantasy reads:
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
- How it helps: Helps create consistency and progress in your reading habits.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.
- Create a Dedicated Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
- How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances focus.
- Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.
- Join a Fantasy Book Club
- What it is: Participate in a book club that focuses on fantasy genres.
- How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the material.
- Tips: If you can't find one, consider starting a book club with friends or online.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Utilize an app to track your reading habits and discover new books.
- How it helps: Keeps you organized and motivated.
- Tips: Some apps also provide community features to discuss books with others.
- Read Aloud or Listen to Audiobooks
- What it is: Read books out loud to yourself or listen to their audiobook versions.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention, especially with complex fantasy worlds.
- Tips: Try alternating between reading and listening to keep things interesting.
- Take Breaks and Reflect
- What it is: Pause your reading to think about the story and characters.
- How it helps: Enhances understanding and appreciation of the book.
- Tips: Use these breaks to jot down thoughts or predict plot developments.
Developing these habits can really transform your reading experience, making each fantasy book more immersive and enjoyable. Whether you’re exploring distant lands or meeting mystical creatures, these tips will help you get lost in the pages. Happy reading!