10+ Best Fantasy Romance Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into magical realms with a touch of heart-fluttering romance? Look no further! Our curated guide to Fantasy Romance Books for 13-Year-olds has everything you need to find your next favorite read. Whether you're in the mood for enchanting adventures or sweet, mystical love stories, we've got you covered. Keep reading to explore our diverse lists of must-read titles that are sure to captivate and inspire young teen readers like you!

Fun Fantasy Romance Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This retelling of the Cinderella tale follows Ella, who is cursed with the "gift" of obedience. She must obey any order given to her, but she embarks on a quest to find her fairy godmother and break the curse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and empowering read that showcases the importance of self-determination and courage. It also adds a delightful twist to a familiar fairy tale.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy strong female protagonists and magical adventures.

• The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Ani, a princess with the ability to communicate with the wind, is betrayed and forced to become a goose girl in a foreign land. She must reclaim her true identity and save her kingdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of traditional fairy tales with a unique magic system and a strong, relatable heroine. It's a great story about finding one's voice and strength.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales and stories with a mix of adventure and romance.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves in a school where they train to become fairytale heroes or villains. Their friendship is tested as they navigate their roles in their own fairytale.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating series that explores themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good and evil. It's also packed with magical twists and turns.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a good school setting and stories that challenge the traditional notions of heroes and villains.

• Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Sophie, cursed by a witch to appear as an old woman, finds herself in the moving castle of the mysterious wizard Howl, where she becomes involved in a magical conflict.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written adventure with complex characters and a heartwarming romance. The imaginative setting and magical elements make it a captivating read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy whimsical tales with a mix of magic, mystery, and romance.

• Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Miri, a mountain girl, attends an academy to prepare for the possibility of becoming a princess, discovering her own potential and the power of friendship along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh take on what it means to be a princess and emphasizes the importance of education and self-empowerment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like stories about royalty and self-discovery, with a dash of romance.

Educational Fantasy Romance Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: In a world where dragons can fold themselves into human shape, Seraphina, a gifted musician, becomes embroiled in a royal murder mystery that leads her to uncover secrets about her own family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empathy, understanding of diversity and conflict resolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a richly imagined fantasy with a strong and intelligent female protagonist, offering a unique take on dragons and integration of cultures.
  • Perfect for: Teens who love music, mystery, and dragons woven into their fantasy reads.

• Stardust by Neil Gaiman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Tristran Thorn promises to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved, venturing into the magical realm of Faerie, where he encounters witches, outlaws, and a star that is not at all what he expects.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, vocabulary, understanding of narrative structure and character development
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the wonder of fairy tales with the excitement of adventure and the poignancy of first love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a good quest mixed with romance and magical settings.

• The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
  • Synopsis: September, a young girl from Omaha, is whisked away to Fairyland where adventures, whimsical friends, and a quest to retrieve a witch's stolen spoon await.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, understanding of allegory and symbolism
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, imaginative tale that encourages independence and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love stories filled with whimsy, challenges, and a touch of the absurd.

• The Princess Bride by William Goldman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This tale of true love and high adventure follows Westley, a farm boy turned pirate, and Buttercup, the beautiful young woman he loves, through a series of trials and tribulations in the mythical kingdom of Florin.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literary analysis, understanding of satire and irony, narrative techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic story that blends humor, adventure, and romance in a way that appeals to a wide range of readers.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy a mix of comedy, romance, and adventure in their fantasy tales.

• Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Princess Cimorene tires of her conventional royal life and volunteers to work for a dragon, finding adventure and true companionship in her new life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, empowerment, challenging stereotypes
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and empowering story that flips traditional fairy tale roles on their heads.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate strong, unconventional female characters and a good laugh.

Challenging Fantasy Romance Books for 13-Year-Olds

• A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Prince Rhen, cursed to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year, can only be freed by love. Harper, a girl from modern-day Washington D.C., is transported to Rhen's world and must navigate this enchanted land while dealing with her own challenges.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel deals with complex themes such as duty, disability, and the moral complexities of leadership and love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh twist on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale, blending real-world issues with fantastical elements, making it a compelling read for young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a strong female protagonist and a story that combines traditional fairy tale elements with modern-day challenges.

• Caraval by Stephanie Garber
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she lives with her cruel father. She and her sister Tella dream of attending Caraval, a far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show. When the sisters finally get the chance to go, Tella is kidnapped, and Scarlett discovers that this year, Caraval revolves around Tella’s disappearance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and the blurred lines between illusion and reality in the narrative require careful reading and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a mesmerizing, magical game of a story with high stakes, richly developed settings, and complex characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with puzzles, mysteries, and a bit of theatrical flair.

• The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Drama
  • Synopsis: Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans, especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex political intrigue and moral ambiguity, requiring readers to engage with a sophisticated narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a dark, gripping tale of betrayal and intrigue in a lush, dangerous fairy-tale world, with strong, cunning characters.
  • Perfect for: Fans of dark fantasy and stories where political and personal intrigue drive the narrative.

• Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Elisabeth, raised in one of Austermeer's Great Libraries among magical grimoires, aspires to become a warden to protect the kingdom from their power. When a dangerous incident implicates her, she becomes involved with Nathaniel Thorn, a sorcerer, and his demonic servant, Silas, to clear her name and uncover a far-reaching conspiracy.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's elaborate world-building and the complex relationship dynamics provide a rich reading experience that challenges conventional thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines action, romance, and a unique magic system in a world where books have personalities and power.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to magical libraries and stories that blend action with heart and a touch of romance.

• An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Isobel is a portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the fair folk. When she paints mortal sorrow in the eyes of Rook, the autumn prince, she is whisked away into the faerie world to stand trial for her crimes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lush prose and the exploration of artistic inspiration as a theme demand a deep appreciation and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that explores the power of art and love with a captivating take on the faerie world.
  • Perfect for: Those who love stories about the fae and are looking for a narrative that beautifully melds romance with artistic creativity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of fantasy romance books, it's a fantastic opportunity to develop some great reading habits that will enhance your experience. Here are some fun and easy exercises tailored for 13-year-olds to help you get the most out of your reading adventures.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Enhances your focus and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfy and has good lighting!

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the book's content.
  • Tips: Try starting a book club with friends who also love reading.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the story’s events and characters.
  • How it helps: Helps you visualize and remember the story better.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make your map more engaging and easier to understand.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before you finish the book, try to predict how it will end.
  • How it helps: Enhances your analytical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and see how close you were once you finish the book.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

These exercises aren't just about improving your reading skills; they're about making reading your own magical journey. So grab your favorite fantasy romance, and let's turn those pages into your own adventure! Happy reading!