What makes YA fantasy fiction the best?

A great YA epic fantasy novel often has a relatable protagonist, like in 'The Mortal Instruments' series by Cassandra Clare. The main character Clary Fray is a normal teenager thrust into a world of shadowhunters, demons, and magic. Her journey of self - discovery while dealing with these fantastical elements makes the story engaging. Compelling world - building is also key. In 'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir, the world of the Martial Empire is vividly described, with its own cultures, power structures, and dark secrets.

A really good YA fantasy book is 'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo. It has a fascinating world with the Shadow Fold and Grisha powers. Then there's 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. This series has a great mix of faerie lore, romance, and adventure. 'An Ember in the Ashes' by Sabaa Tahir is another excellent choice. It's set in a world inspired by ancient Rome, with a strong female lead fighting against an oppressive regime and a complex plot full of magic and intrigue.

One reason is the escapism it offers. Young adults can get away from the real - world pressures and enter into magical realms, filled with unique creatures and powers. For example, in 'Harry Potter', readers are transported to Hogwarts, a world full of magic and mystery.

I think 'The Lightning Thief' from 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians' series is a great start. It's easy to read and the story is engaging, introducing readers to Greek mythology in a fun way. Another good one is 'City of Bones' from 'The Mortal Instruments' series. It has an exciting plot that draws you in right away.

The unique fantasy elements. In these books, the concept of 'grace' is really interesting. It gives characters special abilities that are different from the typical magic in other fantasies.

Well, it's the combination of a good story and historical context. In 'A Night Divided', the story of a family split by the Berlin Wall is gripping. YA historical fiction can make history come alive for young readers. It can inspire them to learn more about the past. The characters in these books often face challenges that are both unique to their time and also universal, like in 'I Am Malala' where Malala's fight for education is set against the backdrop of Pakistan's history.

Some of the best YA fantasy books include 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's set in a dystopian world where teens are forced to fight to the death in an arena. Another great one is 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling, which follows the adventures of a young wizard at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' by Rick Riordan is also popular, as it blends Greek mythology with modern - day settings for an exciting adventure.

For beginners, 'The Lightning Thief' from the 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' series is great. It's easy to read and introduces Greek mythology in a fun and accessible way. 'The School for Good and Evil' by Soman Chainani is also good. It has a simple yet engaging concept of two schools for good and evil students. Another option could be 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs. It has a unique blend of mystery and fantasy with its old photos and strange characters.

The complex characters make it great. The protagonists, like Laia and Elias, are multi - dimensional. Laia is a slave girl with hidden strength, and Elias is a reluctant soldier. Their growth throughout the story, facing moral dilemmas and difficult choices, draws readers in.

The writing style. Leigh Bardugo's writing is engaging and vivid. She describes the action scenes so well that you can almost see the characters in action. The dialogue is also great, full of snark and humor. It makes the characters feel more real and relatable, which is important in a YA fantasy fiction book like 'Six of Crows'.