One characteristic is the presence of a young protagonist. In most popular YA fantasy novels like 'Harry Potter', the main character is a teenager. Another is the use of magic or supernatural elements. For example, in 'Percy Jackson', there are Greek gods and demigods with special powers. Also, they often have a coming - of - age theme. The characters grow and change throughout the story, like in 'The Hunger Games' where Katniss becomes more self - aware and strong.
Some popular 'fantasy ya novels' include 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It has a dystopian setting with a strong female lead, Katniss, who has to fight in a deadly game. Another is 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series by Rick Riordan, which blends Greek mythology into a modern - day adventure for young demigods. Also, 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer is well - known, with its vampire - human love story set in a small town.
The 'Hunger Games' series is very popular. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in a televised event. Another one is 'Divergent'. In this novel, society is divided into factions based on different virtues, and the main character discovers she doesn't fit into just one. Also, 'The Maze Runner' is well - known. It follows a group of boys trapped in a maze, trying to find a way out while facing various dangerous creatures.
One popular YA college fantasy novel is 'A Discovery of Witches' by Deborah Harkness. It combines elements of magic, history, and a love story set in an academic environment. Another is 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman, which follows a group of students at a magical college dealing with complex magical and personal issues. And 'Hex Hall' by Rachel Hawkins is also great. It has a fun take on a school for witches and other supernatural beings.
Popular ones include 'The Grisha Trilogy' by Leigh Bardugo. Alina's journey to discover her powers and her love for Mal in a world of Grisha magic is really engaging. 'Daughter of Smoke and Bone' by Laini Taylor is also well - loved. Karou, a half - human, half - chimera, has a complex and beautiful relationship with Akiva that spans different worlds.
Popular violent fantasy YA novels usually have a sense of danger lurking around every corner. In 'Divergent', Tris constantly faces threats from different factions, leading to violent confrontations. The characters in these novels are often in a coming - of - age journey, and the violence they experience shapes their growth. In 'The Mortal Instruments', Clary has to grow up fast in the face of the violent demon - hunting world she discovers. Also, there is often a power struggle at the heart of the story, which drives the violent plot, as seen in 'Shadow and Bone' where different Grisha vie for power.
One popular queer fantasy YA novel is 'Cemetery Boys' by Aiden Thomas. It combines elements of Mexican folklore with a queer love story. Another is 'The Priory of the Orange Tree' which features diverse characters including queer relationships in a high - fantasy setting. And 'Ash' by Malinda Lo is a retelling of Cinderella with a queer twist.
One popular YA fantasy romance novel is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It combines elements of fantasy such as faeries and magic with a passionate romance. Another is 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black. It has a dark and alluring world filled with political intrigue and a budding romance between the main characters. 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard also fits the bill. It has a unique world where people are divided by blood color, and there's a love story that unfolds in the midst of a power struggle.
Sarah J. Maas is a very popular author in this genre. Her 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series is highly regarded. The books are filled with richly detailed fantasy worlds and intense romances. Another popular author is Holly Black. Her works like 'The Cruel Prince' series are known for their dark and captivating stories and the development of romantic relationships within the fantastical settings. Leigh Bardugo is also popular, especially for her 'Shadow and Bone' trilogy which combines fantasy and romance well.
Some popular ones include 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas and 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black. They have great world-building and compelling romances.