We have several fantasy book lists here on Redeemed Reader, but this list is especially for those who enjoy books like Keeper of the Lost Cities: a “fantasy books for teen girls” list, since teen girls* are the target audience of Keeper of the Lost Cities. If you haven’t read our thoughts on Keeper of the Lost Cities, find that here. This list is full of “read-alikes” to Keeper of the Lost Cities, but they are also books we think are even better. You can find links to our other fantasy book lists below. *And, if you’ve got teen boys who enjoy this series, don’t worry! They’ll enjoy many of the books below, too!
A quick refresher on Keeper of the Lost Cities: young, plucky heroine with special powers. Forces of evil at work. Hints of romance. Possible future heroes. Strange creatures. Assorted fantasy tropes writ large.
The books below deliver all this and more: strong, inventive writing. Nuance, in both character and theme (including some “talking points”). Original plots or plot twists. Series that end in closure within a few titles.
Fantasy Books for Teen Girls
(listed roughly in age order, with the more mature titles at the end; titles are linked to Redeemed Reader reviews where applicable.)
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George: A castle that’s alive? Light-hearted and fun.
The Prince Warriors Series by Priscilla Shirer: Battles on earth mirror those in the spiritual realm.
Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier (see also Peter Nimble): Wildly imaginative homage to stories and our protection of them.
A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson: A girl sets out to prove her father’s innocence —aided by a street boy— in this magical murder mystery.
Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin: Weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan’s own tale to great effect.
Genevieve of Alea by Emma Vanderpol: A delightful romp in which Genevieve longs for adventure (written by a teenager!).
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier: Historical fact combines with mythical elements to create a compelling story filled with sharp edges and surprising graces.
The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox: Adventure meets fairy tale.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson: One young woman’s quest to prove herself and clear her family honor (sci-fi).
100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson: Complex fantasy for both boys and girls.
The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson: Epic fantasy complete with sea dragons, music, and enchantments.
The Ranger’s Apprentice Series by Jonathan Flanagan: Another series (like 100 Cupboards) that has a male protagonist, but which features some terrific girl characters.
The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope: a love story with issues central to Christianity and paganism, in a satisfying and thought-provoking read for teens.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman: you’ve seen the movie, but have you read the book?
The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella: Alice in Wonderland-inspired dystopian fiction. (Stay tuned for a review soon!)
The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner: Our favorites from this series.
Entwined by Heather Dixon: A retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.”
The Song that Moves the Sun by Anna Bright: Takes four teens through the cosmos of Dante, with revelations on harmony, love, and friendship.
Swift by R. J. Anderson (and others by Anderson): A young piskey girl searches for truth as danger threatens her home and loved ones.
Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer: Echos of different fairytales are woven together in a vaguely Russian landscape.
Lovely War by Julie Berry: A satisfying romance that will leave readers with much to think about.
Not Fantasy, but … The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Von Orczy: A classic tale of intrigue during the French Revolution.
Related Reading from Redeemed Reader:
- A Resource: What Makes a “Strong Girl Character”?
- A Resource: Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci Fi List
- A Resource: Smaug’s Kind: Dragon Books
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