YA FANTASY FOR OLDER READERS 

I'm 63 and have been reading YA for over 10 years...I love it

title; "YA FANTASY FOR OLDER READERS" me a 13 year old; *clicks*

1. Young Elites by Marie Lu 2. A court of thorns and roses by S J Maas 3. Throne of glass by S J Mars 4. The final empire by Brandon Sanderson 5. Life like by Jay Kristoff 6. This savage song by Victoria Schwab 7. Scythe by Neal Shusterman 8. And I darken by Kristen White 9. The raven boys by Maggie Stiefvater 10. Daughter of smoke and bone by Laini Taylor 11. Strange the dreamer by Laini Taylor 12. The knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness 13. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

When it said older I was like “oh okay so like 20-30 year olds” and then you said 17-college. LMAO NOPE I’m 23 and feel OLD OLD. I still read YA books daily 😭

I'm in my mid 30s and still read YA. I don't think and have ever thought that books should have an age group, but I definitely think if a book has too much "romance" it should definitely not be labeled for young adults haha

I think The Mistborn series is a great transition book from YA to ADult. It is definitely what I would consider a perfect bridge book.

I am 33 and I love YA Fantasy books! :)

I'm 61 and I love YA fantasy. My favorite authors are Tamora Pierce and Diane Duane. Every fantasy by both of them is exceptional.

The young elites is a trilogy that I really enjoy to this day because it was one of the first stories I read that didn't follow a good person

Just turned 58. Enjoy many genres but YA Fantasy is a particular favorite. Also worth mentioning....Folk of the Air series by Holly Black. Great for older YA readers!

I've read Six of Crows and it's sequel and am absolutely in love with it. Thank you so much for bringing attention it!

me: adding every book you recomended to my card my card: 👁️👄👁️

I'm about to pass out!! I have been in a book slump lately...feeling like 27 is too old for YA, but finding the thought of moving on to adult novels daunting! Thanks random RU-vid suggestions! Lol

ACOTAR is definitely one of the best series I’ve ever read. It’s not just about the first book, but the books after are just amazing

I absolutely loved The Knife Of Never Letting Go! I read it as a 12 year old bit still really enjoyed it, I totally agree with you, it's criminally underhyped!

Scythe is a very fire novel, Hungergames-esque levels of good plot

I think the YA genre has some of the best writers. Even if they are targeted for younger audiences, every avid reader can appreciate great writing.

And I darken is such an underrated trilogy!!! It's really good.

I’m 27-throne of glass is one of my all time favorite series. sooo good😍

LOL ACOTAR was super dark as well, lots of torture as well as spicy moments! Sarah's writing is maturing with each novel she writes. Which I love! I'm 26 so its awesome but I would warn parents about her newest series, Crescent City, its 100% true adult content.

I'm so glad there are more people who think "Six of Crows" is a bit too adult and dark for younger audience. Thank you!

Been reading YA books since I've been a "young adult" going on 26 now .... lol love them , always will!! also, your book shelf is the one of my dreams!!

Frankly I never stopped reading YA novels & have no plans to stop! A good story is a good story irrespective of the “intended” target audience. (In my late 40s 🧑🏻‍🏫)

Love your recs! ♥♥♥ All of these books are amazing!

I’m always trynna say how much I love The Young Elites, but none of my friends know about it!! It’s so underrated and original because of the morals and actions of the main character. I love how much the characters change, so one second you love them, the next you hate them, and then you start to love them again.

The Raven Boys is one of my favourite series of all time. Highly recommend!

Not this video being recommended to me seven months later haha! I’m actually reading through the Throne of Glass series (nearing the end of book 2) and I can already tell the next books are going to be so much darker/ more mature. And I Darken keeps catching my eye! I might have to put it on my list for ‘21. What a great video!

The Witchlands is another great series I'd add to this list.

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who has been super confused by YA vs. adult fantasy. I’m a huge fantasy lover and have wanted to get more into adult fantasy, but have been really intimidated because when I think of the ‘adult fantasy’ genre, I think of giant, confusing worlds with really intricate plots. But I know that not all adult fantasies are like that and it’s nice to know that I’ve read a lot of these series. I totally agree that ACOTAR should have been adult fantasy all along. My 14 year old self did not know what I was getting into with that one 👀

**starts with marie lu recommendation* me: okay subscribe!

I was just googling YA novels with characters in their mid 20s yesterday and today your video popped up so thats 👌

I would also include the Study Poison series. Besides having a great story, character development and magic, it also has some dark undertones like the mention of abuse the protagonist went through (and hence PTSD), and it eventually shows more of a political issue between two countries, but it also has a beautiful yet subtle love story 🥰 (Maybe this series is considered adult fantasy but I still see it as YA fantasy)

Yes, I agree Sarah J Maas definitely belongs in the adult fantasy section. Her books are explicit in detail, erotica.

This is the video I needed. I haven't read any fantasy this year. *SCYTHE* sounds like it would be for me.

Mist and fury was such a fking surprise lmao (yes it’s my fave as well XD)

Mistborn is such a an amazing epic fantasy! It’s such a great way beginner book for adult fantasy

I should start reading Young elites right now ❤️

I would also recommend the Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud, though some might call it middle grade. More specifically the original trilogy. The main arc of the series is about slavery, how systems of power corrupt, and watching someone you love turn into a monster. Genuinely one of the best series I've ever read.

I read The Raven Cycle as a teen and didn’t care about it much. ReRead it as an adult last month and was OBSESSED 😂

Me, 15, read ACOTAR and SOC when I was 13 😂 But I loved them! haha 💕

Saw ACOTAR & TOG on your hand, clicked it. Since you held up two of my favorite books, thought it'd be good, Glad I did

Where is my throne of glass gang at?

I recommend An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir! It focuses on teenagers, however the world building is amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it as a 25 year old!

Anyone who liked raven boys, I highly recommend Scorpio Races, also by Maggie Stiefvater. It's been my favorite book since I first read it. Also raven boys is amazing

I read 6 of all of those. The rest I’ve heard of them but I’ve been hesitant to read because I’ve been on a reader’s block can I say 3 years? I mean I did read some books in that time but it felt like a chore instead of enjoying. I’m trying to get in my game again since I’m in vacation I really want to read again but I’m afraid of leaving it hallway. I’ll start with Six of Crows since that was the genre I was sort of reading. Idk I’m 22 and I felt like I didn’t options for recommendations, but I found this so I’ll go for it. Thank you so much!! New subscriber!

I am interested in a video for the younger reader too. I am 35. My daughters are 14 and 15. I would love to hear your take on books for a younger audience. Thanks! amy

I’m 57 and love YA fantasy. I don’t feel old. 😀

I didn't realise how much i needed this video

I love the throne of Glass series! It blew my mind so many times while I was reading the series and it made me cheer and laugh and cry. It is kinda sad I didn't read it in one go because I had to wait for two years for the series to finish and so I forgot some stuff during that time, but it was an awesome read. I'm definitely going to check out some of your other recommendations too

In seventh grade at my school Scythe was one of the options of books to read for a dystopian project. Read this book when you want but if you're wondering if it's appropriate, I think 12 y/o could easily read this.

As a high school English teacher I appreciate the strong selling points for many of these. I have read about half and added several to my TBR list. Thank you for the recommendations.

One of my favorite things about being a middle school educator is that it gives me an excuse to continue reading YA forever lol (not that you need an excuse - there are so many incredible YA books out there that absolutely anyone should be able to enjoy). I love videos like this because they give me so many ideas for additions to my classroom library!

Laughed out loud when you said “Older readers” as “higher college level” lol hun I thought you meant actual older readers like me in their 30s and 40s 😂😂

When she got to The knife of never letting go🙌🏾

Finally someone talking about The Raven Cycle series!!! This is one of my top three series of all time. It’s so unique and complex but so engaging. Maggie is a spectacular storyteller.

Yes I know I’m a year late… but I just wanna say, I loved the Scythe series! I read it at the beginning of 6th grade (so I was 11-12?) and I thought it was amazing by then! You might wanna be a more mature reader to read it at a young age, but I highly recommend! I’m planning on re-reading it this year, and diving back into the world, which made me cry one too many times! XD I’m excited to check out some of the books you recommended! (I’m a few years older now then when I read Scythe, but my favorite book genres haven’t changed!) Also anyone in the comments, I need some book recommendations that fall under: -YA Fantasy (romance is ok as long as it has some action) -Nothing too violent/explicit (I’m 13, but I am more of a mature reader if that helps) But thank you! (Sorry this is so long!)

Really good list. I already read most of this books. Totally on my TBR are Strange te Dreamer (even though Daughter of smoke and bone wasn't for me, this book seems totally different and often recommended) and since i love VE Schwab This Savage Song is definitly a must read. I have never really read marie lu, and Legend has been on my list too long (two 15 year old characters with the world on their shoulders and totally badass in a dystopian world? Yeah, got over that plot long ago so it's still on the "maybe some day, probably never" list), but Young Elits sounds interesting... Overall i agree with the list especially Mistborn and Six of Crows, two of my favorites.

Oh yes, I want to read Victoria Schwab’s books so much.

This was so interesting! I am often very confused, when it comes to young adult vs adult fantasy...

The Graceling series by Kristin Cashore is another good one and the Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix

I love The Seven Realms Series by Cinda Williams Chima. I read a lot of genres (YA included) and am almost 40, but Throne of Glass got worse at every book to me and I abandoned it.

...Fantasy romance is my favorite. I wish I had as many books as you do in the background. That’s heaven right there.

Thank u for posting this. I'm in my 50's & love YA books.

This Savage Song is my favorite book of all time. It's beautiful.

The funniest part was me finding that most of the books were already on my Amazon Wish List 🤭 Great recomendations! 💕

thank you for making this video!!! i LOVE ya books but often have a hard time finding ones that don’t make me feel like i’m still in middle school. so i really appreciate this video, and the fact that you recommended books that arent as well known!

i’m 15, but i’m definitely on a very higher level of reading than most people my age. i’m definitely gonna check these out!!

Wonderful selection of books and very enthusiastic reviews! Well done!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

My three favourite fantasy series have to be Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. I don't know if they could as Fantasy for Older readers but they are by far by favourite worlds to explore and read.

I felt the same way about The Young Elites! That trilogy is still the only thing I've read from Marie Lu, but I loved it! So many of these books are on my TBR, I should get to them sooner.

Yeah I read ACOTAR series when I was like 13... scarred for life. I was an innocent child 😂😂

I love your taste of books and the YA fantasy rec video is brilliant .Also I'd love to see mystery /thriller recs and historical fiction's !!! I recently wrapped up Red Queen and loved it so much so I'll read some books from your rec in the video. Thank you for the amazing video. Good Day!

Throne of glass is def my favourite YA series I ever read as of now

Sarah j. mass is legendary!

I just finished the young elites series and omg i am soo thankful I stumbled upon your video. You gave me another book to cherish and love, cuz that book is truly wonderful!

I agree with your review on Six of Crows. I felt the same, I mean the characters are supposed to be around 17-18, though they read more on the 20's. Besides that, it is quite a good book.

*To New Viewers* Yet again, another incredible video from Jessie Mae. Not only does she come up with really great ideas for her videos but her insights into what books are and who would benefit by reading them are brilliant. Out of all the booktubers I watch (which is many), she is the most honest, precise, insightful, creative, accurate and nicest I've come across. *To Jessie* Keep up the great work. You rock.

I love YA and I am surprised you didn't mention Children of Blood and Bone. That is YA but also has adult appeal. I'm 59 and work in a middle school library.

I have Daughter of Smoke and Bone on my TBR this month, I'm glad to hear that you think it appeals to older audiences as well as teens! I love some YA, but I have found that it can be hit or miss for me. Great video!

I really appreciate this video! I keep looking for fantasy to read bc I feel like I've grown out of a lot of what I used to enjoy, but I'll definitely give the ones in here that I've not yet read a try!

This was so helpful! I’m almost 17 and have been having trouble finding books that are the right kind of age for me. I’ve read The Knife of Never Letting Go but that’s all from the list. Can’t wait to start working through them!

The only YA/low fantasy I have read is Harry Potter. I've read some middle grade fantasy as well like The Belgariad/The Mallorean by David Eddings. When I started reading fantasy, though, the only thing that really counted as YA was The Hobbit. Lord of the Rings was more upscale from that but The Hobbit was definitely for younger readers. But, honestly, they let us read rated R books like Stephen King in grade school when I was a kid(I'm old). Don't think the YA genre even became its own thing till 2000s and beyond. I'm sure it started in the 1970s but the pickings were slim. I have heard of Mistborn and Throne of Glass. Will prob give those a try. Cool vid.

Got some good book ideas! Thanks! I’m 22 but also love those younger fantasy books so I would love to see that video!

Thanks for this video!! I kinda need to get out of my comfort zone and read something different for 2021!📚📚. Fantasy books should be for all ages. I’m getting out of a severe reading slump right now and it feels good to get out of it 😄😄😄

Sorry if I laugh out loud. I'm 70 and I just love YA fantasy. I have always asked myself why it is called that way. They were always my favorites!!

I love Patrick Carmen's books. The land of Elyon series is my favorite as well as the Atherton series! They are probably younger YA books but i don't mind at all.

Nice job. I liked your topic. You seemed to get more comfortable as you went.

This is really helpful! I'm 16, but I've always read from the younger section because I hate romance centric stories. I don't mind if it's sprinkled in but once it gets too detailed, I get disgusted. And all novels aimed at my age are very romance centric, so I really appreciate that you pointed out which ones have less romance.

I absolutely love these videos, you go into so much depth about topics and themes within the books more than websites do so thank you so much, as a 17 year old this was a very helpful video to see which books are more mature, also a new subscriber!! absolutely love your channel :)

27 male here with two children. I've recently decided to pick up YA fantasy novels due to the lack of Fantasy tv shows and movies that appeal to me haha. Great video definately made me want to pick up some more books.

I think the arcana chronicles definitely caters to the other side of ya. Loved your content and looking forward to seeing more

YOU ARE MY F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E BOOKTUBER 🤩😉😊😊😊😊😊

The book club I'm in reads YA fantasy! My favorite series is Sisters Grimm, which is marketed as children's but has some pretty dark turns. If you ever come across it, I highly recommend it! There are nine books that I read in like four days.

Oh my gooooosh!!! I am so glad I found thia channel, you're a genius!!! I find this genre so fun and comforting ☺ Also I second your recommendations for Throne of Glass (Manon❤), Strange the Dreamer, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Six of Crows, Young Elites, A court of thorns and roses - And I Darken is not my favorite but I definitely feel like it would appeal to many, it's very special Thank you for the other recommendations! I'm going to check out other videos on your channel too!!! Can't wait to see what I find 😍💌

somehow i've never seen this video but it was on my homepage so here we go!! i really want to read the young elites, i remember loving legend when i first read it. I need to read Mistborn, And I Darken, and the Knife of Never Letting go as well. Loved this!! ♡

Neal Schusterman also wrote the Unwind series which I just finished, he has the best premises for novels.

I need this video. Is just what I was looking for!! Thank you so much

I'm 57. I turned to the YA section of our small library a few years ago as I had exhausted everything I wanted to read in the adult section including the classics(I am not of fan of murder mysteries which is the majority of their selection) and have been so pleasantly surprised that I just devour the stuff!! Their YA section is WAY more diverse than the adult area... I loved the COTAR books. I read them after the TOG series and liked them better as I believe Maas took TOG a book too far, finding some of the plot superfluous and just drug out to the point of frustration for me. I did think the ending was worth it; it was just a battle getting there at times (har har... no pun intended). That being said, I did approach the head librarian when I was through with the COTAR series and questioned her if she had read them and that they were definitely NOT YA material... LOL Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows and the sequel Crooked Kingdom are friggin excellent along with her Shadow and Bone trilogy. You mentioned intelligent writing when describing this book and that is very true. I actually found them a breath of fresh air. The SAB trilogy sheds light into some of the material in SOC so it should be read first, imo. Its seldom I buy books but these I bought and are now in my cycle of rereads... side note, I keep books for a very long time. I own a VERY dog eared and yellowed copy of the book Swan Song by Robert McCammon from the late 80's which I read once a year (reminiscent of Stephen King's The Stand) along with some Mercedes Lackey, Stephen King and Anne McCaffrey books) I just could not get into The Raven Boys for some reason... sigh... but look forward to finding the others in this list. Just going to throw this out there... One series that I enjoyed was the Diabolic series by S.J. Kincaid in case anyone is interested.

I read a court of mist and fury and kingdom of ash when I was 11.

As a thirty year old I see myself readying ya books in my nursing home