There is still time for those brilliant end-of-summer adventures! The days may be starting to become just a little bit shorter, but there is still bookish magic in the air. It’s that bittersweet in-between moment, when you’re still basking in that vacation-freedom feeling, but the thought of school is slowly creeping into your thoughts. Well, we can’t think of a better time to escape into a world of magic, quests, and unforgettable characters than now.

Get ready for YA fantasy! These stories are not only page-turners but the perfect literary escape to help teens (and the young at heart) hold on to the last sparks of summer. And if you’re looking to make that escape even more magical, our Young Adult Book Subscription Box brings those worlds to life with our famous exciting gifts, immersive reading kits, and the joy of surprise. Who doesn’t love receiving beautifully wrapped gifts? Yes, it's like having an unexpected birthday celebration!

 

Why Fantasy Is the Genre of Escapism

There’s a reason fantasy has remained a favorite for generations. We can’t help but get caught up in rich world-building, the high-stakes plots, and characters who grow through impossible situations. Fantasy novels take us far from reality and transport us into worlds where anything is possible: dragons fly, spells shimmer, and underdogs rise.

Beyond the adventure, reading fantasy boosts imagination and empathy, and we don’t think you can ever have enough of those two qualities. Research shows that reading fantasy increases our creative thinking and emotional understanding. So, it’s not just fun, it’s good for the brain and heart.

How Fantasy Fuels End-of-Summer Energy

1. Adventure That Matches the Mood

Late summer always has a craving for “one last big thing.” Whether it’s a final road trip, a sleepover under the stars, or devouring a 400-page epic in one sitting, YA fantasy delivers those thrills with dragons, incredible escapes, and magical quests. There’s no better way to ride out the last days of August than tagging along with a fierce heroine facing down destiny.

Looking for a book to get lost in? Our Ready-to-Ship YA Book Boxes are packed with adventures you can start today! No waiting required. 🙂

2. Emotional Catharsis Before a New Season

Let’s be honest, transitioning back to school or routine can feel overwhelming. Fantasy offers that emotional bridge. You root for characters navigating challenges, finding their place, and making sense of change, all while dragons and magical forests keep the tone delightfully unreal.

Genres like fantasy allow us to explore big emotions from a safe distance, building both resilience and self-awareness. The drama feels personal, but the stakes are delightfully mythical.

3. Longer Days, Longer Reads

Summer isn’t over yet, and neither are those sunlit evenings made for reading marathons. YA fantasy series are ideal for binge-reading by the pool, under the covers, or on the beach. With so many fantasy worlds to explore, you’ll want to devour book after book before the school bell rings again.

From enchanted hotels to sinister tea-brewing tournaments (more on those below), fantasy novels offer deep plots and endless surprises. Pro tip: stash a book in your beach tote and your backpack.

4. Magical Settings That Contrast Reality

One of the best things about YA fantasy? The settings. Forests that move, castles in the clouds, underworlds made of crystal–it feels as if every page transports you somewhere dazzlingly different. It’s like going on a vacation without leaving your reading nook.

Whether you’re stuck in a late-summer heatwave or already feeling the early September breeze, fantasy worlds give your imagination a passport to anywhere.

5. Great for Book Clubs or Buddy Reads

Fantasy books are perfect for buddy reads. Whether it’s with your best friend, your cousin, or a virtual book club, there’s nothing better than bonding over a shared gasp or plot twist. Start a reading pact now, and keep the conversations going all season long. StoryGraph is a great option to keep you both on track!

Want to make it even more fun? Subscribe to our YA Book Box and read the same story together—each surprise gift is a shared experience that brings the pages to life.

Check out our blog: Why Young Adult Books Are Perfect for Summer Adventures

5 YA Fantasy Books to Read Before Summer Ends

 

A High-Stakes Fantasy with a Fierce Heroine

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

What if your magical school wanted to kill you? El is no ordinary student; she wields a dark power strong enough to obliterate monsters and classmates alike. Set in a deadly academy with no teachers and no holidays, this is one of those YA fantasy books to finish summer with a bang.

A Magical World That Feels Like a Summer Escape

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

Think Heartstopper meets A Knight’s Tale. Two rivals forced into an arranged marriage discover they’re both hiding secrets—and maybe, allies. Sword fights, royal tournaments, queer romance, and chaotic friendships make this the perfect YA fantasy beach read.

A Dark Fairytale with a Twist You Won’t See Coming

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Alyssa hears bugs talking. That’s just the beginning. As she tumbles into a twisted version of Wonderland to save her family, she must complete impossible trials and choose between a loyal best friend and a seductive guide with secrets. Gothic, wild, and impossible to put down.

 

A Culturally Rich Fantasy Full of Power and Purpose

A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

Poisoned tea. A dying sister. A high-stakes magical competition. Ning must master the ancient art of tea-making to save her family—and herself. With lush court intrigue and slow-burn romance, this is a must for fans of quiet power and emotionally charged storytelling.

A Whimsical Adventure That Blurs Reality and Illusion

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor

This hotel travels the world, vanishing and reappearing each day in a new location. But once you’re inside, leaving is not so easy. With enchanting spells and sinister secrets, this story of sisterhood and courage makes for a perfect end-of-summer reading escape.

More magic awaits in YA Fantasy Worlds: Magic, Adventure, and Imagination

 

Hold on to the Magic a Little Longer…

Just because the calendar is flipping toward fall doesn’t mean the adventure has to end. Whether you’re looking to escape one more time or savor a quiet story before school starts, YA fantasy gives you the power to dream, explore, and connect, all from your favourite reading spot.

Ready to make it unforgettable? Subscribe to our YA Book Box or explore our Ready-to-Ship Young Adult Boxes for the ultimate end-of-summer adventure. Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!

 

Sources

Clark, C., & Picton, I. (2021). Children and young people’s reading engagement in 2021: Emerging insight into the impact of the pandemic on reading. National Literacy Trust. https://nlt.cdn.ngo/media/documents/Reading_in_2021.pdf

Kent District Library. (2023, November 7). Expand your mind: The joy of reading across
genres. Kent District Library.
https://kdl.org/blogs/post/expand-your-mind-the-joy-of-reading-across-genres/