13 Best Coming of Age High/Epic Fantasy Books You Must Read

When the rich tapestry of high fantasy collides with the poignant journey of coming of age, we get a literary genre that not only captivates us with its vivid, imaginative realms but also connects deeply with our own life experiences. This article is an exploration of the best coming-of-age high fantasy books.

High Fantasy and Coming of Age:

High fantasy, with its intricate world-building, fantastical elements, and epic narratives, transports us to realms that exist beyond the bounds of our reality. We are swept off our feet and into landscapes teeming with magic, mythical creatures, and grand adventures.

On the other hand, coming-of-age stories bring us back to earth, reminding us of our own growth and evolution. They chronicle the journey of a young protagonist navigating the rocky road to adulthood, grappling with themes of identity, morality, and belonging.

The beauty of these stories lies in their universality, in the shared experiences of fear, joy, confusion, and triumph that mark the transition from youth to maturity.

Imagine the magic that happens when these two genres intertwine! The result is a narrative where characters don’t just battle dragons or wield magic but also face their fears, come to terms with their identities, and grow from their experiences.

Here are 13 coming-of-age epic fantasy books for you:

1. Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

If someone were to ask me what book has everything – an epic adventure, a touch of magic, an otherworldly setting, and a powerful coming-of-age journey, my answer would be swift: Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor.

It’s one of those stories that, once you’ve read it, sticks with you. It takes root in your imagination and lives there, reminding you of the magic we can find in books and the power of dreams.

So, let’s talk about our dreamer Lazlo Strange, the young orphan librarian with a head full of stories and a heart full of dreams. Lazlo, who isn’t particularly handsome, strong, or heroic by conventional standards, dreams about the lost city of Weep – a place that everyone else believes is just a myth. His boundless imagination and insatiable curiosity make him the perfect hero for all of us dreamers out there.

What makes this book a stand out for me, aside from its fantastic plot, is its writing style. Taylor’s prose is nothing short of enchanting. It’s rich, vivid, and poetic. I’ve lost count of the number of times I had to pause, re-read a sentence, and just marvel at the beauty of her words.

Strange the Dreamer is not just a book; it’s a world unto itself, teeming with magic, passion, and the power of dreams. So, if you’ve ever been a dreamer, ever been entranced by the power of stories, this book is for you. Get ready for a journey like no other.

2. Red Sister by Mark Lawrence

The world of fantasy literature is full of fierce, brave, and memorable characters, and Nona Grey from Red Sister by Mark Lawrence is no exception. This book starts with a punch and keeps you on your toes, and Nona? Well, she has a way of stealing your heart and making you root for her with every page-turn.

Red Sister is the first book in the Book of the Ancestor trilogy. It introduces us to Nona, a young girl with a troubled past who is saved from execution and ends up at the Convent of Sweet Mercy, a school for girls. But don’t let the word convent fool you. This is no ordinary school. The girls here are being trained to be assassins, warriors, and magic users.

Nona’s journey from a scared, confused child to a strong, formidable, yet deeply compassionate young woman is the heart of this novel. The coming-of-age theme is woven seamlessly into the high-stakes, brutally beautiful world Lawrence creates.

The brilliance of Red Sister doesn’t just lie in its gritty, dark, and compelling narrative. It’s also about the friendships Nona forms with other girls at the convent, the battles she fights (both physical and emotional), and her struggle to understand her place in a world that seems designed to break her.

Lawrence’s world-building is stunning, and his character development, especially with Nona, is done with such care and attention that she practically leaps off the page. With every challenge, every failure, and every victory, we see a bit more of the woman she’s becoming.

The journey to adulthood can feel a bit like being in a school for assassins. It’s tough, it tests you, and there are days when you feel like you’re in a battle. But it’s also filled with friendships, growth, and discoveries about who you are and who you want to be. And that’s exactly what Nona experiences in Red Sister.

3. Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Assassin’s Apprentice is the enchanting beginning to Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy, which combines the charm of high fantasy with the depth of a coming-of-age narrative. The story revolves around Fitz, the bastard son of a nobleman, who finds himself thrust into a life of politics, magic, and treachery.

Fitz’s journey isn’t just about mastering the art of assassination or uncovering courtly conspiracies. It’s also about navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence, seeking acceptance, and finding his place in the world. Hobb masterfully intertwines Fitz’s personal growth with the high stakes of his royal heritage, creating a rich, layered narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.

I still remember the first time I read Assassin’s Apprentice. It was a cold, rainy afternoon, perfect for diving into a new book. I found myself so deeply immersed in Fitz’s world that I could almost feel the biting chill of Buckkeep, the ominous whisperings of political intrigue, and the fierce pull of Fitz’s loyalty towards his kingdom.

One thing that stood out to me was Fitz’s relationship with his mentor, Chade. Their bond beautifully captures the essence of mentorship – guiding, challenging, and nurturing Fitz on his path to adulthood.

4. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind will take you on a journey into a world teeming with music, magic, and myth. Patrick Rothfuss paints an extraordinarily vibrant high fantasy backdrop populated with compelling characters and intriguing mysteries. Yet, at its heart, this is a tale about one man’s transformation.

Our protagonist, Kvothe, is a figure shrouded in legend, but beneath the stories lies a more personal narrative. It’s the story of a young boy, scarred by loss, honing his skills, learning the cost of pride, and discovering the complexities of love.

Rothfuss captures the intricacies of Kvothe’s journey with keen insight, creating a character as real as he is remarkable. As Kvothe transitions from a precocious street urchin to a man whispered about in tales, readers experience the bitter taste of his setbacks and the sweet victories of his triumphs.

The blend of high fantasy with the raw, unvarnished realities of Kvothe’s coming-of-age is what sets The Name of the Wind apart. It’s more than just a book about magic and adventure; it’s a testament to resilience, the pursuit of knowledge, and the power of storytelling.

Whether you’re a lover of intricate world-building, compelling character arcs, or the heartfelt resonance of a coming-of-age tale, The Name of the Wind is a literary delight that shouldn’t be missed.

5. Sabriel by Garth Nix

Sabriel is a unique blend of high fantasy and coming-of-age themes. It offers an immersive journey into a fantastical realm while also reflecting the universal journey of self-discovery and maturity that every reader can relate to. This combination of elements makes Sabriel a must-read for lovers of genre-blending narratives.

The novel’s protagonist, Sabriel, is a young woman standing on the precipice of adulthood. Yet, usual milestones don’t mark her coming-of-age, but rather by a daunting task passed down from her father – to keep the Dead from troubling the living.

As Sabriel ventures into the unknown, braving the treacherous realm of the Old Kingdom, she also embarks on a personal journey. This voyage is not only about battling eerie creatures of the Dead and uncovering the secrets of her lineage, but it’s also about her transformation from an uncertain girl to a confident woman, shouldering her responsibilities with newfound courage and wisdom.

Nix’s masterful storytelling intertwines these two threads beautifully. The richly detailed world of magic, mystery, and danger forms a compelling backdrop for Sabriel’s evolution. We don’t just witness her encounters with supernatural foes, but we also see her grapple with fear, doubt, and duty – experiences that echo the complexities of growing up.

6. Blood Song by Anthony Ryan

In Blood Song, Anthony Ryan takes us on a riveting adventure into a world of faith, honor, and the tumultuous path to destiny. We meet Vaelin Al Sorna, a ten-year-old boy who is stripped of his family ties and left at the gates of the Sixth Order, a brotherhood that breathes battle and righteousness.

But this is more than a tale of martial prowess and religious devotion. It’s a story of growth, of a young boy forced to navigate a life he didn’t choose and grow into the man he was destined to be. As Vaelin trains to become a Warrior of the Faith, we see him grapple with rage, confusion, and the harsh realities of his austere life.

Ryan deftly intertwines Vaelin’s coming-of-age journey with a high fantasy narrative filled with intrigue, power plays, and secrets. The Sixth Order, its staunch principles, and its lethal undertakings form the backdrop to Vaelin’s struggles and evolution.

Through his memories of his parents and the revelations about their lives, Vaelin’s personal growth is juxtaposed with his deeper understanding of his past and future. The complexity of his character’s journey from an angry boy to a fated warrior creates a compelling narrative of self-discovery.

7. The Choice of Magic by Michael G. Manning

Imagine a world where magic once flourished, bringing enlightenment and pulling humanity out of the shadows of superstition. In The Choice of Magic, author Michael G. Manning immerses us in such a universe, but this is not a tale of glory. It’s a narrative of lost wisdom usurped by easy power and wielded only by a privileged few.

At the center of the story, we find the last surviving wizard of the old traditions, living in solitude, his bitterness almost as palpable as his fading strength. His tale alone is compelling, a chronicle of a bygone era slowly fading into oblivion. But when a headstrong youth insists on becoming his apprentice, a new ray of hope penetrates the gloom.

What unfolds is more than an epic tale of magic. It’s the journey of a young apprentice growing into his potential, challenging the status quo, and heralding change. It’s about his struggle to grasp the deep wisdom of wizardry, a struggle that mirrors the turbulence of adolescence and the passage to adulthood.

Manning artfully intertwines the grand narrative of a changing magical order with the personal journey of a stubborn apprentice. It’s a tale that encapsulates the uncertainties and possibilities of coming of age, set against a backdrop filled with the awe of magic and the machinations of power.

At its core, The Choice of Magic is a testament to the power of knowledge, the value of ancient wisdom, and the journey of growth. It’s a high fantasy coming-of-age story that captivates readers with its intriguing blend of magical lore and personal evolution.

8. Free the Darkness by Kel Kade

Dive into the tumultuous life of Rezkin in Kel Kade’s Free the Darkness, a tale where seclusion meets the grandeur of a kingdom in turmoil. Raised in the hidden stronghold of Ashai, Rezkin’s existence has been one of rigorous training and isolation until an earth-shattering conflict tears his world apart and propels him into an unfamiliar reality.

But the saga of Free the Darkness isn’t merely an epic journey across the Kingdom of Ashai. At its core, it’s a transformative tale. Rezkin isn’t just a young warrior seeking answers to his identity and the catastrophe that ravaged his home; he’s also a character coming to grips with new concepts – conscience and companionship.

As he chases down an elusive warrior who may hold the key to his past, Rezkin’s interaction with an array of colorful characters sparks growth and understanding, illuminating moments that are both touching and comically insightful.

Kade expertly weaves this path of self-realization into a larger narrative of unsettling threats shadowing not only Rezkin and his band of unlikely allies but all of Ashai. This fusion of personal evolution and high-stakes fantasy crafts a story that engrosses readers from the first page to the last.

9. The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

If you’re seeking an epic fantasy that’s easy to read and just right for young readers, The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan hits the mark. We’re introduced to Will, a fifteen-year-old with dreams of warriorhood, only to find himself apprenticed to the mysterious Rangers.

The Rangers, with their dark cloaks and whispers of magic, unnerve the villagers. However, they are the kingdom’s silent guardians, battling threats before they endanger the populace. Thrust into this world, Will discovers an imminent, significant conflict, and he must rise to the challenge.

The Ruins of Gorlan masterfully interweaves high fantasy with relatable coming-of-age themes. As Will navigates the intricacies of combat training and surveillance, he also grapples with lessons of friendship, courage, and responsibility. It’s a story of personal growth painted on the grand canvas of a high fantasy world.

10. She Who Rose From Ashes by Sita Bennett

As a fan of fantasy novels with a poetic tone, this one holds a special place in my heart. The book is an intriguing concoction of ancient mysticism, high fantasy, and a slow-burning love story that ignites amidst the whirlwind of destiny and darkness.

In a world wary of sorcery, we follow Ember, a Firebender on the run from a haunting past and the dark figures that seek her. Her quest is to find four other mystics possessing complementary powers to her own. Her journey leads her to Heng, her half-brother, and the Airbender she’s been seeking.

The mission is both compelling and formidable. They must unite their group, traverse continents, and ethereal realms, and shatter the illusionary veil spun by the Shadows of Sky Consciousness, liberating humanity from centuries of mental subjugation. But this is not their first rodeo.

Time and again, these mystics have reincarnated, driven by the same purpose, only to be thwarted by black sorcerers sworn to uphold the illusory veil. Each rebirth erases their memories, making them rediscover their shared destiny anew.

In this lifetime, they must rise, remembering the echoes of past lives, reconnect with their elemental powers, and stand firm against the onslaught of dark sorcery. The question remains, will this be their ultimate stand or yet another cycle in the infinite dance of Samsara where life and death intertwine?

She Who Rose From Ashes is a beautifully woven tapestry of high fantasy, mysticism, and young adult romance, encapsulated in a language as poetic as it is captivating. If you’re drawn to the lyrical side of fantasy, this one is a must-read.

11. Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher

With Furies of Calderon, the first book in the Codex Alera series, Jim Butcher, famous for his acclaimed Dresden Files, invites readers into an exceptional fantasy world brimming with danger, bravery, and unique magic.

Imagine a world where people bond with furies, the elemental spirits of earth, air, fire, water, wood, and metal. For a thousand years, the people of Alera have harnessed this power to unite against threatening races.

However, in the secluded Calderon Valley, a fifteen-year-old boy named Tavi finds himself an exception to the rule. Unlike his peers, Tavi possesses no fury crafting abilities. No wind fury to lift him into the skies, no fire fury to ignite his lamps.

But when the brutal Marat horde threatens to return to the Valley, it’s Tavi’s courage and ingenuity, not his lack of fury, that might hold the key to salvation. In the face of war, Tavi shows that sometimes, true power doesn’t stem from elemental spirits but from the heart of a brave and resourceful young man.

Butcher’s Furies of Calderon is a riveting high fantasy tale of courage and resilience, a testament to the power of the human spirit when faced with formidable odds.

12. The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington

James Islington‘s The Shadow of What Was Lost, the first installment of The Licanius Trilogy, invites readers into an epic coming-of-age adventure set in a realm bearing the scars of an ancient war. At the heart of this story is Davian, a student of the Gifted, learning to navigate a world tainted by a conflict that ended before he was even born.

As Davian endures scorn beyond his school walls and battles to master the Gift, he discovers he can wield the forbidden power of the Augurs. This revelation pushes his coming of age journey into overdrive, triggering a cascade of events destined to alter the world.

In the north, an old foe, thought defeated begins to wake. In the west, a blood-stained young man arises in a forest, memoryless, his destiny inexplicably linked with Davian’s. Islington’s tale beautifully merges the fantastical and the familiar, offering readers a rich narrative about growing up, making choices, and uncovering one’s destiny.

13. Cold Iron by Miles Cameron

This book will introduce you to the modest Aranthur, an academy student with minimal magical aptitude. Living among those more talented, more adept, and quicker to master skills, he never thought he would be the one to rise to an unexpected challenge.

Yet, destiny has its own plans as he embarks on a journey that pushes him from the shadows of the ordinary into the limelight of the extraordinary. In the face of adversity, Aranthur’s coming-of-age story unravels as he gets entangled in a fight to protect a woman who is forcibly thrown off a passing stagecoach.

This act of courage marks the start of his transformation from an ordinary student into a young man shouldering responsibilities larger than himself. It brings to life the essence of growing up that it’s not age but experiences that shape our character and fortitude.

Cold Iron isn’t just about an individual’s journey into a world of magic and danger; it’s a narrative of growth and maturity, where choices lead to a series of inevitable consequences. It’s about the blurry line separating innocence and violence and the strength it takes to tread a path that gradually slides towards peril.

This epic fantasy beautifully encapsulates the uncertainties of youth, the lessons drawn from experiences, and the power of an unassuming hero rising from the ashes.

Final Thoughts

The coming-of-age high fantasy books mentioned above are more than just awesome adventures. They talk about stuff everyone goes through – like growing up, figuring out what you want to do, or dealing with what life throws at you. These stories pull you in, get you thinking, and make you see things differently.

Every book, in its own way, shows us how powerful our imagination can be and how much we’re really capable of. So, whether you’re a seasoned fan of fantasy books or just trying them out, these books are going to get you hooked.