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Fairy Tale, Fantasy

FANTASY

Authors C

At a Glance

AUTHOR JANEY LEE CAREY ​  DRAGON'S KEEP
rated G

(mild romance, some dark themes, fantasy violence, and minimal swearing)

AUTHOR JANEY LEE CAREY

DRAGON'S KEEP

 

“In stunning, lyrical prose,” this YA fantasy “tells the story of Rosalind, a twelfth-century princess destined for greatness by a prophecy from Merlin” (Booklist, starred review).

For generations, an exiled line of the royal Pendragon family has ruled Wilde Island. But now that distant isle is plagued by a dragon. So it is no small matter that Princess Rosalind was born with a dragon claw where her ring finger should be.

To hide this secret, Queen Gweneth requires her daughter to wear golden gloves at all times until a cure can be found. Only then can Rosalind can fulfill a centuries-old prophecy that will restore her family to its rightful throne.

But Rosalind’s flaw cannot be separated from her fate. When she is carried off by the dragon, everything she thought she knew falls apart . . .

Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...

Janet Lee Carey’s Dragon’s Keep is a beautifully written fantasy novel that blends elements of medieval legend, magic, and personal transformation—making it a compelling choice for both teen readers and families. The story follows Princess Rosalind, who hides a dragon’s claw where her ring finger should be, a secret that could destroy her in a kingdom obsessed with perfection. As Rosalind’s world unravels and she is taken by dragons, she must learn to embrace her true self. With themes of identity, acceptance, and inner strength, this book offers young readers a powerful message wrapped in a rich, fairy-tale setting. Content-wise, Dragon’s Keep is well-suited for middle school and up. There are moments of suspense, danger, and a few intense scenes involving dragons and human conflict, but nothing overly graphic or disturbing. Romance exists as a subplot but remains very mild and age-appropriate. There is no sexual content, making this a safe and inspiring read for younger teens or for family discussion. Its blend of lyrical prose and thoughtful themes makes Dragon’s Keep a standout for those who enjoy strong heroines and classic fantasy.

AUTHOR RAE CARSON    THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS
rated PG13

(Some violence, romance, and mild religious themes)

AUTHOR RAE CARSON

 

THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS

 

“Rae Carson has proved she’s a master and has shaken up the YA genre.”—USAToday.com

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

 

Elisa is the chosen one. But she has always felt powerless, useless. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs her to be the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

 

And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Fierce enemies, seething with dark magic, are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

 

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young. Most of the chosen do.

Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...

Rae Carson’s The Girl of Fire and Thorns is an empowering and beautifully written fantasy novel that centers around Elisa, a reluctant princess who discovers her inner strength and purpose over the course of an epic journey. The story weaves together elements of adventure, political intrigue, faith, and self-discovery in a way that resonates deeply with readers of all ages, especially teens looking for a strong, relatable heroine. Elisa begins the story as an insecure girl unsure of her worth, but through trials and challenges, she grows into a courageous and capable leader—making this an inspiring series for readers who enjoy character growth and rich world-building. In terms of content, The Girl of Fire and Thorns includes some romantic elements and references to marriage, but any sexual content is handled with subtlety and sensitivity. There is one scene implying consummation between married characters, but it is not explicit and is more focused on the emotional weight than physical detail. The book does contain violence related to war and rebellion, but it's appropriate to the story and not gratuitous. Overall, this series is a great fit for older teens and adults who enjoy intelligent, heart-driven fantasy with strong female leads and thoughtful themes of identity, faith, and empowerment.

AUTHOR ADINA CHILES ​​ SECRETS OF A ROSE
rated PG

(contains mild fantasy violence, light romantic elements, and no explicit sexual content or strong language)

AUTHOR ADINA CHILES
SECRETS OF A ROSE (BOOK 1)

 

A kingdom built with secrets is bound to unravel.

During the month of Amira, the silver moon emerges, and the kingdom of Zyra comes alive with anticipation for its annual ball. Mellana Goodwick, finally at the rightful age of sixteen, receives her first invitation, but when unexpected events take place, immediate regret sets in. Mellana finds herself caught in a strange storm—casting down green lightning and filling the sky with ear-splitting thunder. To make matters worse, the kingdom comes under attack by Prince Lorian, a man removed from the line of succession for murdering his sister, the future queen, and her newborn child.

After escaping the attack with her best friends, Mellana stumbles upon a box left by a woman named Rose. With the power to see glimpses of the future, Rose warns Mellana of hidden powers the kingdom has covered up and Lorian’s desire to unleash them all. Rose instructs Mellana to gather the sacred article from each of the seven kingdoms before Lorian and his deadly group can gain access to them. Together, the items unlock a barrier that is meant to stay shut.

In Secrets of a Rose, Mellana will discover remarkable abilities that stir around her and some that even rise within. In order to keep what she loves, she must embark on a race against the person who dares to threaten it all.

Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...

Secrets of a Rose by Adina Chiles could be a great choice for readers and families looking for a fantasy adventure that steers clear of graphic content. The story offers a compelling mix of magic, intrigue, and character growth, with a heroine who must navigate a world of secrets and political tension. Romance is present but kept light and appropriate, serving to deepen character relationships without overshadowing the main plot. There’s no explicit sexual content, and language is clean, making it a comfortable fit for readers who enjoy immersive fantasy without worrying about mature or inappropriate scenes. On the other hand, families who prefer stories grounded in realism or who are wary of fantasy elements such as magical powers, court intrigue, or dark magical threats might find the book less appealing. There are moments of danger and fantasy violence, such as battles and magical confrontations, though these scenes are generally not graphic or disturbing. For some readers, particularly those very sensitive to conflict or suspense, these elements might be a concern. However, for most who enjoy a clean fantasy read with empowering themes and a strong female lead, Secrets of a Rose strikes a thoughtful balance between excitement and appropriate content.

AUTHOR CASSANDRA CLARE   SWORD CATCHER
rated PG13

(moderate violence, political intrigue, sensual romance with implied sex, and occasional swearing)

AUTHOR CASSANDRA CLARE
 
SWORD CATCHER (BOOK 1)

 

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of dangerous magic and dark secrets that could change the world forever in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series from the author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill.

Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.

Lin Caster is a physician from a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. But despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge.

After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the ruler of Castellane’s criminal underworld. But as long-kept secrets begin to unravel and forbidden attractions arise, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare could be a good choice for readers who enjoy rich world-building, complex political intrigue, and emotionally driven characters. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, identity, and forbidden love in a fantasy setting that feels both immersive and mature. Romance plays a central role, with characters navigating complicated relationships that add emotional depth. While the romantic content leans toward sensual, it’s mostly implied rather than graphic, making it more about emotional connection than explicit detail. For families comfortable with some mature themes handled in a subtle, narrative-driven way, this book could be an exciting and rewarding read. However, it may not be the best fit for readers or families sensitive to darker content. The book includes moderate violence typical of high fantasy, including fights, injuries, and political betrayal. There is some swearing and sexual content, though nothing highly explicit—it’s more suggestive than descriptive. Still, the romantic and violent elements might feel too intense for readers who prefer lighter fare or who are not ready to engage with morally complex characters and mature themes. Families who prioritize cleaner content or who wish to avoid stories with romantic tension and implied intimacy might want to preview the book before handing it off to younger or more impressionable readers.

AUTHOR EOIN COLFER ​​  ARTEMIS FOWL
rated G

(contains mild violence, crime themes, and some rude humor but no romance or sensual content)

Editor's
Favorite
AUTHOR EOIN COLFER

ARTEMIS FOWL

 

Now an original movie on Disney+, here is the book that started it all, the international bestseller about a teenage criminal mastermind and his siege against dangerous, tech-savvy fairies.

New York Times best-selling author, Eoin Colfer and series, Artemis Fowl!

Twelve-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has discovered a world below ground of armed and dangerous--and extremely high-tech--fairies.

He kidnaps one of them, Holly Short, and holds her for ransom in an effort to restore his family's fortune.
But he may have underestimated the fairies' powers. Is he about to trigger a cross-species war?

Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...

Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series is a fantastic choice for families looking for a fast-paced, clever, and wildly imaginative adventure. The series centers on Artemis, a brilliant twelve-year-old criminal mastermind who gets caught up in the world of fairies, centaurs, dwarves, and high-tech magical beings. It’s packed with humor, heart, and thrilling action sequences that keep readers—both young and old—eager to turn the page. The story beautifully blends mythology with science fiction, making it a fun and accessible series for middle-grade readers, while still offering enough wit and depth to entertain parents or older siblings who join in. As for content, Artemis Fowl is a clean read with no sexual content. The focus remains on friendship, family loyalty, personal growth, and the battle between good and evil, all delivered with a healthy dose of sarcasm and clever dialogue. There's some action-related violence—think fantasy-style battles and comic mischief—but it’s not graphic or disturbing. This makes the series a safe and enjoyable pick for family reading time, classroom book clubs, or any young reader looking for a magical escape with a tech-savvy twist.

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