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| Bystander's Top 8 Young Adult Fantasy Books |
What better way to go ~into the mystic this month than by sharing some of our favorite YA fantasy books? Each one will take you to a completely different world full of mystery, intrigue, and beautiful creatures.
Don't forget to comment and let us know your personal favorites!

1. Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge
You've never read Little Red Riding Hood like this. Hodge reimagines the timeless fairy tale in such a way that it's almost unrecognizable. It's foreboding, it's creepy, it's full of dark magic, and it's full of twists and turns. Plus, Rachelle is a total badass, who's actually more of an anti-hero. She's definitely not a damsel in distress. And God knows we love a good anti-hero.

2. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Imaginative, cinematic, and beautifully written. This is a whole other world (underworld?) you're dealing with. The story is filled with such an amazing mix of love and mystery and war and wonder. The overall theme isn't new--good vs. evil--but it'll have you question just what makes someone so. Bonus: Karou. That's all we're going to say.

3. City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster
This is a murder mystery/high fantasy hybrid. If that doesn't sell you on this book, I don't know what will. Add in the fact that Forster's world building is top notch, and the fact that there are talking cats, and this book is awesome. Don't be fooled by the talking cat thing, it works.

4. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
Amy and her pet rat are swooped up into a tornado and somehow end up in Oz in present day, but it's not as picture perfect as everyone remembers. This series shows the dark side of Oz and the characters we all know so well, and spins it into a modern day fantastical tale where bad witches aren't all so bad and Dorothy isn't exactly a saint.

5. Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick
Tsarina is a lush alternate history novel surrounding The Romanov family. If you're a fan of Anastasia you need to get your hands on this one. Russia's missing princess isn't an actual character in the novel, but her family plays a huge role. Add in the fact that the plot also centers around a magical Faberge egg, and you have your fantasy element.

6. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
What happens when a mysterious tollbooth shows up in Milo's house? Let's just say it cures Milo's boredom. If you didn't read this as a kid, you'll still enjoy it as an adult--promise. It's very smart, cleverly written, and features lots of fantastic wordplay accompanied by imaginative sketches.

7. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Victorian England, prophetic visions, mystical orders, bitchy school girls. If those things pique your interest then read this book. This book is dark, and Gothic, and mysterious. It's actually the start of a wonderful trilogy, and all the books are out, so you're in luck.

8. Penelope by Marilyn Kaye
Based on the movie, but it stands well on its own (and if you haven't seen the film yet, please do--it's totally underrated). Plus, you get to learn more about some of the characters' back stories. A magical tale of revenge surrounding a strange family curse and learning that the only thing holding you back might just be yourself.

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