14 Ya Fantasy Books With Maps
There’s something undeniably thrilling about flipping open a fantasy book and finding a beautifully detailed map waiting on the front pages. It whispers a promise: adventure, magic, and epic journeys are about to unfold. In the world of YA fantasy, these tales aren’t just captivating because of their richly imagined worlds—they’re stories that invite us to trace every mountain range, enchanted forest, and perilous sea alongside daring characters.
1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
🌌 A city of shadows, a crew of misfits, and a daring heist.
Welcome to Ketterdam, a city teeming with intrigue, danger, and unforgettable characters. Kaz Brekker and his crew of criminals are hired for an impossible mission—and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
💭 Why we love it: Bardugo’s Grishaverse is vividly realized, and the detailed map of Ketterdam adds an immersive layer to this high-stakes, heart-pounding adventure.
2. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
🔥 A brutal empire, forbidden love, and a rebellion brewing in the shadows.
Set in a world inspired by Ancient Rome, this gripping tale follows Laia, a scholar fighting to save her family, and Elias, a soldier yearning for freedom.
💭 Why it captivates: The map of the Martial Empire is beautifully crafted and helps readers visualize the dangerous terrain as Laia and Elias navigate perilous twists.
3. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
🌞 A kingdom divided by darkness and one girl’s stunning power.
Alina Starkov, a mapmaker turned Grisha, discovers her ability to summon light—a power that makes her the key to saving Ravka from the menacing Shadow Fold.
💭 Why it shines: The Grishaverse map offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the vast, war-torn kingdom, setting the stage for breathtaking battles and political intrigue.
4. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
⚡ Magic lost, a kingdom on the brink, and a fierce journey for justice.
Zélie embarks on a perilous quest to restore magic to the land of Orïsha, a place steeped in rich West African-inspired culture.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The map of Orïsha adds a stunning layer of depth to this vivid, emotionally charged story about courage and resilience.
5. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
🕯️ Witches, witch hunters, and a scandalous marriage.
In a world where witches are hunted and burned, Lou and Reid’s story is one of fiery passion and reluctant trust. Their journey takes readers across a beautifully mapped kingdom rife with secrets.
💭 Why it’s spellbinding: The intricate map pulls readers deeper into the world of Belterra, making every twist and betrayal even more immersive.
6. Furyborn by Claire Legrand
🌠 Two queens, a prophecy, and centuries of secrets.
Spanning two timelines, this sweeping epic follows Rielle and Eliana as they grapple with power, prophecy, and the fate of their world.
💭 Why it’s epic: The map connects the past and future in this intricate fantasy tale, adding visual context to the richly layered plot.
7. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
👑 Assassins, forbidden magic, and a fierce fight for the throne.
Celaena Sardothien is a deadly assassin given a chance at freedom—if she can win a competition to become the King’s Champion. But dark forces are at play in this treacherous land.
💭 Why it rules: The map of Erilea is a treasure trove for fantasy lovers, with lush forests, dangerous mountains, and grand castles waiting to be explored.
8. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
🍂 A deadly faerie court, a mortal girl, and a dangerous game of power.
Jude, a mortal living among cunning faeries, will stop at nothing to carve out her place in their treacherous world.
💭 Why it dazzles: The map of Elfhame adds a magical dimension to the story, making readers feel as though they’re walking alongside Jude through every twisted plot.
9. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
🎭 A carnival of magic, a game of illusion, and love worth fighting for.
Scarlett Dragna has dreamed of attending Caraval—a mysterious and dazzling performance where the audience participates. But nothing is as it seems.
💭 Why it enchants: The whimsical map captures the enchanting, unpredictable world of Caraval, heightening the sense of mystery and wonder.
10. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
🗝️ Heists, ancient artifacts, and a glittering Parisian underworld.
Séverin and his crew navigate a world of secrets and betrayal in search of a lost treasure that could change everything.
💭 Why it mesmerizes: The intricately detailed map immerses readers in a dazzling, dangerous Paris filled with ancient mysteries and opulent settings.
11. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
🔥 A chosen queen, a perilous journey, and a prophecy to fulfill.
Elisa is a reluctant heroine who must rise to power and protect her kingdom from impending doom.
💭 Why it’s compelling: The map of Joya d’Arena beautifully charts Elisa’s harrowing journey and adds vivid texture to this empowering tale.
12. The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross
🎻 Art, ambition, and dangerous political intrigue.
Brienna dreams of being a passion master in a world divided by war. But her path takes a dark and unexpected turn when she’s drawn into a rebellion.
💭 Why it’s stunning: The lush map adds depth to the kingdom’s political landscape, making readers feel every high-stakes moment.
13. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
📚 Magical libraries, sentient books, and forbidden love.
Elisabeth is a librarian tasked with protecting grimoires—magical books that can transform into deadly monsters. When a sabotage plot frames her, she must join forces with a sorcerer to clear her name.
💭 Why it’s enchanting: The intricately crafted map lets readers navigate this bewitching world filled with spellbinding wonders.
14. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
🐉 Dragons, queens, and a sprawling epic of love and war.
This lush standalone fantasy follows multiple characters across continents as they face a looming ancient evil.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The sprawling map of the world adds depth to this sweeping narrative, making readers feel as though they’re embarking on a grand adventure.
Which Fantasy Map Will You Explore First? 🗺️
YA fantasy books with maps aren’t just stories—they’re invitations to embark on epic adventures. Which of these captivating tales will you dive into next? And do you have a favorite map-filled fantasy book that didn’t make the list? Let us know—we’re always ready for another literary quest!
