by AntheaSharp

Young Adult Fantasy is generally targeted to the market of readers between the ages of 12-18, but many adults enjoy reading YA fiction, as well. The fast-paced stories and deep emotional undercurrents that are important to young readers make for fun and compelling reads that all ages can enjoy. The Harry Potter series, for example, was widely read by a huge cross-section of the populace, from young to old alike. In fact, the first two HP books are often classified as Middle Grade, due to the age of the characters.

In general, two elements distinguish YA fantasy: younger protagonists, and a very strong coming-of-age theme. The hero or heroine faces challenges that test their own sense of self, and emerge stronger, more mature, and wiser. JRR Tolkien wrote The Hobbit for younger readers, and while Bilbo isn't exactly a teenager, his tale of "growing up" as he undertakes a journey into the wider world is a classic trope of what is now defined as YA fantasy.

Much of heroic fantasy follows the coming-of-age archetype – and in fact, Young Adult literature as a genre unto itself is a fairly new invention. Many early works of fantasy would now be classified as YA, when at the time they were simply published as fantasy for a wide, mostly adult, audience. It's natural to want to read the classic themes of fantasy adventure: going on heroic journeys with interesting characters that leave those characters (and by extension, the reader) wiser about themselves and the world they live in.

Another hallmark of young adult fiction, particularly that aimed at older teens, is a fair amount of emotional anguish. Teetering on the cusp of adulthood, many teenagers are fraught with self-doubt, questions about their place in the world, and keenly felt desires. YA books that tap into those emotional currents resonate strongly with their target readers, whether dealing with first love and its loss, betrayal, yearning for self-knowledge, or craving for something much more.

The "chosen one" theme is another underpinning of YA fantasy, fulfilling many teenagers' (and adults') secret wish to be extraordinary and special in ways outside the usual mundanity of their lives. Harry Potter exemplifies this trope, as does Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising series, The Percy Jackson books, Anne McCaffrey's Harper Hall Trilogy, The Blue Sword (and The Hero and the Crown) by Robin McKinley, and countless other books and series.

A romantic thread can often be found in young adult books, as first love (or infatuation) is an intense and memorable part of growing up. In recent years, the level of explicitness has grown. Sarah J. Maas and Stephanie Meyer push those boundaries, in particular. Younger readers might miss the glossed-over descriptions found in books like Kristin Cashore's Graceling or the Tearling books, but sex is, undoubtedly, a large part of coming-of-age in many cultures. That said, much of the fantasy genre, in general, tends to be what's currently termed "clean" when it comes to actual descriptions of sex or sexuality – and that suits most fantasy readers' tastes. For those looking for steamy fantasy romance, the Paranormal Romance genre should fit the bill. ;)

Growing up as an avid reader of YA fantasy and SF, it was a natural fit for me to start writing in the genre. I love the intensity of the stories, the larger-than-life quests, and the first stirring of attraction that are a deep part of the genre. And I also believe that everyone, no matter their age, still is searching for answers to the questions laid out in YA fantasy: Who am I? Am I special in the world? Where is my true home?
I've dedicated my writing career to trying to answer those questions, not only for myself but for every reader who picks up one of my books.

Example of Young Adult Fantasy on Wattpad:

Anthea Sharp (AntheaSharp) is an award-winning author of the USA Today bestselling FEYLAND series – a YA portal fantasy where high-tech computer gaming meets the treacherous magic of Faerie. Find an excerpt from her first book, The Dark Realm, below, or join over 1 million readers on Wattpad who have enjoyed her work! Visit her on the web at antheasharp.com

Excerpt:

Jennet faced the Dark Queen, her mage staff at the ready.

Excitement fizzed through her blood like it was carbonated. This was it. She'd completed the quests, mastered each level of the game, and made it here. The final boss fight.

"Fair Jennet." The queen's voice was laced with stars and shadow. "You think to best me in battle?" A faint smile crossed her pitiless, beautiful face. Her dress swirled around her like tatters of midnight mist.

"I plan on it," Jennet said. She tucked a strand of blond hair behind her ear, then shook off the sudden anxiety that settled on her shoulders, cold as snow.
She had no idea what this particular fight held. Feyland was the hardest sim she'd ever played, full of weird twists and turns. She thought about it all the time. The game filtered into her dreams, shaded the edge of her days. Sometimes the computer-generated world felt more real than her ordinary life.

"Very well," the queen said. "I accept your challenge.

"Jennet couldn't see any weapons on her opponent, and that dress was no substitute for armor. Safe bet that this was going to be a magical duel, spell-caster against spell-caster. Jennet flexed her fingers around the smooth wood of her staff. Anticipation spiked through her, tightening her breath.
Fantastical creatures watched from the edges of the clearing: feral-faced women with gossamer wings, dark riders with red-eyed hounds at their heels. The sound of drums and pipes wove through the shadows. Overhead, a sliver of moon tangled in the black branches of the trees. Then, between one heartbeat and the next, silence fell.

A dark figure stepped forward, forbidding in midnight armor and a wicked helm, and Jennet's stomach clenched. The Black Knight. She'd barely beaten him in an earlier quest. If he got involved in this fight, she was in severe trouble.

He held his gauntleted fist high and grated out a single word. "Begin."It echoed eerily through the glade, and the fey-folk let out a rough cheer. There was no one to cheer for Jennet.

Without hesitation, she tipped her staff and shot a bolt of fiery white light at the queen. A sphere of shadow appeared, blocking her attack and swallowing the fire into its dark depths. More spheres materialized and began floating toward her, called by the Dark Queen. Jennet ducked and wove, avoiding their deadly touch.

Lightning crackled from her staff, illuminating the clearing with shocking white light, but the queen evaded her bolts. Still, Jennet kept pressing the attack. The dark spheres were multiplying now, bobbing in the air on all sides. A low, menacing hum surrounded her as she tried to find a clear shot.

She couldn't afford any mistakes - but the fight was pushing her to her limits. Worry started to nibble at the edges of her concentration. She just had to watch for an opening... there. She took aim and sent another bolt crackling through the air.

White fire sizzled and Jennet heard the queen gasp. Yes! She could do it. She could beat this game. The first player ever to claim victory over Feyland.A dark sphere brushed against her shoulder. Ice stabbed into her skin, sent numbness down her arm until she could barely hold onto her staff. She stumbled back, trying to regain the rhythm of the battle. Keep breathing. Keep fighting. But where was the queen? The place where her opponent had stood was now filled with twisting shadows.

Everything rippled, as though the clearing was made of cloth billowing in a sudden gust. Jennet heard high, chiming laughter as she fell backward...

And landed in an ornate chair set before a feasting table. What? She jumped up, heart racing, and knocked the edge of the table. A goblet sitting in front of her shook, sending a drop of deep red liquid to stain the white tablecloth."

Sit down, Fair Jennet," the queen said from her place across the table. "This is the next stage of our battle."Pale candles in thorny candelabra illuminated the feast. Their silver flames reflected in the queen's fathomless eyes.

"You changed the rules! You can't do that." Jennet's legs felt shaky as she edged back into her chair. She was so not prepared for this.

The queen laughed. It was the sound of ice shattering on a black lake. "Of course I can. This is my court. My realm. You are but a visitor. Please - drink." She waved one delicate hand at the goblet.

"No thanks."Jennet's mouth said the words, but her hand reached out anyway and lifted the heavy silver goblet. A sweet, thick smell drifted from the cup. Roses and burnt sugar. The edge of metal touched her lips...

More on Young Adult:

Love in the Time of YA | San Diego Comic-Con 2016

https://youtu.be/_UOJkAEvIg8

"Coming of Age in Dystopia: The Darkness of Young Adult Fiction" | MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing

https://youtu.be/ITJPMOyaBNY

Redefining Youthful Rebellion | YA author panel: Social Justice Warriors | BookCon 2018

https://youtu.be/WU8oL8hIFT4