Top Fantasy Series for Children in 2024 – Sequels of Bestselling Series

Release Date: February 20, 2024

Lev Grossman, celebrated for his The Magicians trilogy, continues his venture into children’s fantasy with The Bright Sword, the latest book in his reimagined Arthurian series. Grossman, whose works often blur the line between modern-day struggles and fantastical worlds, brings a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic legends of all time.

In The Bright Sword, Collum, an aspiring knight, arrives at Camelot to find the once-great kingdom shattered following King Arthur’s demise. Faced with disillusionment, Collum must rise to the occasion as dark forces threaten to consume the land. Alongside a group of unlikely allies, he embarks on a quest to retrieve a mystical artifact that holds the key to restoring balance to the realm. Grossman’s vivid prose, coupled with his thoughtful exploration of themes like loyalty, destiny, and self-discovery, makes this book an unmissable addition to the series.

Critics have hailed The Bright Sword for its nuanced characters and its ability to bring the timeless Arthurian tale into a modern context, making it highly relatable for today’s young readers.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/554241/the-bright-sword-by-lev-grossman

Release Date: June 4, 2024

Tomi Adeyemi, the Nigerian-American author behind the bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series, has made an indelible impact on young adult fantasy by weaving African mythology into gripping tales of resistance and empowerment. Children of Anguish and Anarchy, the highly anticipated conclusion to this trilogy, lives up to the legacy of its predecessors.

In this final chapter, Zélie and her allies face the oppressive King Baldyr, who has weaponized magic to tighten his grip on Orïsha. Amid betrayals, alliances, and a battle to reclaim the kingdom, Zélie must reconcile her growing power with her humanity. Adeyemi’s ability to blend high-stakes action with intimate, emotional moments shines as she brings the series to a thrilling and bittersweet conclusion.

The book’s release was met with rave reviews, with many praising its compelling portrayal of resilience and sacrifice. Adeyemi’s exploration of themes like identity, family, and justice cements her position as one of the most influential voices in fantasy literature today.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/children-of-anguish-and-anarchy-tomi-adeyemi/1142835788

Release Date: October 10, 2024

Sarah J. Maas, already a household name thanks to her Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series, continued her urban fantasy saga with House of Flame and Shadow, the third installment in the Crescent City series. Maas is celebrated for her intricate plots, emotionally charged relationships, and the seamless integration of fantastical and modern elements.

In House of Flame and Shadow, Bryce Quinlan is thrust deeper into the political and supernatural turmoil of Crescent City. With war looming, Bryce must navigate treacherous alliances and uncover ancient secrets that could change the course of her world. Alongside her love interest Hunt, she faces personal sacrifices that test her resolve.

The book has been described as Maas’s most emotionally gripping work yet, with jaw-dropping twists that left readers reeling. Critics have praised Maas for her masterful storytelling and her ability to create multi-dimensional characters, making this sequel one of the standout fantasy releases of 2024.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/house-of-flame-and-shadow-sarah-j-maas/1143213613

Release Date: November 7, 2024

Rebecca Yarros’s foray into fantasy with The Empyrean series has been nothing short of spectacular. Known for her contemporary romance novels, Yarros’s transition to fantasy with Fourth Wing (2023) earned her widespread acclaim, and its sequel, Iron Flame, solidifies her as a powerhouse in the genre.

In Iron Flame, Violet Sorrengail continues her journey at Basgiath War College, where betrayal and danger lurk around every corner. As she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the delicate balance of power between the dragon riders and their enemies, Violet must make impossible choices to protect those she loves. The novel delves deeper into Violet’s relationship with Xaden, her struggles with chronic illness, and her quest to understand her place in the ever-shifting world of dragons and magic.

Yarros’s ability to combine thrilling action with deeply personal storytelling has made Iron Flame a favorite among fantasy enthusiasts. The vivid descriptions of dragon battles and the emotional depth of Violet’s journey earned this book critical acclaim, making it a must-read sequel in 2024.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/iron-flame-rebecca-yarros/1143445645

Release Date: August 29, 2024

Deborah Harkness, a historian and author, is best known for her All Souls trilogy, a series that masterfully combines historical intrigue with supernatural elements. With The Black Bird Oracle, Harkness returns to the world of witches, vampires, and daemons, offering readers a continuation of the spellbinding universe she first introduced over a decade ago.

In this latest installment, the story shifts focus to Freya, a young witch grappling with the weight of a mysterious prophecy tied to her lineage. As she embarks on a quest to locate the mythical Black Bird Oracle—a magical artifact said to reveal the future—Freya must confront dangerous enemies, including an ancient coven determined to keep the oracle’s secrets hidden.

Harkness’s background as a historian enriches the narrative, with meticulous details about magical lore and historical settings. The book has been praised for its richly drawn characters and its ability to weave compelling personal struggles into a larger narrative about fate and choice.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738235/the-black-bird-oracle-by-deborah-harkness