8 fantasy books to help you learn English

If you’re looking for an adventure full of magic, mystery and (at times) mayhem without ever leaving your house, try learning English by being whisked away into the mysterious and impossible worlds of young adult fantasy books.

Reading is an excellent way to improve your English skills. It teaches you new English vocabulary and boosts your knowledge of grammar and spelling. But combined with spellbinding stories to keep you glued to a book, you’ll be sure to make progress in learning English simply because it’s too hard to tear yourself away.

Escape reality with these 8 young adult fantasy books that will help you learn English along the way.

1. City of Bones, The Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare

Clary’s world is turned upside down when she witnesses a murder on the streets of New York. She is shocked when she sees the culprits: a group of teenagers covered in strange tattoos and carrying even stranger weapons. She's even more disturbed when the victim’s body vanishes into thin air. Now Clary finds herself among a new world of dark creatures and those who seek to rid the world of them.

The skillful world-building by the author will leave you reaching for the next book in the series, or even watching the TV adaptation on Netflix, Shadowhunters.

2. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

After his grandfather’s mysterious death, sixteen-year-old Jacob uses clues from old photographs to discover an abandoned orphanage tucked away on a secluded Welsh island. He soon realizes the orphanage may not be abandoned after all, and its former inhabitants may not have just disappeared.

And if you just cannot get enough of the book, a beautiful movie adaptation by none other than Tim Burton exists for you to continue your English-learning experience.

3. Throne of Glass, Throne of Glass Series, by Sarah J Maas

When a deadly teenage assassin is given the opportunity to free herself from a life sentence in prison, she doesn't think twice. Even if it is to work for the King who imprisoned her. To win her freedom, Celaena Sardothien must fight alongside other assassins and thieves to win the title of the King’s Champion. But something evil lurks in the palace and soon Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival.

This high fantasy, 8-book series is full of twists and turns, unexpected bonds and powerful magic that will leave you reaching for the next book in the series.

4. The Golden Compass, His Dark Materials Series by Phillip Pullman

Set in a parallel universe where one’s soul exists outside of the human body in the form of “dæmons,” Lyra’s best friend Roger and her uncle, Lord Asriel, go missing. On her journey to find her missing companions, Lyra uncovers a horrifying truth about the world she lives in and those who govern it.

If the 3 books in the trilogy aren’t enough, a film adaptation ‘The Golden Compass’ featuring Nicole Kidman and a TV series titled ‘His Dark Materials’ are waiting for you.

5. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Violet Sorrengail was supposed to live a quiet life as a scribe. That is until her mother, Commanding General Lilith Sorrengail, decided she was to join the kingdom’s elite group of riders — the dragon riders. But Violet is fragile, her body small and brittle, and she doesn’t think she stands a chance at bonding with a dragon, never mind defending the kingdom and surviving the infamously brutal War College training. To survive, Violet must rely on her smarts, cunning and quickness. A shocking revelation about the realm threatens to reveal a terrible secret that will keep you reading to the end of this spellbinding story.

If this story piques your interest, keep an eye out for its sequel, Iron Flame.

6. The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson thought he was a normal boy. At times he lacked focus and lost his temper easily, but after having to attend six schools in just six years, he began to suspect something was wrong with him. One day, he’s viciously attacked by a teacher and the true nature of Percy Jackon’s world is revealed: he’s in fact a demi-god and the son of Poseidon, God of the Sea. As this mystery unfolds, Percy and his new friends set out on a quest to stop a disastrous war between the gods.

This one is perfect for Greek mythology fans and once you’ve finished the series there is a film adaptation to check out as well!

7. The Cruel Prince, The Folk of Air Series by Holly Black

When Jude was seven she was stolen away from her human parents along with her two sisters and forced to grow up in the land of Faerie. Having lived among the beautiful yet cruel creatures, Jude wants nothing more than to be like one of them, despite their wickedness. And so Jude must adapt to their cunning ways and learn to use her strengths against them, even if that means defying the Prince. Jude will stop at nothing to prove her rightful place in Faerie.

8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

When Lucy discovers a magical land covered in snow and ice through the wardrobe door in her professor’s house, her brothers and sister don’t believe her. But when they step through the wardrobe and into the land of Narnia, they soon realize it's trapped under an evil enchantment by the White Witch, and they must help break the curse and save the people of Narnia.

Of course, there is a magical movie version of this classic to watch as well.

We hope these 8 fantasy books help you open up whole new worlds of English learning.