My favorite YA Fantasy duologies

General

I love duologies. You don’t need to commit to an entire series but they still have enough depth to warrant a sequel! Recently, I found that quite a lot of YA fantasies are duologies nowadays so I thought I’d recommend some of my faovirtes here. Let’s get into it.

Crier’s War Duology

This duology is great for any YA fantasy lover! It has:

Automatons taking over the world
Revolutions
Enemies-to-lovers
Sapphic yearning
Handmaiden x Royal romance
‘I came to kill you’ Trope

After automatons have taken over and enslaved humanity, human Ayla wants revenge for her murdered family. An opportunity presents itself when she becomes Lady Crier’s handmaiden, who’s the daughter of the Automaton leader. However, the two quickly form a connection that might cross Ayla’s plans.

While the first book was not my favorite, the second was much improved and made me fall in love with this duology. You can read my review of Crier’s War here.

Six Crimson Crane’s Duology

The first book of this duology was absolutely enchanting and I was fortunate to read an ARC of the second book! Six Crimson Cranes features:

east asian-inspired setting
retelling of the fairytale “The Wild Swans”
whimsical, lyrical prose
a headstrong, mischievous MC
great sibling relationships

The book follows the mischievous, immature princess Shiori, who’s life gets upended when she and her brothers get cursed by an evil sorceress. While her brothers are turned into cranes, Shiori is cast away from the palace and forbidden to speak of the curse to anyone. So she goes on a magical quest to save her brothers as well as her kingdom.

A really charming read if you want something whimsical and fairytale-esque!

Dread Nation Duology

If you’re looking for a darker read for Halloween season, this will be great! This dark, historical YA fantasy offers:

Civil War era
zombie apocalypse
Black, zombie hunter MC
bisexual MC
lots of action

Now this one follows the premise what would happen if the zombie apocalypse happended during the Reconstruction Era. Black girls are raised to be Zombie hunters and to eventually protect white ladies. Jane, the main character, is in combat school to become a zombie hunter, but her training goes awry soon.

If you think historical fantasy if boring, I promise this one is not. Dread Nation was a short, action-packed read that dealt with themes such as racism, colorism, female friendship and betrayal while kicking zombie butt.

The Never Tilting World Duology

Another fast-paced read, The Never Tilting World was one of my favorite books of 2020! The epic fantasy gives us:

Sumerian mythology
post-apocalyptic setting
pitched as Mad Max meets Frozen
multi-POV
corruption arc
quests upon quests

After the Breaking, one part of the world is perpetually frozen over in endless night, while the other half is enduring deserts under constant sun. Two young girls from each side of the world go on a quest to heal their world.

I enjoyed both books immensely and I’m sure fans of YA fantasy will as well. Lots of action scenes with sea monsters, sandworms, and a dashing romance.

The Forgotten Gods Duology

This was such a magical little book that I couldn’t help but finish it in one sitting.

Sapphic romance
Unique, beautiful prose
Abusive parent
Butch love interest
Sequel to The Winner’s Trilogy

Nirrim lives in the Ward, where wearing the wrong clothing or eating the wrong fruit can get you arrested. She has always been able to see things that others couldn’t but she has tried to keep her head down. After chasing a mythical bird and landing in prison, she meets the charming traveler Sid and together they aim to solve the mysteries in Nirrim’s world.

Now this was quite character-driven but for once I didn’t mind. This book had some of the most beautiful, unique writing I have ever read. It was simple, yet evocative. Rukoski really made me feel for Nirrim and her struggles. If you like character-driven, romantic fantasy books, pick this up! I have review of book one and book two up on my Goodreads.

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