By the age of 13 children tend to be aware of what types of book they want to read, and are starting to read adult literature as well as books for teens. Fantasy adventure series remain popular, but 13 year old readers might be developing a taste for more edgy content and dystopian Young Adult literature, such as The Hunger Games.
There is some overlap with book series that are recommended for younger readers, but which most 13 year olds won’t have grown out of. Popular series in this category include Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, the Pandava novels and Alex Rider.
Below are some popular book series for 13 year olds, all of which have had new books come out in recent years. Bear in mind that tastes and maturity levels develop at different ages for different children. Your 13 year old is very likely to enjoy our list of popular book series for 12 year olds, but might also be ready for some Young Adult fiction with slightly older protagonists and more mature themes.
The Brothers Hawthorne
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Inheritance Games (book 4). Intrigue, mystery and romance with billions of dollars in the balance. Age 13+
The Iron Vow
by Julie Kagawa
Evenfall (book 3). Evenfall is a spin-off of the seven-volume Iron Fey fantasy series which starts with The Iron King. Age 13+
These Infinite Threads
by Tahereh Mafi
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book is This Woven Kingdom.
This Woven Kingdom (book 2). Magic, romance and court intrigue in a Persian-inspired land of roses and saffron. Age 13+.
Soul of the Deep
by Natasha Bowen
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book, Skin of the Sea, was picked by Dr Helen Scales in our interview on The Best Ocean Novels for 10-14 Year Olds.
Skin of the Sea (book 2). Fantasy series and love story inspired by West African mythology featuring a mermaid protagonist. Age 13+.
The Merciless Ones
by Namina Forna
Want to start at the beginning of the series? The first book, The Gilded Ones, made our best books for teens 2021 list.
It was picked by Efua Traoré in our interview on the Best West African Fantasy Books for Teenagers.
The Gilded Ones (book 2). West African-inspired fantasy in which a young woman becomes a powerful warrior and fights against oppression. Age 13+
Defend the Dawn
by Brigid Kemmerer
Defy the Night (book 2). Fantasy adventure and romance set in a plague-ridden and corrupt kingdom, featuring a heroine who will do anything for justice. Age 13+
Two for Joy
by Amy McCulloch & Zoe Sugg
The Magpie Society (book 2). Modern gothic thriller series set at a boarding school with disturbing secrets. Age 13+
The King of Koraha
by Maria V. Snyder
Archives of the Invisible Sword trilogy (book 3). Fantasy series for readers age 13+, should suit fans of Tomb Raider.
City of the Dead
James Patterson & Mindy McGinnis
Hawk (book 2), linked with James Patterson's Maximum Ride series. Post-apocalyptic fantasy for readers age 13+.
Rule of Wolves
by Leigh Bardugo
King of Scars (book 2), featuring magic and warring kingdoms, is the seventh book in the Grishaverse fantasy series for readers age 13+, which starts with Shadow and Bone.
