14 Clean YA Fantasy Reads for Teens and Adults by Canadian Authors
Looking for your next clean YA fantasy read? In honour of Canada Day, I’ve rounded up a list of talented Canadian authors writing fantasy books for teens that are imaginative, clean, and highly rated by readers. Whether you’re into dreamwalking vigilantes, magical boarding schools, or ancient secrets buried in jungle temples, this list has something for every kind of adventurer.
All of these authors are either Canadian or currently live in Canada, and most are indie or small press. These stories are wildly different in tone and setting, but each one delivers magic, heart, and high-stakes adventure. I haven’t personally read them all, but I made sure each one has received glowing reviews on Amazon or Goodreads—so you can read with confidence.
And yes—I included my own series too. 😉
This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a qualifying purchase, I’ll make a few cents at no extra cost to you.
Clean Young Adult Fantasy Fiction by Canadians
1. Talena Winters – Rise of the Grigori Series
Genre: YA Clean Epic Historical Mermaid Fantasy
Read the series: Rise of the Grigori
Mermaids. Magic. And a mistake that could end the world. Three thousand years ago, a Mad undine sank Atlantis—and now their society is unraveling. As the most powerful healer in millennia, Calandra must face impossible choices to redeem her people and stop an ancient evil from unleashing chaos. Lushly built, emotionally resonant, and grounded in faith and hope, The Undine’s Tear kicks off an epic mermaid fantasy like no other.
2. Grace R. Pringle – Silver Blood
Genre: YA Dragon Fantasy
Author Website: gracepringle.com
Book Link: Read the book
A curse. A deal. Death. In a fractured kingdom under siege, three teens find their lives forever changed by betrayal, dark magic, and a deadly dragon-borne illness. With themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the cost of survival, Silver Blood is a gritty, character-driven tale from a rising Canadian fantasy author. Perfect for readers who like their dragons fierce and their stakes sky-high.
3. Suzy Vadori – The Fountain Series
Genre: YA Contemporary Academy Fantasy
Author Website: suzyvadori.com
Book Link: Start the series
Careful what you wish for—it just might come true. Ava Marshall transfers to St. Augustus to uncover the truth about her mother’s past, but a hostile classmate and an ancient school rivalry threaten to ruin everything. When she discovers a magical fountain in the forbidden West Woods, Ava makes a wish that changes her fate. But magic always comes at a cost... The Fountain is a charming mix of mystery, romance, and boarding school drama with a twist of magic.
4. Amanda Wright – Darkfell
Genre: YA Christian Fantasy
Author Website: awrightauthor.ca
Book Link: Read the book
His is a life of books and peace… until a dying warrior’s touch ignites an ancient magic in his blood.
Thom Darkfell is a cartographer, not a hero. But when he’s conscripted into war and witnesses the impossible, a hidden power awakens within him. Visions. Prophecies. A call to find the star-born girl who can seal the barrier between realms. With only a cryptic map and a few brave companions, Thom must face the rising darkness—or see his world fall. Darkfell is a powerful Christian fantasy full of rich lore, heart, and high-stakes adventure.
5. Jae Waller – The Call of the Rift Series
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy
Author Website: jaewaller.wordpress.com
Book Link: Read the series
A rebellious Indigenous heroine faces a colonial world coming unstitched in this richly imagined debut. Seventeen-year-old Kateiko has the power to shapeshift and control water—but in a world on the brink of civil war, she must choose between love, loyalty, and survival. With its layered mythology, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation, and dual-world narrative, Call of the Rift is a must-read for fans of immersive, character-driven YA fantasy.
6. L.R. Knight – Rise of Shadow, Reign of Light Trilogy
Genre: Clean Epic Fantasy
Author Website: lrknight.ca
Book Link: Read the series
Darkness rises as ancient evil threatens the Kingdom of Light. In a war-torn world, Kaldon must confront his hidden identity and choose whether to embrace his destiny. With cinematic battles, rich lore, and clean storytelling, this Alberta author’s epic fantasy is perfect for fans of high-stakes quests and courageous heroes.
7. Douglas Smith – The Dream Rider Saga Trilogy
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy / Superhero Adventure
Author Website: smithwriter.com
Book Link: Read the trilogy
Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in this fast-paced, award-winning saga. Will Dreycott, a reclusive teen with the power to walk in dreams, teams up with two other gifted teens to hunt for his missing parents and fight evil across dreamscapes and ancient ruins. Winner of the Aurora Award and filled with action, mystery, and heart.
Note: This series 2/5 on the sensuality scale, with fade-to-black and closed-door scenes.
8. Jessica Renwick – Starfell Series
Genre: Middle Grade Second-World Fantasy
Author Website: jessicarenwickauthor.com
Book Link: Start the series
Twelve-year-old Fable discovers a magical world—and her own hidden power—when her cousin disappears into a mysterious book. With talking animals, mystical creatures, and heartfelt friendships, The Book of Chaos is a charming, award-winning adventure that’s ideal for younger readers and fantasy lovers of all ages.
9. Adam Dreece – The Yellow Hoods Series
Genre: MG & Early YA Steampunk Fantasy
Author Website: adamdreece.com
Book Link: Start the series
Steampunk meets fairytale in this imaginative and humorous adventure. When Tee and her friends stumble upon a secret plot involving steam tech, secret societies, and nursery rhyme legends, they must rise to become unlikely heroes. Think clever gadgets, heart, and a touch of whimsy—perfect for fans of inventive fantasy.
10. Elizabeth Whitton – Houses of the Old Blood duology
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Author Website: elizabethwhitton.com
Book Link: Read the book
A past that haunts her. A boy who finds her. A secret hidden in her blood...
Addie Stevens just wants to fly under the radar—but when shadowy creatures attack, she discovers a hidden world of ancient dynasties, blood magic, and her own mysterious heritage. Hunted and forced to flee, Addie must embrace the truth of her lineage before it destroys her family. Winner of the 2018 Aurora Award for Best YA Novel, Houses of the Old Blood is an action-packed, emotionally rich urban fantasy perfect for fans of dark secrets and magical legacies.
11. Erin Bow – Sorrow’s Knot
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy
Author Website: erinbow.com
Book Link: Read the book
In the haunting forests of the Shadowed People, Otter is destined to bind the dead—until something goes terribly wrong. Winner of the Monica Hughes Award, this lyrical and eerie fantasy explores death, friendship, and unraveling magic with unforgettable depth. A quiet masterpiece for fans of the mythic and strange.
12. Heather Fawcett – Even the Darkest Stars
Genre: YA High Fantasy / Adventure
Author Website: heatherfawcett.com
Book Link: Read the book
A young explorer braves avalanches, ghosts, and deadly secrets on the Empire’s tallest peak in this atmospheric fantasy inspired by Everest expeditions. With breathtaking worldbuilding and a twisty plot, Even the Darkest Stars is perfect for readers who love strong heroines and mountain-climbing magic.
13. Liselle Sambury – A Mastery of Monsters
Genre: YA Dark Academia Fantasy
Author Website: lisellesambury.ca
Book Link: Read the book
Ninth House meets Legendborn in this blood-soaked, thought-provoking fantasy. August must infiltrate a secret society of monsters to find her missing brother—but doing so means facing disturbing truths and becoming something new. With razor-sharp prose and high emotional stakes, this upcoming release promises to be a breakout hit.
14. Kenneth Oppel – Airborn Trilogy
Genre: MG Steampunk Adventure
Author Website: kennethoppel.ca
Book Link: Read the series
Aboard a luxury airship, cabin boy Matt Cruse rescues a balloonist and uncovers a sky full of mystery, pirates, and mythical creatures. This Governor General’s Award–winning trilogy is full of sky-high thrills, steampunk innovation, and unforgettable heart—perfect for readers who love action-packed MG fantasy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of clean YA fantasy books with strong female leads, magical worlds, or high-stakes adventures written by talented Canadian authors, this list should keep your TBR pile full all summer long.
Happy Canada Day—and happy reading! 🍁
