I haven't seen anyone mention 'In Other Lands' by Sarah Rees Brennan. It’s a deconstruction of portal fantasy tropes. A snarky, pacifist, hyper-verbal boy named Elliot finds himself in a magical borderland and refuses to play by its rules. He questions everything: why they train children for war, why diplomacy isn’t the first option, and the rigid gender roles of fantasy societies. It’s hilarious and deeply meta, but its core is a serious critique of militarism, tribalism, and tradition. Elliot’s journey is about using his mind, not a sword, to solve problems. It’s perfect for teens who love fantasy but also love picking apart its conventions. It’s witty, romantic, and incredibly smart about how we tell stories about heroes and conflict.