10 Books For The Fantasy-Obsessed Girl
“When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty, I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown-up.”
Fantasy has a way of awakening our inner idealist, the child that still resides in our hearts. As readers, we’re asked to embark on a journey that takes us out of the here and now, out of what we understand to be possible, and allow ourselves to be enchanted with the beauty, whimsy, and curiosity of a far-off land.
But the best fantasies do more than just transport us to another world — they connect with our most human experiences: love, loneliness, growing up, disappointment, and a desire for something greater than ourselves. As C. S. Lewis assures us, fantasy is for all ages, not just children.
With that in mind, here are some of our favorite fantasy novels and series, for those of you looking to dive into both a whimsical and meaningful story.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy — by J. R. R. Tolkien
While it’s true that this book is on every fantasy book list in existence, there’s a good reason for that. Renowned author J. R. R. Tolkien is considered the gold standard for creating rich, beautiful, and immersive worlds filled with dynamic and deep characters where incredibly moving and epic stories can take place. Despite being split up into three books, the trilogy was originally meant to be experienced as one book. If you’re searching for the most brilliant and epic fantasy to dive into, there’s no better place to start.
Piranesi — by Susanna Clarke
This recent release won the coveted Women’s Prize for Fiction, making quite the splash and securing its spot as one of the best new fantasies out there. With perfect wit, incredible wisdom, and beautifully crafted words, author Susanna Clarke weaves an utterly unique tale in a brilliant world. Readers are taken on a one-of-a-kind journey through emotions such as love, grief, and joy. If you’ve already read through all the classics, Piranesi will definitely reignite your belief that new and wonderful stories are still being brought to life.
Among Others — by Jo Walton
Author Jo Walton’s masterful genre-mixing merges the wonder of magic in a normal world with a touching coming-of-age story. We follow along as a young woman grapples with a complicated family situation and a devastating event that leaves her forever changed. If you’re looking for a unique mix of magic and mundane, this might just be the book for you.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane — by Neil Gaiman
A master of modern fantasy, Neil Gaiman is an author whose vast body of work makes it challenging to choose just one book to be included on this list. But this particular novel about a boy who meets a mysterious girl in the English countryside, and later finds himself caught between both a complicated family situation and a dark force from another world will draw you in and keep you turning the page as this excellent story unfolds.
The Chronicles of Narnia — by C. S. Lewis
Similarly to LOTR, this might be an obvious pick, but without it, this list would be incomplete. C. S. Lewis (who was actually close friends with J. R. R. Tolkien!) penned what is now known as one of the most beloved young adult fantasy series, and best-selling books of all time. Lewis skillfully weaves theology with a wonderfully whimsical and breathtaking world that has not only a life lesson to be learned, but a truth to discover at every turn. This story is truly enchanting, and to many, thoroughly life-changing.
The Last Unicorn — by Peter S. Beagle
Widely considered one of the best fantasies ever written, The Last Unicorn centers around a unicorn who, upon discovering she may be the last unicorn in the world, embarks on a journey to find others like her — if there are any. Despite its protagonist being a unicorn, Beagle beautifully captures the incredibly human emotions of love, regret, loneliness, and wonder.
Howl’s Moving Castle — by Diana Wynne Jones
While many will be familiar with this story due to master-animator Hayao Miyazaki’s 2004 animated film, it was actually first written almost 20 years earlier by Diana Wynne Jones – who weaves a delightful and moving story about (you guessed it) a girl who finds herself in a moving castle. Read the story that inspired the Academy Award-nominated film and get swept away in the enchanting and wonder-filled world.
Harry Potter series — by J. K. Rowling
You’ve most likely seen the Harry Potter film series, but the books offer something entirely unique and worthwhile. Rowling’s digestible writing makes this seven-book series fly by all too quickly as we follow along Harry’s journey from a young, shy orphan to the heroic young man we all knew he was destined to become. This touching tale of the fight between good and evil, along with its heartwarming coming-of-age themes, will stay with you for years to come.
The Winter King — by Christine Cohen
Set in a village that’s trapped in winter, the Winter King’s annual feast is fast approaching. Cora is both desperate and determined to help her family, who’ve found themselves cursed, survive the somber season. She devises a plan that breaks even her own rules, but soon uncovers secrets she was never meant to know. Before she knows it, her situation has gotten even stickier. Cohen’s novel, both lovely and eerie, will suck you right in.
Redwall series — by Brian Jacques
Written by the beloved Brian Jacques, this children’s / young adult fantasy series details the grand tales of woodland creatures who fight evil with swords, bows, and a whole lot of heart. The series boasts 22 books – enough to keep you busy for a while if you choose to read them all!