Through my dual interests in fantasy and philosophy, I have been able to dive into countless fantastical worlds and their fascinating magic systems and explore a great variety of worldviews and spiritual beliefs. The similarities between these two genres continue to intrigue me, and I find that I have learned some of my greatest lessons through my engagement with each as individuals and when considered together. That said, here are my all-time favorite reads and why I loved them!
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This story follows the journey of Santiago, a young shepherd in Andalusia who, though he has long been content in his life as a shepherd, dreams of journeying to find his personal treasure. His quest will take unexpected, inconvenient turns, and he learns to listen to his heart, recognize omens that life sends him, and have patience.
This is one of the first books I remember asking my mom about when I was young and saw it on her bedside table. As she read this “chapter book” (as I called it at the time) to me for the first time, I was entranced by Santiago’s journey across lands foreign to him, but did not have a deep understanding of how powerful and mystical his journey truly was. Each time I read this book, I absorb a new lesson, am reminded of a unique perspective, and fall in love with the worldview that this narrative presents even more.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Vasilisa has always loved the story of the chilling winter demon and enjoys honoring their household spirits. But when her mother dies and her father returns from Moscow with a pious and strict new wife who ushers in the new religion and forbids the traditional rituals, Vasilisa struggles against her beliefs in their power and importance. When crops begin to fail and famine threatens Russia, Vasya is also threatened with a choice: marriage or the convent. Dangers of all natures circle her, and she must decide between her loyalties and her instincts, and call on abilities she has long kept hidden if she is to keep her family — and perhaps her country — from falling to evils of legend.
Vasya is hands-down my favorite protagonist I’ve yet had the pleasure to read about. Her outlook, curiosity, and passion in her beliefs and willingness to act to change the story instead of succumbing to it are inspiring. She interacts with the world in a way that both maintains a sense of childlike wonder and belief, and employs bravery, cunning, and intelligence that I would love to replicate in my own life (though my battles are much more local than hers). She keeps her mind and eyes open and is able to learn and change so much because of it while staying true to herself, especially when that identity is challenged. These traits also allow her to understand the world around her and engage with it in a truly meaningful way, and make her the perfect character to root for in this world.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Legendary assassin Celaena Sardothien is given a choice: Fight in a brutal competition to become the champion of the man she hates most, or slave away in the salt mines until she dies. If she defeats her 23 vicious opponents, she’ll have a chance at the one thing she’s never really known: freedom. But evil lurks in the glass castle, and when it starts picking off her competitors one by one, she must search for answers in a place where she can’t trust anyone.
I’ve been tearing through these books over the last few weeks, and I must say, so far, it’s absolutely worth the hype. It’s one of those series where you’re so engrossed in every scene because you’re invested in the characters and their world that you forget you’re not right there with them. The characters are well-written and interesting, and weave stories that are just as much so. It was so easy to dive into the Kingdom of Adarlan and explore its complexities. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to finally dive into this series.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach with Photographs by Russell Munson
Jonathan Livingston Seagull doesn’t just want to fly to get around, he wants to fly. Believing in flight as a form of self-expression, boundary pushing, and discovery, he goes on his own to break the suggestions he has long thought to be laws. And when he perfects this idea of exploration, he seeks to share it with younger gulls and show them, too, that they can do more with their wings than just get around.
The brevity and simplicity Richard Bach employed in the writing of this novel are masterful. It’s the type of story you can read for the first time in one sitting but revisit for a lifetime. Like Coelho, Bach uses language powerfully and concisely without any need for decoration or frivolity, but in a style that reads quite differently. It is fresh, poetic, and plain, while expressing ideas that can be endlessly pondered.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo Baggins of Bag End, Hobbiton, does not seek adventures or mysteries of any kind, no sir. So when 13 dwarves and a wizard show up on his doorstep speaking of a great journey – and eating him out of house and home – he’s baffled to discover they think him to be their final member. And a burglar at that. Nevertheless, he plucks up his courage and joins them on an adventure across many lands, through many challenges, and with great stakes. He’ll learn a thing or two about himself, too, and come back a new hobbit.
The Hobbit is just fun, and not as serious and heavy as the later series. Bilbo is funny and practical, and though quite the oddball in the company, begins to prove himself and to them and grow fond of them. This epic tale of adventure, exploration, and courage is a great read for readers of all ages, and one I’ve certainly revisited since my first read.
For one reason or another, each of these phenomenal stories has captured my heart. Hopefully you’ll give one of them a try!
Looking for your next fantasy read? Check out this list ranking them from cozy to epic!
Click here to check out the Bookstr team’s favorite fantasy reads on our Bookshop bookshelf!
