C.S. Lewis’s masterpiece series The Chronicles of Narnia is a timeless classic. Between layers of magical wardrobe portals, mythical creatures, and an epic battle for peace in a majestic land, Lewis also addressed themes of the traumas of war and displacement in ways that are subtle enough, yet present enough to be understandable. Here are three more works that beautifully blend the serious and the not-so.
Septimus Heap by Angie Sage
Septimus heap, the coveted seventh son of a seventh son, is proclaimed dead the night he is born and ushered away by the midwife — despite his mother’s objections. That same night, in the midst of a terrible snowstorm, his father Silas Heap finds a baby girl abandoned in the snow. The void created by their lost seventh son has miraculously been partially filled. But questions remain…who is this child and what really happened to Septimus? Join the Heaps on their journey exploring the Magyk of their world, and themselves.
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Jared, Simon, and their older sister Mallory are less than pleased to be moving into a dusty old mansion out in the middle of nowhere. When they discover a handcrafted field guide in the attic, they unlock access to an entire world they never knew existed. The world of faerie is enchanting, fascinating, and sometimes, terribly dangerous. The trio can’t help but explore and uncover more and more of the faerie. As they do, they begin to attract attention and soon find themselves way over their head as they must grapple with goblins, elves, dwarves, and all kinds of creatures.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Fablehaven is a centuries-old refuge for magical creatures, created to prevent their extinction. Kendra and Seth have no idea that it exists — or that their grandfather is the caretaker. When they go for a visit and find themselves bored, Seth’s curiosity gets the better of him, and he accidentally breaks the ancient laws keeping the creatures contained. Suddenly, the pair finds themselves on an epic quest to save not just their family and not just Fablehaven, but maybe the whole world.
Whether you loved the creatures or the magic or the bonds of siblings so prevalent in Narnia, one of these series is sure to find its way into your heart.
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