Escaping our own reality by diving into a fantastical world can be an exciting adventure and a therapeutic release.
Dear Readers,
Could there be a better time for slipping away to a fantasy world? Even a few hours away from the real world sounds refreshing. I love finding a new series because it means as soon as I read the last page of Book One, I can reach for Book Two.
Happy reading!
Carol
KIRANMALA AND THE KINGDOM BEYOND SERIES
Fantasy by Sayantani DasGupta
Kiranmala doesn’t believe her parents when they tell her she is a real Indian princess from a secret kingdom belonging to another world. However, when her parents disappear and demons, alternate dimensions, and all sorts of magic open up to her, she starts to believe all of the stories they’ve been telling her entire life. The Serpent’s Secret is the first book in this captivating fantasy series.
THE TRIALS OF APOLLO SERIES
Fantasy by Rick Riordan
Imagine being a Greek god who has made his father—in this case, Zeus—very, very angry. Now imagine he has sent you down to Earth to make your own way in New York City. You still have your superpowers, but they don’t seem to be helping much. Fortunately, you meet up with Percy Jackson and embark on a quest with a twist.
THE FARSEER TRILOGY
Fantasy by Robin Hobb
I don’t know anyone who has picked up Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice (the first book in The Farseer Trilogy) who has been able to put it down. The characters are so vibrant that they will live in your memory long past the moment you turn the final page. Compellingly written and cleverly plotted, this is probably one of the best series in the genre.
As you read these titles, consider:
- What fantastical elements are present in each book? How do they add to your enjoyment of the text?
- Why do we read fantasy when we know it’s not real? What do these books teach us?
Try one of these activities to take your reading to the next level:
- Visit Sayantani DasGupta’s website to learn more about the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series and what inspired her to write the stories.
- Check out Rick Riordan’s website for fun activities, discussion questions, and project ideas connected to the Apollo series.
- Want to write your own series? Check out this WikiHow page that breaks down the steps to develop your own fantastical world.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.
Note: HMH is not responsible for the content of third-party websites.
Photo of Carol Jago provided by ©Andrew Collings
