Books matching: magical world
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- #1
Save:A clever, subversive fantasy that skewers childhood escapism and magical wish fulfillment - deliberately darker, messier, and more grown-up than its inspirations. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right reader.
"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman is a novel that has been compared to Harry Potter for adults, blending elements of magic, fantasy worlds, and coming-of-age themes. The story follows Quentin, an anxious and unhappy genius who discovers the existence of magic and is invited to a wizard school. However, as Quentin navigates through this world, he faces challenges, makes questionable decisions, and struggles with issues of self-identity and maturity. The book has been praised for its unique take on the magic school genre, incorporating elements of darkness, angst, and flawed characters reminiscent of those in "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt.
He snapped the cigarette away and set off across the wide lawn. He didn’t look back to see if Quentin was following, which at first Quentin didn’t, but then a sudden fear of being left alone in this p...May 2009•490 pages - #2
Save:A modern fantasy classic with imaginative worldbuilding and quirky charm; a magical, slightly dark adventure beneath the city – as long as you’re not looking for a hard-boiled action hero.
In "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman, readers are taken on a fantastical journey through the parallel worlds of London Above and London Below. The protagonist, Richard Mayhew, finds himself invisible to the people of London Above after helping a woman named Door, leading him to navigate the dangers and mysteries of London Below. The book is described as a dark fantasy filled with creepy and atmospheric elements, featuring a cast of eccentric characters and a captivating storyline that delves into power struggles and hidden realms beneath the surface of the familiar city.
SHE HAD BEEN RUNNING for four days now, a harum-scarum tumbling flight through passages and tunnels. She was hungry, and exhausted, and more tired than a body could stand, and each successive door was...1996•418 pages - #3
Save:A lyrical, character-rich fantasy that's a must for fans of immersive storytelling - just know it's slower and more introspective than most epic fantasy, and the series is still unfinished!
"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Kvothe, a young prodigy who becomes a famous minstrel, wizard, swordsman, and hero. The book features a dual narrative structure, with Kvothe recounting his past while living as an older man. The world-building is extensive and immersive, drawing readers into a vast and fantastical universe filled with mysterious spirits and powerful characters. The writing style is engaging and descriptive, capturing the reader's attention with lyrical prose and intricate details.
The plot of the book revolves around Kvothe's quest to uncover the truth behind his parents' murder and his journey to master the power of naming. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Kvothe's life, filled with challenges, adventures, and moments of self-discovery. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of magic, travel, death, and storytelling, creating a compelling and intricate narrative that keeps readers captivated from beginning to end.
Old Cob was filling his role as storyteller and advice dispensary. The men at the bar sipped their drinks and listened. In the back room a young innkeeper stood out of sight behind the door, smiling a...March 2007•728 pages - #4
Save:A lush, labyrinthine fantasy that’s a love letter to stories and readers - perfect if you crave atmosphere and bookish magic, but the winding plot isn’t for everyone.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern is a book that weaves together stories within stories, following the journey of Zachary Ezra Rawlins as he discovers a mysterious old book in his university library. The book is filled with a strange collection of disconnected stories, one of which is about Zachary himself. Seeking answers leads him to a secret underground library, the Harbor on the Starless Sea, where he uncovers hidden truths and connections among the stories. The writing style is described as poetic, entrancing, and transporting readers to a fairy tale-like world of mysterious books and secret libraries.
The book is a celebration of stories and storytelling in all its forms, exploring the importance of friendship, bravery, love, and the power of narratives to take readers on a journey through enchanting and magical realms. It delves into the concept of a parallel universe of stories existing underground, accessed through secret doorways, while also touching on themes of self-discovery, interconnectedness, and the beauty of words and ideas.
(Close enough to see from behind the bars. Freedom kept in sight but out of reach, left as a reminder to the prisoner. No one remembers that now on the key side of the bars. The careful psychological...November 2019•526 pages - #5
Save:A brilliantly bonkers kickoff to Discworld - witty, ridiculous, and endlessly inventive. Not Pratchett’s most polished, but essential if you want to see where fantasy’s funniest universe began. Give it a shot, and don’t be afraid to skip ahead in the series if it doesn’t click right away!
'The Colour of Magic' by Terry Pratchett is the first book in the Discworld series, introducing readers to the adventures of Twoflower, the Disc's first tourist, and Rincewind, a failed wizard who becomes his guide. The book is a humorous and whimsical fantasy satire that cleverly turns fantasy tropes on their heads, featuring a variety of eccentric characters and imaginative situations. The writing style of Terry Pratchett is described as witty, clever, and full of clever wordplay that creates a detailed and fantastical world for readers to explore.
FIRE ROARED through the bifurcated city of Ankh-Morpork. Where it licked the Wizards’ Quarter it burned blue and green and was even laced with strange sparks of the eighth color, octarine; where its o...1983•227 pages - #6
Save:A gorgeously strange, inclusive, and bittersweet novella that asks what happens to dreamers after the adventure ends. Great for fans of portal fantasies who aren’t afraid of a bit of darkness - but some may crave more depth and a longer stay.
'Every Heart a Doorway' by Seanan McGuire is a fantasy novella set at Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, where children who have visited fantasy worlds and returned to the real world gather. The story follows Nancy and other misfit children as they navigate the challenges of adjusting to reality after experiencing magical realms. The writing style is described as beautiful, lyrical, and seamlessly weaving world-building and character development to explore themes of self-acceptance, fitting in, and longing for a place to call home.
THE HABIT OF NARRATION, of crafting something miraculous out of the commonplace, was hard to break. Narration came naturally after a time spent in the company of talking scarecrows or disappearing cat...April 2016•176 pages - #7
Save:A super fun, magically inventive fantasy romp with fantastic settings and memorable protagonists - but your mileage may vary if you’re over familiar tropes or want deep character dives. Worth picking up if you want something fresh and full of adventure!
'A Darker Shade of Magic' by V.E. Schwab follows Kell, a magician who can travel between four parallel worlds - White London, Red London, Grey London, and Black London. The story revolves around Kell's journey to return a forbidden talisman, installed with dangerous magic, to Black London. Along the way, he is aided by Delilah Bard, a thief from Grey London, as they navigate through different Londons with varying levels of magic and power struggles. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action, adventure, and plot twists, making it an engaging read for fans of urban fantasy and epic fantasy genres.
The first thing he did whenever he stepped out of one London and into another was take off the coat and turn it inside out once or twice (or even three times) until he found the side he needed. Not al...February 2015•408 pages - #8
Save:Clever, funny, and distinctly British - Midnight Riot is a quirky urban fantasy that’s more police romp than Hogwarts retread. Not perfect, but a must-try for anyone wanting something different in the genre.
"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau...February 2011•292 pages - #9
Save:A gorgeously atmospheric and imaginative novel - perfect for lovers of prose, scenery, and magic, but best avoided if you crave action or tightly plotted stories.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a magical tale set in a mysterious circus that appears at night, showcasing wonders and illusions that captivate visitors. The story revolves around two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are pawns in a larger game orchestrated by their mentors. As the competition unfolds, the circus becomes the stage for their magical duel, intertwining their fates and the lives of those around them. The narrative weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that transports readers to a world filled with enchantment and intrigue.
The writing style of The Night Circus is described as rich in imagery, with vivid descriptions that bring the circus to life in the reader's mind. The book is praised for its unique structure, alternating between different points of view and time frames, creating a sense of fluidity and adding depth to the storytelling. Despite some opinions noting the complexity of the plot and characters, the book is commended for its imaginative world-building, engaging prose, and the magical love story between Celia and Marco that unfolds amidst the backdrop of the enchanting circus.
The man billed as Prospero the Enchanter receives a fair amount of correspondence via the theater office, but this is the first envelope addressed to him that contains a suicide note, and it is also t...September 2011•565 pages A darkly inventive, female-led fantasy adventure with one of the coolest takes on necromancy out there. A must for fans of original magic, strong heroines, and rich worldbuilding - just expect to work for some of your answers. Worth the hype!
Sabriel follows the journey of a young woman who unexpectedly inherits her father's title as Abhorsen, a powerful necromancer, and embarks on a quest that takes her across the wall into another world. The book delves into a dark and magical Old Kingdom where Sabriel must rescue her father from the Land of the Dead while battling against evil forces trying to destroy the balance of the realm. The narrative weaves intricate world-building, necromancy, and a band of loyal companions, creating a suspenseful and engaging story filled with vivid descriptions of the magical realm and its inhabitants.
The writing style of Sabriel is praised for its dark and cold atmosphere, with the protagonist navigating through desperate situations in the Old Kingdom and Death itself. The book introduces a unique magical system involving bells and a necromancer's duty to lay the dead to rest, all while exploring themes of family legacy, self-discovery, and the struggle between good and evil in a fantasy setting that captivates readers with its originality and depth.
THE RABBIT HAD been run over minutes before. Its pink eyes were glazed and blood stained its clean white fur. Unnaturally clean fur, for it had just escaped from a bath. It still smelt faintly of lave...1995•463 pages
