Fantasy Novels 101: A Summer Reading List

by Rebecca Kempe

This submission has been inspired by the winning genre of the Wat is Zine Instagram story polls: Fantasy

If you’re reading this, you’re likely in one (or a combination) of three boats: you’re trying to enjoy your summer off, but you’re feeling a little stifled by quarantine; you’re currently on a co-op term, and therefore don’t have a summer off; or you’re trying to survive a school term and would rather be doing anything (anything!) else right now. While it is extremely important to face real life and go outside to get some fresh air, a healthy dose of escapism can go a long way. That being said, the fantasy genre, especially adult fantasy, can be daunting for new readers. So, here are a few books I’ve read and loved that you might love as well!

The Rest of Us Just Live Here By Patrick Ness (YA)

There’s a bit of a debate regarding what genre this book actually is (is it urban fantasy? contemporary YA? apocalyptic fiction?). And this happens to be the very reason why I always recommend this book, especially to people who are new to fantasy.

The entire premise of the book is to follow those who would normally be the background characters in your typical “chosen one” story. While a few kids are off saving the world from paranormal entities, what do the lives of the other kids look like? The story is set in a town that regularly deals with “outbreaks” of paranormal incidents. Each generation, a few chosen ones (known as the “indie kids” ) have to deal with the mess, while the rest of the town is still affected. For each generation, the adults seem to bury their memories or just forget the paranormal events. Those childhood events can get complicated when trying to explain weird things that happen. The protagonist of the book, Mike, is just trying to finish his senior year, figure out how to cope with his OCD, ask out the girl he’s had a crush on for years, and be present for his friends and sisters. In general, all the characters are sweet and lovely, and they’re a joy to see grow throughout the events of the story. There are so many lovely quotes from this novel : “What happens to you when you get older? Do you just forget everything from before you turned eighteen?” and “We share our craziness, our neuroses, our little bit of screwed-up-ness that comes from our family. We share it. And it feels like love.” This is a great book if you’re looking for a down-to-earth story about relatable characters wrestling with real-world problems, but still want to dip your toes in the world of fantasy . The characters do have to deal with the paranormal events a few times — though they’re not the chosen ones, they’re certainly not exempt. The book is all the more fun for it!

Mistborn: The Final Empire By Brandon Sanderson (Adult)

This book was my introduction to both adult and epic fantasy. As such, I would recommend this book to readers who have some experience with young adult fantasy but are a little daunted by the world of adult fantasy. Sanderson’s writing is very clear and accessible. The romance is still decently PG, but the politics and character motivations are much more complex than a YA or middle grade fantasy. Not to mention, Sanderson

writes incredibly cinematic action sequences. The Final Empire is the first book in the Mistborn trilogy, and the story takes place in a world where the dark lord was not defeated by the hero of the prophecy. He won, molded the world to his twisted images and desired, and now a young thief lord named Kelsier is gathering together a band of thieves with magical powers to rob him. In this world, magical powers are highly hereditary, limited to those with noble blood, and are all, one, or nothing. There are 10 metals, which when digested, offer the user a specific power. Either you’re a Misting, with the ability to digest one of the metals and therefore use one of the powers; or you’re a Mistborn, with the ability to use all of the powers; or you have no powers at all.

Enter Vin: the orphan daughter of a noble’s slave - mistress who works in a thieving gang with her brother Reen. Unbeknownst to her, she’s been using magic unconsciously during their thieving missions, and almost gets killed for using emotional magic on her mark. However, Kelsier finds her, takes her in, and decides to make her the lynchpin to his thieving plot. Of course, Vin’s life is turned upside down, and chaos ensues. There are many great elements in the Mistborn series – for instance the handling of politics, religion, and class tensions, which are all fully fleshed out and given proper thought rather than just being in the background.However, the true star of the show is the magic system. Brandon Sanderson is the almost undisputed master of writing unique and highly scientific magic systems with clearly defined rules. If you’re on the fence, read this purely for the magic system. I don’t want to spoil how it works, but know this: there are enough rules restricting how the magic works that you will never find a deus ex machina situation where all the problems are magically solved. The characters have to do the work- magic is just another tool. They must solve their own problems and that is the beauty of Sanderson’s writing. Also, you get to experience the famous Sanderlanche where events snowball, loose ends get tied up, and the story does not end the way you expected. And that’s a promise!

While I love all genres and age categories of books, middle grade fantasy holds a special place in my heart. Because while it does tend to have a clearly defined war between good and evil, the books are pure fun in a way that adult books generally aren’t.

The Lost Property Office

By James R. Hannibal (Middle Grade)

This book follows Jack Buckles, a thirteen-year-old American boy who is in London with his mother and his sister Sadie. He is trying to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared in the city. While chasing after his sister who leaves the hotel running after a man, who she thinks is their father, Jack stumbles into the Lost Property Office. He discovers that his father is part of a secret society of trackers—i.e. people with secret abilities who use their skills to find important and dangerous artifacts. He meets Gwen, a quarter-master (tracker protector) in training who informs him that he too is a tracker, and it’s up to him to find his father. In doing so, he inadvertently drags himself into the search for a dangerous fire-blowing artifact, which is later used to prevent the villain from burning down the city. This book is absolutely delightful. We get old London, new London, secret society drama, detective business, magic, steampunk, science, a hint of romance, and a race against time to beat the villain—all in one story. I also particularly love how Jack’s tracker powers have deep roots in synesthesia—it’s the first time I’ve seen such a new and exciting choice of power in a children’s book, and it got me really excited. This is a lovely, light read for the summer! Sure, it’s a children’s book, but I’m nineteen and I loved it too.

Finally, here are some other fantasy books that I think are worth reading

These are organized by age range, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! Children’s books, young adult books, and adult books are equally valuable and all can be read as an adult. Have fun, and enjoy your summer!

Middle Grade

The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne The Box and the Dragonfly by Ted Sanders Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix

Young Adult

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep Curio by Evangeline Denmark A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos

Adult

Weave the Lighting by Corry R. Lee Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson The Mask of Mirrors by M. A. Carrick The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman