Guys, I love this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish). I've been on a huge fantasy kick this summer and something that has really stood out to me is how fantastic the world-building I've been reading about has been.
1. The Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling - These books have touched so many people, and one of the reasons, in my opinion, is the powerful, vivid world that J.K. Rowling created. Why else would so many people be lusting after their own admissions letter to Hogwarts, even if it is (in my case) 13 years too late?
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien - I can't get over how detailed Tolkien's worlds are. When I read anything by him, I know that I am not being given all of the world that he has created -- I am just seeing snapshots.
3. The Books of Tortall by Tamora Pierce -- Tamora Pierce has created several series around the fictional kingdom of Tortall, and I have been intrigued by it since I was 11 (Hogwarts-letter receiving age, sigh).
4. His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman -- These books are so thoroughly imagined and absolutely entranced me when I was younger.
5. The Redwall books by Brian Jacques -- These entranced me even younger. I love the way each story can stand on its own but each also augments the others.
6. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor -- I have rarely been as swept up as I was by this book. The writing is so beautiful and evocative that it drew me into the story effortlessly.
7. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo -- I am about 2/3 through this novel and I am so impressed by the complicated hierarchy of Grisha and the legends behind the Shadow Fold. I am excited to delve deeper into the series and to learn more about the characters.
8. Jennifer Donnelly -- While her books are not about fantasy worlds (although in Revolution there is a somewhat paranormal element), I have to give her a mention because in all of her books she invents these characters that seem to be legitimate and are actually completely fictional. I have been fooled every single time, and each time I am so disappointed that the characters aren't real.
9. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Donnelly -- I just finished this book a few days ago and am still reeling over it. I especially love the University and the traditions associated with it.
10. The Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale -- I really enjoyed all the different countries and their separate traditions and physical features.
I've never read Tamora Piercea and I think I have to - people seem to really adore her.
ReplyDeleteI've loved every book by her that I've read. There are a few new ones that came out since my obsession in middle school and I really need to get to those.
DeleteYay! I'm not the only one with a Shannon Hale book on my list (although I am the only one without Harry Potter). I just love how delicately she constructed her worlds. Here's my Top Ten Tuesday Post!
ReplyDeleteI love Shannon Hale's worlds as well. I am planning on reading Princess Academy soon and I can't wait to see the world that is built in that book!
DeleteI loved the description of Paris in Revolution. It made me want to go to Sacre Coer a lot.
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful there!
DeleteQuite a few of these are on my TBR. I keep hearing great things about The Name of the Wind and His Dark Materials trilogy so definitely want to pick those up sometime soon!
ReplyDeleteThey are both absolutely fantastic. Please read them!
DeleteI'm with you in LOTR and His Dark Materials! Those are such exciting, complex, beautiful (and sometimes dark) worlds.
ReplyDeleteI am completely with you. I think LOTR is the king of all world-building.
DeleteI have four of the same books on my list today too. And some of them I'm sure will make my list when I finally get to them. :)
ReplyDeleteTHere are so many great books out there -- I wish there was more time in the day!
DeleteI need to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone. That's one of those books I've had on my shelf since it came out but am scared to pick up.
ReplyDeleteIt really weirded me out at first, but I was very quickly pulled in and fell in love with it. I hope you end up reading and enjoying it!
DeleteI keep hearing about The Name of the Wind. I may have to pick that up...as soon as I finish The Song of Ice and Fire series. That one is a monster! Here are my picks http://wp.me/pzUn5-17L
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely fantastic -- I hope you like it!
DeleteNice list. HP and Middle Earth are on my list too. Some of yours are on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my Top 10 Tuesday.
Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know
I think those are my definite top two. I would love to have an imagination like Rowling or Tolkien!
DeleteAwesome picks. I've only read Harry Potter and Daughter of Smoke & Bone from your list, and loved the World building.
ReplyDeleteTanya Patrice
Girlxoxo.com
They are both fantastic!
DeleteI have to say, I love your picks! From this TTT topic I may HAVE to take the plunge and read Laini Taylor and Leigh Bardugo, they've been seen ALL over today!
ReplyDeleteCheck mine out as well, Top Ten Tuesday
Thank you! I just finished the Leigh Bardugo today and it was excellent. And I love Daughter of Smoke and Bone! Enjoy!
DeleteOh this list is amazing. I just finished The Name of the Wind - when I started it back in January, I realized it would be my first Alex Award book! I was so excited. But then I realized I loved it so much that I wanted to take my time with it, so I've JUST FINISHED IT. Because when I read books that are long and epic, and I love them so much, I read tiny bits at a time. So, yeah, I loved the Four Corners of Civilization too. And it's my first for the Alex Challenge.
ReplyDeleteBut YES, this list is amazing.
I was so torn between wanting to devour it and savor it. I ended up devouring it. :) I am so excited to read book two, although I am hesitant because I don't even know when the third will come out and I don't want to forget it.
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