My favorite books that illustrate distinct perspectives on fantasy adventures

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy stories were introduced to me by my father in early childhood. It was one way he and I connected, and I held it close to my heart. I’ve always wanted to write, feeling fascinated with creating a world entirely your own. I remember my first short story/book that I wrote when I was eight years old; it was about a rabbit who got lost. It probably wasn’t my best work, but we all need to start somewhere. Although I’ve read many fantasy stories, I’ve always thought it important to find your own voice when writing. My favorite authors each had their own style. I hope you find this list of recommendations worthwhile. Happy reading!


I wrote...

The Order of Saint Michael

By Blake Harper,

Book cover of The Order of Saint Michael

What is my book about?

The creation of mankind sparked a war between Heaven and Hell. Since its inception, the Catholic Church has done its due diligence in protecting Earth from the legions of demons seeking to enslave every man, woman, and child. Brothers of the Order of Saint Michael and sisters of the Order of Saint Mary have been chosen by God to be the protectors of His creations. William Bourgeois, unaware of this spiritual conflict ensuing around him, is forced to take part in the fight. Unbeknownst to him as to the reasons why, but his life is what's keeping Hell at bay from unleashing its full fury.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Hobbit

Blake Harper Why did I love this book?

One of the earliest books I read when I was a child, Tolkein’s The Hobbit opened the doors for me to the fantasy world. Following the adventure of a hobbit and his dwarf companions, you end up yearning for more of this wonderous world beyond what’s written on the pages. An extremely detailed novel that immerses you from start to finish, leaving you fulfilled. 

By J.R.R. Tolkien,

Why should I read it?

41 authors picked The Hobbit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Special collector's film tie-in hardback of the best-selling classic, featuring the complete story with a sumptuous cover design inspired by THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and brand new reproductions of all the drawings and maps by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.

But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey 'there and back again'. They have a plot to raid…


Book cover of The Soulforge

Blake Harper Why did I love this book?

The Dragonlance series has always been a favorite of mine and this book is how it all began. We get a glimpse into the childhood and early beginnings of all our heroes and how they came together, especially Raistlin, the most powerful wizard ever to come to being. Each character brings something unique to the group and it’s a wonderful thing to see how they evolve and work together to overcome obstacles.

By Margaret Weis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Soulforge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover the early history of Raistlin Majere, one of Dragonlance’s most complicated yet beloved characters, in this prequel to the wildly popular Chronicles and Legends series
 
A mage’s soul is forged in the crucible of magic.
 
Raistlin Majere is six years old when he meets an archmage who enrolls him in a school for the study of magic. Weak and frail, and tormented by jealousy and inadequacy compared to his twin brother Caramon, the gifted boy begins to forge his wizarding skills. But shadows are darkening over Raistlin even as the same shadows lengthen over all of Ansalon.
 
As Raistlin’s…


Book cover of The Dark Elf Trilogy

Blake Harper Why did I love this book?

Drizzt Do’urden is arguably one of the most beloved characters ever to be created in a fantasy world. He is a dark elf of conviction, not allowing the circumstances of his birth to dictate how he lives his life. He understands the evil nature of his kin and chooses a different path, never giving up through his journeys. Beautifully, he meets people along the way that don’t judge him based on his appearance, but rather the contents of his character. Such a thing creates a bond between Drizzt and his friends that lasts their entire lives.

By R. A. Salvatore,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Dark Elf Trilogy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This three-book set is perfect for collectors and an ideal gift for readers unfamiliar with the Forgotten Realms setting. The Dark Elf Trilogy--Homeland, Exile, and Sojourn--are enclosed in a hard-sided slipcover case featuring the cover art from the series.


Book cover of The Silmarillion

Blake Harper Why did I love this book?

Although not the easiest novel to read, The Silmarillion tells us the creation of J.R.R. Tolkein’s beloved world. It’s dense and complex, full of characters and places that are linked in this intricate web. I recommend this book because it takes us out of our comfort zone of how we’re accustomed to reading. I felt it gave my mind a bit of a mental exercise trying to connect and understand what was written. I understand that such a thing may not be enjoyed by all readers, but for those who yearn for a challenge, pick this one up.

By J.R.R. Tolkien,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Silmarillion as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion fills in the background which lies behind the more popular work, and gives the earlier history of Middle-earth, introducing some of the key characters.

The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-Earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.

Included on the recording are several shorter works. The Ainulindale is a myth of the Creation and in the Valaquenta the nature and powers of…


Book cover of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Blake Harper Why did I love this book?

Each book I’ve recommended has its own writing style, its own way of telling a story. Harry Potter is another story of note that differs from those I’ve mentioned. It has a great balance of pace and detail that doesn’t micromanage the readers' imagination, yet gives us enough detail to draw us in. A great beginner series for those interested in fantasy and one that will certainly keep you on your toes. I recommend this particular story within the series because I feel that we’ve reached the most critical point in the plot.

By J.K. Rowling,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

New, repackaged audio editions of the classic and internationally bestselling, multi-award-winning series, read by Stephen Fry containing 17 CDs with a total running time of 20 hours and 45 minutes. With irresistible new jackets by Jonny Duddle to bring Harry Potter to the next generation of readers.

When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is blackened and shrivelled, but he does not reveal why. Secrets and suspicion are spreading through the wizarding world, and Hogwarts itself is not safe. Harry is convinced that Malfoy bears the Dark Mark: there is a…


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Ferry to Cooperation Island

By Carol Newman Cronin,

Book cover of Ferry to Cooperation Island

Carol Newman Cronin Author Of Ferry to Cooperation Island

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Sailor Olympian Editor New Englander Rum drinker

Carol's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

James Malloy is a ferry captain--or used to be, until he was unceremoniously fired and replaced by a "girl" named Courtney Farris. Now, instead of piloting Brenton Island’s daily lifeline to the glitzy docks of Newport, Rhode Island, James spends his days beached, bitter, and bored.

When he discovers a plan for a private golf course on wilderness sacred to his dying best friend, James is determined to stop such "improvements." But despite Brenton's nickname as "Cooperation Island," he's used to working solo. To keep historic trees and ocean shoreline open to all, he'll have to learn to cooperate with other islanders--including Captain Courtney, who might just morph from irritant to irresistible once James learns a secret that's been kept from him for years.

Ferry to Cooperation Island

By Carol Newman Cronin,

What is this book about?

Loner James Malloy is a ferry captain-or used to be, until he was unceremoniously fired and replaced by a girl named Courtney Farris. Now, instead of piloting Brenton Island's daily lifeline to the glitzy docks of Newport, Rhode Island, James spends his days beached, bitter, and bored.

When he discovers a private golf course staked out across wilderness sacred to his dying best friend, a Narragansett Indian, James is determined to stop such "improvements." But despite Brenton's nickname as "Cooperation Island," he's used to working solo. To keep rocky bluffs, historic trees, and ocean shoreline open to all, he'll have…


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