The best books with the best worlds (to visit, but not to live there)

The Hobbit was my introduction to Middle Earth. It was a natural step to the rest of the novels. And it had everything to entice me: wizards, adventure, elves, dwarves…and hobbits. I wanted to live in the Shire. Or with the elves in Lothlórien. Of course, I’d also want to leave once the war escalated. But my love for Middle Earth has never faded. The Hobbit was the beginning of my love for epic fantasy. My Modern Magics series is certainly influenced by LOTR. Although it’s set in the present. I highly recommend The Hobbit and the rest of the series to fans of the genre.

This is yet another introduction to a magical series. I devoured the books, which I have reread many times. Leaving the Muggle world for the secret Wizard world would be wonderful. Even without magic myself…although I’d much prefer to be magical if I could. Or maybe teach Muggle Studies at Hogwarts. I’d prefer it if the Dark Wizards were defeated. Otherwise it would have to be a short visit. Oh, and anyone who has not actually read the books should run, not walk, to their nearest bookstore (online or brick & mortar) or library and get the entire series. New readers are lucky as they can binge-read the entire series. And they don’t have to wait for the next book. 

Dune had a profound effect on me. I was in college and had recently been introduced to reading Science Fiction by author Philip K. Dick. So after reading some of Phil’s books, I added Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, etc, etc. And Herbert. He created such a fantastic and beautifully-imagined world with Arrakis. Still, in my (late) teens, Paul and Chani appealed to me in a way adult main characters in the genre did not. I used the mantra “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer…” more than once in difficult situations. Dune occupies a special place in my heart. I would definitely go there for a visit.

Why am I recommending this book? Dragons.

Oh. You want more? Okay. Although I was fine with just “Dragons.” 

I could live on Pern with no problem. Dragons. Not mean, horrible dragons like Smaug. But beautiful dragons you could ride. And have a telepathic connection with if you were their rider. Well, there is a lot more to this world, of course. There are Weyrs where the dragons live. And the Hatching Grounds where dragons are…hatched. There is the sky where dragons fly with their riders to kill deadly Thread. Oh. There are also people in this series, too. The most interesting people ride dragons.

These books have a rich culture, fabulous world-building, with fascinating characters who won my heart immediately. Some of them are even human.

Another magnificently-imagined world. (Pssst…it also has dragons.) This series is simply incredible. Martin’s writing is nothing short of brilliant. My visits there would be short trips as it’s way too dangerous. The power struggles are deadly, and no one is safe. But with the colorful tapestry of cultures, there are enough heroes, villains, and a few who are both, to satisfy anyone. And some I had love/hate relationships with from one adventure to the next. There are so many times I have had to stop, put the book down and go away to process whatever has happened. Because there are many shockers. So expect the unexpected and prepare for a wild ride. Cliché as that is, it’s true.