The most recommended books about legendary creatures

Who picked these books? Meet our 118 experts.

118 authors created a book list connected to legendary creatures, and here are their favorite legendary creature books.
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Book cover of The House in the Cerulean Sea

Kerry O'Malley Cerra Author Of Make a Little Wave

From Kerry's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Kerry's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Kerry O'Malley Cerra Why did Kerry love this book?

This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It's in the vein of Harry Potter in that it has an incredible and adorble cast of characters who I grew to care about deeply. Each one's personality was distinct and fun and their personal stories were heartwarming and heartwrenching all at once.

The undertones of the book were done so well, too. It really makes you look at the whole "see something, say something" mantra in a new way.

This is one of those rare gems that I hope become a movie.

By TJ Klune,

Why should I read it?

21 authors picked The House in the Cerulean Sea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not…


Book cover of Island of the Aunts

Sheila Grau Author Of The Boy with 17 Senses

From my list on middle grade with breathtaking imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author of five books for children. I am also an avid reader of middle grade fiction, especially speculative fiction. I love exploring other people’s imaginations. It’s not only entertaining, but incredibly inspiring. Like most people, when I discover a book that I love, I can’t wait to share it with my friends. I hope you love these selections as much as I do! It was really hard to limit myself to just five. 

Sheila's book list on middle grade with breathtaking imagination

Sheila Grau Why did Sheila love this book?

Imagination + humor. The opening line of this books is one of my favorites – “Kidnapping children is not a good idea. All the same, sometimes it has to be done.” – Ibbotson was a genius at combining fantastical settings with humor. This book in particular spoke to my childhood fantasies of taking care of strange animals and visiting exotic locales. It’s a whole lot of fun, like all her books.

By Eva Ibbotson, Kevin Hawkes (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Island of the Aunts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

When the kindly old aunts decide that they need help caring for creatures who live on their hidden island, they know that adults can't be trusted. What they need are a few special children who can keep a secret-a secret as big as a magical island. And what better way to get children who can keep really big secrets, than to kidnap them! (After all, some children just plain need to be kidnapped.) Don't miss this wildly inventive and funny read from master storyteller Eva Ibbotson.


Book cover of Dragonwatch

Kevin Sands Author Of Children of the Fox

From my list on children’s fantasy series beyond Harry Potter.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been an avid reader of fantasy since before I can remember—and to this day, from reading to writing to gaming, fantasy worlds remain my favourite places to stay. I’m the author of six books so far, five in the Blackthorn Key adventures; my latest series is Thieves of Shadow

Kevin's book list on children’s fantasy series beyond Harry Potter

Kevin Sands Why did Kevin love this book?

Jurassic Park meets Lord of the Rings. Need I say more? Fablehaven, and its sequel series, Dragonwatch, draws upon centuries of mythology to create a wildlife haven—or, rather, a "monsterlife" haven—protected by a kindhearted cast of rogues. The series’ biggest strength is that author Brandon Mull understands there’s something sinister lying behind most fairytales, and he brings that danger to every scene. 

By Brandon Mull, Brandon Dorman (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dragonwatch 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?

The dragons that have been kept in sanctuaries want their freedom—and their revenge—and the world’s only hope is the reformation of the ancient order of Dragonwatch in this New York Times bestselling first novel of a new sequel series to Fablehaven from author Brandon Mull.

In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, King of the Dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The…


Book cover of Son of the Black Sword

Kevin Sands Author Of Children of the Fox

From Kevin's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Treasure hunter Gamer Stargazer Cartophile

Kevin's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Kevin Sands Why did Kevin love this book?

Action is one of the harder things to get right in a novel. But if you want to see a master at work, Larry Correia’s your man.

This book delivers the usual cinematic masterpieces of violence Correia’s fans have come to know and love, wrapped inside tight, complex plotting and believable, empathetic characters, all in a fresh setting not commonly explored in epic fantasy. 

By Larry Correia,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Son of the Black Sword as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

#1 IN A NEW EPIC FANTASY SERIES from Monster Hunter series creator and New York Times best-selling author, Larry Correia!


Book cover of The Legend of the First Unicorn

Lindsay Littleson Author Of Guardians of the Wild Unicorns

From my list on mythical creatures.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a Scottish writer and have an interest in Scotland’s many mythical creatures. My home country is inhabited by a myriad of mythical creatures, including kelpies, bogles, and mysterious Highland merfolk and I’m sure the natural environment plays a part. The inspiration behind my children’s fantasy novel Guardians of the Wild Unicorns was the fact that the unicorn is Scotland’s national animal. It seemed bizarre that Scotland opted for a mythical creature as a national animal, but when I started to do research into why, all became clear. People in the past believed unicorns were real. Unicorns have a long and proud history in Scotland and were chosen as a symbol of strength, independence, and dignity.

Lindsay's book list on mythical creatures

Lindsay Littleson Why did Lindsay love this book?

I recommend The Legend of the First Unicorn because I adore unicorn stories and this one is particularly special. This beautifully written story is inspired by Scottish legend and the book’s illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. The Legend of the First Unicorn is a picture book for older readers and is an enjoyable adventure story of imagination, courage, and friendship.

I love that the unicorns in the story are portrayed not as cute, cuddly creatures, but as majestic, powerful beasts. The Legend of the First Unicorn is a stunning book and would make an amazing gift for a child.

By Lari Don, Natasa Ilinčic (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Legend of the First Unicorn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Once upon a time in Scotland, a young prince had lost his smile.

It seemed nothing could raise a smile from Prince Donald, not the baker's treats or the bard's songs. The court magician tried to make a new magical beast for the prince, but it was so awkward he let it go. Hana, the magician's granddaughter, was still determined to help Donald. Using her grandfather's magic, she invented a majestic creature with the body of a horse and the horn of a gazelle, and called him 'a unicorn'.

Hana and Donald playfully chase the unicorn through the forest, and…


Book cover of Wicked Fox

Sarah Suk Author Of The Space between Here & Now

From my list on YA that take you on a journey through South Korea.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was a kid growing up in Canada, many of my classmates didn’t know about Korea. They’d guess I was Chinese or Japanese, and when I’d tell them I’m Korean, they’d say, “What’s that?” Things have changed since then and now Korea is well-known all around the world, and that’s reflected in our bookshelves too. I’m delighted to see that there are more books out there today that reflect my culture and heritage, in a wide range of genres, age groups, and settings! Speaking of setting, here are some young adult novels that take place in South Korea that I enjoyed, and I hope you will too.

Sarah's book list on YA that take you on a journey through South Korea

Sarah Suk Why did Sarah love this book?

I love it when stories mix magic with the world as we know it today, and Wicked Fox is a wonderfully fantastical book set in modern-day Seoul.

It follows Miyoung who is no ordinary teenage girl—she’s a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who devours the energy of men to survive. Everything changes for her when she meets Jihoon, a human boy who she saves in a goblin attack, exposing her true identity. If you love fantasies, romance, and mythology as much as I do, definitely check this one out!

By Kat Cho,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wicked Fox as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret - she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt.

But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead - her gumiho…


Book cover of Malamander

Bronwyn Eley Author Of Relic

From my list on fantasy for those who live in the dark.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been writing since before I can remember and my stories always edge towards darkness. If darkness is a cliff-face, I stand precariously on the edge, taking my readers with me and maybe… eventually… giving them a little shove. Sorry, not sorry. As a writer of dark YA fantasy, it is both my duty and privilege to read as many dark fantasy stories as possible. My series, The Relic Trilogy, isn’t all sunshine and happiness. Whenever I see a review where the reader admits they ended up in a puddle of their own tears, I celebrate because that is precisely what I’m here for folks. 

Bronwyn's book list on fantasy for those who live in the dark

Bronwyn Eley Why did Bronwyn love this book?

Delving into something a little different here – Malamander by Thomas Taylor may be a kid's book but here’s why you should read it: it’s like A Series of Unfortunate Events but less depressing. It’s a rich, creative, and engaging story that was really, really hard to put down! 

Young Herbert Lemon is the Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel. He returns lost things to their rightful owners – shoes, suitcases, money… but one night a strange young girl turns up at his window claiming to be lost. 

While both Herbert and Violet are absolutely delightful, my favourite character is the town itself. Eerie-on-Sea is a strange little town which, during the warm seasons, is frequented by tourists. But things change when the temperature cools and the mist rolls in… 

By Thomas Taylor, Tom Booth (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Malamander as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Nobody visits Eerie-on-Sea in the winter. Especially not when darkness falls and the wind howls around Maw Rocks and the wreck of the battleship Leviathan, where even now some swear they have seen the unctuous Malamander creep...

Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, knows that returning lost things to their rightful owners is not easy - especially when the lost thing is not a thing at all, but a girl. No one knows what happened to Violet Parma's parents twelve years ago, and when she engages Herbie to help her find them, the pair discover that their disappearance…


Book cover of An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures

Lindsay Littleson Author Of Guardians of the Wild Unicorns

From my list on mythical creatures.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a Scottish writer and have an interest in Scotland’s many mythical creatures. My home country is inhabited by a myriad of mythical creatures, including kelpies, bogles, and mysterious Highland merfolk and I’m sure the natural environment plays a part. The inspiration behind my children’s fantasy novel Guardians of the Wild Unicorns was the fact that the unicorn is Scotland’s national animal. It seemed bizarre that Scotland opted for a mythical creature as a national animal, but when I started to do research into why, all became clear. People in the past believed unicorns were real. Unicorns have a long and proud history in Scotland and were chosen as a symbol of strength, independence, and dignity.

Lindsay's book list on mythical creatures

Lindsay Littleson Why did Lindsay love this book?

I thought this book was absolutely brilliant. It is a treasure trove of stories and I am sure will be loved by children everywhere! Kate Leiper’s artwork is stunning and the stories are fascinating and populated by Scottish mythical creatures from Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster to the beautiful selkies. Before reading this book I’d never heard of the half-man, half-wolf Shetland Wulver. A kind and generous mythical creature is a rare beast and I’d love to read more stories about Wulvers!

By Theresa Breslin, Kate Leiper (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mysterious selkies, bad-tempered giants, devious fairies and even Loch Ness's most famous resident -- these are the mythical beasts of Scottish folklore.

In the highly anticipated companion volume to the much-loved An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, award-winning children's author Theresa Breslin brings together a stunning collection of tales from across Scotland.

Alternately humorous, poignant and thrilling, each story is brought to life with exquisite illustrations by Scottish fine artist Kate Leiper.

A wonderful gift, this is a truly stunning book to be treasured for a lifetime and will be enjoyed by parents and grandparents as well…


Book cover of Valiant

Denise O. Eaton Author Of Arigale: Spite in the Spirit

From my list on fantasy that anime lovers will enjoy.

Why am I passionate about this?

Fantasy has always been a passion and an escape for me. It started with copious amounts of reading, then I found anime when I was only a child as Cardcaptors began to air on TV. I’ve watched hundreds of anime shows since then and continued my penchant for reading and writing almost exclusively in the fantasy genre. In college, I obtained a BA in English with an emphasis on Creative Writing, so I have a good grasp on literature analysis and many works. In addition, I studied Japanese for two years, lived in Japan for six months, and held a position at the anime club while I was in college.

Denise's book list on fantasy that anime lovers will enjoy

Denise O. Eaton Why did Denise love this book?

Valiant is a great example of why I love the morally gray so much. Like in many anime, the characters are all shown to be dysfunctional to some degree and really stand by their choices with a good amount of agency that I adore. The MC’s loss and addiction make her a relatable lead as she struggles to navigate this dark, mysterious underworld she has ended up in. As with the anime Kakegurui, her and her friends’ addictions skew their judgment and make everyone susceptible to influence if they can get what they desire. The love interest was my favorite part of this book. He is rough, but he knows what he’s talking about and helps guide the MC to a better path.

By Holly Black,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Valiant as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

A companion novel to Tithe, from bestselling author Holly Black!

When seventeen-year-old Valerie runs away to New York City, she's trying to escape a life that has utterly betrayed her. Sporting a new identity, she takes up with a gang of squatters who live in the city's labyrinthine subway system.

But there's something eerily beguiling about Val's new friends. And when one talks Val into tracking down the lair of a mysterious creature with whom they are all involved, Val finds herself torn between her newfound affection for an honorable monster and her fear of what her new friends are…


Book cover of The Titan's Curse

Alisha Sehgal Author Of The Game Plan

From my list on to take you completely out of your world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve spent much of my life living in magical realms in my head. I realized at a very young age that our mind is a secret space we all get to keep for our own use. We can imagine new worlds, recreate our favorite characters, or live alternate lives all within our daydreams and imagination. However, sharing the magic we feel in our headspace is harder than we imagine. The perfect sentiments/feelings in our minds are often lost on paper, but some authors manage to share their headspace flawlessly. Every day, I write my novels/blogs in hopes that someday, people can join and experience my fantasy worlds the way I do.

Alisha's book list on to take you completely out of your world

Alisha Sehgal Why did Alisha love this book?

This is the first book I remember feeling so immersed into that I forgot I was reading. Many of Riordan’s books have that effect on me, but The Titan’s Curse especially brought me into the modern era of Greek Heroes and mythological characters. I remember this book as if I’d been there and lived through it.

For everyone who lost their love of reading while drowning in homework and chores, this is the book to revive it. I have never felt so intimately drawn into a book and never wanted to remain in the world as badly as when I first finished this book and raced to the nearest location of the next in the series.

By Rick Riordan, Attila Futaki (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Titan's Curse as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Coming soon to Disney+!

Half boy. Half God. ALL Hero.

My life could have been the same as an ordinary teenager. Except my dad is Poseidon, and I live in a camp full of half Gods and mythical creatures.

So instead, my days are spent combatting half-lion half-humans and trying to live a somewhat normal life.

But normalcy has just gone out the window. My friend Annabeth is missing, a Goddess is in chains, and only five of us can join the quest to save the day.

Oh and guess what. The Oracle has predicted that not all of us…


Book cover of The House in the Cerulean Sea
Book cover of Island of the Aunts
Book cover of Dragonwatch

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