Reading has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and fantasy has always been one of my favorite genres. The books below have shaped the person I am today. In no particular order, these are some of my favorite books. I definitely don’t have enough space to list them all!
1. The False Prince (Ascendance Trilogy book 1)
The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen is one of my all-time favorites. The main character, Sage, taught me so much about resilience, planning, and staying yourself when the world is falling apart all around you. I also enjoy his witty comebacks and the dynamics between him and the other orphans. The low fantasy world is filled with sword fights, political intrigue, and unexpected twists that kept me turning pages.
2. Defiance (Defiance Trilogy, book 1)
Defiance by C. J. Redwine is a book I didn’t discover until I was an older teen. I was convinced it was fantasy, but the actual genre is dystopian. Still, it lives on this list because of the fantastical elements that Rachel and Logan encounter throughout the story. Rachel taught me that being feminine is okay, and I can still fight in a pretty dress. I really enjoyed the complex dynamic between her and Logan, and the motivation to find her father is not only believable, but a compelling premise.
3. Truth (Makilien Trilogy, book 1)
Truth by Molly Evangeline convinced me that a book doesn’t have to be perfect to change someone’s life. Her characters and world are so real. Makilien showed me that the world is as big as I want it to be, no matter what anyone says. That was a lesson I took to heart when I started writing. Her story convinced me I could write a book, and taught me it doesn’t matter how I write, but what I write about. Readers connect with characters first, writing style second (or third!). The people on the page stay with us like the memory of childhood friends. That’s something I strove to infuse into the characters living in Aramendala.
4. Ranger’s Apprentice Series
Okay, I know I’m cheating a little bit here. This is supposed to be a list of books, not series. But here we are. Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan helped me realize that the most compelling plotlines aren’t the ones where the characters face a big bad villain, but the ones where the character has to face themselves. Multiple times, Will has to confront his fears and beliefs in order to become the person he wants to be. This is such an important lesson for everyone to learn. Growth requires change. Change requires sacrifice.
5. Keeper of the Lost Cities Series
Yep, another cheating entry. Oh well. Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger taught me that writing in caps lock is okay, and that plot doesn’t have to be linear. Characters are what move a story forward. Even in the quieter sections, their personalities keep the pages turning.
Conclusion
Looking back, I can see how pieces of these stories influenced my writing. They remind me that fantasy isn’t all dragons and magic. At its core, it’s about courage, hope, and the choices we make.
I also love Land of Stories (Chris Colfer), Wings of Fire (Tui T. Sutherland), and Dragons in Our Midst (Bryan Davis), as well as many others. Every story has something to say, you just have to find it. And the message may mean something else to each person, which is part of the magic of reading. Keep turning pages!
