Fantasy in the Time of Coronavirus

Life in quarantine can be hard. With little real interaction with the outside world, most of what we hear is filtered through the news and social media. It can feel a little isolating, to say the least. To fill the void, many have turned to entertainment, binge watching the newest talked-about show on Netflix or finally checking out that movie they just never had the time for. And with all this excess lying around, I think it is the perfect time to read a book. Not just any old book, but a fun, grab-you-by-the-hand-and-never-let-go fantasy adventure.

The Case for Fantasy

What better time than the present to dive into a fantasy? It’s often overlooked by those who do not consider themselves fans of the genre. Sure, Game of Thrones has done much to convert new fans, but many of them seem to think of that show as an exception. And they’re not wrong. Game of Thrones, while absolutely part of the fantasy genre, is definitely different from the sea of fantasy books out there. It’s gritty and grounded in the horrors of reality, where other fantasy is more light-hearted and unrealistic. So, even with the breakthrough success of Game of Thrones, people still tend to turn their heads when they see books with fantastical elements. But the genre offers so much more than wizards and dragons.

The thing about fantasy, the reason why we need it now more than ever, is that it offers the ultimate escape. What better way to forget about infection rates and ventilator shortages than to plunge into a world filled with magic and wonder. That’s right. Magic. I don’t mean abra-ca-dabra, may-the-force-be-with-you magic, but magic of a different kind—an emotional kind. Escaping into a fantastical world is just that, a magical adventure where everything—the characters, the story, the very world itself—must be experienced with new eyes. You’re forced to see everything through the eyes of a child. It draws on the imagination and demands a suspension of disbelief—the idea that a reader is willing to temporarily believe things he wouldn’t otherwise believe outside of the story.

It is this magical aspect of fantasy that makes it such a dramatic escape. And if you find the right book, one that matches your tastes (not all fantasy books are created equal) you will be transported to another world. And you will not be thinking about vaccine updates or which state is doing a better or worse job at following social distancing guidelines. You’ll be thinking of hobbits or warlords or shapeshifters or vampires, or the countless other creatures that populate the genre. 

Where to Start

For those that are uninitiated to the genre, now’s the perfect chance. Here’s a list of suggestions of good fantasy reads based on your tastes:

The Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

For fans of the HBO series. Do I need to say more? You might want to check out where it all started. I promise the books are even better than the show. Check it out here.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

For fans of classic literature. You’ve heard of it, but have you read it? This is the heavyweight on the list filled with pages of sweeping descriptions and elven talk (Tolkien made up a whole language for the book). It’s dense, but beautiful. And  after all these years, it’s still the king of the genre. Check it out here.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

For fans of wizards, anything young adult, or stories that focus on life at school and social/emotional issues for teenagers. You’ve seen the movie, but the books are so much more fun.  Check it out here.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

For fans of mystery, music, or just good writing. Imagine a lute-toting version of Harry Potter. Now, make him a little more grown-up and sprinkle in a great mystery and a little Lord of the Rings. Check it out here.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

For fans of heist movies or capers. Imagine if the dark lord has already won and the good guys now have to win it all back. I believe Sanderson himself described it as Ocean’s Eleven meets Lord of the Rings. Check it out here.

The Gunslinger by Stephen King

For fans of gritty westerns, horror, Stephen King. It is the first book of his Dark Tower series, which is his epic foray into the genre. And it is as strange and wonderful as anything he has ever written. Check it out here.

Conclusion

So, while you’re stuck at home, why not make the most of it. Turn off your tv, step away from your phone, and pick up one of the recommendations on this list.  I can’t promise you’ll love it, but I can promise that it’ll pull you away from the real world for a little while, and at a time like this, isn’t that what we all need?

Of course, I’d love to hear what you think. Comment below to share your thoughts on this topic.

6 thoughts on “Fantasy in the Time of Coronavirus”

  1. I have read some of “Harry Potter “books, they are well written; with the quite visual descriptions of the people and the surroundings,it transports you there! Not to mention the endless and curious adventures . Love this series of quick reads! It is also good for the children to get read to like ” Alibaba and The Forty Thieves” or even “Pinocchio”. They are equally confused about this new norm. Also, I think you have a wonderful voice for audio books!

  2. I agree with you that fantasy stories are good for people to read during this time of stressful reality and actually throughout life. I believe that books that trigger us to actively use our imaginations is healthy for our brains. I love reading books where a whole other world has been created – one that I remember fondly that I did not see on your list for young adults was Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins.

    1. Exactly. It’s so much fun to visit those imagined worlds. I suppose I didn’t really address the young adult readers in the article. Thanks for bringing that to the conversation. As far as Suzanne Collins goes, I only know of The Hunger Games. I guess I’ll have to check out her other stuff.

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