Fantasy Book Reading Pile

I decided to read some of the most popular middle-grade (ages 8-12) fantasy books on Amazon, and I am really enjoying it so far!

The Neverending Story (Die Unendliche Geschichte)

Written in 1979 by German author Michael Ende, and translated into English by Ralph Manheim in 1983, this classic children’s fantasy work is definitely worth the read! I am only a third of the way through it, but I am already admiring the post-modern elements, creativity, and fast-moving plot. I can’t help but see the movie as I’m reading it, and it’s really taking me back to my childhood (and childhood imagination) in a good way.

If you’re not familiar with it, its about a boy named Bastian who is bullied, finds a fantasy book in a bookstore, steals it and reads it in secret. The main story is the book, but Ende plays with the line between imagination and reality as the boy finds himself increasingly drawn into the story until he becomes a part of it.

Howl’s Moving Castle

I was intrigued by the unique plot and popularity of this one, and am looking forward to reading it next. It was written by English author Diana Wynne Jones and first published in 1986.

Here’s the description:

“Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl’s castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there’s far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.

In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl’s castle?”

Ella Enchanted

I am rereading this book, as I read it when it first came out in 1997 (I was 9!). I absolutely loved this book and related a little too much to Ella, who is forced to be obedient all the time. It’s not only a clever twist on the story of Cinderella, but I loved the world Gail Carson Levine created, and how clever and book smart Ella was (she could speak ogre!). I felt like they lost some of that when they translated this story into the movie with Anne Hathaway, though I still enjoyed the film as a separate story.

The Adventurers Guild

This is the most modern book I am reading (published in 2017), and is written by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopolus. It’s very highly reviewed by others, and I like the premise.

Here’s the description:

“In one of the last cities standing after the world fell to monsters, best friends Zed Kagari and Brock Dunderfel have high hopes for the future. Zed desperately wishes to join the ranks of the Mages Guild, where his status as Freestone’s only half elf might finally be an asset. Brock, the roguishly handsome son of merchants, is confident he’ll be welcomed into the ranks of the Merchants Guild.

But just as it seems the boys’ dreams have come true, their lives take a startling turn . . . and they find themselves members of the perilous Adventurers Guild. And when the boys uncover a conspiracy that threatens all of Freestone, Zed, Brock, and their new allies-Liza, a fierce noble, and Jett, a brave dwarf-must prove their worth once and for all.”

Also, I saw that the Shadow and Bones books are very popular (now a Netflix series). I started reading a review and they seemed very interesting and engaging. I may pick those up at some point.