I’ve been reading fantasy books for about twenty years. Though I will venture off to other genres (horror, thriller, even sometimes a good romance), I will always be drawn back to the magical lure of the fantasy section in my local (read: any) bookshop (much to my husband’s chagrin). There is something incomparable about being drawn into a whole other world where seemingly anything is possible.
I wanted to discuss some of the books I read as a child; specifically, those that I recall very fondly. The first series I really remember reading was when I was 11 years old. I’d just started secondary school (high school, for my American friends) and my mind was blown by the amount of books available to read in the library.
Before long, I stumbled across The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce. Wow. Those books opened up a whole new world of possibilities to me. I have no doubt that Alanna’s struggles resonated with me at the time as I went through the trials (and incredible awkwardness) that came with puberty. I have no doubt this would be the same for anyone growing up now, as the series examines aspects of gender identity as well as bullying.
That series and the impact it had on me was long-lasting. It was a massive influence for me writing my own stories at that time as I desperately tried to mimic the feeling I had when I became absorbed in reading such books. (And I’m pretty sure the cat companion must have stuck with me because, oh, look, there’s one in my book).
Although still young, I quickly moved onto adult fantasy books. I think after being introduced to such things, I was reticent to remain in the children’s book section. I wanted even more immersive and bigger books to keep me occupied! And I wasn’t disappointed. (For the most part–there are books I read as a child that I realise now were highly problematic. But the less said about those, the better…).
The Sword of Shadows Series by J.V. Jones was the first adult fantasy series I really remember loving. I must’ve been about 12 or 13 when I read the first book, A Cavern of Black Ice. I was immediately drawn into this vivid world and fell in love (and hate–looking at you, Penthero Iss) with the cast of characters. This was the first series where I encountered “adult” issues (probably too adult for my age) and that played a role in developing my ever-maturing tastes. I wonder whether there were fewer young adult fantasy books available at the time, or whether I simply passed over them because of this series and the expectations it created for me.
The series has four books so far and, as yet, remains incomplete but I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment because I totally admire J.V. Jones’ skill as a writer. She creates this gorgeous, diverse world and allows the reader to connect with multiple characters. I’d recommend reading them even without the guarantee of the next book’s release date (as unsatisfying as that may sound) because they are truly wonderful books. (As an aside, J.V. Jones also has a standalone book called The Barbed Coil and a complete series called The Book of Words which are both worth checking out as well).
The third and final books I want to discuss for now is His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. (That is, Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass). This series was–and remains–my favourite of all time and I’ve read it more times that I can remember. Every time I go back to it, I take something new away and love it even more.
I was 6 when Northern Lights came out, so must’ve read it when I was around 8. Of course, at that time I didn’t appreciate the deeper nuance to the themes of the books and the struggles of the characters. I just enjoyed having a story where every character (in Lyra’s world, at least) has an animal (daemon) by their side. (More animal companions. There’s a theme developing here…) I liked to imagine what my daemon would be.
I grew up with Lyra and experienced her highs and lows along with her. As the years have gone by, I’ve learned to recognise the exploration of deeper societal issues within the various worlds that are visited by Lyra, Will, Lee, Dr Malone and others. Philip Pullman is a master of the craft and, if you haven’t read this series–do yourself a favour and read it! (And then watch the TV adaptation because it’s awesome).
And that’s my list!
What books did you read as a child? Have you read them again recently? What do they mean to you? I’d love to hear about them!
Lucy A. McLaren 
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