A Fantasy Reading Companion for Summer
Is it just me or does reading in the summer feel different to the rest of the year? The days are longer. The light is friendlier. You can step out of doors without too many layers. There’s vibrant colour in the garden and the countryside. Even the buzzing of the bees sounds jollier. Summer is the perfect season for wandering and exploring.
The books I reach for in the winter are far from the type of read I want to dive into during the summer. Maybe it’s the chance to spend longer in a book during a getaway or read in the garden while it’s still light, but summer reading always feels gentler, more relaxed, and full of discovery.
However you spend the season, here’s my guide to match your read to the shape of your summer.
When you want something gentle
If you prefer (or need) a restful summer, you might enjoy stories with subtle magic and a sense of wonder that unfolds slowly. You might also find comfort in tales where kindness is a form of magic, the stakes are emotional rather than apocalyptic, and the world feels safe enough to breathe in.
If you want fantasy that feels like a comfortable embrace, you might like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman.
When you crave something strange
Summer isn’t all sunshine. Sometimes the heat builds, the air feels thick and oppressive, and you can sense a storm is on its way. Other days, the brightness is just too much. Hiding away indoors with a good book feels far more appealing.
If that’s the shape of your summer, you might enjoy stories with a darker edge. Why not try The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman or Weaveworld by Clive Barker?
When you need an escape
If your summer is full of travel, or if you wish it were, you might reach for stories that open doors to fresh horizons. Portal fantasies are perfect for this, inviting readers into new worlds and adventures. These are the books you can fall into for hours at a time, whether travelling far or staying at home.
For a perfect summer escape read, you might like Magic Kingdom for Sale–Sold by Terry Brooks or Haven Wakes by me.
When you want to sink into something deep
If you’re in a thoughtful mood this summer, you might enjoy tales with emotional depth, magical consequences, and mythic resonance. The longer days and lighter nights mean more time to spend in these reads.
If you want a fantasy read that makes you think as well as feel, you might like The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings or Piranesi by Susanna Clarke.
*
Summer is a season made for wandering. That might be getting away on holiday or escaping into a new read. Whatever shape your summer takes, fantasy stories can provide the perfect read.
