One World Is Not Enough
For those who like to read books with multiple worlds or multiverses I recommend:
-Death Gate Cycle
If you want a set of worlds that are sophisticated, different, and that give you new characters and adventures with each book, the Death Gate Cycle series should be next on your list
Traveling Method: You might be insane trying to travel through Death’s Gate. I hope you make it where you’re trying to go.
This series has five full worlds that are so complex and detailed that it is amazing that Weis and Hickman have seamlessly woven them into one universe. Each book allows the reader to experience yet another world. Each one has its own problems, its own people, and its own beauty. Plus, even with each world being separate, there is also an overarching connection that the reader is constantly seeking. This series would be a perfect fit for anyone looking for rich complex worlds as well as a complex over arcing storyline.
-Inkheart Trilogy (YA)
If you have ever wished you could read yourself right into the world you are reading, the Inkheart trilogy will help you experience just that.
Traveling Method: Reading aloud can actually be bad for ones health if the villain you are reading about is suddenly next to you.
This series has so many great elements in it. The way the main characters have the ability to manipulate which world they are in just by the simple act of reading the book aloud is so fun. Characters from the book could spring to life or the reader could suck themselves in. Reading has a whole new meaning when interacting with the novel might get you killed. Though this trilogy mostly focuses on the original world of Earth and one particular novel’s world, there is still world jumping as well as other books and writings that come to life. This series is perfect for anyone who wants a fun adventure and always wondered what it would be like to literally jump into a book.
-His Dark Materials (YA)
If you notice a rip in the air in front of you that lets you see a completely different place, you might be in the His Dark Materials series.
Traveling Method: Unless you come across a rip between dimensions, you will need a special kind of knife or a whole lot of dust to get from world to world.
This trilogy will provide you with an epic adventure that spans many worlds and yet is all connected together by the story that weaves through them. Despite it being a young adult novel, the story is fairly complex with a lot of adventure, danger, and a brave girl who will march through many of worlds. In general, I find this trilogy to be a very original fantasy story with a lot to offer readers of all ages. If you like stories that give a lot of hints about what is going on but makes you discover it for yourself, you will really enjoy these novels.
-Narnia (YA)
If you like lions and ever wished that you were royalty, then visiting Narnia might just help your dreams come true.
Traveling Method: If you randomly find an entire world hiding in the back of your closet, you might need one of the coats hanging in it before heading out into the snow.
This series is a little different than the others in the fact that there are only two main worlds instead of several worlds connected together. However, the thing is, every time any of the characters go back to Narnia, they visit the world in a different time and things have become largely different. It has a feeling of being new and fresh. Plus, there are a couple of books that don’t deal with the main set of characters making it feel even more different. With that in mind, I felt it still classified under this recommendation. If you like a solid fantasy setting with many lovable characters that go through many different experiences, then you will really enjoy these books and the adventures each one leads the reader on.
*Though I am recommending many YA books for this category, and they are great choices for younger readers, I still recommend these novels for adult readers as well. They are exceptional stories and very mature and engaging. I first read them when I was younger, but I still love the stories and reread them to this day.
