Looking for an escape? These 6 books are about to give you just that.
Reading has always been my number one form of self-care and my biggest escape. Whether I’m stressed or just want to relax, I turn to books for comfort. Fantasy is, by far, my favorite genre, because it is the furthest thing from reality. I could consider nearly every fantasy novel an “escape read,” but there are a few that really stand out to me.
In order for a book to really fall into this category, they have to transport me to somewhere so completely magical and unique that I can’t possibly think of reality while reading. One of my favorite feelings in the world is falling so deeply into a book that I forget where I am entirely. These books I’ve listed in this post did precisely that!
related posts
The Best Fantasy Books of All Time // How to Read More Books // Book Review: Into the Heartless Wood
6 Books to Read When Youโre Craving an Escape from Reality
Tap on the book title to see some simple book details and the synopsis. Below that, you can read why each book makes such a great escape. Iโve also included links to purchase these for yourself! Make sure to follow me on StoryGraph to read my reviews and bookstagram to see my aesthetic photos of these titles and more.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Trilogy / Best When Read
Synopsis:
Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlettโs father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caravalโthe faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the showโare over.
But this year, Scarlettโs long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caravalโs mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this seasonโs Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic.
Why This Such a Great Escape
In Caraval, nothing is real – or is it? It’s a magical game where everything is fascinating and a little frightening. You’ll be wrapped up in the world itself and the way that the characters are multi-dimensional. There are plot twists aplenty and it’s a wild page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire series.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Standalone / Best When Listened To
Synopsis:
Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues–a bee, a key, and a sword–that lead him to a masquerade party in New York, to a secret club, and through a doorway to an ancient library, hidden far below the surface of the earth.
What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians–it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead. Zachary learns of those who have sacrificed much to protect this realm, relinquishing their sight and their tongues to preserve this archive, and also those who are intent on its destruction.
Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly-soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose–in both the mysterious book and in his own life.
Why This Such a Great Escape
The best way I could describe this book is “a bedtime story for grown-ups.” The full cast audiobook is beyond brilliant and will have you escaping into many magical worlds along the way. The plot is a little hard to follow, but you won’t mind because of how fascinating the story is.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Standalone / Best When Listened To
Synopsis:
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des R ves, and it is only open at night.
But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.
Why This Such a Great Escape
Just like The Starless Sea, The Night Circus is best when enjoyed as an audiobook. It’s one of the most unique stories and will fuel your dreams with thoughts of a magical circus and a wild romance.
Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer
Standalone / Best When Read
Synopsis:
The forest is a dangerous place, where siren song lures men and women to their deaths.
Deep in the wood lives a witch queen and her eight tree siren daughters. For centuries, they have harvested souls to feed the heartless tree, using its power to grow their ever reaching kingdom of ash, birch, and oak.
Owen Merrick lives at the edge of the forest, mapping the stars for the king in his father’s observatory. For years, he has resisted venturing over the garden wall, until one day he must enter the woods to find his missing sister. But one of the witch’s tree siren daughters, Seren, decides to save his life instead of end it. Now, no matter how hard he tries, he can’t stop thinking about her — the birch-bright hue of her skin and the way violets bloom in her hair. Every night, he goes into the wood to meet her, and their love for each other grows.
But when the constellations shift, the stars foretell an inevitable war between the witch queen and the king. With Seren compelled to fight for her mother, and Owen forced to join the king’s army, they are plunged into the heart of a conflict that seemingly no one can win and that might destroy both their kingdoms forever.
Why This Such a Great Escape
Not only is the story of tree sirens so phenomenal I read it twice within six months, but the way that the beautiful prose is mixed in throughout the chapters is beyond stunning. It’s hauntingly beautiful and quite literally my favorite book of all time. I’ve never read anything like it.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E Harrow
Standalone / Best When Listened To
Synopsis:
In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut.
In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place.
Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.
Lush and richly imagined, a tale of impossible journeys, unforgettable love, and the enduring power of stories awaits in Alix E. Harrow’s spellbinding debut–step inside and discover its magic.
Why This Such a Great Escape
I was so entranced by this book and the story within the story that I couldn’t stop listening. A world with magical doors that can be written into existence? A little girl looking for an escape? It will bring you so much joy.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Duology / Best When Read
Synopsis:
The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way aroundโand Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old heโs been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever.
What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving?
The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteriesโincluding the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazloโs dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?
Welcome to Weep.
Why This Such a Great Escape
Your attention will be captured in a heartbeat by Lazlo’s sweet character and the way that dreams can be entered by a moth resting lightly on a sleeping brow. There are so many magical moments through the duology.
Which books do you turn to when you’re in need of an escape?
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Eleanor Jones says
I recently wrote a post about escaping with novels- and books are such an amazing way to escape reality (especially when they are far from reality!). I love the sound of The Night Circus, and even though I’m not a huge fantasy enthusiast these sound like some great choices x
Stephanie Whitman says
Great minds clearly think alike when it comes to writing articles about escape reads ๐ The Night Circus was incredibly unique. I know I wrote it in the synopsis, but I highly, HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook (same goes for The Starless Sea) as they are better when experienced in that format ๐
Cristina Rosano says
Shamelessly admitting that I heard plenty of praises for some of these and never read them! The starless sea and Strange the dreamer are going straight in my TBR! I usually turn to a myth retelling or fantasy too, depending on the mood and what I have on hand and sometimes I don’t mind a cheesy romcon.
Stephanie Whitman says
I truly hope that you love them! Remember to listen to the audiobook for The Starless Sea. It’s a completely different experience. In fact, I didn’t even enjoy the physical format but LOVE the audiobook. And oh my goodness, the Strange the Dreamer duology is just so beautiful – even the books themselves are gorgeous! And if you like a retelling, then Into the Heartless Wood is the perfect choice!
Tiffany McCullough - Metaphysical Mama says
These all sound wonderful! There is nothing like escaping into a good book. Thank you for sharing your suggestions! I’m looking forward to ogiving them a read.
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s very true! I can’t help but escape into books every day. It’s what makes me the very happiest. These are the ones that really feel like a true ESCAPE too!
Tara Fuller says
I love love loved the Caraval series! I also enjoyed the Night Circus although I read that years ago and might need to reread to enjoy all over again. The rest are all on my list that I’ll hopefully read over the next month or so!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh, that makes me SO happy! I’m doing a reread of them right now and just picking up the first one made me so emotional. I’m rediscovering what I loved about it all over again. I’m looking forward to finding out what you think of some of the others on the list ๐
Mariah says
Reading is totally my escape too although I don’t normally go to fantasy. I love a quick light romance when I’m stressed.
Stephanie Whitman says
I know that’s the case for a lot of people. Contemporary romance is one of my favorite genres, but I feel like it’s more of a comfort than an escape – and I view those as two very different things haha. And I didn’t even list all of my favorite fantasies on here (I have a post for that), but specifically just the books that really helped remove myself from reality!
Lindsey says
I can’t believe I haven’t read any of these – although a Starless Sea has been on my list for ages because there was a lot of hype about it when it was first out. Definitely will have to check these out, escapism is a must right now. Thanks for the recommendations!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh my gosh, I’m surprised by that as well! I know you enjoy fantasy novels, so I think you’d really like most – if not all – of these. I hope you get a chance to check some of them out. And if you do, definitely let me know what you think!
Andrea's Book Corner says
Caraval is one of my all-time favourites! The world is so mesmerizing and magical. I’m so glad you feel the same way ๐ Into the Heartless Wood sounds good! Will check it out.
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s one of mine as well! I’m currently doing a reread of the trilogy and it’s making me feel nostalgic and so, so happy. Into the Heartless Wood is my favorite book OF.ALL.TIME so I really hope you enjoy it if you give it a read!
itskoo says
I love fantasy for that same reason. Anything is possible! Then I love contemporary romances for being grounded in possibility without stretching the imagination (except maybe for the availability of the dashing love interest…lol). Each offers a different kind of escape.
You had me at “beautiful prose” with Into the Heartless Wood. I’m a serial rereader so 2 times in 6 months is definitely a big deal. It’s been on my TBR for a while, so I’m moving it up sooner!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’ve had this discussion with a few of my bookish friends, but I view comfort and escape as two different things, so for me, contemporary romance offers comfort but these specific, magical fantasy novels offer the best escape and that’s why I love them so much! But one of the things I love most is how every reader is different with the books they find to be the best escape! ๐ I really hope you get a chance to read Into the Heartless Wood. It’s incredibly special to me!
Merry Sari says
I would like to read Caraval series! Sounds wonderful to me. Thanks for sharing your suggestions Steph x
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s a phenomenal series! I was so glad I read them as they were released – before they even gained the massive popularity they have now. I’m doing a reread currently and it’s so nostalgic and wonderful. Definitely the escape I’ve needed lately!
Sumedha says
I’ve read half of these and the other half are on my TBR haha! I generally look towards romance books nowadays for escape because of the happily ever afters and as they’re easier to read without having to use my brain. I have been feeling like picking up fantasy lately so I’m currently reading Legendborn and wow I’m losing myself in it!
Stephanie Whitman says
The beauty of books is that “escape” means something so different for every reader. For me, it’s literally taking me as far away from reality as possible. There are tons of books I’ve lost myself in or that have given me book hangovers, but these are the ones that – even years after reading – still make me feel like I’ve gone somewhere entirely new while I’m reading. They’re not necessarily “comfort reads” like contemporary romance is for me, but they help me find somewhere magical to go for a while. I loved Legendborn as well!
Rach says
I don’t know any of these books and I definitely would love an escape! I’ll have to check these out.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Lizzie says
Those are the best types of books! Caraval sounds so intriguing! Definitely my type of book ๐
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Neely says
I havenโt read any of these but they sound so fun!! Perfect for summer!
Kelly Diane says
These sound like great suggestions. I’ve really been enjoying books that I can just escape into during this pandemic and I think its been so beneficial for my mental health.
Deborah says
I gotta admit, I haven’t read any of these! I really should get on it. Most of my reads lately have been psychological/thriller ha!
Jaimie Tucker says
I was just talking to my seven year old daughter about how books allow us to have an escape, an adventure, even more so than movies because readers also create the characters in their minds.
xo Jaimie
http://www.jaimietucker.com
Laura Leigh says
I haven’t read any of these – I to be honest haven’t given magical/fantasy books a try but definitely should. My favorite part about books is the escape they provide. As always, thanks for sharing so many great recs!
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
Taylor says
What great books I LOVE The Night Circus and still need to read The Starless Sea! And I’ve been wanting to reread Caraval because they’re so good!
Kelly says
I also love reading as a form of self-care! I typically turn to chick-lit and thrillers, but I love your explanation of why you love fantasy!
Venus says
I’d always loved to read books that could get me away for a bit. Sometimes it is very peaceful and if a book could do that. To me, it’s almost like watching a movie.
Amanda says
Iโm not sure into fantasy, although based on your descriptions I need to check some of these out. I tend to opt for a good โchick-litโ type book- something with a mix of humor & cheekiness to it.
Jenny in Neverland says
The Night Circus and A Starless Sea are on my to-read list! I love books like this that seriously whisk you away! I think we all need a bit of that right now!
Lynn says
WOW! first off, all these covers look amazing! Into the heartless woods would be something I’d pick up! Thanks for sharing, Stephanie! xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Kristina says
You’d be proud of me, I actually bought a book the other day lol!! Got “A Stranger in the House” for my summer pool read ๐
Eleanor says
Sometimes we all just need to escape reality! Thank you for sharing these suggestions x
AmethystAP says
These books sound amazing. I love a good fantasy book. I can totally relate to enjoying a book that takes you into another world. When you finish reading those books it’s like you just awoke from another world.
Lo says
Iโve seen a few of these as I scroll in my local bookstore! Iโm going to have to try one of these! I get so caught up in self help books, itโs great to escape reality from time to time! Thanks girl !
Giulia says
Added Into the Heartless Wood to my StoyrGraph! I’m captivated!! It sounds really good ๐ thank you!
Stephanie Whitman says
That makes me so happy! It’s my favorite book OF ALL TIME and I can’t recommend it enough!
Charlotte Birchall says
I am always looking for good books to read. A few of these sound amazing, especially ten thousand doors of January and the Night Circus. I will definitely add these to my reading list. Thank you for sharing.
Stephanie Whitman says
Pro tip, if you didn’t notice it in the post: LISTEN TO THOSE AS AUDIOBOOKS! They’re absolutely phenomenal in that format. It’s like an entire experience rather than just reading a story (which is already a wonderful thing)!
Sarah says
I’m always on the hunt for books to add to my TBR and eventually read, haha. I remember hearing so many good things about Caraval and The Night Circus when they came out, but I never got around to reading them myself. The rest of them sound quite good as well. I will admit, I tried to read Strange The Dreamer but couldn’t get into it – I did love her Daughter of Smoke & Bone series though.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’ve reread the Caraval series a few times now and it never gets old. It’s just such an incredible story! And the spin-off series she’s begun is just as phenomenal! Unfortunately, I really disliked Daughter of Smoke & Bone, but the Strange the Dreamer duology was so beautifully atmospheric and profound to me ๐
Lisa says
I’ve read all of these with the exception of Into the Heartless Wood, which I will investigate shortly! My favourite was The Starless Sea, which I have re-read 3 times now. I think you and I have very similar reading tastes – have you read Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy? I think it’s even better than her Strange the Dreamer/Muse of Nightmares duology!
Stephanie Whitman says
I really hope you read Into the Heartless Wood, as it’s my favorite book of all time!
I did read the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, but unfortunately, I didn’t like it at all. The first book was really interesting and atmospheric, but after that, they fell super flat for me ๐
Corinne says
Love it This is my type of book/TV show/movie for sure. I love fantasy and escapism!
Corinne x
Charity says
What a great list of escape reads. I will have to check some of those out. Thanks so much for sharing them!
Alexis says
Caraval is such a perfect trilogy for this list! I read the books as they came out, so it has been ages now since I read them. I’ve been really tempted to reread the trilogy!
Raji says
This is such a great selection! I loved Caraval and The Ten Thousand Doors of January is on my list!
Ramblings of a Nobody says
Some really intriguing books on here. I have The Starless Sea waiting to be read, looking forward to it ๐
Simona says
Caraval and The Night Circus sounds great – adding them to now an ever-growing, never shortening TBR list!