Ever since I was first introduced to the fantasy genre, I fell in love with it. The other worlds, fascinating creatures, dragons, knights, maidens, swords, battles, elves, hobbits, men, dwarves, wizards, and just great stories in general. I loved the tales of heroic courage admist danger and fear. I was inspired by the stories of darkness verses light and how light always won. It gave me my own courage. I do believe that as humans we all thrive for story for our Maker is the Great StoryTeller Himself. There is a quote by C.S. Lewis that ties into this and has always been one of my most favorites. "If I find within myself the desire which nothing in this world can satisfy the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." Here he's talking about heaven of course, but I think while heaven is still out of our reach, we can't get there yet, not while we still live, fantasy worlds have helped me harbor an imagination and an excitement for the world to come. 

And for these reasons The Lord of the Rings really spoke to me. A tale of courage from the smallest person and how light always overcomes evil. There are so many lessons in this book that it would take me a long time to tell them all. It is such an intricit tale, woven from the depths of Tolkien's herat. There is such beauty, such proufound deepness, and such strength, that it still is inspiring reader years later. Frodo shows us that it does not matter who you are, even the smallest person can change the course of the future. Sam taught us that there is good in this world, and it is worth fighting for. Legolas and Gimli taught us the value of friendship. Aragorn showed us the strength of loyalty and humility, and how to fight for those you love. Arwen showed us there is always hope. Even Smeagol showed us that there is good in everyone. Lord of the Rings showed us the true meaning of goodness, friendship, loyalty, courage, bravery, adventure, hope, and family. A tale that truly stands the test of time. 

A few other Fantasy recommendations...

• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien 
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• The Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight
• Ignite by Kara Swanson
• The Phantom Island by Krissi Dallas 
• The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
• The Ascendance Series by Jennifer A. Neilson
• Heirs of Neverland by Kara Swanson
• The Rangers Apprentice by John Flanagan
• The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander 
• The Blades of Acktar by Tricia Mingerink 
• Dragons in our Midst by Bryan Davis 
• The Songkeeper by Gillian Bronte Adams