A Beginner’s Guide to Portal Fantasies: the Fantasy Sub-genre You Don’t Want to Miss
A few days ago, someone asked me what a portal fantasy was, and I got so excited! (insert TikTok sound: “OMG Am I about to introduce you to Taylor Swift?”) Portal fantasies are some of my favorite sub-genre of fantasy books! If you're not familiar, it's when characters enter some type of doorway/portal that brings them to another land or alternate universe. Maybe it’s because our world sucks sometimes and I love the idea of escaping to a fantastical land (or galactical place). Sometimes they include time travel, talking animals or creatures, and of course, there’s usually a healthy dose of magic at work.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite portal fantasies that I also think are great to start with if you're just exploring this sub-genre of fantasy. Are there any of your favorites I didn’t include? Drop them in the comments below!
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
The one you all might be the most familiar with and as this was one of my favorite childhood series, it HAS to make the list. A magical wardrobe that takes you to a land where animals talk? It's every kid's dream.
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
Now arguably, ALL of her series are portal fantasies, but I just really wanted to share this photo I took of my mini set! Isn't it so cute?! What can I say about this series that hasn't already been said? It's epic, it's soul-crushing, and it's a must read for romantic fantasy lovers.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
I’ve said it before, but if Alix wrote a grocery list, I'd read it. This is one of the most beautifully written books, and also includes a book within a book. But as the title suggests, there are also many portals leading to fantastical places.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
An alternate London...but wait, there's four Londons?! And only certain people with magical abilities can travel between them?! You're excited, aren't you?
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
This was my second book I ever read by Neil Gaiman, and it firmly added him to my favorites list. I absolutely love this book. Similar to the one above, it's an alternate London situation (apparently this is a popular thing in portal fantasies).
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Ok, this one is a slight cheat, because I haven't read the book yet, but love the TV Show! If you're a fan of Scotland and brooding men, plus time travel, this might be the portal fantasy for you.
Did I forget any of your favorites? Drop them in the comments!
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