Romance Enchantment 5 Must-Read - and - Adventure Fantasies For The Beach The Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe Author Gene Wolfe asked himself: What would medieval Europe be like if the Norse myths were true? An interesting idea, but it’s the main character who’s the real reason to read this duology. He’s a nine-year- old boy who wakes up to find himself in a full-grown knight’s body. Every boy’s dream scenario! orrell Jonathan Strange and Mr. N by Susanna Clarke What if the English navy suddenly had practicing magicians in the war against Napoleon? That would make for a great adventure novel. But this is much more. It’s like the mix of a classic fantasy and a Dickens or Thackeray novel. And don’t miss the footnotes (yes, footnotes!). They’re unexpectedly hilarious. The O cean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman Neil Gaiman is one of the most famous writers of our time. But it’s this recent, little-known novella that I think is his best. It’s the kind of scary story you tell by the campfire on a dark night. But the real joy of it is the end—a beautiful reflection on memory and love that can move even the hardest heart. n The Chronicles of Prydai by Lloyd Alexander Don’t be fooled by the terrible Disney version of The Black Cauldron (book 2 of this excellent series). This is a classic young adult adventure story about a boy finding his true calling in an epic battle of good versus evil. The Welsh myth-inspired setting is great, but the real hero of this series is the feisty, sword-wielding Princess Eilonwy, the secret crush of many a teenage boy. The P rincess and the Goblin The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald Do you like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings? Both C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were influenced and inspired by these wonderful children’s tales about a princess and a noble miner boy who protects and loves her. .