Best Magic Books January 2025

The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins, a contented hobbit, finds his peaceful life upended when the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves drag him into an epic quest. Reluctantly leaving his cozy hobbit-hole, Bilbo faces trolls, goblins, and a riddling creature named Gollum. As he journeys through treacherous forests and desolate mountains, Bilbo discovers courage he never knew he had. Tolkien’s enchanting tale weaves humor and heart into a timeless adventure, captivating readers young and old with its richly imagined world and unforgettable characters.

The Sea of Monsters

Percy Jackson’s summer at Camp Half-Blood is anything but peaceful. When Thalia’s tree, which protects the camp, is poisoned, Percy and his friends embark on a perilous quest to find the Golden Fleece. Battling mythical creatures and facing treacherous waters, they navigate the Sea of Monsters. With humor and heart, Riordan weaves Greek mythology into a modern adventure, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. I couldn’t put it down, rooting for Percy every step of the way.

The Amber Spyglass

Lyra and Will’s epic journey reaches its thrilling conclusion in “The Amber Spyglass.” Pullman weaves a tale of parallel worlds, dark matter, and the nature of consciousness with breathtaking skill. I was captivated by the complex themes of religion and free will, and found myself emotionally invested in the characters’ fates. The bittersweet ending left me pondering long after I’d turned the final page. A masterful blend of fantasy and philosophy that lingers in the mind.

Inkspell

Dive back into the enchanting world of Inkheart with Cornelia Funke’s spellbinding sequel, Inkspell. Meggie and her father Mo find themselves drawn into the magical realm they once read about, where fantasy and reality blur. As they navigate this perilous landscape, filled with familiar characters and new dangers, Meggie discovers her own hidden powers. Funke’s vivid prose brings the story to life, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the pages yourself. A thrilling adventure that will captivate readers of all ages.

Inkheart

Twelve-year-old Meggie’s world turns upside down when she discovers her father’s secret ability to bring characters from books to life. As dark forces from a mysterious novel threaten their family, Meggie must confront her own fears and uncover hidden strengths. Funke’s enchanting tale weaves magic, danger, and the power of storytelling into a spellbinding adventure that will leave readers breathless. I couldn’t put it down, staying up late to finish just one more chapter. A must-read for book lovers of all ages.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The Grey King

In “The Grey King,” Susan Cooper weaves a haunting tale of ancient magic and modern-day courage. Will Stanton, recovering from a serious illness, finds himself in Wales, thrust into a battle between good and evil. As he grapples with his destiny as an Old One, Will must face the Grey King, a powerful force of darkness. Cooper’s lyrical prose brings the Welsh landscape to life, making the mist-shrouded hills and eerie legends feel tangible. I was captivated by the blend of Arthurian myth and coming-of-age story, losing myself in Will’s journey of self-discovery and sacrifice.

The Subtle Knife

In this gripping sequel, Pullman weaves a darker, more complex tale. Will, a fierce young boy from our world, stumbles upon a window to another reality. There, he meets Lyra, the heroine from “Northern Lights.” Together, they embark on a perilous quest for a mysterious, powerful object – the subtle knife. As they navigate treacherous worlds, they uncover shocking truths about destiny and the nature of the universe. Pullman’s masterful storytelling will leave you breathless, questioning everything you thought you knew.

The Once and Future King

Merlin’s magic weaves through this enchanting retelling of Arthurian legend, where a young boy named Wart becomes the legendary King Arthur. White’s prose sparkles with wit and whimsy, transporting readers to a world of chivalry, romance, and adventure. As Arthur grapples with power and morality, the novel’s timeless themes of love, justice, and human nature resonate deeply. A masterful blend of humor and pathos, this classic tale captivates both the heart and mind.

The Dark Is Rising

In this haunting tale, Will Stanton discovers on his eleventh birthday that he’s no ordinary boy, but an immortal warrior in the age-old battle between Light and Dark. As the seventh son of a seventh son, he must embark on a perilous quest to gather six magical Signs before the Dark rises to power. Cooper’s masterful blend of Arthurian legend and modern-day adventure had me spellbound, evoking memories of my own childhood winters and the eerie feeling that magic might be just around the corner.