This book is set in an apocalyptic world, beginning right as Yellowstone explodes. Part of the reason the setting of this book really came alive for me is because (in additional to all the excellent detail!) I live in Iowa, not all that far from where the majority of this book is set, so I can "see" the change in the "before" and "after" of this new world.
To me, the setting played a large part in this book; we begin with Lina in Lithuania and travel by train across Russia, to Siberia and the Arctic circle. Much of the suffering of Lina and her friends and family are exacerbated by the setting (the incredibly harsh conditions in the Arctic Circle without adequate shelter, medical care, or food).
I added the photo of Clockwork Angel because, though I love both series, Infernal Devices is my favorite (Team!Jem). The ShadowHunter world Cassie has created is kind of unbelievable. From New York City and Idris in TMI, to London and the UK in TDI, Cassie has injected her own incredible world into these (with the exception of Idris) pre-existing places.
When I think awesome worldbuilding, I think high fantasy, and the Inheritance series definitely qualifies! I have yet to read the final book, but I love this series. It really is a whole different world - elves, dragons, etc. Very vivid!
I love the world of Graceling (another series I need to finish!). This is another series that I'd consider "YA high fantasy." There's a vast, well-described world which we get to journey across!
I don't think I can talk about vivid worlds without mentioning Tolkein. I read The Hobbit as a freshman in high school, and though I later attempted to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I only managed to get halfway through the second book. Anyway, another epic journey through a detailed fantasy world. Knowing that much of Tolkein's landscapes were influenced by the mountains in North Wales makes me love it even more. :)
The world of Harry Potter is, for me, one of the earliest fantasy worlds I can recall encountering, and one of my most beloved. I reread the series last year and Harry's world is still as vivid and wonderful as when I first read the books.
Though this one takes place in a realistic setting (the Outback of Australia), the isolated but beautiful setting here is such a part of the story that I couldn't leave it off of this list. I've never visited Australia, but Christopher's writing made me feel as if I were there.
The fact that this story is read through Todd's eyes brings to life the setting of New World that much more. I consider Todd's point of view to be stream-of-consciousness, and therefore we see everything Todd sees - the landscape, the people, everything.
This story takes place in medieval North Wales (yay!) and completely draws you into that world. Though the setting is real (I've actually visited Caernarfon, the castle and town in which the story is set), I think it's a perfect example of a vivid setting.
What's on YOUR top ten this week?
Leave us a link & we'll stop by!
This top ten list should have been called "Middle Earth, Hogwarts, and 8 more worlds that are uber vivid". I agree with many of your choices. Good list.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! Middle Earth and Hogwarts are big winners this week.
Deletehmmm, great list. I haven't read quite a few of these but HP and LOTR are pho who faves! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to mine!
PS, love your rating system!! So funny and yet I can totally imagine the feelings!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Scarlett! We wanted something a little different, hehe. :) Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteHogwarts - yup, me too. Middle Earth - yup, me too. Everything else - must add to library holds!!! Great list :)
ReplyDeleteYay!!! Glad I'm adding to lists. :) Hahaha.
Delete*hands ups for Hogwarts and Middle Earth*
ReplyDeleteI have to pick the Infernal Devices series. The covers are drop-dead gorgeous, and the back cover summaries make me think I'd definitely like the world.
I got "The Knife of Never Letting Go" a couple of days ago (yay for ebooks). I'll try to read it soon.
Infernal Devices is AWESOME. One of my favorite series! I'm really sad book 3 doesn't come out until March. :(
DeleteAnd The Knife of Never Letting Go was great! I can't wait to continue that series! Let me know what you think. :)
So many good ones! Stolen is a great choice and I didn't even think about it! It is a very vivid setting. I have Kristin Cashore's books and, of course, Harry Potter on my list as well.
ReplyDeleteMy Top Ten
Thanks, Lori! I had to go to my Goodreads "read" shelf to make my list. My brain went completely blank trying to think of books!
DeleteOkay, I love your list. First of all, YES to the Seven Kingdoms, even though I didn't put them on my list. I am a nerd-dork-raving fan of Kristin Cashore's series. There, now that that's out of the way.
ReplyDeletePatrick Ness. I can't even. Seeing The Knife of Never Letting Go on your list makes me want to throw confetti. The only reason I didn't put Chaos Walking on my list is because it's honestly on ALL OF MY LISTS. I know people get tired of hearing me talk about those books - they're my favorites.
I LOVE this list. LOVE. IT.
YAY!!! Thanks, Asheley! I need to finish both of those series! My only reservation with the Seven Kingdoms is that I LOVE Katsa & Po and got really disappointed when I read the synopsis for Fire and saw that they're not the focus. :( But then there's the world building, so I don't really think I could be disappointed!
DeleteHow excited are you for The Hobbit movie? I'm determined to read the book before it comes out.
ReplyDeleteAnd YES to Eragon. The world-building is just as vivid in the next two books. I can't say about the fourth one- it's still on my wishlist.
SO EXCITED! I squeed over the trailer hehe. :)
DeleteI realllly need to finish the Eragon series! (For some reason I can never recall series titles...oops!)
I totally want to read Ashfall and I LOVE Harry Potter and Middle Earth. Love love love.
ReplyDeleteAshfall is soooo good! I can't wait for Ashen Winter. :)
DeleteSomeday I REALLY want to read Clare's various series. I've heard good and bad things, but a LOT of good. And it just sounds so totally up my alley. Great list!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molli! I love both series, but Infernal Devices totally blew The Mortal Instruments out of the water for me. Definitely worth a read. :)
DeleteOooo, I didn't put Eragon's world and I should have! I LOVE Alagaesia.
ReplyDeleteRight! LOVE the high fantasy! Especially in YA! :)
DeleteI forgot about Eragon! That's a great world too!!
ReplyDeleteLove it!! :) I really need to finish the series!
DeleteI'm about to start Between Shades of Gray, I'm so excited:) And I love that you have The Wicked and the Just on this list! That book really made me curious about that period of history in Wales! I was THIS close to putting Graceling on my list, it really does have fantastic world building! And yes to Tolkien, the MASTER. I did manage to make it through all four books, but it wasn't easy!
ReplyDeleteYou will LOVE Between Shades of Gray! Just be prepared because it's definitely heart-wrenching. Loved the Wicked and the Just. :) I wish there were more books set in Wales. I hope I give myself a chance to read The Lord of the Rings again someday soon. I feel like I need to be able to give it my full attention; I love Tolkein's writing but there is so much detail that I think anything less than my undivided focus would do it a disservice!
DeleteGreat list! I love the Infernal Devices and Eragon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog!
Thanks, Lauren!
DeleteI haven't read Stolen or Between Shades of Grey yet, but from the reviews I've read, I feel like you're SPOT ON for adding them to your list. I am kind of nervous about reading them - I get so, so emotionally invested in books. I know I'll be broken, but I kind of welcome any book that can make me feel so deeply. :) Love your list & thank you for commenting on our blog today!
ReplyDeleteOh, they are both DEFINITELY heartbreakers. And I completely agree - I know it was an awesome book when it makes me cry or when my face hurts from smiling so much! Thanks, Magan!
DeleteI didn't even think of Eragon but it should have been added to my list. Also, interesting that you chose Ashfall. It reminds me a lot of Eve. Great list!
ReplyDeleteI still need to read Eve! If it's anything like Ashfall though, I'm sure to love it! Thanks, Amber! :)
DeleteClockwork Angel, The Knife of Never Letting Go, and Stolen are all on my bookshelf AS WE SPEAK. I should get on that!
ReplyDeleteDO IT! I'm not even sure which to tell you to read first; they're all awesome but completely different. Clockwork Angel is sweet and adventurous, The Knife of Never Letting Go is tense and heartbreaking, and Stolen was a rollercoaster of feelings. All wonderful. :) Let me know what you think of them!
Delete