Books With Maps: Enhancing High Fantasy Through Art

To some readers, opening a book and seeing a map in the front pages is like waking up on Christmas morning. The intricate illustrations often have a way of adding just a bit more of a magical atmosphere to the story being told. Not only do they add an artistic flair and beauty to the novel, but they often signify that the story ahead includes well thought out world-building and exciting fantasy elements.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

This intriguing fantasy novel follows two teens as they struggle through a terrifying war. While I have not gotten around to reading this book yet, it is high up on my to-be-read list. The intensity of the horrors of war creates an immersive world for readers to explore. The journey of a slave, Laia, and a soldier, Elias, to find freedom from their own personal horrors brings them together. As they fight to stay alive, they learn that they may be more important to the Empire than they thought. If you're interested in fantasy with detailed world-building and resilient characters, this novel may be for you! Not to mention that the map's illustrations are stunning, looking at the map instantly makes me interested to learn more details about the world!

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Yet another book at the top of my to-be-read pile is The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. In this novel, a young teen girl learns to navigate the magical world of faerie politics after being taken from her family at a young age alongside her sister. The faeries look down upon her, but eventually she begins to learn the role that she plays in the fate of this mystical world. Jude's relatable, engaging point of view leaves readers desperate to learn more about the fate of the world she has been thrown into. Simply glancing at the map can already give you an idea of how whimsical and intriguing Holly Black's world can be. If you are a fan of light-hearted fantasy with an inspiring female lead, this one might be a good idea to add to your to-be-read stack too!

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Finally, I highly recommend the Six of Crows duology to any fans of young adult fantasy. I read this novel over Christmas break last year and could not put it down! The various POV's in the book keep readers engaged and allows them to piece together elements of the story through the minds of multiple protagonists. The careful world-building creates a perfect setting for the magical heist that is promised to take place in this tale. The characters' friendships and personal development is heartwarming and will leave you feeling like you have lost six friends when the series is over. The excitement of the dangerous heist alongside the emotional development and complexity of each character blend to create the perfect read for fantasy lovers!

Do you prefer books with or without maps? If you enjoy books with maps, what is one of your favorites?