There are few things in the world I love more than reading. When I was younger, if you asked me what I was thinking about at any given moment, it was probably whatever book was currently taking up every second of my free time (unfortunately “free time to read” is difficult to find in college). In particular, I was drawn to fantasy books; the genre fascinated me and drew me in completely, and I devoured series after series. From Harry Potter to The Hobbit, YA phenomena (Twilight – yes, I read them all) to long-time classics (The Chronicles of Narnia), I couldn’t stop. Now, after years of reading fantasy books, I can say without a doubt that it is my favorite genre to read – and here’s why.

There are always numerous distinct characters, all with depth and development.

The worlds depicted in fantasy tend to be filled with all kinds of different characters, and the main characters are all interesting and dynamic. Fantasy authors recognize the importance of grounding their fantastical stories in real, strong, relatable characters, and even secondary characters have depth. It is usually the characters more than the story that first draw me into a fantasy book; I quickly come to care about the characters, and then the story takes off and I know I won’t be able to stop.

Fantasy books tend to come in series.

Possibly the only remotely bad thing about reading is how devastating it is to reach the end of a truly phenomenal book. Though satisfied at how amazing the book was, you simply want more. More of the characters, more of the world, more of the adventure. Fortunately for you, the fantasy genre is FILLED with series, most of them several books long (the books themselves are usually pretty long, too). So you get to experience a fantasy world for a loooong time (and then reread the series again, and again…and again). But waiting for the next book is the absolute WORST.

The mythology is incredible.

Most fantasy books have maps drawn into them in addition to fictional languages – and it is only after reading that you realize someone actually invented all of that. The beliefs, religions, and superstitions that define a fictional community are meticulously devised and planned out, and only serve to make the books more exciting. The more you find out about the fictional world, the more you’re drawn into it and the more you wonder how you never read these books before

The creativity behind the stories and characters is inspiring.

It gives me a headache to think of the immense amounts of time and creativity put into all of the major fantasy books I’ve read. It takes so much to develop these worlds and characters, let alone the stories themselves. Hearing about how authors like J.K. Rowling got started – she wrote the initial idea for the Harry Potter series on a napkin – makes me believe that I can really achieve anything if I put my mind to it.

Fantasy books are usually full of plot twists, intrigue, and cliffhangers.

Looking at you, Game of Thrones. In my personal opinion, there is truly nothing better than a really good, surprising, well-written plot twist. I’m talking the kind of thing that makes you go back a few pages because you think you misread something or the kind of thing that makes you want to throw your book across the room (both of which have happened to me multiple times, and I almost threw my Kindle in a pool once because of an unexpected twist – thanks, George R.R. Martin).

You can connect with the characters on a personal, emotional level.

Sometimes the premises of fantasy books might seem borderline ridiculous, but the characters are just as relatable as any. I didn’t think it was physically possible for me, at 5’8’’, to have anything in common with a hobbit, but I eventually discovered that Frodo’s absolute dedication and commitment to his task was something I understood well. The characters in these books often seem so real that you forget they’re in a fantasy world. Personally, characters like Hermione Granger gave me confidence in who I am and where my interests lie, and that’s not something you can get from just any book or any genre.

Fantasy books offer an escape from real life.

Life can just be a little too much sometimes, and for me, the best way to get out for a little while is within the pages of a book – especially fantasy books. As soon as I start reading, I’m swept away into an adventure and I can ignore real life for a little bit. The stories are just so compelling that you can’t help but get lost in the thrills and quests. And, through thick and thin, you’ll have the perfect escape when you simply need a break. No matter what’s going on elsewhere in your life, these worlds will always be there waiting for you.