Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday (#6)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where they post a new top ten list every week and ask bloggers to share their picks as well. 

Today's Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Most Vivid Worlds/Settings in Books 
1. Hogwarts - The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling 
In all honesty, this should probably read "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" because every setting mentioned within these books is phenomenally vivid - the Ministry of Magic, Hogsmeade, Grimmauld Place, Azkaban, Diagon Alley, Malfoy Manor - you name it! It's hard for me to imagine a list without Hogwarts on it though because, as Harry always says, "Hogwarts is my home." I feel so comfortable amongst its moving staircases, hidden rooms, and tall towers, that it really is one of my favorite book settings of all times. 
2. Middle Earth - The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien 
C'mon, who doesn't think of Middle Earth when the word "vivid" comes to play? Tolkien's world is nothing if not atmospheric and the entire realm, whether it be the dingy Mines of Moria or the beautiful forests of elves, is beautifully written and depicted. 
3. Narnia - The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis 
The World Within the Cupboard. After Hogwarts, Narnia was one of the first magical lands I became familiar with and I loved getting to know it changed from book to book - how the land was as much a character as the protagonists themselves and how it not only shifted and changed with time, but how it was eternal and ever-lasting as well. C.S. Lewis is one of those rare authors who manages to pack so much more into a children's novel than other people can, and I love his writing and world dearly. 
4. The Dells - Fire by Kristen Cashore 
I love Kristin Cashore's writing and her world-building is no different. While I love the Seven Kingdoms in Graceling, I love the beauty and atmosphere of the Dells even more, especially as we see their beauty through the eyes of Fire. Not only is the land with its vibrant colors appealing, so are the multi-colored animals that grace its lands. Beautiful.  
5. Dublin, Ireland - Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning 
Karen Marie Moning is a fantastic author and her ability to create a realm of fey in the heart of Dublin is phenomenal. Although I have never been to Ireland, I can imagine her settings with clarity and love the depth of world-building that can be found in her novels. 
6. Melbourne, Australia - Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley 
Australia is another place I have never been to but feel as if I have been. Graffiti Moon really seemed to transport me on a midnight whirlwind adventure on the streets of Melbourne and I loved every minute of it! Cath Crowley is another one of my favorite authors and her writing sucks you in and makes you never want to leave, much like Australia itself I'm sure! ;) 
7. SOAP - Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Admit it - you want to live in Paris. Or at least go to school there. Or at least meet someone as swoon-worthy as Etienne St. Clair in your life - I know I do! ;) The setting of Anna and the French Kiss is not only deliciously foreign and filled with baguettes, pastries, and other mouth-watering delights, but it is beautiful and truly transports you into the heart and culture of France. I love it! 
8. Icemark - Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill 
Icemark is one of those unfortunately unknown settings, but one I love for its harsh climate, formidable woman warriors, deadly vampires, ghostly tree spirits, giant talking snow leopards, and loyal wolf-men, not to mention the occasional warlock or two! ;) It's a beautiful land that you grow to love and defend as a reader and I wish more people knew about and appreciated this epic tale.
9. Jellicoe Road - Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Jellicoe Road, despite being an imaginary lane, is one that I know so vividly and personally. Marchetta's writing is beautiful and her tale of this road and its story over three generations, how it grows and changes gradually, is heart-wrenching. It is impossible not to feel akin with this atmospheric setting and love it with all your heart. 
10. Guatemala and Central America - Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard 
Wanderlove is one of my favorite books, mostly because of its characters and romance, but partly because of its multiple destinations. I have never traveled to Central America, but Hubbard writes so descriptively that I feel as if I have. Furthermore, despite the fact that our protagonist changes cities constantly, Hubbard never makes us feel the loss of setting which I love.

39 comments:

  1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is my most favourite of worlds. I feel like I know it better than the real world! ;) Narnia is a brilliantly vivid setting too. Just the thought of crawling into a wardrobe and walking out into Narnia gets me every time. I love how imaginative these authors are sometimes. :)

    Great topic this week! I love your top ten, Keertana. :)

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    1. I agree - I feel as if I could tell you more about Harry's world than mine! I love how creative authors are as well - it's so much fun to immerse yourself into a new and original setting, so I love that as well! :)

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  2. Awesome post, Keertana! I think I did a similar creative post- "books I would want to live in", which discusses the world-building in books frequently. It's interesting, because I included many of the book settings/worlds that you did! The Dells, Narnia, SOAP, Middle-Earth, Guatamala (would love to visit there someday! Plus, I have a crush on
    Rowan, ha). Thank you for sharing, Keertana!

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    1. Yup, I did read your post Leanne and I loved it! I have a massive crush on Rowan too, so I'd probably go to Guatemala and stalk all the backpackers instead of looking at the sights! ;) (Just kidding!) :D

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  3. So true, thanks for sharing these! I just found your blog and will definitely be following it from now on! Btw, I nominated you for the Versatile blogger award! I don't know if you do awards but if you want to accept and pass it on the instructions are on my blog: http://heartisinthewriteplace.blogspot.com/
    :) Have a great day!

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    1. Thanks Christine! I've been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award before, but thank you for the thought - I really appreciate it!(:

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  4. This is such a great list! Hogwarts, Narnia, and Middle Earth are especially well-crafted places. I'd also love to go to Dublin, Ireland - I've read so much about that place in different books and I'd love to see it for myself. I haven't actually read the Fever series, but now I want to :)

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    1. I'd love to see what you think of the Fever Series! It's one of my favorites, so I highly recommend it! :D

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  5. I love how we both included Hogwarts and Middle Earth as our first two worlds! And Narnia of course :) I don't think I've read any of the other books you've mentioned, but I've heard that the descriptions of Paris in Anna and the French Kiss were awesome! Also I've heard good things about Wonderlove too. Great list Keertana!

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    1. Thanks Savindi! I'd definitely recommend reading Anna and the French Kiss and Wanderlove - I love them both very dearly!(:

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  6. Great list! Harry Potter and LotR also made my list! Those worlds are just amazing :) Thanks for stopping by.

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    1. Thanks Helene! I love Harry Potter and LotR, so there's no way they couldn't have made my list! ;)

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  7. How could we not put Harry Potter?! haha.

    Narnia too is a fantastic setting.

    I'll be looking forward to reading Fire now you've put it up here for one of your favourite settings along with the Fever series which I need to invest in!!

    Awesome post, Keertena!

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    1. Yay! I can't wait for you to read Fire - it's one of my all-time favorite books! Like if-there-was-a-fire-I-would-save-Fire (no pun intended) type of favorite, so I'm thrilled that you'll be reading it soon! :D

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  8. Oh, my Melbourne through the eyes of Cath Crowley is one of the most amazing places ever. I'd probably end up disappointed when there wouldn't be any art by Shadow on the walls. :)
    I'm with you on most of these, actually. Excellent choices!

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    1. I know right? I want to go there so badly although, like you, I'd probably wind up being disappointed. But, then again, it is Australia, so I'm sure it'll be wonderful regardless!(:

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  9. GREAT PICKS!!! Thanks for stopping by!! :)

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  10. Narnia!!! I was angry at myself for forgetting about it completely when I made my own TTT list. It's been a while since I've read a book set in France (Dangerous Liasons), I think I'll add this French Kiss book to my to-read list. I swear, for every book I read, I add 6 more! Lovely list!

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    1. I think you should definitely try out Anna and the French Kiss - it's funny, quick, and heart-warming! I wind up adding so many books to my TBR-Shelf every time I finish one as well! It's a never-ending shelf that will never be all read I'm afraid!

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  11. Hogwarts and Narnia!! Such vivid world settings. And so is The Dells from Fire! I must agree that I love Kristin Cashore's writing, and that I love all the gorgeous animals in it.

    I also love the pictures that you included! So pretty and they really work with your choices. Definitely a fabulous touch. <3

    -Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life

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    1. Thanks Aneeqah!(: I love Kristin Cashore's writing as well - she's one of my favorite authors and somehow I always wind up using her in all my TTT's! ;) Ahh, yes, the pictures took awhile so I'm glad you liked them! :D

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  12. How did I forget Narnia? Love your list especially HP and Dublin. The Fever series is one of my all-time favorites!! Thanks for visiting!

    Jennifer @ Feminist Fairy Tale Reviews

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! I love the Fever Series as well and I'm thrilled to find another Barrons-lover! ;)

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  13. Great list! Thanks for stopping by!

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    1. Thanks Megan, I'm glad you stopped by as well!(:

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  14. I love that you added Graffiti Moon on your list. I loved that book.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know

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    1. I love Graffiti Moon as well - Aussie novels are amazing!(:

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  15. These are such FAB picks!! Esp love HP (of course!), SOAP + the Australian settings. I'd love to go to Australia too.

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    1. Me too! I want to go to Australia so badly! Plus, all the best authors are there and I need to stock up on their books ASAP! ;)

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  16. Wow what an amazing list.
    So many great picks :-)

    -Cassie

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  17. I agree on numbers 2 and 3! I haven't read 5, 6 and 10 but I loved other books set in Ireland, Australia and Central America.

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    1. Thanks Pepca! I think you should definitely give The Fever Series, Graffiti Moon, and Wanderlove a try - they're some of my favorites! :D

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  18. Hogwarts and Narnia! I also really like the picture you have for The Dells.

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    1. Thanks Jen! I love Hogwarts and Narnia as well! :)

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  19. I also really enjoyed the Dells in Fire! I want to see the pretty monsters! You've got a lot of great picks on here :-)

    Thanks for stopping by my TTT!

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    1. Thanks! I loved Fire and the world Cashore created within it, so I'd love to go there as well! :D

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