It’s the end of the summer. The bliss of vacation and time away from school has quickly shifted to the mundane schedule of the academic calendar. But escapes from the real world don’t have to end with the changing of the season. Take a journey to new worlds with some of our fantasy titles.
Below the Rootby Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Orbora, the capital city of Green Sky, sits perched within the treetops of the densely forested planet. The indigenous Kindar build their homes atop the foliage, traveling from tree to tree via an intricate system of vines and bridges. But in a pinch, you can always glide from one treetop to the next with your Shuba: a silk cape-like garment that attaches at the hands and feet. Lessons are available to tourists in the mornings, before the real afternoon hustle begins. No worries if you aren’t completely trained in hang gliding maneuvers, though. The planet’s low gravity levels allow for a safe fall from great heights. Just be wary of the Pash-shan on the forest floor—locals claim the monsters trapped beneath a web of vines kidnap young children who have fallen from the trees before learning to use a Shuba, never to be seen again.
In general, the Kindar are a ceremonious people, with ritual being one of the hallmarks of the culture. Enjoy the daily chants and songs of the locals, or befriend the child population to get a taste of Spirit-force. Though their powers typically fade by early adolescence, some Kindar maintain their psychic abilities into adulthood, often rising through the ranks of the Ol-zhaan, Green Sky’s elite ruling class. Stop by the chambers of the upper crust for a Foretelling session that may unlock the mysteries of your future!
Nihal of the Land of the Windby Licia Troisi
Visit Salazar, an architectural anomaly comprised entirely of immense and elaborately organized towers. These 50-story metropolitan pillars soar into the sky, divided into distinct districts by function. Populations within each of these districts are, for the most part, self-sufficient. But the nucleus of each tower is, undoubtedly, its roofless central garden. Each tower’s garden acts as the community’s cultural epicenter, hosting merchants and vendors daily. Peruse the market’s fare, sampling the finest local produce Salazar has to offer. Or browse the large selection of vibrant textiles, always crafted locally with authentically organic materials. But if shopping isn’t high on your priority list, a simple stroll through the botanic rooftop would satisfy even the most critical spectator—be sure to check out the views of the sea of green below. The tower city is the Land of the Wind’s last urban outpost before the vast woodlands lining the border with the neighboring Land of the Rocks. Take a gander at the Fortress, the region’s regal monument, which is intentionally structured to be visible from any location in Salazar.
The Eye of the Stoneby Tom Birdseye
Welcome to the Vale, home of the Timmran and Yakonan people. Walk down any street to get the authentic rustic vibe you’ve been looking for—the clay structures, all equipped with a thatched roof, are reminiscent of simpler times. It’s an agriculturally oriented community, and the village markets boast everything from lush, vibrant vegetables to savory spices. All meats are locally raised and butchered, so you can be sure of the richness of the product you’re seeing. The venison stew is a local claim to fame: a combination of fresh game, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and earthy spices simmer for hours until the meat just melts in your mouth—an unbelievable meal.
You also can’t go without trying the region’s famous Daru tea: a refreshing spring spritzer with a slightly sour but primarily floral taste. Imagine a very light, warmed lemonade. If the food scene isn’t your only interest, the region’s archery community is enough to entice and entertain for hours on end. An integral part of the Timmran lifestyle, archery lessons are often available to tourists for a small fee, or a comparable item to barter from the market.