Now, let’s face it: whenever we open a fantasy novel, a small part of us wishes we might live in the world the book describes. We are drawn in by something in those pages, whether it is the flying dragons, the magic schools, the magical woodlands, or the cursed countries. Not all fantasy worlds are sunshine and rainbows, though. There are some that are simply terrifying.
So here’s my personal list of fantasy book worlds I’d absolutely love to live in (and the ones that would chew me up and spit me out).
Best Fantasy Book Worlds to Live In
Here’s a quick list of fantasy book worlds I’d give up my Wi-Fi for.
Let’s be real—reality is exhausting. Fantasy books give us the ultimate escape. The worlds are larger than life, full of magic, mystery, and mayhem. But beyond that, they let us explore parts of ourselves we can’t always access IRL. Courage, power, love, chaos—fantasy worlds let us live a thousand lives.
But would we survive those lives? That’s the real question.
Fantasy Book Worlds I’d LOVE to Live In
1. **Velaris from ** A Court of Mist and Fury
Let’s start strong. Velaris, the City of Starlight, is the kind of dreamy escape we all secretly crave. Safe, magical, beautiful—and did I mention Rhysand lives there? From the artists’ quarters to the cozy House of Wind, it’s basically Pinterest meets magic.
Would I live here? 100%. Catch me sipping fae wine and writing poems by the Sidra River.
2. **The Night Circus from **The Night Circus
A traveling circus that only appears at night and is full of actual magic? Count me in. The monochrome aesthetic, the secret magical competitions, the way every tent feels like a dream? I don’t even care about the danger—I’m staying.
3. The Grishaverse (but ONLY if I’m a Grisha)**Shadow and Bone
Being a Sun Summoner? Yes please. Being a normal Ravkan villager? Mmm… maybe not. But if I had powers? Imagine showing up to war and blinding your enemies with literal sunlight. That’s a flex.
4. Prythian’s Spring Court (Pre-Tamlin Meltdown)**A Court of Thorns and Roses
Before everything went down, the Spring Court was giving peaceful countryside, blooming gardens, and eternal spring vibes. I’d frolic through the fields, pick some magical flowers, and pretend I’m not mildly terrified of fae politics.
5. The Scholomance (from Naomi Novik’s A Deadly Education)
This one’s risky, I know. A school full of monsters where survival isn’t guaranteed? But if you’re smart (and a little ruthless), it’s so worth it. Plus, the magic system is next-level. Just… don’t forget to sleep with one eye open.
Fantasy Book Worlds I’d HATE to Live In
1. **Panem from **The Hunger Games
Do I even need to explain this? Starving districts, corrupt Capitol, children forced into gladiator-style death matches. Hard pass. I’d be that extra in District 12 crying over her goat.
2. **Pale Dreamer’s London from **The Bone Season
Beautifully written? Yes. Creepy dystopian underworld controlled by alien beings who treat humans like pets? Big nope. I’d last two pages.
3. Middle Earth (during literally any war)**The Hobbit
I love the hobbits. I adore Rivendell. But the moment orcs are involved? I’m out. You think I have the stamina to climb Mount Doom? I get winded climbing stairs.
4. **Westeros from **A Song of Ice and Fire
Dragons? Yes. Royal intrigue? Fun. But between the backstabbing, the white walkers, and the endless war, I’ll pass. I do not have the emotional resilience to survive more than one season.
5. **The Maze from **The Maze Runner
Trapped in a deadly labyrinth with memory loss and killer creatures? No thank you. I’d be the one crying in a corner while everyone else tried to solve the puzzle.
Bonus: Fantasy Book Worlds That Might Be Worth Living In (Because I’m Conflicted)
– **Elfhame from **The Folk of the Air
On one hand, the fae fashion and high-stakes politics are kinda addictive. On the other? Everyone’s plotting your downfall. But if I could be a badass like Jude Duarte? Maybe I’d risk it.
– **The World of **Fourth Wing
Dragons? Yes. War college where you could die at any moment? Eh. But Zayden Ryerson might make the risk worth it, just saying.
– **The Tower from **The Atlas Six
Magical academia with morally grey geniuses and way too much danger. Would I be terrified? Yes. Would I still apply? Also yes.
Looking for More Fantasy Escapes?
If this post made you want to run away into a book, I’ve got more! Check out: Must-Read BookTok Favorites, if you’re in the mood for emotional unraveling. Or dive into something a little darker with: Famous Thriller Novels Where the Bad Guy Wins—it’s intense in the best way.
Final Thoughts on Living in Fantasy Book Worlds
Fantasy books let us dream, escape, and sometimes scream into our pillows. But the next time you wish you could live inside one—ask yourself: are you built for soft magical cities, or are you the chaos-loving heroine in a death trap school?
Either way, let me know which world you’d pick!