I discovered The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien the summer I turned thirteen. I stumbled across it while perusing my mom’s bookshelves. Instead of being put off by the thickness of the volume or the ancient publication date, I took the book back to my room and started to read.
It wasn’t my first foray into a world of fantasy, but it was one of my most memorable. I felt like I was right beside Bilbo as he fought trolls and giant spiders, outwitted a dragon, and played one deadly game of riddles.
I’ve read The Hobbit several times since then. It’s one of my favorite books and it’s one of the reasons I love the fantasy genre so much. I’ve sought out similar stories and found these books that gave me the same sense of adventure I felt while reading The Hobbit. If you’re looking for the excitements of an epic quest and characters you won’t soon forget, check out these books like The Hobbit.
Please note: retail buttons will direct you to the first book in a series. Click on the title of the series to see more books.
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The Nethergrim
The Nethergrim series is one of my favorite new fantasy series. This epic adventure is full of magic, danger, and mysterious creatures. It has a throwback feel any fan of The Hobbit will love.
(Ages 10+)Preorder from: -
Redwall
Available from:If you want to keep your kid occupied for a long time, get them hooked on the Redwall series. They'll love these compelling books about peace-loving mice and warmongering rats.
(Ages 10+)Also available from: -
The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica
An old man entrusts three boys with the care of an ancient atlas and the means to travel to the mythological lands it depicts. A fantasy in its purest form, this series will keep you riveted throughout.
(Ages 12+)Preorder from: -
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
This Newberry Award winning book will make you fall in love with fantasy all over again. It's a layered, complex story where every character plays an important role.
(Ages 10 - 14)Preorder from: -
Merlin Saga
Available from:With twelve books in this series, readers can get lost in a world of magic and wizards for a long time. Barron's new series, the Atlantis Saga, is another great choice.
(Ages 10+)Also available from: -
The Vanishing Island
A young boy goes off on a sea-faring adventure, but he doesn't know what he's in for. With bone-chilling scenes and heart-stopping action, this is a series you don't want to miss.
(Ages 8 - 12)Preorder from: -
The Inheritance Cycle
Available from:A rich and colorful series that boasts dragons, kings, magic, betrayal, intrigue, and adventure at every turn. This captivating story of a young boy's epic struggle is impossible to put down.
(Ages 12+)Also available from: -
A Tale of Light and Shadow
In a desperate act to save the girl he loves, Henry unwittingly puts them both in danger. Together with their friends, the couple set out on an epic journey in search of freedom and redemption.
(Ages 12+)Preorder from: -
The Dyerville Tales
Vince runs away from his orphanage with nothing but his grandfather's journal filled with unusual fairy tales. If you enjoyed the travels and adventure in The Hobbit, you'll love the action-packed pages of The Dyerville Tales.
(Ages 8 - 12)Preorder from: -
His Dark Materials
Available from:The fate of both the living and the dead rest on the shoulders of two kids from alternate universes. Fantasy and philosophy lovers won't want to miss this beautifully written trilogy.
(Ages 12+)Also available from: -
Falling Kingdoms
Available from:This series is geared toward older readers and it's perfect for anyone who read and loved The Hobbit. War, magic, romance, and adventure combine to keep readers engaged to the last page.
(Ages 12+)Also available from: -
The Goblin's Puzzle
A peasant-stealing dragon, a noble quest, and several logic puzzles combine with heavy doses of humor, wit, and heart-pounding action to create an adventure story you can't resist.
(Ages 8 - 12)Preorder from:
