Sometimes, you really can not have enough. Perhaps you are one of those fans of The Legend of Zelda who have already managed to consume, play and replay each and every game, from the classic A Link to the Past to the more obscure Link’s Crossbow Training. Or perhaps you simply want to take your appreciation of the series to the next level. Well, here are a few books to read if you like the Legend of Zelda games, for every age and palate.
Books to read if you like The Legend of Zelda games
In this list, while we are going to explore the fantasy world in depth, that doesn’t mean the themes recurring in the series of games might can’t be found in other non-fantasy books as well.
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin
Being a young wizard is never easy, right? Just ask Ged. He will have to try not only to learn how to use magic, explore faraway lands, and battle evil, but also to deal with his personal problems. In the series of books centered on a young man’s journey in discovering his own powers and limitations, and dealing with a world that is often evil, the author explores many of the same themes as The Legend of Zelda, with great character building and many emotional scenes.
The Wheel of Time (series) by Robert Jordan
Going strong since its original release in 1990, the Wheel of Time series follows the adventures of Moiraine Damodred as she tries to stand against the coming of the age of darkness and the threat of The Dark One. They are locked in a seemingly neverending loop of good and evil, much like Link with Ganon. With relatable characters, and strong world-building, especially in the later books in the series, the Wheel of Time will be sure to please Zelda fans looking for some dungeon exploring, themes of friendship, and epic quests.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
We knew this was coming, if you have not read the book yet then it might be time to do it. The echoes and inspiration in the Zelda series are quite clear, as Bilbo Baggins will have to grow and learn how to use weapons and wield world-changing powers to save the dwarves’ country from the evil dragon Smaug. While there is no princess to save, personal growth and heroism are always central themes of the story, along with classic big war scenes. While it does help to have previous knowledge of The Lord of the Rings and its characters, this is still great as a stand-alone fantasy experience and highly recommended for Zelda fans of all ages.
The Belgariad (Series) by David Eddings
If you are a fan of the themes of coming-of-age in the Legend of Zelda and want something similar, The Belgariad will definitely please, as it follows the story of young farm boy Garion. As the chosen one to save the world against the evil god Torak, he will need the help of his friends to find out how to do it while also staying away from bad influences and temptations. This five-book series is a great read for kids and younger teenagers, but we believe it will also interest adults as well.
Arcane Ascension (series) by Andrew Rowe
Among the many recurring themes in the Legend of Zelda series, one that has been going strong ever since the first game is that of trials. Overcoming them to become stronger, to better wield your powers, and to take responsibility for the world you create while growing up. These themes are quite strong in Rowe’s series of books, where Corin Cadence leaves his home to go look for his brother. He was supposed to overcome trials in the dangerous Serpent Spire tower but never returned. This journey starts an epic saga of quests, growing up, and meeting peculiar characters. A great read for whoever likes dungeon exploring and emotional action scenes.
The Runelords series by David Farland
If you want a series of books that seem to follow very closely the Legend of Zelda’s overall ideas, then it might be difficult to find a closer one than Runelords. In the series, a young prince named Gaborn Val Orden wants to marry a princess but becomes entangled in a global war when the evil Lord Raj Ahten plans to invade Heredon. Before conquering the heart of the princess, Gaborn will have to find his way toward becoming a true noble and heroic prince. A great read for both young and old, the Runelords series weaves an epic tale of questing, defeating enemies, and finding new friends.
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Young curious Elisabeth has grown up in a world of strange and magical things, that she has long recognized as being evil. In fact, she wants to one day become a warden, the ones who protect the world from the mystical and magical power of sorcerers. But then, she is trapped in a curious act of sabotage and forced to work with an actual sorcerer, Nathaniel Thorn, to bring back her reputation. A young adult fantasy novel that will please Legend of Zelda players for its themes of love and friendship between two young, but different, people, Sorcery of Thorns is well on its way to becoming a cult classic.
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Warbreaker will immerse the reader in a world where magic is fueled by breath, while gods are walking among mortals. The story follows two sisters, Vivenna and Siri, who find themselves embroiled in a political and magical conflict that could change their kingdom forever. With its intricate magic system, many political conflicts plus themes of sacrifice and redemption, the author weaves a story that mirrors many of the undercurrent themes of power, destiny, and choice found in the Zelda series. This is definitely recommended for both young teenagers and adults alike.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
While the movie is probably more well-known today, the book still weaves an enchanting tale of true love, sword fights, and adventure. Compared to other fantasy classics that we have recommended, Goldman sprinkles much more humor than usual, this style will please those looking for a bit of the whimsical atmosphere from The Legend of Zelda. Also, Westley starts as a poor farm boy and then goes all the way to rescuing a princess, it cannot get any more Zelda than that.
Shannara (Series) by Terry Brooks
The classic fantasy series by Brooks does take place in a post-apocalyptic world, while still following the classic tropes of the genre. We follow Shea Omsford in his quest to recover the sword of Shannara, while also following Prince Balinor while he tries to defend his homeland from both his crazed brother and the attack of the Dark One. While sticking close to classic fantasy, Shannara features modern themes of environmentalism and heroism, as opposed to the classic Lord of the Rings series which might make it more of a current read for teenagers and young adults, especially those who love themes of heroism and friendship from Zelda.
Published: Dec 21, 2024 10:21 am