This is the blog to accompany the podcast of the same name. The subtitle "or is is all really fantasy" comes from me questioning these amazing fictional friendships that just don't seem real. Maybe when you script & write people they act differently? (shocking thought I know)
Anyway, I wanted to explore some amazing friendships, if you want to listen to the podcast, link is here:
Alchemy of Genres
If you missed this classic book trilogy (or just this book) in school, you can still find time to read it. It's the only YA books McCafferty ever wrote, and they were some of the first of hers I found, thanks to my High School librarian who had all the Pern books. Thinking of friends, this story came to mind, because it opens with the death of only friend she's ever had, her mentor and the teacher of songs. She is reminded very quickly how much of an outcast she is; and when things get too bad, she runs away. She stumbles into a cave (ok, it's more complicated than that, but it works); and finds fire lizard eggs hatching. Thread is falling, so any of them who go outside will die, so she tries to feed as many as she can and ends up "impressing" 9 of them. Impression is kind of like adopting a pet, but more; because now the babies are dependent on her for food and care and become more than pets but her friends. Taking care of them leads her by a weird twist of fate, leads her into a path towards her biggest dream of being a Harper. For a short book, this packs so much punch, and shows the pain of losing a friend and how even having pets can help mend your heart.
This trilogy is a sort of a mix of prequel and sequel to the story of the twins in the Dragonlance Dragons of Autumn Twilight trilogy. The two of them are opposites, but also for much of their life are the only friends they have and the only one they can count on for safety. The tragedy of their story is about choices and about jealousy and how we can cause our own downfall if we let the demons in our head devour us. You probably want to read the previous trilogy first, but then again, if you jump into this one, you won't have the foreknowledge of what happens to each of them.
This is an old series, but if you look; you may find it at a library or a used book store. It was published for adults, but really, could be read by anyone interested.
Sloane Kennedy has a very long series, each story is it's own love story but is also providing a deeper connection to the series as a whole. This collectively is the Protector's series, but encompasses a few other trilogies as characters travel and meet more people. The first thing I love about these books is how deep the friendships run for all of the characters, and Kennedy doesn't forget to show the growth and development of those friendships alongside the romances. The whole thing ends up being VERY convoluted (she has a whole chart, seriously) but the characters are real; damaged, not perfect but doing the best they can. She does show after effects of trauma, and there is a lot of therapy needed for some characters; but I really love the whole friends looking out for each other, while finding love angle...and I love that she mixes in romance for people who have been marginalized for their whole lives for many reasons but she gives them a chance to heal and still have a happy ending. It is kind of beautiful, and is why I love the series. Kennedy writes adult romances, with a variety of pairings and some polyamorous relationships as well; so these aren't meant for kids or for anyone who isn't comfortable with love in many forms. You can buy the books on Amazon or read them for free with Kindle Unlimited. (be sure and check the beginning of the books for reading order; or check her website).
This was one of the first trilogies I read where the focus was not on romance, even with female lead characters (I know, crazy right?) The two main characters meet and find a true partnership that leads to Kethry actually pledging a blood oath and essentially becoming a member of Tarma's family and her future children pledged to become part of her tribe as well. They have adventures, become mercenaries and also fight for women in trouble (mostly due to an annoying sword that is obsessed with fighting for women and who soulbonds with it's user). The trilogy does have a romance, but it's actually not even mentioned until the second (or third?) book. Really, it's needed, or how would Kethry have children for Tarma's clan? But the focus of things is about their bonds of friendship, fighting the good fight, and working for a bigger goal together. If I could have friends like these, I would feel truly blessed.
Lackey's books are written with an adult audience in mind, they aren't graphic but they don't shy away from sex or violence either.
This marvelous YA title is told completely through letters. Kate & Cecelia discuss their lives, their issues and move the plot forward as the reader enjoys their letters and waits to see what will happen next. This is the first book of the trilogy and it is a look back at old days when waiting for letters was part of the process; but it is also a fantastical and whimsical adventure tale. As a reader you watch their friendship deepen as they learn and give advice and try to fix things that go wrong.
So fun.
I know I've mentioned this series before; but it defines what having friends can do for you to me. In the beginning Kaylin has a few friends, and through them, has learned about their cultures and bettered herself in her career as a Private in the Hawks (police force). Throughout the series she is forced to confront situations and prejudices which affect her, her friends and also add new friends to the mix. The character growth as she incorporates new knowledge and facts from those around her is amazing to watch. These were written for an adult audience but really could be enjoyed by any who are interested (but not for anyone very young due to violent situations).
This is another series mentioned many times; but truly the core of the story is about how a woman trained to be a lone fighter forming no ties, focusing only on one goal nonetheless finds friends and love. Those friendships help change her, and her attachments may give her hostages but they also give her a foundation to lean on in times of trouble. Kate Daniels wouldn't be the dynamic character she is if I hadn't watched her loneliness and seen her finding people she could trust and lean on. Her romance would never have happened the way it did, because pack is a sort of family and through Kate and Curran they form a motley family of choice, all the deep friendships formed and tested through battles and trials of various kinds. One of her friends even gets a book of her own, and it's awesome as well. This series is written for adults, so be advised, there isn't a ton of sexy stuff, but when it happens, it's not all off-screen.
The Belgariad & Mallorean series all center around the journey & growth of Garion, who is a prophecied hero hidden for generations. On the quest, the main players form deep bonds of friendship with each other, especially Garion, Silk Barak and Hettar. I enjoyed watching Garion grow from a young man to a true adult, and seeing the mentors turn to true friendships as well. Because both series span a number of years, you really get to see the growth and changes of each of the members of the team on their quest. This is an old series so you may find it at a library, or a used book store. It was written for adults, but really could be read by anyone.
Yes, LOTR is another quest, indeed the original quest tale...the very definition of high fantasy. But it's here because of the friendship of Sam and Frodo. They are truly friendship goals, as they care deeply for each other and take care of each other when there is no one else. In the end, all would have failed if not for Sam's loyalty and love for Frodo.....and I know some like to make that love into something else, but true friends should love and care for each other. Maybe most of us aren't on a quest to Mordor and fighting evil wraiths; but still, the sentiment is the same.....friendship is a kind of love and caring and is important. One of the genius parts of this series by Tolkien is all the layers you find each time you read it.
Salvatore's story central premise (aside from Drizzt's choice to follow the light instead of the dark) is how important and needful his friends are to him. He is no longer alone. Even in the darkness of his home, when he finds the statue that allows him to interact with his panther Gwenhwyvar, she is important to him....but not quite enough.....when he meets Bruenor the Dwarf King and they form a friendship, he meets the others who all become a kind of family for him. These stories are dark, and have lots of sadness; but in the end, there is love and hope because he has his friends.
Lirael is in the Abhorsen trilogy but indeed introduces a whole new character to the series. She doesn't fit in with the Clayr, no mental powers, she isn't blonde, and is generally dissatisfied with her life. Then she decides to work in the library, and finds her first and most important friend and mentor, the Disreputable Dog. His encouragement and goading help her to push herself and make herself something more than she ever would have been left alone and sad. This very dense teen trilogy should be read by everyone everywhere.....seriously.
In the teen trilogy, Tiffany Aching finds herself befriended by the Wee Free Men and together with her own powers and her common sense she is able to save her brother....and through this adventure and their continued friendship, she meets the other witches who help her find training as a witch and return home to take care of the people of the Chalk as their own witch (and maybe save the world a time or two)......ok, the Wee Free Men are strange friends to have; but this is a Pratchett novel so strange is the default....but I stand by it; and themes of friendship come up a few times in the novels.
Pratchett introduces us to Granny Weathwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick (and eventually Agnes Nitt) in his witches stories. The interactions and different interpretations of how to be a witch are amusing, but underlying everything is a true caring friendship for each other. They aren't competing, they are helping each other. I love seeing stories where women can work together rather the default story of how we are all competing for the attention of a man....Pratchett's stories are full of fun and heart; and that's why they have made Discworld such an amazing work of art.
There is a story from the Sandman books that always touched me. It's in Sandman #2, and it's the story of Hob Gadling, who starts as a bet; Dream bets Hob that he will grow tired of life in 100 years, but he doesn't. So every 100 years they meet and you see Hob's circumstances change, his ideas and positions and even status changes; but he still believes it's better to keep living than to die.....and through all of these meetings, the two of them form a bond of friendship .....it's so subtle, but it's important and it matters, especially for an Immortal like Dream.
AJ Sherwood's Unholy Trifecta is a romance story, but together, the trilogy is about a hacker, a thief and an assassin forming a bond of friendship and how it helps change their lives. They don't really realize their friendship is strong until Ari adopts his daughter. The growing bond of friendship & partnership is important and is the only way Ari can make sure he has help that he needs with his daughter. Yes, these are fun anti-heroes; but truly the friendship is a cementing bond that enables each of them to trust enough to find and recognize a love interest at all. This trilogy is meant for adults, and is only available through Amazon & Kindle Unlmited.
Ok, this is a terrible cover.....but I love this trilogy (At First Sight series); and since we are talking friendship, we have to include Paul & Sandy in my list. Paul and Sandy have been friends since middle school and were each other's support system as they explore what being gay means to them; and as they figure out who they are. The moment in the book that always makes me cry is when Sandy talks about how Paul was there for him when his parents died when he was 16. Paul's family just took him in, and made sure he was ok; but those initial moments of grief....well, Klune wrote it very well and even though I've read the story many times, it still makes me cry. Throughout the books, their friendship is so strong; they are each other's biggest cheerleader while not being afraid to call them on their b.s.......we should all have friends like those.
This YA book focuses on three boys who are all gay, and form friendships based on their shared "otherness" to combat the bullies and just to have someone to talk to. This is a very sweet story, focusing on teens dealing with when and how to come out (if they aren't already); wanting to fall in love, worries about all the things teens worry about plus the stigma of being gay. Their friendship is a very important part of the story.
Order of the Poison Oak is another teen book about coming out (or not); but it adds in the element of summer camp. It's a very sweet book.
This Graphic Novel series is literally built around the friendships the girls make at summer camp.....and all the supernatural adventures they get into. It is a very inclusive book with varying ethnicities and LGBTQ inclusiveness; but it's really about learning to be friends; how to disagree, how to help (and when not to), how to save the world (duh....supernatural bad guys).....I love these books so much and the character building the author does is a huge part of the success of these books.
Elfquest is ooooold school, came out in the late 80's/early 90's. It is all about tribe/family but also heavily about friends; focusing mostly on Cutter (leader of the Wolf Riders) and Skywise (his best friend) who advises him and helps him when they are all chased from their homes by scared & angry humans and end up wandering looking for other elves. Pini explores the various cultures and differences that happen when a society spends hundreds of years separated and there are, of course, love stories and adventures but Pini has always excelled at building story arcs and characters with motivations a reader understands and friendships (good and bad) play a huge part.
Phule's Company is another story all about building a team and encouraging them to be friends as well as teammates. Phule is assigned to this team because they are the misfits and flunkies no one wants, and he is determined to forget them into an elite fighting force. This is a comic fantasy series so there are plenty of funny moments, but underscoring the funny is the truth of the struggle to prove something, to want to matter in some way and trite but true, that you become what you believe you are; so believe you are important and you will be. These are older books, but I'm sure you can find them around. They were published for adults, but could be enjoyed by anyone.
Asprin's other big series is the Myth series; and the central characters' friendship (although it doesn't start off that way). Throughout the series you see the friendship between Aahz and Skeeve grow and develop; and also their "core group" expand to include new friends. This is another comic fantasy series which is fun and interesting.
The Morris books are all based on Knights of the Round Table stories, then turned into his own spinning of the tale. The Knights are all friends at the start and indeed the fracturing of that significant friendship between Arthur and Lancelot in the original stories is a huge part of what happens to all of them. Morris is more about the stories themselves, but you can see the building friendships and expanding knowledge of the knights in all the stories. I love this series, which was published for teens.
Dragon and Thief as a series explores the symbiotic relationship of Draycos and Jack. Draycos loses his host in an attack, along with his entire fleet; Jack who was simply looking for things to take to sell is his only chance for a host before Draycos dies. The power dynamic between them in the beginning is so unbalanced, it's hard to imagine it ever getting better; but as Jack matures and as Draycos adapts to his new host and works on his compassion, they become friends. Jack is motivated to help Draycos in the end because he cares, not for any personal gain. This YA series wasn't as popular as I feel it should have been, but it definitely explores levels of interaction, symbiosis and power dynamics in the relationship between the two.
Binti is another exploration of a relationship between and human and an alien....it is also an exploration of the nature of war and the continual cycle of violence. Okwu & Binti change each other, literally and figuratively as their relationship grows and changes, and everything that happens after is a result of this changing and evolving friendship. This series would be enjoyed by adults or teens, I have copies in both areas of our library
The Misfits are exactly what they say they are: middle school kids who don't fit in, and so make their own group in order to find a sense of belonging. Howe explores the perils of middle school and how the support of one's friends can help.
Wein explores friendship on two levels in this book. There is the unexpected friendship between the two women who do stunts on the planes & fly the planes(unexpected because race relations in the 30's is definitely not equal); and when one of the women dies; the surviving friend becomes mother to her son. She moves the entire family to Ethiopia in order to avoid the racism in the US and in the hopes to provide a better life for him outside of Jim Crow. The majority of the story involves Emilia and Teo who are raised as siblings but are also friends which is a problem in Ethiopia as WWII approaches and starts to change the world. Wein is a gifted YA author who really can be read and appreciated by all ages.
Tasia has written the Gates series as a romance, but it contains a lot of suspense and a strong friendship between Saint and Finn. Finn is homeless and struggling when Saint offers a job and a place to stay; and that simple act of kindness leads to many good things for both of them as they both begin to heal, to find someone to love and make a life for themselves. Without the central friendship to bring Saint out of his shell of PTSD, the story would have stalled. This is an adult story, with mature themes, available only through Amazon or Kindle Unlimited.
This series (Advent Mage Cycle) was intended for teens, but due to self publishing on Amazon was simply put out as "adult fantasy adventure". It is a well done and entertaining version of a "save the world" premise you see in many fantasy stories, but Raconteur grounds everything in realistically drawn characters. Garth is a refugee, seeking asylum and magical training and the friends he makes at the school help to forge his identity and begin the legendary rise of "the advent mage". Garth has some advantages, but he is really always trying to do the right thing, and he relies on his friends to help him figure out how to make it all work.
I have talked about Tamora Pierce before, but when talking about friendships; I have to include the Circle of Magic & the Circle Opens series'. In the Circle of Magic, four teens find unusual magical abilities and have to rely on each other because no one knows quite how to train them. The bond they build with each other literally changes the nature of their magic and also enables them to do more than they ever could have done alone; and of course helps them save the day. In this series you watch the teens grow from apprentices to masters and see how their friendships grow and mature over the span of years as well.
Neuhold's "Four Bears Construction" series is based around the men who own the construction company and their friendships as they each get their own romance in each subsequent novel. Yeah, cheesy love stories are my weakness, but these are fun and are built around the strong bonds the men have with each other first, which in turn affects the stories in each following adventure. These stories are written for adults, and are found on Amazon or Kindle Unlimited.
While the central premise of this series is about actually living in a D&D universe, the friendships & relationships among all of the "original" group (those coming from our world; Walter, Karl, Andrea, Lou & Ahira), still form some of the central foundations to the group. In the first novel, they are stumbling around, figuring it all out. By the second volume, they have a mission and have accepted the new rules of the world (their limitations as well as what they hope to accomplish). As their group expands and they form a movement, they still find trust is hard for outsiders. Rosenberg does an excellent job of building on this fantastic idea and making it into something that feels like it's real and that the characters; flaws & all, are equally realistic. The friendships and knowledge of where they came from definitely plays a role in forging their roles, sparking their disagreements and informing their choices in this new world. This is an older story, but can be found if you look (recently republished); and while it was written for adults, it can be enjoyed by any....just be aware that relationship & issues facing them are frankly discussed.
Winger focuses a lot of the relationships of those not only in the "troublemakers' boarding house but also those on the rugby team in general. They spend a lot of time together, so those bonds inform a lot of their decisions and worries. Ryan's conflict about falling for his friend is one element, and his relationship with his best friend on the rugby team is the other element that makes for huge parts of the storytelling as well as the conflicts of the story. Ryan is an excellent character, not perfect but realistically drawn. While this story was written for teens, it could be enjoyed by all.
This book broke my heart and also renewed my hope in the world. Troy is the titular fat kid and Curt is a "semi-homeless" high school dropout musician who befriends him, indeed saves his life and through music and friendship helps Troy to find reasons to keep living. I know they made a movie of this, and honestly I'm afraid to watch it.......someone tell me if it's bad......but the book is amazing and packs a lot into a small amount of pages. You can find it in the teen section of most libraries or as an ebook from your library as well.
Ok, I won't need to say much; but really, a series that centrally focuses on friends saving the world, and how their friendship matures and grows along with them is Harry Potter. Regardless of Rowling's controversial personal beliefs, these books don't reflect anything more than a fantastical world.
The Beka Cooper books are sort of a pre-history of Tortall; the fantasy world that Tamora Pierce created and bases most of her books in. In this place the police are called Dogs and new police are Puppies. Beka has gained her own reputation (each volume has a different dog name on it reflecting issues and attitude relating to the book). One of the ways she keeps grounded is to remember that she comes from poverty and to never forget it. This sounds weird, but it can be a power trip knowing you can accuse people of crimes, assault them and claim defense, take money to keep from reporting crimes; and Beka wants to remember that she is there to protect "her" people. To this end, she has a core group of friends who help her focus and offer advice when needed; help when it is required. Her mentors are also very grounded, and become her friends as well as veteran Dogs. Exploring these relationships and trying to do the right thing usually play huge parts in each story/adventure. Beka Cooper is a strong and caring character. All of Tamora Pierce books can be found in the teen room of your library or online as an ebook. Adults who enjoy fantasy should check them out, they are escapist fun for all ages.
I have spoken about this book before, and I will reiterate how amazingly touching this book is. The central focus is the friendships and almost family bonds the members of the Madmen Underground form thanks to many years of being forced to do group therapy together in school. Yes this is set in the 1970's, so some of the "personal issues" would now be different (like actual interventions for child abuse & neglect); but nonetheless Karl's desire to be normal but still not abandon his friends form a huge part of the conflict of the character's story arc. While it is written for teens, it can be enjoyed by all ages.
This first book of the Lumatere Chronicles focuses on Evenjalin and Finnikin; the romance, the adversarial & friendly moments and the relationship they build. The relationship they build is affected by all those surrounding them, and the loss of their home which none of them can forget until they can break the curse. This is a character strong series, which takes place over many years (the next book in the series jumps ahead a few years, the next jumps even more). Yes, magic & fantastical settings are cool; but the refugee status of the Lost Tribe, and the family/friend connections make the story excellent.
You can find this in the teen section of your library, but read it even if you aren't a teen.
Will Grayson is the name of two very different teen boys. When their lives intersect, relationships & friendships are affected and changed; sometimes for good, sometimes not. This affecting story from John Green and David Levithan is one of my favorites and you should check it out whether you're a teen or not.
The Chronicles of Nick is a teen off-shoot of Sherrilyn Kenyon's universe she has built with mythical creatures and hunters who can save the world but aren't entirely human either. This is an interesting series because it involves Nick trying to change his own timeline by secretly interacting with his younger self. He has lost everything; friends, family, pride, honor and all he has left is rage; so he is trying to find a way past all the old wounds and change the ending to his own story. In a way, no one can hurt you like your friends and family can, but there is always hope. Since the stories all are from the POV of the younger Nick as a high school student, the reader doesn't need knowledge of the adult series to read these, but having read both, it definitely makes the story deeper.
Finally, we end with another series that explores how friendships change a person. Eve was alone with no one, then she fell in love, found friends, formed relationships. As a reader, you watch all of the changes that happen, one step at a time while Eve remarks once in a while how bewildering everything is to suddenly have so many people who care for her and about her. Yes, she is still a cop and still solves crimes in this theoretically futuristic cop story (yeah the world building is a bit.....thin....but the stories are strong, so read it anyway).
It's a fun series if you like crime stories as well as a long series where you can see the growth of characters over the course of years. This series is published for adults and contains mature situations and violence.
That's it; not sure if anyone has real friends like any of those presented here (and if you do, that is amazing, do not lose them!). Me, I have the books....and all of these fictional friends who take up space inside my brain. =)
Thanks for reading/listening. See you next time.
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