“One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.”
Have you ever dreamed of stepping through a magical doorway into a world of wonder, adventure and mystery? Portal fantasy books have long been one of the most popular types of stories with their ability to transport us to hidden realms and enchanting dimensions. Whether it’s tumbling through the wardrobe in Narnia or down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, these tales offer the most pure escapism. Perfect for fans of fantasy novels with hidden gateways and magical realms, this genre is brimming with unforgettable adventures. From beloved classics to modern portal fantasy books, join us today at What We Reading as we pull together our favourite reads that explore new worlds and offer a chance to journey beyond the ordinary!
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (The Chronicles Of Narnia #1) – C.S. Lewis
First up on our list of portal fantasy books is one of the most beloved classics of all time, C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This timeless tale follows four siblings living during the Second World War – Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter – who stumble upon a hidden gateway to another world while exploring an old house.
In Narnia, they discover a land under the icy rule of the White Witch, where it’s always winter but never Christmas. With the help of Aslan, a mighty lion and the true king of Narnia, they embark on a quest to break the Witch’s curse and restore peace to the realm. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe remains one of the most defining portal fantasy novels, filled with unforgettable characters, moral lessons and epic battles.
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The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea – Axie Oh
In The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Axie Oh immerses readers into a lush portal fantasy inspired by Korean mythology, where gods, spirits and humans all collide. Mina lives in a village cursed by relentless storms, believed to be the wrath of the Sea God. To appease him, a maiden is sacrificed each year, sent into the Spirit Realm as his bride. When Mina’s beloved brother’s love is chosen, she sacrifices herself instead, plunging into the mystical world under the sea.
In this buried realm of gods and demons, Mina discovers that the Sea God is trapped in an enchated sleep, and the true cause of the storms is far more complicated than she first believed. With the help of allies she encounters in this fantastical dimension, Mina is forced to unravel secrets, face trials and navigate her true destiny.
The Barrow Will Send What It May (Danielle Cain #2) – Margaret Killjoy
Margaret Killjoy’s The Barrow Will Send What It May is a thrilling and unconventional hidden gem within the world of portal fantasy books. When anarchist adventurers Squat and Danielle encounter strange and supernatural phenomena, they are pulled into a world where magic, death and rebellion all intertwine. A mysterious barrow – an ancient burial mound – unleashes otherworldly forces that defy explanation. As they investigate, the duo uncovers a series of hidden gateways to realms beyond their understanding.
Blending gritty realism with fantastical elements, The Barrow Will Send What It May takes readers on a journey through strange dimensions and eerie landscapes, while exploring themes of morality, power and human connection. Perfect for fans of fantasy books about hidden realms and portals to other dimensions, Killjoy’s atmospheric tale offers a fresh and darkly humorous take on the genre.
A Wrinkle In Time (Time Quintet #1) – Madeleine L’Engle
In A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, step into one of the most iconic portal fantasy books of all time, where science fiction and fantasy seamlessly intertwine. When Meg Murray’s scientist father vanishes under bizarre circumstances, she, her brilliant younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin are swept into an interdimensional adventure. Guided by three enigmatic beings – Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which – they travel through space and time through a tesseract, a wrinkle in the fabric of the universe.
Their journey takes them to strange and dangerous worlds, filled with dazzling landscapes, mysterious creatures and an overwhelming darkness threatening to engulf everything. Meg must confront her fears, embrace her strengths, and depend on the power of love to save her father and defeat the ominous IT.
The Ten Thousand Doors Of January – Alix E. Harrow
Alix E. Harrow’s The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a mesmerising portal fantasy novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through magical doorways into other worlds. January Scaller, a curious and lonely young girl, spends her days exploring the sprawling mansion estate belonging to her guardian, Mr Locke. While her life feels confined, everything is upended one day when she discovers a mysterious book that reveals the existence of hidden portals – doors that lead to countless magical realms.
As January uncovers the truth about these portals, she learns that her own life is entwined with their secrets. Along the way, she finds adventure, danger, and the enduring power of stories. With beautifully descriptive prose and a narrative that celebrates exploration and self-discovery, The Ten Thousand Doors of January is perfect for fans of books about travelling to other worlds and magical realms.
Keeper Of The Lost Cities (Keeper Of The Lost Cities #1) – Shannon Messenger
Sophie Foster, a seemingly ordinary twelve-year-old girl, has always felt out of place. That is until she discovers she is a telepath with abilities far beyond anything she imagined. When a mysterious boy named Fitz reveals that she belongs to a secret, magical world hidden from humans, Sophie’s life is changed forever.
Transported to a breathtaking realm filled with elves, fantastical creatures and astonishing technology, Sophie discovers that she has a vital role to play in this new society. But her arrival also unveils dangerous secrets, and Sophie must navigate intense challenges while uncovering the truth about her past.
The Book Of Lost Things (The Book Of Lost Things #1) – John Connolly
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly is a hauntingly magical portal fantasy series that blends fairy tale elements with darker, more sinister themes. Twelve-year-old David mourns the death of his mother and struggles with the changes that have come into his life. When he starts retreating into the world of books, he discovers a mysterious tome – The Book of Lost Things – that pulls him into a fantastical world.
In this strange world, the lines between fantasy and nightmare blur as David encounters twisted versions of fairy tale characters, creatures and backdrops. As he sets out on a quest to find a way back home, he must confront both external dangers and his own inner turmoil. With magical realms and perilous adventure, Connolly’s novel is a journey into another world that challenges the boundaries of imagination.
The Phantom Tollbooth – Norton Juster
Another one of the most classic portal fantasy books of all time, Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth takes readers on a whimsical journey through a word of wordplay, puns and quirky adventures. When young Milo drives through a mysterious tollbooth, he is transported to the fantastical Land of Expectations, where nothing is quite as it appears. Armed with only his curiosity and a guidebook, Milo embarks on a quest to rescue two kidnapped princesses, Rhyme and Reason, and restore balance to the world.
Along the way, he encounters eccentric characters such as Tock the Watchdog, the Humbug, and an array of other fascinating figures, all while navigating through lands that challenge his understanding of logic and language. A brilliant blend of humour, fantasy and clever wordplay, The Phantom Tollbooth is a classic portal fantasy that leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
Furthermore (Furthermore #1) – Tahereh Mafi
Tahereh Mafi’s Furthermore is a portal fantasy that transports readers to a vividly imagined world where colour and magic are intimately connected. Alice Alexis Weir lives in a colourless world, one where she is both ordinary and extraordinary – ordinary because she lacks the ability to use magic, and extraordinary because her magic is unique. When her father goes missing, Alice sets out on a perilous journey to find him, stepping into the mysterious realm of Furthermore, a land full of strange creatures, magical landscapes and a colourful palette of dragons.
As she navigates this fantastical world, Alice must confront her fears, unlock her own potential and uncover the secrets of her family’s history. Filled with magic, danger and heart, Mafi’s lyrical writing makes for an enchanting adventure that whisks readers to a world where the boundaries of fantasy and reality are blurred, making Furthermore the perfect go-to for fans of books about hidden realms and magical portals.
Every Heart A Doorway (Wayward Children #1) – Seanan McGuire
Eleanor West runs a special boarding school for children who have travelled through magical doorways to other realms, only to return home, changed and lost. Each of these children once discovered a door leading to another world – whether it be a land of candy, a kingdom of the dead or a place filled with dark magic – but now they must learn to cope with the ordinary world again.
The story orbits around Nancy, a new arrival at the school, who has returned from a dark and twisted world. As she navigates her new life, she uncovers a dangerous secret and must face the terrifying consequences of the magical realms she left behind. Every Heart a Doorway is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant portal fantasy story that dives deep into the longing for other worlds and the consequences of crossing between them.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
