Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. There is a new subject each week and this week's topic is "Top Ten Settings in Books".


My list:

1. Hogwarts Castle from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling


I love the world of Harry Potter and one of my favorite places to read about in the series is of course, Hogwarts. With its hidden passages, the Room of Requirement, the Great Hall, Gryffindor Tower, and many other magical places where Harry, Ron, and Hermione spend their time, Hogwarts is a memorable location and in a way, a character in its own right. I love the way the castle defends itself against interlopers like Dolores Umbridge (the castle keeps her out of Dumbledore's office) or against Voldemort and the Death Eaters themselves.

2. Diagon Alley from Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone by J.K. Rowling


If there is a second place in the Harry Potter universe that I'd love to visit it is Diagon Alley with its unique magical shops, The Leaky Cauldron, and Gringotts bank. Diagon Alley is Harry's first encounter with the magical world. I love the movie scenes in Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

3. Narnia from The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis


I have only read The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian but Narnia is one of my favorite fictional locales, particularly the Narnia we meet in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. From the moment that Lucy wanders out of the wardrobe into the wintry world of Narnia I was enchanted. I also liked the idea of the talking animals and taking tea with a faun :)

4. Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien


At heart, I am a hobbit. I may not have furry feet or pointed ears but I kind of resemble a hobbit too :) I loved reading about their quaint and quiet way of life where they enjoy the simple pleasures of food and friendship and perhaps more food. If there was a fantasy land where I would feel most at home, it would be the Shire. Plus I'd likely find the small houses quite comfortable!


5. Camp Half-Blood from the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan


While I would never be admitted entrance since I am not a demigod, Camp Half-Blood is a fascinating place to read about! I found the various cabins to be interesting and the original Oracle is incredibly creepy. There are all kinds of secrets and challenges involved with living at the Camp not to mention the quests and the low survival rate of the campers. While I wouldn't want to put up with Mr. D, I think Camp Half-Blood would be an amazing place to visit.


7. Green Gables from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery


I would love to have grown up at Green Gables with Anne Shirley! Avonlea may have its share of busybodies like Rachel and Marilla could be strict but what a beautiful place it is.  Anne's life certainly took a turn for the better when Matthew Cuthbert brought her home instead of the expected new farmhand.


8. The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women from the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter


Another awesome fictional school is the Gallagher Academy. On the surface it is just another private school for privileged girls but in reality it is an elite spy training school where Cammie and her friends learn useful things like surveillance and self defense. 


9. Rivendell from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien


When Frodo and company arrive at the Last Homely House, it is a haven of rest for them, especially for Frodo who is recovering from a serious wound. Lord Elrond may be a little intimidating but the elves are welcoming and they certainly know how to entertain with food, poetry, and song. This beautiful refuge would be a hard place to leave when you know you are headed to Mordor.

10. Hogsmeade from the Harry Potter series


Besides Hogwarts if there is one other place I'd love the opportunity to visit it would be Hogsmeade so I could have butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, load up on candy at Honeydukes, visit the Shrieking Shack, and buy cool gag gifts at Zonko's Joke Shop. A Hogsmeade weekend a great opportunity to form secret societies to bring down evil hags like Dolores Umbridge or the perfect way to unwind after a stressful week.

Would any of these make your list of top ten fictional settings in books?