Ask My Shelf
Log in Register
Ask My Shelf

Share your thoughts in a quick Shelf Talk!

Phantastes by George McDonald

Have you read this book? Just a few quick questions — it takes about a minute. Share what you liked (or didn’t), and we’ll use your answers to recommend your next favorite read!

Love Phantastes but not sure what to read next?

These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for Phantastes below.

In Phantastes, did you enjoy ...

... dreamlike and symbolic journeys?

Lilith by George MacDonald

If you were captivated by Anodos’s surreal wanderings and the dreamlike, symbolic landscapes in Phantastes, you’ll be spellbound by Lilith. MacDonald weaves another mystical journey, this time following Mr. Vane as he enters a strange, ever-shifting world filled with profound allegory, beguiling characters like the enigmatic Lilith, and spiritual symbolism that echoes the ethereal beauty and depth you loved.

... ornate, poetic prose and lush description?

The King Of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany

If you delighted in the lush, poetic language of Phantastes, you’ll fall in love with The King of Elfland’s Daughter. Dunsany crafts a tale as rich and ornate as a tapestry, following Alveric’s quest into the mystical Elfland. The prose is decadent and musical, drawing you into a world where every sentence shimmers with imagination and beauty.

... loose, mysterious magic and a sense of wonder?

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

If the mysterious, undefined magic of Phantastes enchanted you, The Last Unicorn will too. Follow the unicorn’s journey through a world where magic is elusive and wonder shimmers just out of reach. The story is full of enigmatic enchantments, talking creatures, and a sense of wistful longing that echoes MacDonald’s style.

... deep philosophical and existential themes?

A Voyage To Arcturus by David Lindsay

If you found yourself pondering the philosophical undercurrents in Phantastes, you’ll be fascinated by A Voyage to Arcturus. This visionary novel sends Maskull on a mind-bending odyssey through bizarre worlds, each brimming with existential questions about good, evil, meaning, and the nature of the self—mirroring the spiritual and intellectual depths that made Phantastes unforgettable.

... gentle, atmospheric tales that unfold gradually?

The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss

If you appreciated the slow, atmospheric unfolding of Phantastes, you’ll be charmed by The Slow Regard of Silent Things. This novella lingers with Auri as she gently explores the secret corners of her world, focusing on mood, wonder, and the quiet magic of discovery—offering a similarly immersive, gradual experience.

Unlock your personalized book recommendations! Just take a quick Shelf Talk for Phantastes by George McDonald. It’s only a few questions and takes less than a minute.