The Top Fantasy Soundtracks For Reading

Books are unique. They are the only medium where the consumer can at some point, feel, smell, taste, and hear what is happening in the story. It has everything but adding some music to the experience certainly helps take the ordinary to the magical

And some books to read them to.

Did you once experience that perfect moment where the correct piece of music brings the emotional depth of what you're reading to a higher level? With fans of fantasy books, music can help transform the act of reading into an enhanced experience. Not a shock for me—I've been remarkably close to connecting sound with emotion since. Whether I read a novel or engage in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG), having a sound track with a thematic setting running in the background often secures the moment into my memory.

The art of book and music pairings is one that I discovered about seven years ago while simultaneously reading The Sword of Shannara with my wife (then an enthusiastic Isabel Allende fan). What began as a snarky foray into the pages of epic fantasy became one of our cherished memories in the act of reading. Soundtracks to The Lord of the Rings movies, particularly the music based upon the Shire, became the perfect music to accompany our silent morning reading with each other.

Even now, just the earshot of the familiar melodies brings back serene gardens full of blooming flowers, second breakfasts, and snuggling up to read under pale dawn light. Fantasy novels invoke vibrant realms of magic, adventure, and danger. Why not turn up the metaphorical volume?

Here are a few of my top fantasy soundtracks and playlists with your read to go, complete with book pairings to seal the loop. Hope these will conjure up your own mystical memories.

Why Match Soundtracks of Fantasy with Reading?

Fun fact: I love music and stories and so much I made a sea shanty to accompany my epic fantasy novel: "Aithos." Curious? Click the picture to go and give it a listen.

Before we begin to discuss specific soundtracks and playlists, here is why they are the perfect companion to your daily routine of reading:

• Deeper Immersion: Fantasy scores are created to evoke otherworldly emotions and are the perfect companion to myths-based storylines. They make you feel that you have truly crossed into another world.

• Less Distraction: Instrumental music is less distracting than lyrical music, and you can focus entirely while listening to the narrative without diversion.

• Heightened Feeling: The music raises the emotional impact of scenes and characters, and it affects heavily charged scenes particularly.

• Personalized Experience: The right combination of music and storytelling crafts personalized, unforgettable experiences that are embedded in you far after you've read the last page.

My Top Fantasy Soundtracks to Read By

1. Serene Spotify Soundtrack via Critical Role

• Why I Love It: A warm, serene, mysterious Spotify playlist that is the perfect accompaniment to virtually every fantasy book out there. You are seldom extracted from the story but will inevitably be left grinning at the conclusion.

• Book Pairing Recommendation: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Pair this playlist with Bilbo's journey for a lovely sense of comfort and adventure.

• Listen Here: The soothing Critical Role Peaceful Playlist  

2. Kaladin from The Way of Kings (Arr. by The Black Piper)

• Why I Love It: This album is exclusively adapted from Brandon Sanderson’s The Way of Kings and is a music version of a film. With high-stakes songs and cinematic crescendos, it embodies the emotional impact and triumphs of Roshar’s soldiers and lighteyes.

• Pro Tip: Be careful with this while enjoying serene scenes since its action scenes might distract you!

• Book Recommendation for Pairing: Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings. Its soundtrack is literally made for this.

• Listen Here: Kaladin Album

3. Listening to Fantasy Music by Ouranio Recordings

• Why I Love It: A serene Celtic ambiance is the inspiration behind this playlist, which is filled with otherworldly soundscapes. Picture harps, soft flutes, and ambient pads to evoke mystical forests or ancient ruins.

• Book Pairing Recommendation: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. The ethereal music within the playlist exquisitely complements Kvothe's story of growing up in a world full of magic and wonder.

• Best Suited For: Slow-burning high-fantasy

• Tune In:  Reading Fantasy Music Playlist

4. Aithos: My Soundtrack for the Dragonsfall Cycle

• Why I Love It: Custom playlists are what we designed for my Aithos epic fantasy book series. With gentle historical chords merged with spiritual ambients with the likes of the Celestial Aeon Project, the playlist is ideal for tales of discovery and adventure in a highly developed world with a vibe evoking the Renaissance age.

• Book Pairing Recommendation: Aithos (Dragonsfall Cycle) by Izaic Yorks (Check it out on Amazon).

• Listen Here: Aithos Playlist

5. High Fantasy by Fantaisia Music

• Why I Love It: This is a Youtube playlist curated by wife and husband duo, that is assembled as a calming fantasy ambience, complete with matching background sounds that make for an immersion orchestrations with a pinch of medieval flair.

• Book Pairing Suggestion: The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien or an epic adventure with heroism.

• Best Used For: Epic battles, exciting quests, and climactic sections.

• Listen Here: High Fantasy Playlist  

Farewell & Happy Adventures

Fantasy is one of my very favorites because it can transport us into mystical realms where heroes are created, futures are revealed, and the impossible is achievable. A gorgeously curated soundtrack to that journey amplifies every emotion, every twist, and every victory.

Want to take that next-level immersive read experience one step higher?

Why not give Aithos a try or another novel from my Anchorverse? These stories of heroism, love, and deep character evolutions pair up perfectly with your go-to soundtracks.

Check out some of my works here: Christian Fantasy Books 

I'd love to hear about your individual relationships with music and books. What soundtracks are associated with your favorite books? Let me know below in the comments or on social!

Warmly,

Izaic Yorks