1. Fable series by Adrienne Young

This is probably the most shocking one on this list for me because historically I don’t love things set at sea. But something about the Narrows, Jeval, and the Marigold sucked me in. This entire world is fantastic and atmospheric and everything I love.

2. Much Ado About You by Samantha Young

This setting essentially a bookworms dream. It’s set in a small English town at bookstore – that tourists can run during their stay! Everything about this setting was cozy and inviting. I wanted to jump into this book the entire time I was reading.

3. Wild series by K.A Tucker

This book made me want to visit Alaska so fiercely. It’s set in the Alaskan wilderness which would a nightmare to live (for me personally) but stunning to visit.

4. Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer

This is another setting that I wouldn’t want to actually live in, but it’s a favorite nonetheless. Not only is this book a favorite, but the setting itself is my favorite and one I am always on the hunt for – magical nature settings!

This haunted woods was so vivid and atmospheric.

5. Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

This setting is based in reality but with a magical twist. This takes place on Sawkill Island which is a sentient island working with 3 magical girls to defeat a demon haunting it.

6. The Beautiful series by Renée Ahdieh

Another realistic setting! I’ve never been particularly drawn to New Orleans in real life, but this book definitely had me wanting to pack up and go. I loved how dark and gritty this setting was and it was the prefect backdrop to this vampire/paranormal story!

7. Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson

Who doesn’t love a good boarding school setting?? And this one is top tier. Not only do you get the amazing school setting, but it’s isolated on the side of a mountain so it creates a perfect setting for a closed door mystery.

8. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Probably one of the most unique settings I’ve ever read! This setting is set between life and death and appears differently to everyone that arrives. But to the main character, it appears as a library. Amazing.

9. House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

I say I don’t like sea based settings but this is the second one of this list… This YA fantasy is set at kingdom by the sea who worship a sea god. This entire setting/atmosphere is gritty and hella dark. Definitely one of the most atmospheric books I’ve ever read!

10. The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden

Last but not least – another setting I’d never want to live in but loved reading about. This is a set in snowy Russia and the setting is so vivid and descriptive it’s practically it’s own character. And in general this entire series is absolutely magic.