Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the fantasy genre is awash with tropes: wise old mentor figures, magic schools, over coming oppression, and of course, the regular person turned Chosen One (who is later revealed to be from a secret royal lineage anyway).

But one of the most common tropes is the vaguely European medieval fantasy, where armored knights bow to lords, wars are conducted on horseback, and slothful monarchs mismanage their kingdoms until the protagonist comes to save the day.

In fact, it’s practically synonymous with the fantasy genre. If you asked a random stranger what “fantasy” is, they’re more likely to describe something like George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) rather than M. L. Wang’s Japan-inspired The Sword of Kaigen, despite both being incredible takes on the fantasy genre.

At first blush, this list might seem wide-ranging and a little quirky. But hopefully it gets you thinking about those experiences and moments, both big and small, that inspire awe for you personally.

Read any book about hiking! Explore various hiking trails, safety tips, or gear suggestions. Maybe you want to explore Colorado or someplace more exotic? Or perhaps you prefer hiking memoirs or lovely outdoor photos from the comfort of your cozy couch? Below are some suggestions to broaden your horizons — or select any book that celebrates hiking. Happy trails!