5 Scary Magical Cities of Fantasy and Horror

With every thing that’s going improper in our world as we speak, you may suppose a fantasy world can be the perfect escape proper about now. Properly, you’ll be improper. Certain, a lot of magical cities appear nice and all, however there are many fantasy cities on the market that simply aren’t what they’re cracked as much as be. Check out these 5 cities you’ll positively NOT need to reside in, and rely your fortunate stars that you simply’re the place you might be proper now.

Some spoilers about these cities and their books to comply with.

Class ID: 476

Class ID: 47669

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King’s Touchdown

From the Music of Ice and Fireplace sequence by George R.R. Martin.

King’s Touchdown is the capital metropolis of the Seven Kingdoms, and it’s the place you will discover the notorious Iron Throne and the Pink Hold. You may suppose that escaping to King’s Touchdown is likely to be nice proper about now as a result of the climate there’s good and town as an entire is pretty rich, particularly when in comparison with different areas of Westeros. There’s additionally a lot to do within the metropolis as properly, with jousts, weddings, trials by fight, and so forth. If none of that tickles your fancy, maybe Littlefinger’s brothel will. With about 500,000 individuals residing within the metropolis, there’s by no means a boring day.

However let’s be actual. There’s lots to not love about this well-known fantasy metropolis. Possibly you’re into watching queens stroll the streets bare whereas a girl shouts “disgrace” behind her. However personally, that complete state of affairs doesn’t sit will with the feminist in me, even when stated queen is evil. After which there are all of the wars and threats of wildfire. If the wildfire doesn’t get you, the dragon assaults that decimate town will.

King’s Touchdown is intriguing, positive, but it surely’s extra attention-grabbing to look at from afar. Use this time to reread A Music of Ice and Fireplace or rewatch the Recreation of Thrones sequence and remind your self why you’re higher off within the security of your individual non-magical house.

Neverland

From J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.

Ah sure, the magical island of Neverland the place you by no means develop previous and you may frolic round as a baby ceaselessly with the fairies and the mermaids. Certain there are pirates, however the battles with the pirates are all in good enjoyable. Finally, the Misplaced Boys will at all times win out.

However I’ve information for you: being a child is overrated. Certain, you don’t have any duties, however you don’t get all of the enjoyable stuff that include being an grownup. Additionally, in some variations of the story, you neglect the place you got here from if you happen to spend an excessive amount of time in Neverland. You may suppose you need to neglect your boring house proper now, however you’d in all probability miss it after some time. Plus, the novel and the play by Barrie function some fairly unflattering characterizations of Native People. Not enjoyable.

At house, you’ll positively get older, however you’ll additionally develop wiser. Okay, on this world, you may by no means see a real-life fairy or mermaid and it’s possible you’ll by no means be capable to fly. However you additionally received’t have to hang around with a big group of obnoxious pre-adolescent boys for the remainder of your life.

Lagos

From Kids of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi.

Lagos is the wealthy capital metropolis of Orïsha. In comparison with different cities on this fantasy land, Lagos is extra opulent. It’s the place the wealthy flock and the place the royalty lives. Lagos, Orïsha, relies partly on Lagos, Nigeria, however after all the Lagos in Kids of Blood and Bone is way more magical.

The one downside with that magic? Properly, it’s unlawful. Sure, within the closely patrolled metropolis of Lagos, performing magic may price you your life. There’s additionally the difficulty of main wealth disparities inside the metropolis. Not everybody can reside within the fort. Many voters of Lagos (together with those that previously carried out magic) are compelled to reside within the slums. Life within the large metropolis isn’t all it’s cracked as much as be, in different phrases.

You may argue which you can’t do magic in our world both, so what would the hurt be in visiting Lagos for a bit? My response: you by no means know! Keep right here and also you may discover that magic exists proper the place you might be. Go there, and also you actually received’t have that chance.

Fort Rock, Maine

From a number of Stephen King novels, together with Cujo, The Useless Zone, The Darkish Half, and, extra just lately, Elevation. 

Sure, I do know Fort Rock is much less of a fantasy metropolis and extra of a horror/supernatural city, however I understand how persons are. A few of you weirdos nonetheless suppose it will be cool to go there. Possibly it’s the attraction of the sluggish small city setting (Fort Rock’s inhabitants is round 1,500 relying on while you ask). Or possibly it’s the thrill of the supernatural. In spite of everything, who is aware of what every day in Fort Rock will carry? Possibly someday you’re being attacked by a rabid canine and the subsequent your pen identify turns into an actual life particular person with evil intentions. Enjoyable, proper?

No, that’s not enjoyable, pals. Enjoyable to examine, positive. Enjoyable to reside? Not a lot. Don’t we have already got sufficient issues to be paranoid about in our actual lives with out residing in precise Fort Rock? You do understand Fort Rock is in very shut proximity to Derry, Maine, proper? The place Pennywise the evil clown lives? No thanks.

Keep house. Take a look at the Fort Rock sequence on Hulu if you happen to want extra Fort Rock adventures in your life. Keep protected.

Gujaareh

From the Dreamblood sequence by N.Okay. Jemisin.

The traditional city-state of Gujaareh is a spot the place peace is the one legislation and Gatherers are tasked with protecting that peace. Whereas town sleeps, these Gatherers collect up magic to us for altruistic functions and to guard town from the corrupt. Looks as if a reasonably nice deal, proper? Who couldn’t use peace, therapeutic, and magic proper about now?

However right here’s the factor: not everybody agrees with the beliefs of the individuals of Gujaareh. And whereas it’d outwardly seem to be magic is getting used for good, one thing extra sinister is happening. There’s extra to this metropolis than meets the attention. Belief me. When one thing appears too good to be true, it in all probability is.

The ethical of the story? Let’s go away the magic, dragons, fairies, and supernatural beings to the pages of fiction. Escapism is all properly and good, however higher to do it with an excellent ebook within the consolation of your individual house.