10 Books Like Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is a mesmerizing video game known for its breathtaking landscapes, melancholic atmosphere, and epic battles against enormous colossi. If you’re a fan of this captivating game and craving a similar immersive experience from imaginative literature, you’re in luck, because we have ten books like Shadow of the Colossus to recommend.
Shadow of the Colossus is a 2005 action-adventure game by Team Ico. It follows Wander, a young man who is seeking to revive a girl named Mono through a ritual that requires him to destroy 16 colossi.
In this post, we’ll explore ten books that evoke the grandeur, solitude, and emotional depth reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus, taking you on literary journeys filled with mystery, adventure, and self-discovery.
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro’s masterful novel takes readers on a medieval quest through a mythical and foggy landscape. The Buried Giant follows an elderly couple’s journey to find their lost memories and reunite with their long-lost son. Just like Shadow of the Colossus, this book offers a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mystery, subdued magic, and a gripping sense of melancholy.
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Immerse yourself in the epic tale of Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the great white whale, Moby-Dick. Herman Melville’s classic novel delves into themes of obsession, nature’s grandeur, and the exhilarating battles between man and beast. Its vastness and introspection echo the quiet intensity found in Shadow of the Colossus, leaving a profound impact on readers.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Embark on a remarkable journey with skilled magician and musician Kvothe in Patrick Rothfuss’ first instalment of The Kingkiller Chronicle series, The Name of the Wind. This fantasy novel immerses readers in a richly detailed world where ancient secrets, mythical creatures, and grand adventures await. Just like Shadow of the Colossus, this book skilfully blends atmosphere, exploration, and extraordinary encounters.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho’s beloved novel tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who sets out on a quest to find his Personal Legend. Through Santiago’s journey of self-discovery, readers are transported to mystical landscapes and encounter profound truths about life and destiny. The Alchemist shares the sense of wonder, beauty, and introspection that permeates Shadow of the Colossus.
The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison
Journey to a fantastic world of high fantasy and epic conflicts in E.R. Eddison’s The Worm Ouroboros. This classic novel brings readers into a realm of rich language, grand battles, and towering heroes inspired by the old Norse sagas. With its vast landscapes and vividly described fights, this book mirrors the awe-inspiring spectacles found in Shadow of the Colossus.
The Colossus of Maroussi by Henry Miller
Henry Miller invites readers on a journey through Greece’s lush landscapes and ancient ruins in The Colossus of Maroussi. This travelogue captures the beauty and mystery of the country while delving into philosophical musings and the depths of the human spirit. In Shadow of the Colossus, before you take on any of the Colossi, most of your time is spent exploring the vast world and reflecting on the task ahead of you. The Colossus of Maroussi shares the serene solitude and contemplative nature that Shadow of the Colossus evokes.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Alix E. Harrow’s enchanting novel follows January Scaller, a young girl who discovers portals to other worlds. As she navigates through secrets and magical doorways, readers are swept away on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. This book resonates with the sense of wonder and discovery imbued in Shadow of the Colossus.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocalyptic tale takes readers on a harrowing journey as a father and son navigate a desolate and dangerous world. As they face scarcity and isolation, and try to maintain their humanity, the book captures the haunting solitude and gripping atmosphere that Shadow of the Colossus portrays.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Set in an alternate history of England, Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell combines magic, historical fiction, and grand adventures. As two magicians emerge from the shadows, readers are transported into a world reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus, filled with secrets, breathtaking landscapes, and unseen wonders.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s captivating novel takes readers on a mysterious journey in post-war Barcelona. As protagonist Daniel Sempere delves into the secrets of an enigmatic author, he uncovers a graveyard of forgotten books and encounters dark forces. This book intertwines historical elements with a sense of grandiosity and introspection, echoing Shadow of the Colossus in its immersive storytelling.
If you’re longing to experience the breathtaking landscapes, ponderous solitude, and emotional depth of Shadow of the Colossus within the pages of a book, these ten recommendations will transport you to mesmerizing worlds filled with mystery, adventure, and profound experiences.
Did you play Shadow of the Colossus? Have you read any of these books? Do you have any other recommendations? Let us know in the comments below!