It’s no secret that I’m a nut for awesome fictional worlds. Some of my favourites aren’t far off of reality, but they exist in a different sphere than everyday life and have the power to suck me right in.   

It was a challenge sticking to five here because, let’s face it, there are scads of epic worlds that deserve a mention.  

What made it to my TOP 5? Repeat customers!   

I’ve either read or watched these multiple times; their worlds are so compelling to me. If you aren’t familiar with them, you might want to cancel plans and give these a peek:

5) Halt and Catch Fire: they had me at “Welcome to Mutiny”   

An AMC show set around technology in the 80s. The wardrobe, pacing and dialogue convinced me I was there. It was specifically the white-sided house used for “Mutiny” that locked me to the screen. Why? I wanted to work at a dysfunctional place like that – a gang of creative forward-thinkers changing the world, making video games, and drinking on the job!    

Why you should love it: it will help you appreciate your world that, hopefully, is less chaotic than this one.  

4) A Company of (Shakespearean) Fools: community theatre at its funniest   

The world of Shakespeare can be severe. Most of his plays are tragedies, but the Ottawa based theatre company has lightened the tone. Their productions have become an anticipated summer event; I’ve seen a half dozen of their shows. Worldbuilding in theatre is done with sets, but also with the imagination of the audience. These plays take on a life beyond the stage; they become mammoth, in the mind.  

Why you should love it: it’s affordable, and your imagination will thank you! 

Find out more here.

3) Anne of Green Gables: it’s not all about Anne  

Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, is a dream: a lovable dream. I’ve read everything Lucy Maude Montgomery has written – the whole Anne series more than once (okay, more than twice.) It was one of the first stories I read as a kid. I’ve spent hours since daydreaming about walking through the streets of Avonlea, having tea at the White Sands Hotel and chatting with a kindred spirit. It’s one of the most comforting worlds I’ve yet to discover.  

Why you should love it:

it will make you feel good. I mean, really good (especially on a sick day).  

2) Karen Marie Moning’s Fever Series: something’s askew in Dublin...  

An Urban Fantasy set in the same world as Moning’s Highlander series. Although, things get ... paranormal: with humans, Druids, Fae, and other creatures. I wouldn’t enjoy literally being in this world, but I couldn’t put the books down. The landscape shifted, dark forces loomed, characters morphed on the page, and somehow it kept being Dublin, Ireland. I like how the author did that.  

Why you should love it: you may realize, as the heroine did, that you have more power over your world than you thought.  

1) Star Trek: engage!   

I’m addicted to this world. My friends and I piled on the couch to watch The Next Generation, with our eyes bugged out on aliens. I watched through most of the franchise and went to all the movies. I can’t get enough of a world with countless planets and lifeforms to potentially get to know –or start a war with. Part of me wants to fight in the Bajoran resistance, even speak to the prophets.   

Why you should love it: if you don’t already love Star Trek, I have no words.

Now you know my all-time favs: what makes it onto your TOP 5,

and why should I love them? 

Marsha Masseau

I’m Marsha, an avid virtual-world-traveller! Digging into the fictional worlds – in books, plays and films – of other writers has become a passion. To my mind, every story fits a broader context, and I want to understand what makes them work or not.