Soundtracking the Story: Crafting the Perfect Book Playlist

By: Hannah Williams

The brain undergoes a whirlwind of activity when immersed in a book, especially one that transports readers to expansive fantasy realms or delivers high-stakes action that keeps them on the edge of their seats. From vivid world-building to heart-pounding sequences, these stories have a way of pulling readers in completely, making them feel as if they are living within the pages rather than merely turning them.

Any fantasy book with a map on the inside of the cover will 99.9% be this scenario. In Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, it’s hard not to disassociate from the world and jump into the Riders Quadrant bickering with Ridoc and Tarin, or hearing the most tired dad sarcasms from Tarin.

But we can’t jump into these fictional scenarios, so we as readers imagine different ways to build the ambience of our favorite series outside of the pages. How is that accomplished?

Book playlists. 

Many book lovers, and even fantasy authors, use playlists for inspiration and imagination. Yarros told The Today Show that she makes a playlist to guide her through each novel. 

She did reveal that her usual muse is Taylor Swift, who will always make an appearance on the track list. 

“That’s the first song that went on there! A Taylor Swift song. I can tell you, it’s off of ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’” Yarros said in an interview with The Today Show.

Book playlists create an atmosphere and an immersion to the story. Maybe it’s a fight scene where the innocent main character finally breaks her “being good” bonds and fights mercilessly. “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons would be a good pick. Or maybe you need a little “Control” by Halsey when the protagonist finally stops holding back on her power. “Game of Survival” by Ruelle (or anything by her really is amazing to immerse yourself into) to create more tension before the final war scene. There are many to choose from.

Written by Rebecca Yarros

Certain songs can also create an emotional impact of a scene, even enhance it, and that makes it more powerful and relatable. Think of songs that you have an emotional connection to already. For me, feminine rage beats are a forefront in my mind. “Nightmare” by Halsey, “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” and “The Man” by Taylor Swift or even “Little Girl Gone” by CHINCHILLA. It gets the emotions turning and creates a bigger impact when reading about characters, who are fictional, but we love them and they are going through some TRAUMATIC events.

Some readers just also make it a personal playlist to relate it to their favorite characters. Feyre and Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses are often related to “Slow Dancing in the Dark” by Joji or “Heather” by Conan Grey (for the earlier books perhaps). Tarin, the grumpy tough dragon from Fourth Wing, is often associated with “Play With Fire” by Sam Tinnesez. Payden Gray from Powerless by Lauren Roberts is 100% “the glitch” by Taylor Swift (argue with the wall). See! It’s fun because you adore these characters, sometimes understanding or seeing yourself in them, and it gives them more of a support system. 

Extending the Story Beyond the Pages — Listening to a book-inspired playlist outside of reading time can keep the story’s vibe alive, helping readers stay connected to it even after finishing. If you have a passion for books AND music try it out sometime! Personalize it and make it yours :)