platonic relationships in books // Top Ten Tuesday

Let's face it, book friendships are often better than book romances. I'll choose a story with a well-developed, beautiful friendship over one with a sappy, romance-heavy plot any day. Plus, non-romance books aren't plagued by annoying, overused tropes like the brooding-bad-boy-with-a-dark-secret or insta-love. I mean, who ever heard of insta-friendship?!

Platonic relationships are as diverse as the fish in the ocean: every friendship, every family is unique. So there's really no limit to the kinds of platonic relationships you can encounter in novels. Some of my favourites make me so happy (or sad), even now just thinking about them!

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl, with a new topic to respond to every week. 

- - -


1. Anne and Diana from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Diana is Anne's first friend in Avonlea and, unlike most other folks, she accepts Anne for who she is right from the very start. Their friendship is pure and innocent and lasts long after both girls grow up. They truly are kindred spirits.

- - -

2. Will and Halt from the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan

Will and Halt have such a special relationship that matures and evolves as Will grows up and the series progresses. Halt comes to love Will as the son he never had, and Will Halt as the father he once lost. When one is in peril, the other will stop at nothing to save him, which, come to think of it, forms the basis of the plot of at least two books.

- - -


3. Jess and Leslie from Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

I'm honestly tearing up right now just thinking about this book and their friendship. It's just so beautiful and heartbreaking. I don't even have the words to describe it.

- - -

4. The Herons from the Brotherband series by John Flanagan

The bond between the eight outcast boys, the gruff one-handed warrior, and the dead-shot girl is an integral part of this series. In fact, the crew of the Heron are really like a family. What more can I say? John Flanagan just has a knack for creating excellent (and often hilarious, banter-filled) relationships between his characters.

- - -


5. Humans and dæmons from the world of The Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

Does this count given that dæmons are the physical manifestation of one's soul? You know what, I don't even care because the relationship between a person and their dæmon is so special. I'm still salty that dæmons don't actually exist in real life.

- - -

6. Skulduggery and Stephanie/Valkyrie from the Skulduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy

Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain's relationship is complicated and disguised by A LOT of dry humour. In the beginning, Stephanie just wants to learn magic and impress Skulduggery, but soon she becomes drawn into his dangerous world and learns more about his past and his morally-grey character. Skulduggery, on the other hand, initially only puts up with her as a kind of curiosity, I think, and because he feels he owes it to her uncle (rather than a sense of responsibility) to look out for her. However, gradually their relationship morphs into a kind of (outwardly grudging) mutual respect and deep down they really care about one another.

And, wow, clearly I have a lot of thoughts about this one because I have written a small essay, oops.

- - -


7. Lena, Carmen, Tibby, and Bridget from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

These four girls are so different – they each have entirely unique personalities and interests – but the way that they become, and then are able to remain, friends is such a lovely story. Their relationships with one another are complex but that just makes them all the more special.

- - -

8. Ady, Kate, and Clem from Take Three Girls by Cath Crowley, Fiona Wood, and Simmone Howell

This book is all about strong, female friendships and the importance of standing up for one another. Just like in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Ady, Kate, and Clem are very different people. But they eventually come to realise that they are stronger together and that it's their differences that make their unlikely friendship so powerful.

- - -

9. Katniss and Rue from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Y'all know why this one has made the list. Why are so many of the best relationships so devastating?!

- - -

10. Emma and Cristina from The Dark Artifices trilogy by Cassandra Clare

I'm not going to lie, I can't remember much from Lady Midnight or Lord of Shadows. I do know, however, that I LOVED Emma and Cristina's friendship! But, um, I can't recall why. Imma reread the first two books now before Queen of Air and Darkness is released...

- - -

Let's chat! What are some of your favourite platonic relationships in books? Do they make you happy (or sad) when you think about them? Let me know in the comments below and feel free to leave a link to your TTT so I can check it out as well!

Niamh, xo.