Carbon Costume fantasy book
Linh Song from Keeper of the Lost Cities
Linh Song is a character from Susan Messenger’s Keeper of the Lost Cities book series. Linh is an elf with hydrokinetic powers and an ally of Sophie Foster. She also has a twin brother named Tam. When recreating Linh’s look, it’s important to remember you may not be able to find exact replicas of her costume. Instead, focus on similar color palettes and silhouettes. You can layer a turtleneck under a sleeveless piece, or opt for a darker color or shorter-sleeved tunic instead, depending on your preference and which you think is closest. Pinning the wig’s bangs to the side will make it look more like Linh’s side-swept hair, or if you have long black hair already, you can dye the tips with temporary silver spray. If you’re crafty, you might be able to replicate Linh’s crest-shaped brooch with a little DIY. Otherwise, a pin with two wolves can serve in its place.
Sophie Foster from Keeper of the Lost Cities: Lodestar
Sophie Foster returns in Shannon Messenger’s fifth entry into the Keeper of the Lost Cities series. In Lodestar, Sophie finds herself fighting against dark forces as she questions whether she can trust the people around her. As always, Sophie is shown on the cover wearing dark tights and with a short Renaissance-inspired dress and cloak. To recreate her look, you may have to be a little flexible, as finding an exact replica of her costume can be difficult. Focus on similar silhouettes such as a pinafore dress that will mimic the fitted bodice of the one she’s depicted wearing, or a handkerchief hem if you’re more interested in replicating the movement of her skirt.
Lirael from the Abhorsen Trilogy
Lirael is the only young woman in her commune, the Clayr, who has not yet manifested her people’s ability of clairvoyance. As she gets older, she comes into her own as an assistant librarian, proudly wearing the red robes of her position. (The library, full of books on magic, empowers her with other skills.) Given the lack of acceptance from her peers, Lirael and her magical canine friend take a journey to learn the truth of her past.
Sophie Foster from Keeper of the Lost Cities
Sophie Foster is the main character of Shannon Messenger’s fantasy book series Keeper of the Lost Cities. Sophie was raised by human parents, but her birth was the result of Project Moonlark, whereby her DNA was altered to imbue her with a wide range of powerful abilities including telepathy, polyglotism, and teleportation. Sophie is described as being very beautiful, with brown eyes that have gold flecks in them, and long blonde hair. Her outfits often consist of a tailcoat or top layered over leggings and boots, so you may be able to mix and match some of your own wardrobe staples with new pieces to recreate her look.
Skulduggery Pleasant
Skulduggery Pleasant is a living skeleton with an arsenal of elemental magical powers up his sleeve. How exactly he got to be this way remains a mystery, especially to his apprentice Valkyrie Cain, but there’s enough trust between this dynamic duo to embark on an ongoing series of supernatural adventures. Vampires, inflatable soldiers, and even a close friend’s evil alter ego are hardly obstacles to this powerful sorcerer.
Vin from Mistborn
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy tells the story of a heroic female protagonist who overthrows thousands of years of oppression, social class divides, and magical foes. Set in a feudal, post-apocalyptic world, Vin is the illegitimate offspring of an oppressive nobleman and a ska (slave class) woman. Such unions are forbidden in Vin’s society, because the children are able to develop unearthly Allomantic superpowers (which they can access by ingesting certain metals). Usually, an Allomancer will have one unusual ability; but a Mistborn, like Vin, possesses them all. On the Mistborn trilogy book covers, Vin wears all-black underneath her signature gray mist-cloak, and carries two obsidian daggers.
Dothraki Daenerys Targaryen
After being sold to Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa) to be his bride, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) integrated herself into the Dothraki people. As such, the new Khaleesi adapted her way of dress to match their rough, nomadic lifestyle. This included wearing roughspun clothing, skins, and putting her hair into braids. Finish the look by following this Daenerys Targaryen makeup tutorial.
Ringwraith
The Ringwraiths, often referred to as the Nazgûl, are Sauron’s ghastly indentured servants. Originally mortal men, they pledged their service to both Sauron and the One Ring in order to achieve immortality. With no visible physical forms, they are identified by their raggedy black robes.
Frodo Baggins
Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) is the protagonist and primary Ring Bearer in the Lord of the Rings book, video game, and film series. He is a meek Hobbit who is tasked with delivering the One Ring to Mount Doom, overcoming physical and mental struggle along the way. He eventually becomes one of Middle Earth’s greatest heroes.
Gandalf the Grey
In the Lord of the Rings, Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) is a wizard who leads the Fellowship of the Ring. He faces off against some of the biggest and baddest, including the Balrog, Sauron, and Saruman the White.
