Boy Meets World Alum Will Friedle Says He Can’t Get Enough of Fantasy Books

Curious what books your favorite stars are reading — whether a time-honored classic or the current must-read? Welcome to Page-Turners, where celebrities share the novels that captivate, inspire and keep them turning pages until late. Fair warning: your to-be-read stack is about to grow.

“Boy Meets World” alum Will Friedle first discovered his love for fantasy in third grade.

“My teacher, Mrs. Daniels, read Lynne Reid Banks’ The Indian in the Cupboard to our class,” the actor — whose new book Book Meets World is now available — told Page Six. “The instant I met Little Bear, I was all in.”

He added that he moved on quickly from those early reads: “I graduated to Choose Your Own Adventure books and then, around age 12, found what remains my favorite fantasy saga, The Belgariad by David Eddings (and, years later, the later installments properly credited Leigh Eddings alongside David).”

Friedle said fantasy novels consistently offer him new realms to explore that he hopes to wander through for decades to come.

The Pod Meets World co-host said books have been a steady companion through all phases of his life.

“Reading has been a reliable friend even when real-life friendships were scarce,” he told us. “My fantasy worlds don’t judge or lecture and they seldom let me down. I know they’re there for me in both good and rough times. True companions.”

Friedle’s new release — written with Boy Meets World co-stars Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong and reporter Emily Longeretta — pulls back the curtain on the beloved ’90s sitcom.

Below, Friedle shares the fantasy novels he considers essential reading.

“Pawn of Prophecy” — David Eddings

“This remains my all-time favorite fantasy saga. Characters like Garion, Belgarath, Polgara, Silk and Durnik are unforgettable. Pawn of Prophecy is the first book in The Belgariad, a five-book tale. And if you think it ends there, you’ll be thrilled to find The Malloreon — another five books continuing with the same remarkable cast.”

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“Assassin’s Apprentice” — Robin Hobb

“Robin Hobb builds an amazing, shadowy world full of assassination and political plotting. The plot centers on FitzChivalry, a royal illegitimate son who’s trained to serve as a royal assassin. Along his path he uncovers hidden talents and unexpected allies. This is the opening volume of the Farseer Trilogy.”

“Mistborn” — Brandon Sanderson

“A must-read for fantasy lovers. Follow Vin as she discovers her magical abilities and carves out her role in a dangerous world. Part epic fantasy and part classic heist, this is just the first book in a larger set of novels in the same universe. Excellent prose, well-drawn characters and a compelling plot make it essential reading.”

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“The Way of Kings” — Brandon Sanderson

“Another Sanderson entry makes my list. This could be considered one of the finest fantasy series being written today. The Way of Kings is the first volume in The Stormlight Archive — an expansive, complex world that can’t be fully captured in a brief description. Just pick it up, but be ready to commit — it will likely keep you engrossed for years.”

“Unsouled” — Will Wight

“This series takes a different tack but offers an engaging setting. It follows Wei Shi Lindon, labeled ‘unsouled’ in his home community — at least by their standards. What that means for the wider world is another matter. Unsouled is the first book in the Cradle series, a 12-book saga that’s great for sinking into a richly built universe.”

“Ranger’s Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan” — John Flanagan

“When my young nephew told me he loved fantasy, I handed him The Pawn of Prophecy. He agreed to read it only if I tried his YA pick, The Ranger’s Apprentice. Twelve books later, I’m glad I did. The story follows an orphan named Will who becomes an apprentice to a hardened Ranger called Halt. It’s an entertaining, fast-paced series.”