Top of the Wednesday to ya! I don’t know what that’s supposed to mean. Anyway, it’s time for Top 5 Wednesday! Today’s topic is your top five teachers and mentors. The only caveat was that we can’t choose anyone from Harry Potter, which, fair. I’m also adding a second caveat that I can’t choose anyone from Star Wars or television (meaning I can’t pick Rupert Giles or George Feeny, even though I love them both dearly and could invest entire posts exclusively to them) because otherwise my list will look just like everyone else’s and I’m not about that life. Or something. At this point I’m just rambling, so let’s get on with the main event:
- Lazarus AKA The Mace from The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen: Even though Barty and Carlin Glynn raise Kelsea and give her her education, the person who has the largest impact on her in this series is The Mace. Not only is he her Captain of the Guard, but he helps her run her kingdom. He acts both as an advisor and a confidante, quickly becoming a father figure to Kelsea. He helps her to reach her potential and supports her in every way. Honestly, this is the relationship in the series that had the most impact on me. He’s brutal, yet clever; he’s disciplined, yet kind. He’s Lazarus.
- Jacqueline “Jackie” Terwilliger from Bloodlines by Richelle Mead: Ms. Terwilliger (who I will refer to as “Jackie” from now on to save my fingers from having to type all that again and again) is a unique teacher/mentor figure. She’s quirky, but still knows how and when to take things seriously. She sees potential in Sydney and nurtures it. Sure, Sydney is reluctant at first, but she soon becomes very grateful for Jackie’s skill and guidance. Jackie even becomes an important part of her personal life, helping her and Adrian when the Moroi and humans will not. As colorful as she is powerful, Jackie is one witch I’d want on my team.
- Diana Wrayburn from The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare: Diana is also a bit of an unorthodox choice, in that we don’t really see her doing any teaching or mentoring. We know that it’s happened, as she’s been tutor to the Blackthorn kids and Emma Carstairs, but we don’t get any scenes aside from references. But it’s the relationship she’s formed with these kids that keeps her near and dear to my heart. She’ll do anything to protect them, assisting them even when they go directly against the Clave. And, given how skilled these kids are at Shadowhunter-ing, Diana is a damn good teacher.
- Morgan of Shadows from Tales from Verania by TJ Klune: What I love most about Morgan isn’t that he teaches Sam, it’s the way he puts up with Sam’s antics. This series is hilarious and 90% of the reason why is Sam’s constant nonsense. And Morgan not only endures it, but secretly enjoys it. He’s really grown to love this strange, strange boy and wouldn’t have him any other way. Even though he always tries to guide him on the right (and productive) path, he still loves Sam the way he is. And that’s a lot more than a lot of mentors give their protégées. Also, Morgan of Shadows? Outsold Dumbledore.
- Nisreen from The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty: And, last but not least, we have an entry from my latest read. Nisreen is a daeva and skilled healer and she coaches Nahri on all the medical procedures she needs to perform. They don’t always work out well, but Nisreen is always there to encourage her. The two women are in a bit of a predicament, but Nisreen helps Nahri make the best of it. Meanwhile, she also teaches human-raised Nahri on the ways of her daeva people. She’s one of the few people to try and make Nahri feel at home in Daevabad. I really liked their relationship and can’t wait to see where it is in the sequel.
Who are some of your favorite fictional teachers and mentors? Tell me about them in the comments!
Strange Storyteller 