Updated and Revised Edition by Martha Wells Having come to the work of Martha Wells through her Murderbot series, I was intrigued when this “updated and revised” edition of one of her early novels, City of Bones, popped up. But if you’re looking for the fast pace and wise-cracking snarky tone of that series, thisContinue reading “City of Bones”
Category Archives: Fantasy
The Anatomy Duology
Anatomy: A Love Story and Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz Overall: I hadn’t ever read a duology, so I was excited to dive into this pair of books. In Anatomy we meet Hazel Sinnett, a young woman of good background who wants to become a surgeon. Unfortunately, in early 19th century Edinburgh, sheContinue reading “The Anatomy Duology”
The Shadow Cabinet
by Juno Dawson Overall: The sequel to Her Majesty’s Royal Coven picks up right where the first book left off. If you haven’t read book one, for the love of Pete, please DON’T read the synopsis for this one, as it’s full of spoilers! I will try to be as spoiler-free as possible, but theContinue reading “The Shadow Cabinet”
The Killing Moon
by N.K. Jemisin Overall: I have enjoyed every book of Jemisin’s that I have read thus far, and The Killing Moon, book 1 of the Dreamblood Duology, did not disappoint. Inspired by the religious beliefs, customs, art, and architecture of ancient Egypt, The Killing Moon takes place in the neighboring countries of Gujaareh and KisuaContinue reading “The Killing Moon”
Dragonfall
by L. R. Lam Overall: If you’re looking for a fantasy book that is both highly entertaining and quite thought-provoking, look no further than Dragonfall. The first book of the new Dragon Scales series introduces the reader to Everen, a dragon prince suffering under the crushing weight of prophecy and his family’s expectations. The firstContinue reading “Dragonfall”
Lies We Sing to the Sea
by Sarah Underwood Lies We Sing to the Sea is a YA fantasy that takes The Odyssey and Greek mythology as a jumping-off point to tell a new tale about love and sacrifice. Centuries after the events of The Odyssey, all is not well on the island of Ithaca. Every year, the community sacrifices twelveContinue reading “Lies We Sing to the Sea”
Nocturne
by Alyssa Wees Overall: In music, a nocturne is a short work evocative of night, and that’s exactly what the reader gets with this fantasy. Grace Dragotta lives in a boardinghouse in Chicago during the Great Depression and spends nearly every waking hour dancing in the Near North Ballet company. Her best friend Emilia, soonContinue reading “Nocturne”
When Women Were Dragons
by Kelly Barnhill Overall: Yes, there are dragons in this book. But if you’re looking for a fantasy world with swords and sorcery, you won’t find it here. Set in an alternate mid-20th century, almost everything is familiar. Except sometimes women spontaneously turn into dragons. And in 1955, in a traumatic event suppressed by theContinue reading “When Women Were Dragons”
Tabula Smaragdina: The Destiny Thief
by Natalia Wawrzyńczak Overall: Could this cover be any prettier? This fun YA fantasy is filled with every kind of creature from fairytales, folktales, and horror stories. Our reluctant heroine, Laura, accidentally falls into a magical realm while out for a job. Laura doesn’t believe in magic: following in the footsteps of her father, sheContinue reading “Tabula Smaragdina: The Destiny Thief”
The Witch’s Heart
by Genevieve Gornichec Overall: The Witch’s Heart may sound like a Halloween read, but it’s a retelling of Norse mythology that wouldn’t be out of place any time of year. It feels quite appropriate for the end of fall or beginning of winter as it’s full of snow, dark plots, and mugs of ale byContinue reading “The Witch’s Heart”
Liz Helfrich 