This debut fantasy/horror novel tells the story of the Turner family and their struggles.
Youngest child Noah has a friend. She just happens to be a moThis debut fantasy/horror novel tells the story of the Turner family and their struggles.
Youngest child Noah has a friend. She just happens to be a monster. We follow Noah as he grows up, and becomes closer to his monster, turning to her for solace in the face of his family’s troubles: mental illness, disappearances, diseases and more.
I look forward to seeing what’s next from author Shaun Hamill. In A Cosmology of Monsters, he has written a moving novel with just enough horror to keep things interesting. -Mike M....more
Miranda Crabtree's life has been tough. Her father disappeared when she was eleven, after going into the bayou with a witch and never returning. Fast-Miranda Crabtree's life has been tough. Her father disappeared when she was eleven, after going into the bayou with a witch and never returning. Fast-forward to Miranda ferrying drugs through the bayou for a corrupt preacher and the sheriff he employs. She is raising a young boy (who may not be entirely human) as her brother. They live with the witch. But then her partner on the ferry is killed, and she is tasked with taking a young girl who has been drugged to the preacher. Miranda struggles to get herself and the two children out of the bayou safely. In the process she must confront her past. A past steeped in murder, mud and magic.
This is a fantastic Southern gothic. The supernatural elements never take away from the crime story at its core. Recommended for fans of True Detective: Season 1 and Winter's Bone. -Mike M....more
Vibrant, playful and fun! This picture book very subtly emphasizes inclusion using cupcakes, glitter and unicorns! I would very much like to be part oVibrant, playful and fun! This picture book very subtly emphasizes inclusion using cupcakes, glitter and unicorns! I would very much like to be part of Unicorn Day! - Sara S....more
Though many readers may be familiar with Alexandra Bracken’s The Darkest Minds series, few know about her first published novel (and my new favorite yThough many readers may be familiar with Alexandra Bracken’s The Darkest Minds series, few know about her first published novel (and my new favorite young adult fantasy romance): Brightly Woven. In a world where magic is everywhere, but not accessible to the masses, Sydelle is just about as normal as one can get. She’s lived a content life with her family, spending her free time weaving and running through the forest. However, when a mysterious wizard shows up to their little town and ends the drought that has been going on for years, the villagers offer him anything he wants as a gift; he chooses Sydelle. It soon becomes evident that there is much more to his selection than meets the eye, as Sydelle starts to discover she might have a bit of magic of her own. For fellow lovers of Diana Wynne Jones, Brightly Woven is the young adult Howl’s Moving Castle we’ve been waiting for. - Maddie M....more
This intriguing mystery has a great air of the supernatural about it, which makes the plot rather unique.
After living away from home for many years, This intriguing mystery has a great air of the supernatural about it, which makes the plot rather unique.
After living away from home for many years, Will Connor returns to his childhood village to help care for his ailing mother. He gradually notices that many of the residents are not too happy to see him; some are downright hostile. With help from his long-time friend, Sam, Will uncovers some unusual family history, including the practice of witchcraft.
If you're a fan of occult fiction, as well as mystery, give this book a try! -Louisa A....more
Full of magic, swashbuckling, and romance, All the Stars and Teeth>/i> is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone trilogy.
When Amora, a pFull of magic, swashbuckling, and romance, All the Stars and Teeth>/i> is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone trilogy.
When Amora, a princess with an ancient blood magic for manipulating souls, is put on trial for her powers, she is approached with a unique offer in the form of a pirate. Following her instincts, Amora escapes from what once was her kingdom, following a dangerously dashing pirate on a quest to save life, and magic, as they know it.
I won’t lie, I have always been a sucker for pirate and mermaid stories. However, this book took a unique dark fantasy spin on the genre that I’ve been thinking about since I put the book down. It’s rare to find a writer who can paint such a vibrant, captivating fantasy world without weighing you down with world-building, but that’s exactly what we got here! I anxiously await the conclusion to this duology. -Maddie M....more
Fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval series need to look no further for their next read! Ace of Shades is a dark fantasy novel taking place in a world wFans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval series need to look no further for their next read! Ace of Shades is a dark fantasy novel taking place in a world where nothing is quite what is seems and everything is, quite literally, a gamble. When Enne, a ballerina in training from a very posh boarding school, goes on a quest to find her mother she doesn’t expect to find herself trapped in ‘The City of Sin’ but that’s exactly what happens. With no allies but the somewhat trustworthy and very charming crime lord Levi, Enne starts to find a side of herself she didn’t know existed. In a world full of unique magic and seductive world building, Ace of Shades is the Caraval and Six of Crows crossover we’ve all been waiting for. –Maddie M. ...more
What happens when you take Alice, Wendy and Dorothy as teenagers and put them in "boarding school" together?...A whole lot of fantastical mayhem acrosWhat happens when you take Alice, Wendy and Dorothy as teenagers and put them in "boarding school" together?...A whole lot of fantastical mayhem across multiple magical worlds, that's what. This is a crazy mashup that is truly entertaining. ~Jen K. ...more
Imagine being lured into a video game that purports to being run by God. That's the temptation that five teens face in this clever thriller. At first,Imagine being lured into a video game that purports to being run by God. That's the temptation that five teens face in this clever thriller. At first, the game seems to be their champion, providing rewards and exacting payback on other students who bully and humiliate one of the friends. Things turn darker when "God" demands tasks that are increasingly violent, threatening to reveal the players' secrets should they not comply and exacting revenge on any of the teens who attempt to leave the game. After reading this clever novel, you may never play another video game again! – Louisa A....more
Set in 1930's Malay, this historical book switches perspectives between Ren, an 11-year-old houseboy who is on a mission for his previous master who hSet in 1930's Malay, this historical book switches perspectives between Ren, an 11-year-old houseboy who is on a mission for his previous master who had passed away, and Ji Lin, a young woman who is helping her mother pay off debts as a dancehall girl. Their stories intersect when Ji Lin picks up a severed finger that was left behind at the dancehall and embarks on an adventure to find out where it came from and to put it back. Both main characters, as well as a multitude of side characters, are well developed, and the touches of magic realism were perfect. Recommend this to fans of The Night Circus. ~Jennifer W....more
Shadow and Bone is the story that started it all; this trilogy by Leigh Bardugo was one of the most impactful YA series of the past decade, bringing fShadow and Bone is the story that started it all; this trilogy by Leigh Bardugo was one of the most impactful YA series of the past decade, bringing forth a whole new style of dark fantasy. Bardugo paints the most stunning luscious worlds based off Russian folklore that captivate readers until the last page. Soon to be a Netflix series, this book is Bardugo’s debut novel, and follows teenaged Alina, an orphan in Ravka during their never-ending war. While being forced into the battlefield of The Fold, Alina discovers a dormant power that could save the country or doom them all. From the incredible heroine Alina, to the dark and seductive Darkling, Bardugo paints an unforgettable set of characters that bring to life one of the most original and vivid worlds in YA. -Maddie M. ...more
This collection of 6 books (commonly released in 3 volumes, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King) redefined the fantThis collection of 6 books (commonly released in 3 volumes, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King) redefined the fantasy genre. The first book was published in 1954 but stills stands tall amongst more modern fantasy. It’s a dense read both in word count and vocabulary but Tolkien has a magnificent way with words. His detail-oriented approach to world building means that every event has a deeper meaning if you read through the appendixes or Tolkien’s other works. If you already love the movies there are many scenes and additional information that will surprise you. Don’t sleep on it any longer; put The Lord of the Rings next on your reading list. –Ben C. ...more
In library land we call these books “bridge books,” and Scholastic has a new line called "Branches," these titles are great for bridging that gap fromIn library land we call these books “bridge books,” and Scholastic has a new line called "Branches," these titles are great for bridging that gap from easy readers into chapter books. They are between 80 and 120 pages, use a lot of sight words and typically the series have a very formulaic plot. All of these things are great for building reading fluency and skill. This book is very charming. It's exciting and encouraged my second grader to keep reading from chapter to chapter, and book to book as the story expanded. Drake and Worm are wonderful characters that we couldn't wait to get to know better, I had to check out the next two as soon as we finished the first book! My son and I took turns reading every other chapter. Look also for "The Escapades of Clint McMcool" by Jane Kelley, "The Ember Stone" by Katrina Charman, and the "Time Jumpers: Stealing the Sword" by Wendy Mass. Happy Reading! --Alexis S....more
One of the most captivating dark urban fantasy novels I have ever read, Leigh Bardugo hits it out of the park again with my new favorite new adult stoOne of the most captivating dark urban fantasy novels I have ever read, Leigh Bardugo hits it out of the park again with my new favorite new adult story, Ninth House.
This story follows high school dropout, Alex, who finds herself offered the opportunity of a lifetime; a full ride scholarship to Yale. However, as most things in Alex’s life, this opportunity came with a catch, a catch that could cost her her life. Bardugo guides us through the secret worlds of this ivy-league school in a tale so vivid and luscious that it will be hard to forget. I anxiously await the continuation of Alex’s story.
This young adult anthology is a perfect read for the spooky season. Comprised of 15 diverse witchy tales by 15 young adult authors, this collection feThis young adult anthology is a perfect read for the spooky season. Comprised of 15 diverse witchy tales by 15 young adult authors, this collection features stories set in contemporary, historical and futuristic settings. Each story revolves around a strong and powerful female voice. Usually with a collection of short stories there are some hits and misses. However, with this collection I can honestly say that I loved each and every one of them. My favorite stories were definitely Starsong by Tehlor Kay Mejia and The One Who Stayed by Nova Ren Suma. I recommend that you cozy up to this read while the weather is still chilly. - Jenny L....more
This middle grade graphic novel is perfect for fall! Pitched as Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Roller Girl, The Okay Witch is truly magical! ThirteThis middle grade graphic novel is perfect for fall! Pitched as Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Roller Girl, The Okay Witch is truly magical! Thirteen-year-old Moth Hush learns that not only is she a witch, but her family is the center of a centuries old history of drama within her town of Founder’s Bluff, Massachusetts. Her single mother is unwilling to talk about her witch past and forbids Moth from using any magic. However, Moth is determined to learn everything she can about her family’s past in order to learn about herself in the present. As her powers begin to grow, Moth meets a talking cat and falls, literally, into a magical diary. It is such a fun story with beautiful illustrations. I highly recommend this read to kids and adults alike. -Jenny L....more
This book is like Douglas Adams Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Jonathan Howard's Johannes Cabal the Necromancer series had a slightly odd lovechThis book is like Douglas Adams Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Jonathan Howard's Johannes Cabal the Necromancer series had a slightly odd lovechild. It's both smart and absurd, which made it delightful to read. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were little treats and buried in the text there were more quotes I think would be amazing printed on a t-shirt. This is an hero's journey worth reading: adventurous, quirky, and fascinating. Readers would also enjoy the other two series mentioned, and maybe, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster as well. -Alexis S....more
Mesmerizing, poignant and ethereal. I cannot find the adequate words to describe Marillier’s adaptation of the Grimm’s “The Six Swans” fairy-tale becaMesmerizing, poignant and ethereal. I cannot find the adequate words to describe Marillier’s adaptation of the Grimm’s “The Six Swans” fairy-tale because it moved me in ways that are quite literally indescribable. Mystical Celtic lands. Filial love. Absolute heart wrenching and atrocious actions. Mercy. Bravery. First love. I cried. Tears of exceptional joy and tears of lamentation and ire. This book makes you feel in the most beautiful of ways. -Sara S. ...more
Kvothe is a flawed yet likable character and his story is a bildungsroman of the highest order.
We follow his life Introspective, witty, and magnetic!
Kvothe is a flawed yet likable character and his story is a bildungsroman of the highest order.
We follow his life from tragic events in his childhood through his adolescence at university, interspersed with current day discourse at the inn he keeps. His tales are filled with youthful mischiefs to the sublime to deeply felt moments of personal growth.
Truths and humor lay between these pages and it was a pleasure to discover them. I have a book hangover and no other book will do except it’s following title. -Sara S....more
This fantastically creative coming of age story is snowy, full of magic and intrigue, and dives into the power of choice over fate. It's the perfect rThis fantastically creative coming of age story is snowy, full of magic and intrigue, and dives into the power of choice over fate. It's the perfect read for upper elementary school and middle school kids. -Megan G. ...more
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