Fantasy

The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale / Jon Klassen

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The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale
By: Jon Klassen
Genre: Children’s, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 106
Published: July 11, 2023
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Dates Read: May 5, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Otilla has run away from terrible danger and has now found a big abandoned house in the middle of the dark forest. Her host, the skull, is afraid of something that comes every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? Filled with rich, monochromatic artwork, The Skull is a retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale.

I wish that I had these types of books as a kid – a bit spooky and dark, but still with a good story to it.

I absolutely loved the artwork of this story. The words were sparse but the art was amazing.

The author’s note at the end was also amazing – as a librarian myself, I love when others speak of our superpowers 🙂

Overall, this isn’t just a children’s book by any means. I think those of all ages will enjoy it. It’s a quick, quirky read that doesn’t really sit on horror, but definitely gives off spooky vibes.

Osmo Unknown and the Eightpenny Woods / Catherynne M. Valente

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Osmo Unknown and the Eightpenny Woods
By: Catherynne M. Valente
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 416
Published: April 26, 2022
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Dates Read: March 20, 2024 - March 24, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

All Osmo Unknown wants is to venture out beyond his small town of Littlebridge – and to be known as something other than a turnip. One day, his mother accidentally kills a Quidnunk, a fearsome and intelligent creature that lives deep in the woods. This shouldn’t have anything to do with Osmo, except there was a treaty between the Quidnunx and the people of Littlebridge that was forged hundreds of years ago.

Accompanied by a half-badger/half-wombat named Bonk and an antisocial pangolin girl named Never, Omsmo must embark on a quest to find the Eightpenny Woods – the kingdom where all the forest creatures go when they die – to make amends.

This took me a little bit to get into it. I knew it was going to be good, but my attention for it didn’t truly catch on until a little over 100 pages in, once all the group had been assembled. 

As much as Bonk initially annoyed me, the more and more I got to know him, the more I understood and liked him. I even started writing down my favorite insult names he used: ornery wee fork, ya dropped egg, absolute doorknob, trashcake supreme. I loved Never off the bat and loved every inch of her antisocial self.

There’s a narrator you see only in the beginning and towards the end, that breaks the fourth wall between the narrator and the reader – otherwise it’s told in third person through Osmo’s POV.

I can see middle grade readers really enjoying this and walking away from the last few pages feeling like they themselves went on an adventure. Even as an adult, I felt that I was just told the most fabulous story sitting around a campfire. Give it a few more pages when you’re getting into it than you probably usually do – but you won’t regret it!

Don’t Want to Be Your Monster / Deke Moulton

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Don’t Want to Be Your Monster
By: Deke Moulton
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 304
Published: August 1, 2023
Publisher: Tundra Books
Dates Read: March 10, 2024 - March 12, 2024
Format: Hardcover

Adam and Victor have fights just like all brothers – over the remote, over chores, over rather or not it’s morally acceptable to eat people… well, more like when it’s okay to drink someone’s blood. They’re young vampires hiding in the woods with the sibling Sung and their Moms in Lacey, Washington. Pacific Northwest. United States of America.

For the most part, everything has been great – until bodies start to appear all over town and it becomes pretty clear there’s a vampire hunter involved. But as both boys try to find their own way of solving the murders, it creates a wedge between them. Can they reconcile their differences and work together before it’s too late?

Okay, this was cute. I was a little bit worried about it when I first started it because young literature with vampires can go so many different ways. This one however, went in the right direction! There’s of course a small change up from what you usually think of vampires with how the author pictures them in their world, but through the characters, they explain kind of their reasoning as to why their vampires are a little different than your classic ones. Which, in all honesty, all made complete sense to me!

I also loved the idea of a Jewish Vampire. Cause yea, nearly everything around vampires has been centered around Catholicism (I mean, so is most history if we’re being real honest), so that was another nice change to see in a vampire world.

Overall, a wonderfully cute, middle grade vampire novel. I didn’t think it was really scary or gory or anything like that so it fits well with younger readers. I don’t know if “soft fantasy” is what I’m looking for because there is a vampire hunter and murder, and it’s high stakes, but it’s not terrifying! This is a book I can see those who like the vampire world would enjoy – no matter the age!

*Thank you Tundra Books and LibraryThing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Book of Doors / Gareth Brown

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The Book of Doors
By: Gareth Brown
Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism
Number of Pages: 416
Published: February 13, 2024
Publisher: William Morrow
Dates Read: February 11, 2024 - February 17, 2024
Format: ARC / eBook

Trigger Warnings: death, torture, loss of parent

Cassie spends most of her simple life either working at a New York bookstore or hanging out in her tiny apartment she shares with her roommate, Izzy, reading. One day, one of her favorite customers, Mr. Webber – a lonely but charming older gentleman – dies right in front of her. As the EMTs are taking him away, Cassie notices a small book in Mr. Webber’s possession. But it’s not an ordinary book… It’s the Book of Doors, which has a message that any door is every door.

Shortly after discovering how to use the book, she is approached by a Scottish stranger in a rumpled black suit who calls himself Drummond Fox – others call him The Librarian, he who keeps watch over a unique set or rare books. Cassie’s book isn’t the only one with great power, but it is the most sought after by those who collect them. Now, Cassie is being hunted.

Drummond is the only one who knows where the unique library is and Cassie is the only one who can get them there to keep the book’s safe. But there are those who are willing to do anything to get their hands on these books, especially a sadistic woman at the very top of the list.

First off, the amount of time I spent thinking about where I would go if I had the book of doors myself during the time I wasn’t able to read was kind of crazy. I read this as much as I could during my free time over the week it took me to read it. I always felt like I read a ton, even when I hadn’t, mostly because I would be so immersed in it and would disappear in its pages.

I really enjoyed how connected everything was. Some things I called out a bit in advance, but a lot of it I would be surprised at how connected everything was. This was a heart-pounding read that sticks with you. It’s been almost a week since I read it before I’ve had time to write this review and I’m still thinking of crazy stuff that happened with this.

I’ve already been recommending this to quite a few of my colleagues, but I believe any of those who love a good magical realism/fantasy book with a story that will keep you turning pages as quickly as you can will greatly enjoy this book as well.

*Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Bookshops & Bonedust / Travis Baldree

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Bookshops & Bonedust
By: Travis Baldree
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 352
Published: November 7, 2023
Publisher: Tor
Dates Read: February 6, 2024 - February 8, 2024
Format: Paperback / Library Book / Audiobook

Bookshops & Bonedust is the prequel to Legends & Lattes where Viv, after getting injured during a job, gets left behind in the small beach town of Murk to recover. With not much to do and on crutches, Viv spends her hours in a bookshop in the company of its foulmouthed owner and their pet named Pot Roast. It’s not where she saw herself being, but maybe it’s just what she needs.

But the sleepy town doesn’t stay very quiet for long – there’s a suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and a lot of skeletons to uncover.

Tell me why I waited so damn long to read this book?? I knew I would love it. A soft fantasy with a found family feel – those will always have me signed up.

This novel is also so adorable when it comes to talking about books. The amount of times I took photos of entire passages where Fern was talking to Viv about her latest book read ❤ ️ <spoiler> like the bit where Viv is reading a spicy romance and Fern is just staring at her with a crazy grin </spoiler>.

If you’re in need of a warm fantasy to curl up with, this will do it for you. There’s no high stakes – the fact it’s the prequel to the first book, kind of gives away that everything will be okay in the end, you know? Still, watch me give these series out as recommendations left and right.

*Thank you Tor and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Eternal Ones (Deathless #3) / Namina Forna

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The Eternal Ones (Deathless #3)

By: Namina Forna

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Number of Pages: 480

Published: February 13, 2024

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Dates Read: January 19, 2024 - January 28, 2024

Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Mere weeks after confronting the Gilded Ones, Deka is on the hunt for the truth behind her divinity. But her human body is on the verge of crumbling to pieces and that’s pushing her time to save everyone even closer. When Deka’s search leads her and her friends to the edge of the world, they discover a whole new realm, filled with knowledge they weren’t aware of – especially knowledge that holds the key to Deka’s past.

Now, Deka must decide to be reborn as a God or bring about the end of the world.

This book had a lot going on in it, a lot of Deka finding everything out, but it always kept my interest and kept me turning the pages. I was also so fond of her little found family – and the fact that they were always calling each other that too!

All the main characters in this series come full circle by the end of the book – nothing left open ended that wasn’t meant to be left to your imagination, you know? Also, I absolutely love Ixa and if this ever becomes a movie or a series, can’t wait to see him in the flesh! I do not have drawing abilities, but shall absolutely be on the lookout for fanart of him! Britta is also a favorite and I love her so much, and her support for 

I also wanted to point out the romance in this that isn’t anything crazy. Deka and Keita were cute and realistic. None of their relationship felt forced and Ketia was so understanding of everything. It all just felt right and you don’t always see that in YA romance. And, it’s obviously not the main focus of this book, so that may be why as well.

Overall, this series is amazing and I love it so much. I can’t wait to get it in the hands of those who love high stakes YA fantasy with a badass female lead.

*Thank you Delacorte Press and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Merciless Ones (Deathless #2) / Namina Forna

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The Merciless Ones (Deathless #2)

By: Namina Forna

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Number of Pages: 432

Published: Mary 31, 2022

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Dates Read: January 16, 2024 - January 18, 2024

Format: Library Book / Audiobook

It’s been six months since Deka freed the goddesses in Otera and found out who she really is. With the war waging across the kingdom Deka and her army must stop the dark forces that are growing. But there are buried secrets getting unearthed that threaten to destroy her entire world, and her gifts are changing. Does Deka hold the key to saving Otera, or is she actually the threat?

So I swore I read this book when it first came out and so I requested the ARC of the 3rd book and got it. When I went to look at my reviews of these books, it was then that I realized I hadn’t read this one yet! So, I was able to read this book and then go directly into the third and final installment too – which is kind of nice because I’m so impatient when it comes to waiting for sequels. 

I also listened to this in audiobook for the most part and there are some tense bits where I was gasping out loud while doing house chores (not going to mention what bits due to spoilers).

The only con I had of this was Deka’s fault of running headfirst into situations and making rash decisions. It’s a young adult – Deka’s a young adult, and she’s learning. I did feel like she definitely grew since we first met her. 

This is an action packed fantasy novel that I can see so many enjoying – especially since the third and final installment is coming out in just a few weeks. Definitely something I can see myself recommending for some binge reading for sure.

The Memory Thieves (The Conjureverse #2) / Dhonielle Clayton

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The Memory Thieves (The Conjureverse #2)
By: Dhonielle Clayton
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 416
Published: September 26, 2023
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Dates Read: January 4, 2024 - January 8, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Ella is ready to go back to the Arcanum Training Institute with her friends Brigit and Jason. But her celebrity status for saving the Marvellian world from the Ace of Anarchy is making it hard for Ella to focus on her school world. And, on top of all that, a mysterious magical illness has begun to sweep through the halls of the Institute, causing nose bleeds, headaches, and messing with people’s marvels! Can Ella and her friends save themselves and the Marvellian world before the Ace of Anarchy’s next big plan is put into place?

If you’d like another series that’s focused on a magical school (with an unproblematic author) and with much diversity, this is for you. Right now its focus is a middle grade audience, but I feel like it could move onward to more maturity as the characters also grow – especially if we keep following the line of each book is a new school year.

The world building in this is fantastic and wonderful. There’s so many layers of the Marvellian World we haven’t discovered yet and I can’t wait to see it.

Lately I’ve been a bit of a stickler when it comes to reading series – I don’t want to read them until it’s mostly all published because I hate waiting. But, waiting sometimes is the fun part and I read the first of this series before I really realized it was going to be a series.

Now, I’m glad I’ve always got something to look forward to.

Overall, I think anyone who enjoys magical schools and kids using their skills to outsmart adults – I believe you’ll like this book!

Nimona / N.D. Stevenson

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Nimona
By: N.D. Stevenson
Genre: Graphic Novel
Number of Pages: 266
Published: May 12, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Dates Read: December 31, 2023
Format: Paperback

Lord Blackheart wasn’t exactly looking for a sidekick, but when Nimona shows up and turns into a shark, he hires her. The duo begin to wreak havoc to both fight and expose that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and the Institution are up to something and aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.

Right, I knew I was going to love this graphic novel. I’ve known for years, but just hadn’t gotten around to it for whatever reason. But, when I needed one more novel to complete my 2023 challenge, I knew I wanted a graphic novel I would devour in one setting. Nimona did not disappoint.

Nimona is wonderful and snarky and I just loved her from the very first page. The banter between Lord Blackheart and her never ceased to make me either smile or laugh out loud. I’m actually so sad I hadn’t read it as a webcomic back in the day – which, I was on Tumblr at that time, how did I miss this?! Guess I could go down that rabbit hole one day when I’ve got the time. The adorable-ness overload of this found family will probably give me a toothache.

Overall, this is going on my highly recommended list. Those who love fantasy? Check. Those who love found family? Check. Those who love friends to archenemies? Check. And who doesn’t love a snarky, sarcastic shapeshifting “evil” kid?

Big Tree / Brian Selznick

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Big Tree
By: Brian Selznick
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Number of Pages: 528
Published: April 4, 2023
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Dates Read: December 31, 2023
Format: ARC / Paperback

The fate of life on Earth falls on the fluffs of two brave little seeds as they leave their mother to find their own place to grow.

Was I prepared to get emotionally invested in two seedlings from the prehistoric times on my New Years Eve afternoon – no, of course not. Did I make weird noises while reading it when crazy things happen – yes, yes I did.

The art in this book goes along wonderfully with the story – it really adds a whole other level to the telling by showing the events, which sometimes you don’t need words for.

I did enjoy the discussion of the entire plant system under our feet. Trees definitely talk to each other. Shoot, the smell of freshly cut grass is the grass telling others around it danger is coming! It’s a crazy unheard world around us.

Overall, this is something I can see myself recommending to loads of people – especially can see this on book lists for Earth Day for sure!