Fantasy

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!

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic / Breanne Randall

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The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

By: Breanne Randall

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Number of Pages: 322

Published: September 19, 2023

Publisher: Alcove Press

Dates Read: December 16, 2023 - December 20, 2023

Format: Library Book / Audiobook / Paperback

Ever since Sadie Revelare was told about her four heartbreak curse that accompanies her magic, she’s never doubted the price wouldn’t be worth it. But when Gigi, her grandmother, is diagnosed with cancer and only has weeks to live, and her first heartbreak, Jake, returns after being gone for a decade, Sadie’s life feels like it’s unraveling and her magic can’t fix it. Even more, upon hearing about Gigi’s diagnosis, Sadie’s estranged twin brother, Seth, returns as well, uncovering family secrets that will tear her world apart.

Gigi has been the backbone to the Revelare family for generations, and with her death, Sadie must try with everything she’s got, to not only keep her family together, but her magic as well. As her feelings for Jake begin to respark, Sadie must decide if love is more important than her magic.

I don’t actively go about reading romance books, but this had the tagline “for fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls” and I decided to give this a shot. I absolutely called the ending pretty early into the book, especially once everything was established. Though I was a little confused about Sadie’s curse… I still am to be honest. Also – witches who go to a christian church? What?

Overall, the book was okay. The premise of it was excellent, but it fell short for me.

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

Rose Wolves / Natalie Warner

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Rose Wolves
By: Natalie Warner
Genre: Graphic Novel, Children’s
Number of Pages: 80
Published: May 11, 2020
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Dates Read: November 22, 2023
Format: eBook

In this wordless graphic novel, a little girl picks an unusual flower from a bush in the forest. Overnight, the flower blooms and turns into a rose wolf, missing a leg just like the little girl is missing an arm. Together, the duo must go on a journey to find where they belong.

I love me a wordless graphic novel – so when I saw this on my library’s Hoopla, I immediately checked it out without even looking at the description (I already loved the artwork on the cover). I did NOT need to get teary eyed at nine o’clock in the morning!

This is so cute! And adorable!

The art is simple and easy to follow and of course, there are no words to it – just a heart in a speech bubble and a few “!”.

Overall, I’ll be recommending this book to others who enjoy just a cute, cozy, quick graphic novel read (I already did for three coworkers this morning).

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night / Amélie Wen Zhao

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Song of Silver, Flame Like Night
By: Amélie Wen Zhao
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Number of Pages: 480
Published: January 3, 2023
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Dates Read: November 8, 2023 - November 13, 2023
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Lan has always had a strange mark burned into her arm by her dying mother – a mark that only she can see, until one night, a boy who saves her, can see it; Zen. Zen’s a practitioner – one of the fabled magicians of the Last Kingdom. Their magic is rumored to have been drawn from the demons they communed with and now must be hidden from the Elantians at all costs.

Both Lan and Zen have secrets buried deep – ones they must hide from others and ones they must still discover themselves. Both hold the power to liberate their land – or to destroy the world.

I originally tried reading this a while ago and couldn’t get into it right then – it’s a heavy fantasy, with an a-mazing world building. When I first read it, I couldn’t place myself in the world. Quite a few months later, I was able to get ahold of the audiobook from my library and listen to it. That’s where I fell into the world fast.

This book reads, to me, like an epic movie. I could see all the fight scenes perfectly, the mood was easily set and understandable. But, again, this may be a series where I listen to the audiobooks of them because there was so much info dump to get you set into the world and the scenes that, to me, I was able to visualize a little better when I heard it, rather than when I saw it.

This is the first book of a series though, so it gets to have the info dumps. I’m still excited to read the second book in the series and have already put a hold of it at the library.

Overall, this is a wonderful fantasy book based in Chinese Folklore and Mythology that I can see a great deal of readers enjoying – especially those who really like to get dropped into a world totally unlike ours currently.

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