A poignant modern classic of enduring love, processing loss, and the power of memory. Dreamlike and epic, The Buried Giant is an odyssey through ArthuA poignant modern classic of enduring love, processing loss, and the power of memory. Dreamlike and epic, The Buried Giant is an odyssey through Arthurian legend on the surface, retelling the intrigue of war, mythical encounters and magic; however, it is a tender look at a love surviving grief and illness at its core. It is an examination of the devastating blow of the loss of a child, the strength of denial of said loss, and the ways that we try to make sense of the absence, to try and rebuild a life forever changed. It is a powerful tribute to the partners we choose in life, with whom we see the best and the worst of the human experience, the journey we take together; it is a sobering look at when the path diverges, when reality sets in, when it is time to say goodbye. Clever, deeply moving, and multifaceted, this is a fantasy that hits to the real love and hurt that we feel. ...more
A riveting gothic novel that exposes the true to life horrors of systematic oppression and covered up injustices. With beguiling, atmospheric language that slowly builds discomfort and dread, this novel is not only an impactful ghost story, but an unfortunately recognizable social horror that can be found in contemporary lgbtq and feminist issues. From medical abuse to the personal and institutional ways that people are made to feel monstrous for living authentically, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a deeply relatable portrayal of fighting to live one’s truth amongst a society that will do anything to force people into premade boxes. Horror aside, this is also a love story; it is a tale of self love, of finding love and family in unexpected places, a love of pursuing passions and breaking free of past trauma. Sharp, honest, and a lore filled interpretation of a history that closely mirrors the present....more
A genre-bending modern classic that vividly explores a reimagined history in which vampires and humans war for supremacy. Moody, atmospheric, and withA genre-bending modern classic that vividly explores a reimagined history in which vampires and humans war for supremacy. Moody, atmospheric, and with the stylistic writing of a vintage thriller, Anno Dracula is a sweeping character study in corruption, desire, and navigating the line between morality and justification. It begs the question: what does it mean to be alive? Is life worth living when it goes on forever? Who decides what is evil, and who has the right to be the enforcer of good? Clever and filled with nods to historical horror and crime figures, this novel is a puzzle of so many fascinating pieces. An essential reads for any fan of vampire lore. ...more
A whimsical journey into the Mayan underworld that examines feminism, tradition, and coming of age. With intriguing characters and compelling quests, A whimsical journey into the Mayan underworld that examines feminism, tradition, and coming of age. With intriguing characters and compelling quests, this YA adventure is a modern fairy tale which invokes the best from both past and present, human and godly. Casiopea and Hun-Kamé make a fascinating duo, as they explore what it means to be human, what makes a fleeting life worthwhile, what is the toll of immorality. A fun novel that brims with culture and charm. ...more
A compelling mythical saga of one girl who is tasked with creating and destroying a city of dreams. Told in Rushdie’s flowing, colorful prose, VictoryA compelling mythical saga of one girl who is tasked with creating and destroying a city of dreams. Told in Rushdie’s flowing, colorful prose, Victory City is a tale of human failure and triumph, of love and anger, of equality and injustice; it is a chronicle of what propels us forward and what holds us back, what makes us live authentic lives, and what sends us to the next with regrets. The world building is expansive and the discussions reflective and immersive: what would you do if you were given the ability to build an empire? Would you do it all the same knowing that the pride of others will burn it down? A fantasy standalone that is filled with real world lessons. ...more
A wonderfully immersive fantasy epic that brings together magic, chaos, and feminine power. Through incredible worhttps://instagram.com/p/CrlLeTgraT5/
A wonderfully immersive fantasy epic that brings together magic, chaos, and feminine power. Through incredible world building, layered, authentic characters, and a chilling prophecy come to pass, the Priory of the Orange Tree delivers a cinematic and enthralling story that is filled with action, emotion, and leaves the reader eager for more. Each storyline is carefully crafted, coming together to form a picture that is as vibrant as it is gratifying. This novel attests to the hold that legacy has over societies, how the past is so often misremembered for the benefit of those in power, how stories are both a blessing and a curse, and how the courage to do the right thing in a world that is set in its ways is incredibly difficult to summon, but worthwhile. My only complaint is that I wished for more; this is a world with so many more stories to tell, especially regarding its rich dragon lore and it’s extensive past, uncertain future. A completely pleasing adventure perfect for beginners and lovers of fantasy....more
An intimate and imaginative interpretation of generational trauma, memory, grief, and the idea of a homeland. The Deep expertly discusses the complex An intimate and imaginative interpretation of generational trauma, memory, grief, and the idea of a homeland. The Deep expertly discusses the complex relationship between present day and history, which is so often made to silence those who have been oppressed. It is a rewriting of generations of words buried, songs stifled, and is a love letter to preserving those voices. It is a statement on belonging, on making home where the heart and memories meet. A mystical novella with a very real core. ...more
Bizarre and funny, this classic Children’s tale is an ode to the magic that stories give life. A larger than life adventure filled with memorable charBizarre and funny, this classic Children’s tale is an ode to the magic that stories give life. A larger than life adventure filled with memorable characters, Haroun and the Sea of Stories is fun and wholesome for readers of all ages, and is vastly imaginative. ...more
A charming coming of age that shimmers with magic. Told through the mystical view of a found family struggling to protect the world’s fading magic, thA charming coming of age that shimmers with magic. Told through the mystical view of a found family struggling to protect the world’s fading magic, the Magician’s Daughter is a journey that is both cinematic and pensive. Filled with imagination and brimming with curiosity, Biddy is a protagonist that encourages us to look for little miracles and sparks of spells wherever we go. This is a story fit for historical and fantasy fans alike, blending two genres into an adventure that opens up an entire world of lore and secrets. ...more