Siri Pettersen, Sian Mackie, Paul Russell Garrett
[isbn]
A refreshing take on Norse-inspired fantasy with no Vikings or Thor sightings to speak of! Instead we have Hirka, a girl without a tail with a secret past that could destroy the magic of her world, and we have Rime, the boy she grew up with who will do anything to protect her. Plus, ravens! Don't let the young adult categorization dissuade you — this is a fantasy that adult readers will enjoy just as much as teens.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Sue Lynn Tan
[isbn]
Based on Chinese mythology, the immortal world of the Celestial Kingdom is absolutely entrancing, as is Xingyin's journey from servant to celebrated archer of the royal army. It's a story about love and lies and just how far she's willing to go to free her mother from banishment.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Mara Rutherford
[isbn]
Just like the mysterious folk on the island, this book will put a spell on you. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric. Secrets unravel slowly and to surprising ends. The two main characters, Leelo and Jaren, are both so kindhearted, but that doesn't stop them from making devastating mistakes.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Roshani Chokshi
[isbn]
Set in 1800s Paris, treasure hunter Severin enlists a crew to help him steal magical artifacts from a secret society. It's Dan Brown meets Six of Crows with intriguing puzzles, high stakes, and a dynamic and diverse ensemble cast. Chokshi delivers lush prose to craft a world that's both glittering and gritty.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Samantha Shannon
[isbn]
In this quasi-medieval world, East and West are at odds — the East reveres their water dragons and their dragon riders, while the West hates all dragons after one of the wretched, fire-breathing ones nearly destroyed the world. There’s a large cast of endearing characters, but the hearts of the story are Ead, lady-in-waiting to the queen, and Tané, dragon-rider in training, both harboring dangerous secrets. The Priory of the Orange Tree... (read more)
Recommended by Carly J.
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Jay Kristoff, Bon Orthwick
[isbn]
The sun has fallen behind perpetual shadow, vampires are roaming free, and half-vampire bastard Gabriel de Leon is drafted to the order of silver saints — legendary vampire hunters. I wasn't sure about this 700-page beast (another vampire book!?), but the storytelling is top-notch, the world building imaginative, and the characters wonderfully nuanced. It's dark and bloody, but also romantic and beautiful. This book will suck you right in (pun... (read more)
Recommended by Carly J.
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Everina Maxwell
[isbn]
Swoon-worthy queer sci-fi romance, perfect if you want to yell at your book "just kiss already!" This isn't your sweeping space opera, but has plenty of political intrigue, a murder mystery, and the arranged marriage trope at its finest. This story will grab you until the very end.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Shea Ernshaw
[isbn]
Oregonian author Ernshaw has a way of fully drawing you into the world of her story, where you can smell the trees and feel the dirt on your toes. I loved both her YA novels and was equally spellbound by her adult debut. This book is so artfully woven, each chapter pulling the threads, picking at a knot, carefully unraveling the story to reveal its secrets. What happened to Maggie St. James?
Recommended by Carly J.
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Tahereh Mafi
[isbn]
A Persian-inspired, Cinderalla-esque tale with sumptuous prose and fiery characters you'll fall hard for! (I adored the witty banter between the Alizeh and Kamran). With all the beautiful clothes and scrumptious food, I didn't want to leave this world.
Recommended by Carly J.
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Tricia Levenseller
[isbn]
Ziva sounds like your typical heroine — a talented bladesmith who forges magical weapons — except she also suffers from severe social anxiety. To keep one of her blades out of a ruthless warlord's hands, Ziva flees with the help of her sister, a scholar, and a super sexy mercenary. Both her inner and outer journeys are so compelling — probably because I could relate to her mental turmoil SO MUCH. The characters and representation in this book are... (read more)
Recommended by Carly J.
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Nicki Pau Preto
[isbn]
I actually read this whole trilogy in 2021 and was thoroughly obsessed with it from start to finish. The world-building is top-notch, the characters are so compelling, and I loved every point of view that was introduced (a rarity for me). These books are that perfect blend of heart-pounding action and heartbreaking personal stakes that I need to really fall in love with a story, and this final installment was so satisfying. Secrets, sibling... (read more)
Recommended by Carly J.
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Nicki Pau Preto
[isbn]
Phoenix. Riders. Why hasn't this been done before?! I was instantly hooked by this world and its compelling characters. Fans of Throne of Glass will be swept away by the high stakes, personal and political intrigue, and the swoon-worthy romance. The whole trilogy is released, so sit down and prepare for an awesome ride!
Recommended by Carly J.
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Andrea Stewart
[isbn]
With its unique bone shard magic, diverse characters, mysterious creatures (both cute and creepy), The Bone Shard Daughter is the fresh take on epic fantasy I didn't know I needed so badly. Intense personal stakes are balanced by just the right amount of humor to have me voraciously devouring this book!
Recommended by Carly J.
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