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| City of Broken Magic by Mirah BolenderIntroducing: the Sweepers, the (downsized) emergency response unit that protects the city of Amicae from magical "infestations."
What happens: Apprentice Sweeper Laura struggles to learn the ropes of a difficult and dangerous job while dealing with a demanding boss.
For fans of: the industrialized fantasy setting of Max Gladstone's Craft novels, the inventive amulet-centered magical system of Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive. |
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| The Mortal Word: An Invisible Library Novel by Genevieve CogmanWhat it is: the 5th installment of the Invisible Library series.
Starring: dimension-hopping librarian-spy Irene Winters, tapped to investigate the assassination of a diplomat; Irene's former apprentice, dragon prince Kai; and their friend, Great Detective Peregrine Vale.
For fans of: Doctor Who, Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series, and Jodi Taylor's The Chronicles of St. Mary's novels. |
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| The Monster Baru Cormorant by Seth DickinsonWhat happens: Baru Cormorant continues her quest to bring down the Masquerade (i.e. the Imperial Republic of Falcrest) in this sequel to The Traitor Baru Cormorant.
Contains: High-stakes politics and a complex protagonist who will sacrifice everything -- and everyone -- to achieve her goals.
For fans of: Kameron Hurley's Worldbreaker saga, another intricately plotted epic fantasy series whose marginalized characters must navigate a treacherous world of courtly intrigue. |
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The Winter of the Witch : a novel
by Katherine Arden
What happens: Vasilisa Petrovna, a girl determined to forge her own path in a world that would rather lock her away, finds herself beset by the Grand Prince of Moscow on one side and a demon determined to spread chaos on the other. With the fate of both worlds resting on her shoulders, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures.
Series alert: Conclusion of the Winternight Trilogy.
For fans of: Juliet Marillier's Shadowfell trilogy, another capitivating epic fantasy series whose main charactor must hide her magical abilities from an oppressive king and finds aid in the most unlikely places in order to save Alban.
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| Senlin Ascends by Josiah BancroftWhat it's about: For their honeymoon, schoolmaster Thomas Senlin takes his new bride Marya to the Tower of Babel. When they get separated, Thomas must ascend the Tower's "ringdoms" to get her back.
Is it for you? To its classic hero's journey, this allegorical fantasy adds intricate Kafka-esque scenarios and Steampunk-inflected world-building.
Series alert: Originally self-published, this debut is the 1st installment of a planned four-book series; book 2, Arm of the Sphinx, is available now. |
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| The Tethered Mage by Melissa CarusoWhat it's about: When Lady Amalia Cornaro places a magical jess (restraint) on rogue fire warlock Zaira, she becomes a Falconer and Zaira, her rebellious Falcon. Now the Serene Empire of Raverra depends on their ability to work together.
Why you might like it: The Tethered Mage offers a well-drawn setting reminiscent of the Republic of Venice and spirited heroines caught up in the power struggle between its various factions.
Series alert: This opening installment of the Swords and Fire series continues with The Defiant Heir. |
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| What Should Be Wild by Julia FineMeet: Maisie Cothay, whose touch can kill the living and resurrect the dead. Raised by her anthropologist father, Maisie grows up in almost total isolation -- as well as total ignorance of her unusual family history.
Is it for you? Although the premise is reminiscent of TV's Pushing Daisies, the tone of this Gothic-tinged modern fairy tale is decidedly darker.
Want a taste? "Still, I killed my father three times before the age of eight, and caused the demise of over a dozen small animals." |
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| Wonderblood by Julia WhickerIn a (post-apocalyptic) world... where Disease has decimated the human population, the doctrine of Wonderblood has produced a nomadic "carnival" culture that revolves around ritual beheadings.
What happens: Taken captive by sadistic self-styled "True King" Mr. Capulatio, adolescent Aurora is forced to accompany him to the "holy city" of Cape Canaveral as his chosen Queen.
Want a taste? "When they rode, they took severed heads with them, in canvas sacks, in saddlebags, and set them out wherever they stopped..." |
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Torn
by Rowenna Miller
What its about: Sophie is a dressmaker who has managed to open her own shop and lift herself and her brother, Kristos, out of poverty, securing a commission from the royal family itself. Meanwhile, Kristos rises to prominence in the growing anti-monarchist movement. Their worlds collide when the revolution's shadow leader takes him hostage and demands that Sophie place a curse on the queen's Midwinter costume -- or Kristos will die at their hand.
Series alert: First book in the Unraveled Kingdom series.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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