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The Unwilling : a novel
by
Kelly Braffet
What it's about: An orphan girl raised alongside the heirs of Lord Elban in the great house beyond the wall discovers from a Magus that there is more to her story than she ever thought possible.
For fans of: Katherine Arden, Patrick Rothfuss and Jacqueline Carey.
Review: "Suspenseful, magical, wonderfully written, and never predictable, Braffet's first foray into speculative fiction is an essential addition to all epic-fantasy collections." ~ Lynnanne Pearson, Booklist
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Peace Talks: a Dresden Files novel
by
Jim Butcher
What it's about: Joining the White Council's security team to help facilitate peace among hostile supernatural nations, wizard Harry Dresden is confronted by manipulative political forces that threaten all of Chicago.
Series alert: Book 16 in the Dresden Files
Review: "The action-packed cliffhanger ending promises a confrontation of epic proportions in the forthcoming Battle Ground (scheduled for September). The release of back-to-back Dresden Files books is the treat readers need right now." ~ Lucy Lockley, Booklist
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Dragon Unleashed
by
Grace Draven
What it's about: A dragon shapeshifter and a healer with power over the earth fight a corrupt empire in this thrilling and deeply emotional romantic fantasy.
For fans of: Nalini Singh, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Mercedes Lackey.
Review: "This is a pleasing entry in the Fallen Empire series (Phoenix Unbound, 2018), with plenty of adventure, drama, and whirlwind romance along with a satisfyingly epic and world-changing final set piece." ~ Regina Schroeder, Booklist
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Rule by Rowenna Miller What it is: The conclusion of the Unraveled Kingdom series, after Torn and Fray.
Starring: Sophie Balstrade, milliner, charm caster, and reluctant revolutionary, who fights for the Reformist side in Galitha's ongoing civil war alongside both her brother and her fiancé.
Read it for: a compelling heroine, an atmospheric setting reminiscent of Revolutionary France, weaponized magic, and copious political intrigue. | |
Wicked : the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West : a novel
by
Gregory Maguire
What it's about: Set in an Oz where a morose Wizard battles suicidal thoughts, the story of the green-skinned Elphaba, otherwise known as the Wicked Witch of the West, profiles her as an animal rights activist striving to avenge her dear sister's death.
Review: "[Elphaba's] journey along this road is a captivating, funny, and perceptive look at destiny, personal responsibility, and the not-always-clashing beliefs of faith and magic. Save a place on [your] shelf between Alice and The Hobbit." ~ Kirkus Reviews
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All the Ever Afters : the untold story of Cinderella's stepmother
by
Danielle Teller
What it's about: A re-imagining of the classic fairy tale, presented from the stepmother's perspective, traces her escape from a life of harsh
Starring: Agnes, a clever, compassionate, and ambitious servant who spends decades gradually improving her position, progressing from laundry girl to alehouse owner to nurse until she becomes a lady herself.
Review: Fairy-tale aficionados will adore Teller’s complex, touching retelling of this classic story of womanhood, perseverance, and familial love, in which she strikes an ideal balance between familiar and fresh. ~ Biz Hyzy, Booklist
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Grendel
by
John Gardner
What it's about: The Beowulf story retold from the monster's point of view reveals the darker side of human nature and values. The monster Grendel expresses his isolation and loneliness in a dark and bleak northern world.
For fans of: Lev Grossman, Salman Rushdie and Naomi Novik
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The Beast's Heart
by
Leife Shallcross
What it's about: A retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in 17th-century France is told by the Beast himself, who has been given one last chance at reclaiming his old life when the beautiful Isabeau agrees to spend a year with him.
For fans of: Naomi Novik, Tanith Lee and Brandon Sanderson
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Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister
by
Gregory Maguire
What it's about: A retelling of the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, told from the point of view of one of the ugly stepsisters, turns the entire legend around in a thoughtful look at what it means to be beautiful.
Review: "The narrative is both "magical," as in fairy tales, and anchored in the reality of the 17th century, an astute balance of the ideal and sordid sides of human nature in a vision that fantasy lovers will find hard to resist." ~ Publishers Weekly
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Heartless
by
Marissa Meyer
What it's about: A stand-alone prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, written by the best-selling author of the Lunar Chronicles, follows the story of the Queen of Hearts, whose talent for baking and love for a mysterious court joker conflict with her mother's ambitions to make her a queen.
Aware winner: YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults of 2017
For fans of: Sarah J. Maas, Neil Gaiman and Sarah Henning
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Sea Witch
by
Sarah Henning
What it's about: Rendered an outcast after the death of her best friend, a guilt-stricken girl from a small fishing town befriends an offshore newcomer and together they pursue romances with two charming princes before her friend's aquatic identity comes to light.
Review: "Though the characters and dialogue are sometimes more old-fashioned and other times more modern, this spin on The Little Mermaid is full of plot twists and heart-in-throat action. Fans of twisted fairy tales will find plenty to love." ~ Maggie Reagan, Booklist
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Forsyth County Public Library 660 W 5th Street Winston Salem, North Carolina 27101 336-703-3030www.forsythlibrary.org |
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