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"Stories don't care who takes part in them. All that matters is that the story gets told, that the story repeats." ~ from Terry Pratchett's Witches Abroad
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| The House of Shattered Wings by Aliette de BodardHistorical Fantasy. In the smoldering ruins of Paris, devastated by supernatural war, Fallen angels have created a hierarchical system of Houses through which they rule what's left of the city. House Silverspires reigns supreme until its founder vanishes, leaving a power vacuum that rival Houses are only too eager to fill. Restoring Silverspires to its former glory will depend on the actions of four individuals: House leader Selene; drug-addicted alchemist Madeleine; Vietnamese immortal Philippe, neither angel nor fully human; and newly Fallen angel Isabelle, who possesses raw talent to rival that of founder Morningstar. Lush and atmospheric, this historical fantasy novel boasts detailed world-building and complex, flawed characters. |
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| Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen ChoHistorical Fantasy. Born a slave, Zacharias Wythe has just been appointed England's new Sorcerer Royal -- much to the dismay of the socially conservative Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, who are already plotting to oust him from his post. But Zacharias has more urgent problems, including a dwindling national supply of magic and strained diplomatic relations with the Faerie realm. Unexpected assistance arrives in the form of fellow outsider Prunella Gentlewoman, an orphaned witch of uncertain origins and immense power. Set in a magical version of Great Britain during the Napoleonic Wars, this 1st book in the Sorcerer Royal series may appeal to fans of Mary Robinette Kowal's Glamourist Histories. |
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| The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth DickinsonEpic Fantasy. When Baru Cormorant is just seven years old, the Empire of Masks conquers her small island home of Taranoke, imposing Masquerade law while destroying Taranoki culture. Determined to gain enough power and influence to liberate her people from colonial rule, Baru excels in school and joins the Masquerade civil service. Although she hopes for an assignment in the capital city of Falcrest, Baru is instead appointed Imperial Accountant to the remote region of Aurdwynn to deal with its 13 seditious, squabbling dukes. Fans of Katherine Addison's The Goblin Emperor should appreciate this intricately plotted novel with its conflicted protagonist, extensive and detailed world-building, and knotty political intrigue. |
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| The Murdstone Trilogy by Mal PeetContemporary Fantasy. Philip Murdstone's critically acclaimed young adult novels have just one flaw: they're not being read by young adults. The reason, according to his agent, is that Philip isn't giving readers what they want: fantasy, a genre he neither likes nor understands. Convinced that his career is over, Philip goes to the pub to drown his sorrows. After that, things get a bit hazy, but in his drunken state he either has a vision or actually strikes a Faustian bargain with the creature Pocket Wellfair, who dictates the first part of an epic fantasy saga, promising to reveal the rest in exchange for one little thing... This darkly humorous novel gleefully satirizes both the fantasy genre and the publishing industry. |
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| Menagerie by Rachel VincentDark Fantasy. Delilah Marlow never had any reason to suspect she wasn't human until a visit to Metzger's Menagerie incited an unexpected transformation, revealing Delilah to be a cryptid. As a nonhuman, Delilah no longer has civil rights or legal protections of any kind. Worse, her family and friends abandon her, leaving her no choice but to become a sideshow attraction and thus a prisoner of the Menagerie. With its vivid, disturbing depictions of abuse and exploitation of vulnerable characters, this dark fantasy may not be to everyone's taste. However, fans of Anne Bishop's Courtyards of the Others series -- which also presents an alternate world in which supernatural beings must fight for their rights or die trying -- may enjoy this moody series opener. |
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| The Witches of Echo Park by Amber BensonUrban Fantasy. When Lyse MacAllister's beloved great-aunt Eleanora receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, she appoints Lyse as her successor in the Echo Park coven of witches. With only three months to live, Eleanora must teach Lyse all that she knows in the hope that Lyse and the rest of the coven will be able to defeat an ancient evil known as the Flood, which is bearing down on them. If you enjoy this fast-paced 1st installment of the Witches of Echo Park series, keep an eye out for the forthcoming sequel, The Last Dream Keeper. |
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| The Witch's Daughter by Paula BrackstonHistorical Fantasy. Elizabeth Hawksmith has spent much of her 384 years fleeing Gideon Masters, the warlock who made her immortal and taught her magic. Beginning in 1628, when Elizabeth becomes Gideon's apprentice in exchange for his protection from the local Witchfinder, the story -- related by Elizabeth to her own apprentice -- follows her numerous attempts to create an independent life for herself while evading the ruthless, possessive Gideon, who doggedly pursues her across the centuries, convinced that they are soul mates. So far, Elizabeth has succeeded in staying one step ahead, but she can't run forever. Can she? Must she? |
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| A Discovery of Witches: A Novel by Deborah HarknessRomantic Fantasy. Although she's descended from two of New England's most prominent witch families, historian Diana Bishop renounced magic after her parents were murdered. Unfortunately, she won't be able to deny her powers for much longer. When she comes across an enchanted manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian library, every supernatural being on earth sits up and takes notice --including the seductive Matthew Clairmont, a 1,500-year-old vampire who steps in as her protector, despite the age-old emnity between their respective clans. Combining mystery, Gothic suspense, and paranormal romance, this genre-bending series continues with Shadow of Night and The Book of Life. |
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| Dead Witch Walking by Kim HarrisonUrban Fantasy. "It takes a witch to catch a witch," explains Rachel Morgan, who users her talents to apprehend unlicensed magic practitioners in the supernatural part of Cincinnati known as the Hollows. Fed up with the thankless, dead-end assignments provided by her employer, Interlander Security, Rachel intends to set up her own bounty-hunting business. Unfortunately, the only way to "retire" is to die on the job -- the solution favored by her former boss, who puts out a hit on her. Dead Witch Walking is the 1st book in author Kim Harrison's popular Hollows series, which includes 14 full-length novels as well as numerous short stories. |
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| Witches Abroad by Terry PratchettHumorous Fantasy. Rival fairy godmothers Desiderata Hollows and Lady Lilith de Tempscire have radically different destinies in mind for their godchild Emberella, a servant girl of Genua who will one day marry a prince (or not, if Desiderata has her way). Although Desiderata's sudden death suggests that Lilith's love of happily-ever-after (no matter what) will prevail, an emergency intervention on the part of witches Magrat Garlick, Granny Weatherwax, and Nanny Ogg ensures that nothing goes to plan -- anyone's plan. Although it's the 12th book in the late Terry Pratchett's phenomenally popular Discworld series, Witches Abroad stands on its own. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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