Fantasy
Mort : a novel of Discworld
Pratchett, Terry.
SCIENCE FICTION Pratchett, Terry
Fantasy, Humor, Science Fiction
"Mort," a Discworld novel, follows the story of Mort, a young man who becomes Death's apprentice. While initially enjoying the perks of the job (free board, a horse, and the ability to avoid being dead), Mort's interference with fate, particularly for his love of Death's adopted daughter, Ysabell, leads to chaos and ultimately, a challenge to Death himself.
Warm bodies : and, The new hunger
Marion, Isaac, 1981- author.
FICTION Marion Isaac
Dystopian, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Science Fiction
"Warm Bodies," by Isaac Marion, tells the story of R, a zombie who experiences an unusual connection with a human girl named Julie, leading him to question his existence and ultimately, the nature of humanity and the world around them.
(For those who miss "Santa Clarita Diet") Who would have thought that the gory charm, dark humor, and suburban chaos would make "Santa Clarita Diet" such a fan favorite? While the show may be gone, Isaac Marion's novel captures that same quirky, offbeat spirit. This oddly endearing novel delivers the brain-eating thrills -- while also offering a surprisingly heartfelt look at the undead's struggle with morality, identity, and everyday life. -Madison C
Cloud atlas
Mitchell, David (David Stephen)
FICTION Mitchell, David
Dystopian, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction
"Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell is a genre-defying novel that weaves together six interconnected stories spanning centuries, from the 19th century to a distant post-apocalyptic future. Through its layered structure, the book explores how individual lives impact one another across time, highlighting recurring themes of power, freedom, and the consequences of human actions. It's a mediation on the interconnectedness of humanity and the enduring struggle between oppression and resistance.
(For those who miss "Sense8") If you're longing for the emotional intensity, global scope, and mind-melding magic of "Sense8," here is a book that captures the essence of what made the show unforgettable. Spanning continents, centuries, and souls, David Mitchell's novel is a literary journey through time and self that captures the heart of what made "Sense8" notable. -Madison C
The rook : a novel
O'Malley, Daniel.
SCIENCE FICTION O'Malley, Daniel
Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
In this supernatural spy thriller, Myfanwy Thomas - a woman with amnesia - discovers she's a high-ranking member of a secret British organization called the Chequy, which is dedicated to protecting the world from supernatural threats. She must uncover a traitor within the Chequy who stole her memories, all while battling dangerous supernatural entities and navigating her own newly acquired, and potentially deadly, ability.
(For those who miss "Inside Job") If you miss "Inside Job's" chaotic energy, satirical bite, and wild deep dive into conspiracy theories, Daniel O'Malley's novel will be sure to fill the void. With dark humor, a secret supernatural government agency, and just enough absurdity to make you question if anything is real, "The Rook" is will satisfy any "Inside Job" fan left adrift! -Madison C
The ladies of the secret circus
Sayers, Constance, author.
SCIENCE FICTION Sayers Constanc
Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Paris, 1925: To enter the Secret Circus is to enter a world of wonder--a world where women weave illusions of magnificent beasts, carousels take you back in time, and trapeze artists float across the sky. Bound to her family's circus, it's the only world Cecile Cabot knows until she meets a charismatic young painter and embarks on a passionate affair that could cost her everything. Virginia, 2004: Lara Barnes is on top of the world, but when her fiancé disappears on their wedding day every plan she has for the future comes crashing down. Desperate, Lara's search for answers unexpectedly lead to her great-grandmother's journals. Swept into a story of a dark circus and ill-fated love, secrets about Lara's family history come to light and reveal a curse that has been claiming payment from the women in her family for generations. A curse that might be tied to her fiancé's mysterious fate.
(For those who miss "Carnivàle") If you miss the eerie, magical brilliance of Carnivàle, Constance Sayers' novel, "The Ladies of the Circus" is a worthwhile substitute! Blending dark magic, buried family secrets, and a mysterious traveling circus, this story weaves a tale of love, loss, and legacy. Fans of the show will be sure to appreciate this novel's blend of supernatural intrigue and haunting atmosphere. -Madison C
The long way to a small, angry planet
Chambers, Becky, author.
SCIENCE FICTION Chambers Becky
Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction
One of Becky Chambers' most famous novels, "The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet" follows Rosemary Harper as she joins the diverse, multi-species crew of the aging spaceship "Wayfarer," seeking a fresh start. When the crew takes on a high-risk job to punch a tunnel to a distant, politically unstable planet, they embark on a long journey through deep space. Along they way, they encounter strange planets, interspecies tensions, personal revelations, and moments of found-family warmth.
(For those who miss "Firefly") Cancelled over 20 years ago, "Firefly" fans still talk about this show's unjust cancellation. After its ill-fated 11-episode airing, many fans were left with several unfinished storylines. To help fill that Serenity-sized hole in your heart, this novel is sure to deliver on the found-family charm, snappy dialogue, and underdog spirit embodied by Firefly, all while delivering tons of heart. -Madison C
The bear and the nightingale : a novel
Arden, Katherine, author.
SCIENCE FICTION Arden, Katherine
Fantasy, Historical Fiction
In a village at the edge of the wilderness of northern Russia a stranger with piercing blue eyes presents a new father with a gift - a precious jewel on a delicate chain, intended for his young daughter. Uncertain of its meaning, Pytor hides the gift away and Vasya grows up a wild, willful girl, to the chagrin of her family. But when mysterious forces threaten the happiness of their village, Vasya discovers that, armed only with the necklace, she may be the only one who can keep the darkness at bay.
(Into the Woods I Go!) Step into an enchanted forest where Slavic folklore comes alive. Katherine Arden's fantasy novel is a spellbinding tale filled with mischievous spirits, ancient magic, and fairy-tale wonder. It's a great read for anyone looking to get lost in a story as wild, dark, and timeless as the forest itself. -Madison C
The River Has Roots
Amal El-Mohtar
OverDrive Audiobook
Fiction, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
"In the small town of Thistleford, on the edge of Faerie, the mysterious Hawthorn family tends the willow trees there. For as long as anyone can remember, the Hawthorns have paid tribute to the willow trees, honouring an ancient compact to sing to them in thanks for their magic. None, though, have taken up this calling more devotedly than the family's latest daughters, Esther and Ysabel, who cherish each other as much as they cherish the trees. But when Esther rejects a forceful suitor in favour of a lover from the land of Faerie, not only the sisters' bond but also their lives will be at risk"--
El-Mohtar's writing is every bit as lyrical as it was in "This is How You Lose the Time War." I think my only criticism of this story is that I wish there was more of it! I want to continue to explore the grammar of this world. I want to specifically recommend the audio book because this novella is full of songs and music, and the audio book performances are wonderful. -Chelsea
Moon bear
Clare Helen Welsh
jE Welsh
Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Animals, Art / Art History
"In this enchantingly illustrated, almost wordless picture book, a story of courage and creativity unfolds when a girl who is afraid of the dark meets a magical moon bear who is afraid of the light."
This ursa is majorly gorgeous! Carolina T. Godina's picture book illustrator debut is a stunner. -Casey
The salt grows heavy
Cassandra Khaw
FICTION Khaw Cassandr
Fiction, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
"You may think you know how the fairytale goes: a mermaid comes to shore and weds the prince. But what the fables forget is that mermaids have teeth. And now, her daughters have devoured the kingdom and burned it to ashes. On the run, the mermaid is joined by a mysterious plague doctor with a darkness of their own. Deep in the eerie, snow-crusted forest, the pair stumble upon a village of ageless children who thirst for blood, and the three "saints" who control them. The mermaid and her doctor must embrace the cruelest parts of their true nature if they hope to survive"--
A strange and monstrous queer love story, perfect for pride month! -Chelsea
(For those who miss "Pushing Daisies") If you're missing the whimsical -- if slightly morbid -- charm of "Pushing Daisies," Terry Pratchett's novel might just be the cure to fill that pie-scented void left from its cancellation. This novel has the same dry humor, quirky scenes, and life-after-death levity that made the show so memorable! -Madison C