Welcome to our Hidden Gems series, where we uncover extraordinary books that deserve more attention. Today, we’re diving into a spellbinding world inspired by Eastern European folklore with Temeraire author Naomi Novik’s Uprooted. Book Details Title: Uprooted Author: Naomi Novik Publication Date: 2015 Genre: Fantasy Book Summary In the quiet village of Dvernik, nestled at […]
Akata Woman by Nnedi Okorafor is the stunning finale to the mystical Nsibidi Scripts trilogy that blends African folklore, and Nigerian culture/ traditions with contemporary life. Themes of friendship, identity, and personal growth take center stage, as Sunny and her Leopard Knocks friends navigate complicated magical politics and face immense battles. The world-building resonates with […]
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins This is another thrilling YA novel that features a dangerous competition. The Hunger Games are a fight to the death between young people from different districts, and the story is full of danger, suspense and well-drawn characters. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater If you like Stiefvater’s writing […]
Genevieve Gornichec’s debut novel The Witch’s Heart is the enthralling story of the witch Angrboda, mother of Jormungandr, Fenrir, and Hel. The story is an excellent blend of Norse mythology, magical realism, and fantasy elements. Gornichec’s writing style is descriptive and evocative, bringing to life the story of a woman oft only seen as the […]
Child of a Mad God is the first in a new series by RA Salvatore, the writer who introduced us to the drow ranger Drizzt Do’Urden. Set in the world of Corona, a world made familiar in the Demon Wars Saga, this book explores lands far from Honce-the-Bear, in a time after said wars. […]
****TRIGGER WARNINGS: focus on death, suicidal thoughts, drowning, PTSD/ phobias, paranoia, homicide, mental/ physical/ emotional abuse. Five years after a terrible accident nearly killed Olivia, she returns to her childhood home to visit old friends, and to face her fears. The Summer I Drowned by Taylor Hale weaves together elements of a mystery, a psychological […]
In The Tiger at Midnight, first in a same-name trilogy by Swati Teerdhala, Esha, known as the Viper, sneaks into the Blood Fort, a major Jansan stronghold, and assassinates the feared General Hotha. Several elite soldiers are tasked with tracking down the Viper and returning the assassin for punishment. The reward is being named Commander […]
Poignant and bittersweet, Magyarody’s Changeling of Fenlen Forest is a magical tale like the fairytales and folk legends of yore. You will find no ‘happy ever after’ ending. Instead, you’ll find deep life lessons about following your heart and trusting your intuition. And that life’s not always fair. When Elizabeth is but a young child, […]
The Scorpion’s Lullaby by Juliet Vane was a fast-paced and engaging heroine’s journey. Joella is a member of a group called the Scorpion Raiders, who ride massive scorpions through the jungles of their land, raiding caravans and pillaging villages. Joella’s mum encouraged her to train from a young age so she could join the Raiders, […]
Jaclyn and the Beanstalk by Mary Ting turned the tale of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ on its head. Jaclyn lives with her mum and dad on their isolated farm. She knows how to wield a sword, thanks to her father. When he, and several companions, set out to take care of some monsters terrorising the […]
