|
|
|
|
| Higher Magic by Courtney FloydDorothe Bartleby has one last chance to pass her qualifying Magic exams after an anxiety attack ended her first attempt. When she accidentally creates a skull named Anne that reveals a horrible secret about the fate of disabled students at the academy, Dorothe has to team up with another mage candidate and trust her own skills to save her career and the institution of magic itself.
Review: "This debut academia fantasy will "charm anyone who's had to fight for their place in higher education." ~ Library Journal |
|
| The Summer War by Naomi NovikFurious at her beloved brother for leaving home, musically gifted Celia had no way of knowing her childish curses at him would doom him to a life without love. Celia desperately searches for a way to undo her mistake, until she uncovers a centuries-old secret about the immortal beings known as the summerlings.
For fans of: magical curses, suspense, and in-depth worldbuilding as found in The Prince Without Sorrow by Maithree Wijesekara. |
|
| Conform by Ariel SullivanIn the far future, humans are subject to the whims of the elusive Illum, a group of technologically advanced beings. Emeline spends most of her days sorting ancient art for destruction and waiting for her turn at Mate selection...until she is chosen as a Mate for an Illum named Collin, the first time an Illum has chosen a human Mate in years.
For fans of: intricately plotted dystopian romances such as Dani Francis' Silver Elite. |
|
|
|
Rings of Fateby Melissa de la CruzForced into an uneasy alliance, Aren and Dietan must unravel a mystery buried in legend, outwit a power-hungry usurper, and survive magic that's turning against them both. And somewhere between dodging assassins and sharing too many fireside glances, Aren starts to wonder if her more might include the one thing she swore she didn't want.
For fans of: Sophie Jordan, Callie Hart and Carissa Broadbent.
|
|
|
|
Twelve Months by Jim ButcherButcher shifts gears in his emotional 18th urban fantasy featuring professional wizard Harry Dresden (after 2020’s Battle Ground), focusing on the character’s struggles, over the course of one year, to come to terms with recent devastating events. These include the deaths of tens of thousands of Chicagoans, massive infrastructure damage, Dresden’s expulsion from the White Council of Wizardry, and the murder of his significant other, Karrin Murphy. If that wasn’t enough, Dresden finds that he has another loved one at risk: his half brother Thomas, who is battling a malevolent possessing spirit.
Review: "The high-stakes plotlines keep the pages turning as rapidly as ever, but this installment’s greatest strength lies in its exploration of Dresden’s mental state as his resilience is tested as never before. It’s not the ideal jumping-in place for newcomers, but those invested will appreciate this more intimate, and ultimately more optimistic, outing for Dresden." ~ staff, Publishers Weekly
|
|
|
|
Poison Fruit by Jacqueline CareyA slick lawyer in Pemkowet, MI, is buying up property, and Daisy Johanssen (half-demon agent of the Norse goddess Hel) is tasked with uncovering what purpose he has in town and whom he represents. Her investigation is diverted by a predatory creature of the fae who feeds on nightmares, literally scaring one poor person to death. As the liaison between Hel and Pemkowet, Daisy is responsible for managing any supernatural dangers to the human residents, but the distractions of two very different men in her life make it difficult for her to do her job.
Review: "This third urban fantasy series outing (after 2013's Autumn Bones) is the opposite of Carey's epic fantasies (Kushiel's Dart), but it is light and fun. With Daisy's romantic triangles, she will appeal to readers who miss Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse. The small-town setting and variety of inhuman creatures keep things lively." ~ Megan M. McArdle, Library Journal
|
|
|
|
Kagen the Damned by Jonathan MaberryKagen Vale is the trusted and feared captain of the palace guard, charged with protection the royal children of the Silver Empire. But one night, Kagen is drugged and the entire imperial family is killed, leaving the empire in ruins. Haunted and broken, Kagen becomes a wanderer, trying to take down as many of this enemies as possible while plotting to assassinate the usurper, the deadly Witch-king of Hakkia. To exact his vengeance, Kagen must venture into strange lands, battle bizarre and terrifying creatures, and gather allies for a suicide mission into the heart of the Witch-king's empire.
Review: "It feels as though Maberry had a hell of a lot of fun writing the book, working his own variations on traditional fantasy themes and tropes, and readers are sure to have a lot of fun reading it. Volume two can’t come soon enough." ~ David Pitt, Booklist
|
|
|
|
The Poison Prince by S. C. EmmettThe crown princess has been assassinated, reigniting tensions between her native Khir and the great Zhaon empire. Now her lady-in-waiting, Komor Yala, is alone in a foreign court, a pawn for imperial schemes. To survive and avenge her princess, Yala will have to rely on unlikely allies, like the sly Third Prince and the war-hardened general who sacked her homeland. But as the Emperor lies upon his deathbed, the palace is more dangerous than ever before -- for there are six princes, and only one throne.
Review: "Emmett’s worldbuilding is sophisticated and captivating in this second installment, hinting at a larger culture even as the novel remains narrowly focused on the petty intrigues of the court." ~ staff, Publishers Weekly
|
|
|
|
The Foxglove King by Hannah WhittenLore is a young woman who escaped from a subterranean cult and now works as a poison-runner on the streets of Dellaire while concealing her forbidden Mortem, or death magic, from the authorities. Captured by the Presque Mort, who serve the Sainted King, Lore must spy on the king's heir with the aid of her assigned bodyguard Gabe, a disgraced monk.
Why you might like it: This opening installment of the Nightshade Kingdom series offers courtly intrigue, a sinister state religion, and a complex love triangle.
|
|
|
|
The Apothecary's Poison by C. J. ArcherWhen a newspaper report of a medical miracle catches Matt's eye, he and India go in search of Dr. Hale in the hope he is more magical doctor than miracle worker and can lead them to Chronos. But Hale turns out to be an apothecary magician keen to educate the public about magic. Their disappointment at not finding Chronos is soon forgotten when Hale is murdered, and Matt becomes a suspect. With Matt's nemesis Sheriff Payne influencing the investigating detective, India and Matt know they must find the real killer, or risk his freedom, and ultimately his life.
This steampunk mystery is ideal for fans of Lilith Saintcrow, Jim Butcher and Josiah Bancroft.
|
|
|
|
Hollow Empire: A Poison War Novel
by Sam Hawke
Poison was only the beginning.... The deadly siege of Silasta woke the ancient spirits, and now the city-state must find its place in this new world of magic. But people and politics are always treacherous, and it will take all of Jovan and Kalina’s skills as proofer and spy to save their country when witches and assassins turn their sights to domination.
This epic fantasy adventure is perfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Naomi Novik, and Scott Lynch.
|
|
|
|
Hemlock & Silver
by T. Kingfisher
Healer Anja regularly drinks poison. Not to die, but to save—seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on. But a summons from the King interrupts her quiet, herb-obsessed life. His daughter, Snow, is dying, and he hopes Anja’s unorthodox methods can save her. Aided by a taciturn guard, a narcissistic cat, and a passion for the scientific method, Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. That is, until she finds a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. This dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick. Or it might be the thing that kills them all.
Featuring a unique "Snow White" retelling with amusing dialogue, relatable and likable characters, and a strangely magical mirror world, Kingfisher's (A Sorceress Comes To Call) latest is another engaging read. ~ Kristi Chadwick, Library Journal
|
|
Contact your librarian for more great books!
|
|
|
Forsyth County Public Library
660 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
336-703-2665forsythlibrary.org |
|
|
|
