Magic! Political intrigue! Genies! The first book of the Daevabad trilogy sets up a rich and complex society. Nahri, the protagonist, is a talented con woman who uses palm reading and sleight of hand to swindle Ottoman nobles. During an exorcism in Cairo, she summons a djinn warrior named Dara, and sets out on a journey with him to discover her true identity. Incredibly immersive and beautifully written, with twists and turns going so often that you’re never sure who you’re rooting for. (Check out the sequel, Kingdom of Copper as well! The third book in the trilogy, Empire of Gold, is expected out early 2020.)
The second book in the Pandava series is even better than the first, action packed and full of twists and turns. Aru gets blamed for the theft of the god of love's bow and arrow, which has been warped and is now turning men into heartless zombies. To redeem herself and clear her name, Aru must go get the bow and arrow herself. Another middle-grade mythological novel that fans of all ages are sure to enjoy!
Silvia Moreno-Garcia takes a deep dive into Mayan mythology and sets an incredible fairy tale-like story against a gorgeous background of late 1920s Mexico. This story follows a bold young girl, Casiopea, daughter of a single mother, who is treated as little more than a slave by her extended family. However, she uncovers a dark family secret and is bound by the Lord of Death to go on an adventure with him to recover what his brother stole from him. Beautifully written, with an incredibly bright and bold heroine who's sure to be a new feminist icon!
When author Alex London described this book as “murderbirds ripping out the guts of the patriarchy,” I was instantly intrigued. Black Wings Beating builds a society revolving around falconry, where they catch birds of prey, train them, sell them, use them as weapons, messengers, companions, and guides. The story centers on twins Brysen and Kylee. Brysen wants to be a great trainer, but lacks the raw skill. Kylee is immensely talented with falconry but wants nothing to do with it. When Brysen impulsively signs up for a quest to hunt down and capture the great Ghost Eagle, Kylee follows him to ensure he stays safe. A beautiful story of love, both romantic and familial, with queer and feminist representation done beautifully.
The sequel to THE HANDMAID'S TALE is a driving, action-packed novel that is very different in vibe from its predecessor, but just as good. Margaret Atwood weaves together the narratives of three different women towards the end of the reign of Gilead. We have Agnes, a young woman who has been raised in Gilead; Daisy, who was raised outside of Gilead and is now infiltrating the country as part of the resistance; and the infamous Aunt Lydia, who tells a dual narrative of present day Gilead versus the rise of the Sons of Jacob and how she came to her role of power within the oppressive rule of Gilead. Readers will be entranced by each narrative, all seamlessly blended together with Atwood's signature style and panache. A must read for all!
This incredible novel takes on the stories and pressure of what it’s like to compete at the Olympic level for one of the most competitive sports in the world. Protagonist Audrey Lee has made it onto the Olympic team for gymnastics, just one year after what should have been a career ending back injury. However, external circumstances, including a scandal with a teammate, a horrific accusation against a coach, and her budding romance with the head coach’s son means that Audrey has much more than Olympic medals on the line. Perfect for any fan of gymnastics, women’s empowerment, and stories of survival!
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a husband!” With those words from heroine Alys, Soniah Kamal lets us know that her modern reimagining of Elizabeth Bennett is just as plucky and courageous as the original. This novel takes the critical lens that Jane Austen used in her Regency era and applies it to early 2000s Pakistan in much the same way, ripping open classist and sexist viewpoints that imbue the overly conservative end of the culture. The romance of the strong, independent woman and the dark, brooding man is brightened by the beautiful backdrop of South Asia, and the characters dance off the pages, incredibly unique despite being adaptations. Couldn’t put this down!
The mastermind behind the well loved middle grade series Artemis Fowl brings his signature wit and humor to this adult fantasy novel about Vern, the last dragon alive, a vodka-drinking, Flashdance obsessed loner who gets mixed up in a murder case when he accidentally saves a human from a crooked cop. The human Squib strikes a deal with Vern - he'll keep his secret and fetch him supplies in exchange for his life. But the cop is hot on both of their trails and they're heading for a swampy showdown. Colfer continues to be a master character builder and the king of snark. This was a literal laugh out loud, hurt my ribs kind of book!
If you’re looking for a fluffy, happy, easy contemporary romance to read, this is not your book. The depth and heart and soul in this book is incredible, with characters dealing with hard, everyday, realistic tragedy and surviving and finding love in spite of major life issues.