The Bone Door
by Frances White
The Bone Door is a haunting new dark fantasy/horror novel about a boy who awakes with no memories of who he is and how he got to the mysterious labyrinth he is in. He picks up a found family of other youth as he tries to escape. This story was much darker than I originally expected and those who are sensitive to violence, especially against children, may find this book very intense. However, the violence is not simply gratuitous, but is used to look at themes of overcoming one’s prescribed destiny and situation of birth. Though the story is edgy, it overall brings with it a sense of hope that darkness, even the internal kind can be overcome. If you enjoy The Bone Door you can also check out Frances White’s debut, Voyage of the Damned.
The Teller of Small Fortunes
by Julie Leong
The Teller of Small Fortunes is a charming story about a lonely fortune teller and the found family of friends: an apprentice baker, a reformed thief, and a ex-mercenary looking for his daughter that she meets along her journey. In the story the fortune teller, Tao, is living in is a Fantasy World similar to our own; although it is given a different name in the story many of the details about the main characters birthplace seem similar to China; the author lived in Beijing as a teen. Those who themselves moved to another country in their youth and the children of immigrants will see themselves in Tao’s struggles with reconciling the two worlds she belongs to, that of her current home and the place and culture she was born into. The story also explores the importance of good friendships and ways to build bridges between estranged biological family members. This story will appeal to those who are fans of Legends and Lattes. If you enjoy The Teller of Small Fortunes, you can also check out Leong’s The Keeper of Magical Things.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Public Library Blog 