Tag Archives: fantasy

Sensational Speculative Fiction: Heaven’s Graveyard and Wildflower

16 Jun

Heaven’s Graveyard
by Grace Curtis
Heaven’s Graveyard is an intriguing historic fantasy mystery. In the story Coda or Cod as she prefers to go by is an archeologist working far from the place of her birth, which she left behind along with her childhood love, Lark, after a family scandal. When she receives a message from an old friend promising revelations about a mythic heroine, that she always believed may have been a real person, Cod rushes home despite war brewing in the surrounding lands, only to discover that he has passed away under what she believes are mysterious circumstances. Now she must discover what happened to him as well as the truth of what he unearthed. I loved Heaven’s Graveyard even more than Curtis’s novel The Floating Hotel, which I had previously enjoyed. Like her previous work, this one is filled with quirky characters and unique worlds. Curtis is becoming an author to follow for me.

Wildflower
by Becky Jenkinson
Wildflower is the new debut fantasy novel by Becky Jenkinson set in a world plagued by a dark magical blight. The main character in the story, Felicity has been cursed since birth that she can only speak the truth. Her best friend Card is about to marry Prince Bastion, the son of the Queen who often requires Felicity to help ferret out the veracity of gossip in her kingdom. Felicity knows that the last person she should be drawn to is Will, Prince Bastions ex-best friend and possible source of the blight plaguing the land, but when he helps her find some rare flowers, she can’t help but feel something blossoming. This story will appeal to those who enjoy romantasies filled with diverse characters including strong LGBTQ representation and political intrigue. Fans of this story might also want to check out Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore and A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon for more floral magic filled romantasies.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Fantastic Fantasies: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous and Samantha Spük: Paranormal Wedding Planner

2 Jun

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous
by Autumn K. England
Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous is a charming cozy fantasy tale by Autumn K. England who has also written works under the name M.K. England. Oakland Nettlewood wanted to learn magic, but unfortunately the group they joined turned out to be a cult, whose leader, the Enchantrix, used mind control to force followers to do horrible things including murder. Now that the cult has been defeated, Oakland is attempting to turn over a new leaf and settle into farming and perhaps even form some friendships in the quaint town of Mossley’s Rest. The last thing they want to do is to use magic, but the ghost of the farm’s former owner has other ideas. The novel will especially resonate for those who have struggled to create a new path for themselves and/or are dealing with past trauma. Oakland’s love interest is also dealing with her own issues of grief, guilt and reinvention. Another of the characters is dealing with burn out and all are recovering from the losses that occurred due to the battles with the Enchantrix.
Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous will also appeal to those looking for stories set in a queernormative world; Oakland use they pronouns and though it is mentioned several times about their wearing of a chest binder, their gender identity is never discussed or questioned by any of the world’s inhabitants. If you enjoy this story you might also want to check out Violet Thistlewaite is not a Villain Any More which also focuses on rehabilitated magic user.

Samantha Spuk: Paranormal Wedding Planner
by Aleese Lin
Since childhood, recent graduate, Samantha “Sabby” Spuk has only ever wanted to be boringly normal which she thinks her new job as an accountant will allow, but when her grandmother passes away and names Sabby her will’s executioner, the supernatural comes raging back in to her life in the form of temporary jobs as a wedding planner to creatures such as vampires along with a “pet” talking human head, and a manic pixie assistant. As kooky as Sabby’s experiences are, the desire to break free from one’s family is one many new adults will find relatable. There is a bit of romance from the mysterious Hanry, who is also aware of the supernatural world, but claims to be fully human. Samantha Spuk: Paranormal Wedding Planner, Aleese Lin’s debut novel, is full of “spuky” fun and will appeal to those looking for light, funny urban fantasy escapism. If you enjoy this story you may also want to check out MaryJanice Davidson’s Undead/Queen Betsy Vampire series that has a similar humorous urban fantasy vibe.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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