Recently arrived fantasy fiction
In modern day London where magic is hidden beneath the surface of everyday life, Anna, a young woman who works in a bookstore, discovers that she is a witch and is drawn into a world of dark magic and ancient conspiracies. Forced to conceal her magic, she and her coven must find a way to protect themselves as a dark force rises. A sequel to Threadneedle.
Read for: urban fantasy, supernatural London, thread based magic systems, found family, coming of age
Loosely inspired by the myth of Persephone, this lushly realised historical/magical realism novel is set in a reimagined ancient West Africa, where Òdòdó, a young blacksmith, shunned for her sex and profession, becomes the wife of a warrior king. As she navigates the complex and dangerous world of the Yorùbá court, Òdòdó must learn to adapt, strategize, and challenge the societal norms that have confined her. A rich and cleverly nuanced read.
Read for: political intrigue, morally grey female leads, West African mythology, low fantasy
Anahrod, a skilled dragon rider, is drawn into a high-stakes adventure when a group of cunning misfits recruits her to steal from a dragon's hoard in the cloud cities. As she navigates the treacherous skies and deadly politics, Anahrod must confront her past and decide where her loyalties truly lie.
Read for: queer romance, diverse characters, spice, action fantasy
When they were small, Rafe and Jeremy vanished on a school trip to the West Virginia wilderness, only to reappear six months later with no memory of their experiences. Now, as adults, Rafe is a reclusive artist struggling with trauma of his lost time, while Jeremy is a missing persons investigator. When another young person vanishes in the same woods, Jeremy is drawn back to the seen of the mystery. Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lost Story deftly mixes fantasy, adventure and coming-of-age.
Read for: imaginary places, fairy tales, princesses, good vs evil
A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
When is a gift not a gift? Aubry is just a spoiled nine year old girl when an impulsive decision casts her into the path of a wrathful hex. Cursed to always be on the move, unable to stay in one place for more than a few days, unable to make relationships or put down roots, her journey is a whirlwind of breathtaking sights and hidden horrors, revealing a universe far more vast and mysterious than she ever imagined. A beautiful story of magic and exploration for those who loved The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.
Read for: adventure, magical libraries, closed door romance, inter dimensional travel
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
Marigold doesn't fit into her artistically talented family, so when her Grandmother offers to train her as the next 'honey witch', she jumps at the chance. The isolated island of Innisfree is the perfect location for anyone who doesn't like crowds, but when grumpy magic skeptic Lottie turns up on Marigold's doorstep, Marigold must decide where her future lies.
Read for: witchy magic, cottage core, sapphic romance, bees
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
Seokga, the trickster God has fallen from the pantheon after a failed coup attempt on his brother's throne. Hani is a gumiho, a fox shapeshifter in hiding after she committed mass murder over 100 years ago. Fate brings the grumpy god and the sprightly fox together after an evil monster from the never realms stalks the city killing all in its wake. A fun and fast paced romp through Korean mythology with just a bit of spice.
Read for: grumpy sunshine, plenty of tropes, gods and monsters, Korean mythology
Voyage of the Damned by Frances White
Ganymedes Piscero is a young man with a knack for getting into trouble. After being falsely accused of a crime he finds himself aboard the infamous cruise ship Leviathan. But when the heir to a magical kingdom is murdered, and others start dying like flies, Ganymedes must use his quick wit and charm to uncover the killer before they strike again.
Read for: locked room mystery, humour, queer romance, rooting for the underdog.
