The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune

The book is lovely, actually. There is magic, but there are no Heroes-Capital-H, just the everyday heroism of everyday people being brave outside their comfort zones. It’s a book about belonging, courage, found families, and what it means to live life fully. It was exactly what I needed, and it touched me. It’s well written, in simple ways that are easy to overlook, and it has a dry humor that I appreciate. I am very glad i read it, and very glad it came to me just now. 

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

This ended up in my hands courtesy of the 14 year old, who pressed it to me and said “you have to read it.” And of course I read it. It’s pretty nice, as modern fantasy goes, actually. The first in the Folk of the Air series.

The Hum and the Shiver By Alex Bledsoe

This book has a wonderful premise, and then the writing by Bledsoe is just so sophomorically bad that it is painful. 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

2025

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

2022

The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

2018

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

2019