Books matching: contemporary fantasy
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- #1
Save:In "Legendborn," Tracy Deonn creates a modern retelling of the Arthurian legend intertwined with Rootwork magic. The story follows Briana Matthews, who, after the sudden death of her mother, discovers a hidden world of magic and secrets at UNC Chapel Hill. As Bree delves into the Order of the Round Table, she uncovers manipulated memories, faces challenges of grief and racial issues, and navigates the complexities of a secret society tied to her mother's death. With compelling characters, intricate world-building, and a blend of Arthurian folklore and contemporary themes, the book explores themes of loss, strength, and the power of knowing one's history.
The book is praised for its well-crafted plot that gradually builds tension and intrigue, leading readers on a captivating journey filled with action, magic, and emotional depth. Tracy Deonn's writing style is described as balanced, engaging, and thought-provoking, seamlessly weaving together elements of Arthurian legends, magic systems, and social issues to create a unique and immersive reading experience.
His shout sends sleepy birds flying overhead. The sound echoes against the rock face that borders the Eno Quarry. Flashlights track his flailing body, all windmilling arms and kicking legs, until he h... - #2
Save:In Lisa Goldstein's wonderful contemporary fantasy The Uncertain Places, protagonist Will Taylor looks back on the events that occurred after his college roommate Ben introduced him to Livvy Feierabend in 1971. Will is smitten with Livvy, Ben is smitten with Livvy's sister Maddie. The consequences of decisions made in such places are forever. There's good fortune, to be sure, but it comes at a price, one that Will doesn't want Livvy to pay. The Feierabend sisters' world is vague in all the secret ways magic and boundary areas are vague, and that makes them all the more plausible and delightful. Will and Ben slowly discover that stories they always believed were just stories might be more than that.
IT WAS BEN AVERY who introduced me to Livvy, Livvy and her haunted family. This was in 1971, when Ben and I were sophomores in college. A lifetime ago, another world, but it seems like I can still rem... - #3
Save:'Libriomancer' by Jim C. Hines follows the story of Isaac Vainio, a librarian who possesses the unique ability of libriomancy, allowing him to reach into books and extract objects from their pages. As Isaac gets entangled in a conflict between vampires and the secret organization he works for, he must use his skills to uncover the orchestrator of the conflict. With the help of a fire spider named Smudge and a dryad named Lena Greenwood, Isaac navigates a world where books hold magical potential, leading to a thrilling urban fantasy adventure filled with action and fantastical elements. The book is praised for its imaginative premise of drawing items from books, intricate world-building, and engaging storytelling that blends humor with fast-paced action.
SOME PEOPLE WOULD SAY it’s a bad idea to bring a fire-spider into a public library. Those people would probably be right, but it was better than leaving him alone in the house for nine hours straight.... - #4
Save:Valiant follows the story of Val, a teenage girl who runs away to New York City after being betrayed by her mother and boyfriend. In the city, she befriends other runaways and delves into a world filled with fairies, trolls, and magical creatures. The book portrays a gritty urban fairy tale with dark undertones, exploring themes of betrayal, drug addiction, and the complexities of relationships. The writing style is described as intense, dark, and immersive, drawing readers into a world that is both fantastical and dangerous.
Valiant is praised for its originality, engaging plot, and well-developed characters. The book is considered a sophisticated sequel to the previous novel, Tithe, showcasing the author's depth of understanding of the imaginary world she has created. Readers appreciate the urban fantasy setting, the exploration of moral ambiguity, and the intricate relationships between the characters. The blend of real-world issues with fantastical elements adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read for both young adult and adult audiences.
Valerie Russell felt something cold touch the small of her back and spun around, striking without thinking. Her slap connected with flesh. A can of soda hit the concrete floor of the locker room and r...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Modern Faerie Tales ) - #5
Save:"Mind Over Magic" by Lindsay Buroker is a contemporary fantasy novel that follows Morgen Keller, a woman who inherits her grandmother's house only to discover that she has inherited witch abilities as well. As she delves into her grandmother's secrets, Morgen teams up with Amar, a werewolf living on the premises, to uncover the truth behind her grandmother's murder. The story is filled with mystery, humor, and a touch of romance, set in a small US town where witches, werewolves, and magical creatures coexist.
- #6
Save:Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay is a modern fantasy novel set in Provence, France, where a 15-year-old boy named Ned becomes entangled in a centuries-old story involving Celtic and Roman mythology. Ned, accompanied by his photographer father, encounters mysterious strangers and is drawn into a tale of magic, love, and ancient rituals. The book weaves together elements of history, mythology, and family dynamics, creating a captivating narrative that merges modern-day teenagers with supernatural forces.
The writing style in Ysabel is described as lyrical and immersive, with a blend of realism and subtle hints of the supernatural. Guy Gavriel Kay's ability to infuse modern settings with mythic themes and historical depth adds a unique layer to the story. The book explores themes of time, history, and narrative resonance, as Ned navigates a world where ancient legends intersect with contemporary life, leading to a compelling and mysterious journey.
Ned wasn’t impressed. As far as he could tell, in the half-light that fell through the small, high windows, the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral of Aix-en-Provence was a mess: outside, where his father’s team ... - #7
Save:Wings of Ebony follows Rue, a strong and relatable protagonist, as she navigates the challenges of being a young black woman living in Houston, TX, and later in Ghizon, a hidden island filled with people who can use magic. Rue's journey involves uncovering the truth behind her mother's death, bridging the gap between her two worlds, and embracing her true identity to save her home. The story is fast-paced, rich in color and culture, and delves into themes of colonization, cultural appropriation, systemic racism, and oppression, all with a paranormal twist.
Up all night, I watched the sun rise like a traitor to the chill set in my bones. A yawn scratches at my throat, but my lungs refuse to breathe. Any moment Tasha will step out, her tie-dye drawstring ... - #8
Save:Black Water Sister by Zen Cho is a contemporary fantasy novel set in Malaysia, following the story of Jess, a reluctant lesbian medium who moves back to Malaysia with her parents. Upon her return, she starts hearing the voice of her dead grandmother, Ah Ma, and gets entangled in a world of gods, ghosts, and vengeance. The book explores themes of displacement, family dynamics, cultural identity, and the supernatural, all wrapped in a compelling narrative with elements of horror and humor. Cho's writing style is described as beautifully written, with depth of character, intricate world-building, and dynamic conflict resolution.
The ghost said it to shock. Unfortunately it had failed to consider the possibility that Jess might not understand it. Jess understood most of the Hokkien spoken to her, but because it was only ever h... - #9
Save:Envy of Angels follows the journey of Lena and Darren as they venture into the world of Sin du Jour, a unique catering company with a clientele that includes demons and hellspawn. The novella combines urban fantasy elements with a culinary twist, offering a fast-paced and quirky storyline filled with dark humor and imaginative characters. Matt Wallace's writing style is described as distinctive and refreshing, with a touch of chaos and a hint of madness that keeps the reader engaged throughout the surreal adventure.
Inside one is a meticulous arrangement of medical supplies, bandages, syringes, and various scrip bottles. Inside the other is an even more meticulously arranged collection of occult objects ranging f... - #10
Save:'Shadowshaper' by Daniel Jose Older follows the story of Sierra Santiago, a young Black and Puerto Rican girl who discovers the magical ability of shadow shaping, which allows her to channel spirits of the dead into objects she creates. As Sierra delves deeper into her newfound powers, she uncovers a plot to kill the last remaining Shadowshapers, leading her on a journey to unravel the mystery behind the murders while navigating her cultural heritage and family connections. Set in Brooklyn, New York, the book blends urban fantasy with elements of cultural folklore, art, and commentary on issues such as racism, sexism, and cultural appropriation. The writing style is praised for its engaging dialogue, strong sense of place, and the way it seamlessly integrates themes of identity, family, and empowerment.
“Yeah.” Sierra looked back at the mural. She hadn’t been making it up: a single tear glistened at the corner of Papa Acevedo’s painted eyes. The tear wasn’t moving — of course it wasn’t moving: It was...
