Books matching: fantastical creatures
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- #1
Save:Things in Jars by Jess Kidd is a Victorian supernatural mystery following Bridie Devine, a flame-haired detective in London, as she investigates the kidnapping of a strange and supernatural child. With the help of her unusual entourage including a seven-foot housekeeper and the ghost of a tattooed boxer, Bridie navigates through a dark and atmospheric world filled with folklore, oddities, and mysteries from the past.
The narrative of Things in Jars shifts between two timelines, exploring Bridie's investigations into the missing child as well as her complex relationships with her companions. Set in a magical realism version of Victorian England, the book weaves together elements of myth, anatomy, and specimen collecting, creating a richly atmospheric tale that delves into the supernatural while maintaining a compelling mystery at its core.
The raven levels off into a glide, flight feathers fanned. Slick on the rolling level of rising currents and down-draughts, she turns her head, this way and that. To her black eye, as black as pooled ... - #2
Save:'Monster' by A. Lee Martinez is a humorous fantasy novel that follows the adventures of Monster, a pest control agent for cryptobiological creatures, who teams up with Judy, a night shift worker at a local food mart, to contain a sudden influx of mythological creatures in a mundane suburbia. As they unravel the mystery behind the appearance of these cryptos, they discover a connection to the fate of the universe and a sinister cat lady. The book is described as a fun and light-hearted read, filled with dry humor, quirky characters, and fantastical elements that blur the line between the mundane and the extraordinary. The plot is engaging and action-packed, with a writing style that balances absurdity with mundanity, making even the most outrageous scenarios feel relatable.
The thing was big and white and hairy, and it was eating all the ice cream in the walk-in freezer. Four dozen chewed-up empty cartons testified that it had already devoured half of the inventory and i... - #3
Save:"Moon Called" by Patricia Briggs follows the story of Mercy Thompson, a Volkswagen mechanic who is also a shapeshifter able to transform into a coyote. Living in a small town in Washington state, Mercy navigates her life while trying to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring groups of werewolves and vampires. When a newly turned werewolf seeks her help, Mercy gets entangled in a complex intrigue involving the politics of various supernatural creatures in the area. Despite some clumsy exposition at times, readers are drawn into an alternate world with a captivating mix of characters and engaging storytelling.
Mercy's character is portrayed as a strong, relatable, and likable protagonist who faces challenges and mysteries within a world populated by werewolves, vampires, and faeries. offers a unique blend of paranormal elements, fast-paced action, and intriguing relationships, setting the stage for a series filled with supernatural adventures and unexpected twists.
I didn’t realize he was a werewolf at first. My nose isn’t at its best when surrounded by axle grease and burnt oil—and it’s not like there are a lot of stray werewolves running around. So when someon... - #4
Save:'If I Ran the Zoo' by Dr. Seuss is a whimsical children's book that follows the story of a young boy named Gerald McGrew who, unsatisfied with ordinary zoo animals, embarks on a fantastical journey of imagination to create his own unique menagerie. The book is filled with Dr. Seuss's trademark rhymes, tongue-twisting names for animals and places, and colorful illustrations that bring Gerald's imaginative world to life. Despite the controversy surrounding its publication status, the book is cherished by many for its celebration of childhood creativity and the power of unlimited imagination.
- #5
Save:The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Jonathan Snipes, William Hutson, and Daveed Diggs is a novella that delves into the concept of a mermaid society descended from pregnant African slaves who were thrown overboard during the slave trade. The story follows the protagonist, Yetu, who carries the memories of her people's traumatic past, struggling with the burden of remembering while the rest of her society chooses to forget. Through poetic and beautifully written prose, the book explores themes of memory, history, trauma, and the conflict between personal preservation and community duty.
“Then wake up,” Amaba said, “and wake up now. What kind of dream makes someone lurk in shark-dense waters, leaking blood like a fool? If I had not come for you, if I had not found you in time…” Amaba ... - #6
Save:'The Book of Imaginary Beings' by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short entries on mythical creatures from various cultures worldwide. The book provides brief but interesting descriptions of these creatures, sparking the reader's imagination. Despite the lack of illustrations, Borges' writing style is engaging and allows readers to create mental images of the mythical beings.
The book offers a unique perspective on mythical creatures, focusing on the historical background rather than storytelling. Borges' deep knowledge of the subject shines through, making it a valuable addition to any monster enthusiast's collection. Readers can enjoy picking up the book for light reading and exploring random entries that catch their interest, making it a fun and informative experience.
- #7
Save:In "His Majesty's Dragon," author Naomi Novik presents an alternate history during the Napoleonic Wars where dragons play a crucial role in warfare. The story follows Captain Will Laurence, who unexpectedly becomes a dragon rider after capturing a French ship carrying a dragon egg. Laurence forms a deep bond with the dragon, Temeraire, as they navigate through the challenges of joining the British Aerial Corps and fighting alongside each other in aerial battles. The book seamlessly blends elements of historical fiction with fantasy, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and adaptation to new circumstances.
THE DECK OF the French ship was slippery with blood, heaving in the choppy sea; a stroke might as easily bring down the man making it as the intended target. Laurence did not have time in the heat of ... - #8
Save:Over Sea, Under Stone is the first book in The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper. The story follows the Drew children on a holiday in Cornwall where they stumble upon an ancient map leading to a quest for a powerful artifact in the fight against the forces of evil. The book intertwines elements of the Arthurian legend with a tale of good versus evil, as the children find themselves caught in a battle that spans ages. The writing style is described as engaging for both children and adults, with a mix of mystery, fantasy, and adventure that keeps the reader intrigued.
The plot of Over Sea, Under Stone is seen as a mix of a children's adventure story and a mystery with Arthurian overtones. The characters, including the Drew siblings and their mysterious uncle, are engaging and relatable, drawing readers into a world filled with secrets, action, and suspense. The book sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing readers to a world where ancient legends and modern-day children intersect in a quest for hidden treasures and the ultimate battle between light and darkness.
Barney hopped from one foot to the other as he clambered down from the train, peering in vain through the white-faced crowds flooding eagerly to the St Austell ticket barrier. “Oh, I can’t see him. Is... - #9
Save:In "Magic Bites" by Ilona Andrews, readers are introduced to Kate Daniels, a strong and tough mercenary living in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta where magic and technology alternate in dominance. Kate's investigations lead her to battle psychotic creatures, navigate complex power dynamics between different supernatural factions, and uncover dark mysteries that threaten the fragile balance of her world. The writing style is described as dark and intense, with detailed world-building that seamlessly blends elements of magic and technology, creating a unique and captivating urban fantasy setting.
The plot follows Kate as she delves into a series of gruesome killings, facing necromancers, werewolves, vampires, and other mystical beings along the way. The story moves at a fast pace, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with thrilling action scenes and unexpected twists. Kate's character is praised for her strength, wit, and relatability, adding depth to the narrative as she navigates the challenges of her dangerous and unpredictable environment.
I SAT AT A TABLE IN MY SHADOWY KITCHEN, STARING down a bottle of Boone’s Farm Hard Lemonade, when a magic fluctuation hit. My wards shivered and died, leaving my home stripped of its defenses. The TV ... - #10
Save:'Rosemary and Rue' is the first book in the 'October Daye' urban fantasy series by Seanan McGuire. The story follows October Toby Daye, a changeling who is half human and half fae, as she navigates a world of supernatural creatures in San Francisco. Toby is a private investigator who gets pulled into solving a murder mystery after being cursed and forced back into the fae world. The book explores themes of identity, betrayal, and resilience as Toby faces challenges and dangers while trying to uncover the truth behind the murder.
The writing style in 'Rosemary and Rue' is a blend of urban fantasy and mystery with a focus on fae folklore and mythology. The plot is filled with twists and turns, featuring a flawed but strong protagonist who must overcome personal struggles and physical obstacles to solve the mystery. The book sets the stage for a richly detailed world where the fae coexist with humans, offering a fresh take on familiar fantasy tropes.
THE PHONE WAS RINGING. Again. I turned my attention from the rearview mirror and glared at the cellular phone that lay jangling in my passenger seat next to a bag of Fritos and one of Gilly’s coloring...
