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Books matching: fantastical settings

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Knife Thrower and Other Stories by Steven Millhauser
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    The Knife Thrower and Other Stories by Steven Millhauser is a collection of twelve unusual stories that delve into themes of imagination, magic, and the human experience. The stories present absurd and fantastic premises, such as a knife thrower who pushes his art to the limit, a man marrying a big frog, and young girls gathering in darkness for mysterious reasons. The writing style is described as seamless and clear, with a focus on slow-paced meditations on unusual concepts and aspects of being human, rather than traditional story structures like beginnings, middles, and endings.

    WHEN WE LEARNED that Hensch, the knife thrower, was stopping at our town for a single performance at eight o’clock on Saturday night, we hesitated, wondering what we felt. Hensch, the knife thrower! D...

  2. #2
    Dead Witch Walking
    Book 1 in the series:The Hollows

    Dead Witch Walking - The Hollows by Kim Harrison
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    'Dead Witch Walking' by Kim Harrison is an urban fantasy novel that introduces readers to Rachel Morgan, a witch who decides to leave the Federal Inderlander Service to become an independent bounty hunter with her vampire co-worker Ivy and pixy friend Jenks. The story is set in a world where a virus has wiped out a large portion of humanity, allowing supernatural beings like witches, vampires, and pixies to come out of hiding. As Rachel navigates the dangers of her new career, she faces threats from her former employer and must find a way to pay off a death note placed on her head.

    The book is praised for its imaginative world-building, complex characters, and fast-paced action. Readers appreciate the addition of fey characters and the unique setting in Cincinnati, where humans and supernatural beings coexist. Despite some initial challenges with pacing and character development, the story quickly picks up speed and keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot and dynamic interactions between the characters.

    I stood in the shadows of a deserted shop front across from The Blood and Brew Pub, trying not to be obvious as I tugged my black leather pants back up where they belonged. This is pathetic, I thought...

  3. #3
    Magic Bites
    Book 1 in the series:Kate Daniels

    Magic Bites - Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews
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    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 ...

  4. #4
    Darkfever
    Book 1 in the series:Fever

    Darkfever - Fever by Karen Marie Moning
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    In "Darkfever" by Karen Marie Moning, readers are introduced to MacKayla Lane, a young woman seeking justice for her murdered sister in Dublin, Ireland. As Mac delves into the mystery surrounding her sister's death, she discovers a hidden world of faeries and supernatural beings, where she possesses unique abilities that make her a key player in a dangerous game of intrigue and deception. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, mystery, and paranormal romance, with a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, culminating in a cliffhanger ending that leaves them eager for more. Moning's writing style weaves together dark themes with light moments, creating a compelling narrative that immerses readers in a world filled with monsters, secrets, and unexpected alliances.

    It gets crazy hot in the South in the summer, but it's worth it to have such short, mild winters. I like most all seasons and climes. I can get into an overcast drizzly autumn day—great for curling up...

  5. #5

    The Wizard of Oz by W.W. Denslow, L. Frank Baum, Daisy Alberto
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    'The Wizard of Oz' is a classic children's novel that follows the adventures of Dorothy, a young girl who gets swept away to the magical land of Oz after a tornado. In Oz, she meets various companions including a scarecrow, a tin woodman, and a cowardly lion, as they journey together to find their respective desires while facing challenges and defeating the wicked witch of the west. Written in an imaginative and enchanting style, the book captures the essence of friendship, courage, and the theme of finding one's true home, resonating with readers of all ages.


  6. #6
    Discount Armageddon
    Book 1 in the series:InCryptid

    Discount Armageddon - InCryptid by Seanan McGuire
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    In Discount Armageddon, the story follows Verity Price, a cryptozoologist and ballroom dancer, who is tasked with protecting the cryptids residing in New York City. The book introduces a mix of humor, action, and romance as Verity navigates her dual life, uncovering mysteries surrounding the disappearances of sentient cryptids. The writing style is described as fun, light-hearted, and fast-paced, with a focus on quirky characters, cryptid biology, and witty dialogue.

    Verity's adventures involve teaming up with Dominic, a member of an organization that opposes her family, to investigate the threats to the city posed by the cryptids' disappearances. McGuire's unique approach to urban fantasy, blending elements of science fiction with fantasy, creates a rich and engaging world filled with colorful characters, cryptid creatures, and themes of acceptance and adaptation in a world where humans and cryptids coexist.

    MUSIC PUMPED THROUGH THE CLUB’S SPEAKERS, distorted until it was barely more than a pounding bass line with a sprinkling of grace notes. It was perfect dance music, the kind that makes feet tap and th...

  7. #7
    Soulless
    Book 1 in the series:Parasol Protectorate

    Soulless - Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger
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    In the book "Soulless" by Gail Carriger, readers are transported to an alternate Victorian England where supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves are accepted members of society. The protagonist, Alexia Tarabotti, is a unique character who is soulless, meaning she can neutralize supernatural abilities by touch. The story follows Alexia's adventures as she inadvertently kills a vampire and is drawn into investigating the supernatural occurrences in her society, leading her to partner with the brash and handsome werewolf leader, Lord Maccon. The plot is filled with mystery, humor, witty dialogue, and a touch of romance, set against a backdrop of steampunk elements and a Victorian London filled with paranormal intrigue.

    The writing style of "Soulless" is described as witty, engaging, and fast-paced, with a blend of fantasy, steampunk, and romantic elements. The characters, especially the strong and sassy heroine Alexia, are praised for their depth, humor, and chemistry, making the story a delightful mix of comedy of manners, urban fantasy, and romance with a modern and feminine twist.

    Miss Alexia Tarabotti was not enjoying her evening. Private balls were never more than middling amusements for spinsters, and Miss Tarabotti was not the kind of spinster who could garner even that muc...

  8. #8

    The House in the Cerulean Sea - Cerulean Chronicles by T.J. Klune
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    The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune follows the story of Linus Baker, a bureaucratic caseworker who is tasked with investigating an orphanage for magical children on Marsyas Island. Through his interactions with the children, including Lucy the Antichrist and other unique characters like a were pomeranian and an endearing blob, Linus undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The book combines elements of fantasy, found family, and queer romance, all wrapped in a heartwarming and enchanting narrative that explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the power of love.

    The writing style in The House in the Cerulean Sea is described as charming, delightful, and heartwarming, with a touch of humor and magical realism. The story unfolds with a mix of whimsical elements, poignant moments, and gentle allegory, creating a narrative that celebrates diversity, found family, misfits, and queer love. The characters, especially the magical children, are portrayed with real and relatable emotions, making the book a comforting and uplifting read that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.

    That was an understatement. He watched in rapt wonder as an eleven-year-old girl named Daisy levitated blocks of wood high above her head. The blocks spun in slow, concentric circles. Daisy frowned in...

  9. #9

    The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
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    The Neverending Story by Michael Ende follows the story of a boy named Bastian who stumbles upon a mysterious book that draws him into a fantastical world called Fantastica. The book chronicles Bastian's journey as he navigates through this magical land, interacting with unique characters and facing various challenges that ultimately lead to personal growth and transformation. Through a blend of adventure, imagination, and emotional depth, the story unfolds as Bastian becomes an integral part of the book he is reading, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

    As readers delve deeper into the narrative, they witness Bastian's evolution from a lonely, bullied boy to a courageous hero who must confront his fears and insecurities to save both Fantastica and his own world. The writing style of Michael Ende intertwines themes of escapism, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate with readers of all ages. The book seamlessly weaves together two parallel stories, one set in the real world and the other within the pages of the book, offering a poignant exploration of the transformative nature of literature and the boundless possibilities of the human imagination.

    This inscription could be seen on the glass door of a small shop, but naturally this was only the way it looked if you were inside the dimly lit shop, looking out at the street through the plate-glass...

  10. #10

    A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djèlí Clark
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    Set in an alternate history of 1912 Cairo, "A Dead Djinn in Cairo" follows Fatma el Sha'arawi, a special investigator with the Egyptian Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities. The story revolves around her investigation into the murder of a dead djinn, leading her to uncover hidden plots and nefarious foes in a steampunk world filled with djinns, angels, ghouls, and other mythical creatures. With a compelling mystery and intriguing characters, the novella offers a unique blend of fantasy, supernatural elements, and detective work, all set in a richly detailed and atmospheric Cairo.


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