Books matching: fantasy and reality blend
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- #1
Save:Twelve-year-old Sunny, an albino American living in Nigeria, discovers she has magical powers and joins a group of magical students to catch a criminal with similar abilities. The story has been compared to Harry Potter but stands out for its unique cultural perspective and world-building. Nnedi Okorafor blends fantasy and reality seamlessly, creating engaging characters and an immersive setting that keeps readers hooked.
I have two older brothers. Like my parents, my brothers were both born here in Nigeria. Then my family moved to America, where I was born in the city of New York. When I was nine, we returned to Niger... - #2
Save:'Songs of Earth and Power' by Greg Bear is a complex and unusual fantasy novel that takes readers on a mysterious journey filled with twists and turns. The story is set in alternate worlds with intricate world-building, engaging characters, and a plotline that keeps readers hooked till the end. Greg Bear's writing style is described as dense and difficult to plow through, but rewarding for those who stick with it, showcasing his mastery in storytelling and creating a unique and original tale unlike anything readers have experienced before.
- #3
Save:'Tales from Outer Suburbia' by Shaun Tan is a collection of 15 short fantasy stories that are surreal, imaginative, and heartfelt. The book contains whimsical illustrations that accompany the stories, creating a unique reading experience. The stories range from nostalgic and sad to weird and imaginative, reminiscent of works by Roald Dahl and the movie 'Big Fish'. The writing style combines words and illustrations to convey emotion and character in a way that words alone cannot.
The book is more than just a children's book, as it appeals to readers of all ages with its deep themes and beautiful storytelling. Each story is a blend of fantasy and reality, touching on topics such as love, kindness, and the mysteries of childhood. Shaun Tan's art and writing style capture the essence of each story, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after they have finished the book.
- #4
Save:'Ragnarok' by A.S. Byatt is a retelling of Norse mythology intertwined with the story of a young girl living in WWII-era Britain. The girl, known as the thin child, becomes fascinated with the tales of the Norse gods as she reads a book on Norse mythology given to her by her mother. The book explores the parallels between the mythological Ragnarok and the real-world conflicts of the war, offering a unique perspective on the end of the world as seen through the eyes of a child.
Byatt's writing style in 'Ragnarok' is described as poetic and evocative, with a focus on precise detail and vivid storytelling. The book uses a frame narrative where the thin child's experiences during the war are interwoven with the retelling of Norse myths, creating a compelling blend of fantasy and reality.
The thin child thought less (or so it now seems) of where she herself came from, and more about that old question, why is there something rather than nothing? She devoured stories with rapacious greed... - #5
Save:'The Stress of Her Regard' by Tim Powers is a dense and intricate work that defies easy categorization, blending elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and vampire lore. The plot revolves around the 19th-century poets Byron, Shelley, and Keats battling ancient vampire succubus creatures known as the Nephilim. The book weaves together historical facts, the works of the poets, folklore, mythology, and early 19th-century scientific knowledge into a cohesive and imaginative narrative. Through lyrical language and well-conceived imagery, Powers creates a literary epic of scope and grandeur set against the backdrop of European and Middle Eastern mythology.
“Lucy,” the barmaid was saying in an emphatic whisper as she led the two men around the foot of the oak stairway, “which I’d think you could remember by now—and keep your damned voice down until we ge... 'Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fiction and Illusions' by Neil Gaiman is a collection of short stories and poems that span a wide variety of styles and themes. The stories range from charming, gentle fantasy to chilling, macabre horror, igniting the reader's imagination and making them think in unexpected ways. Gaiman's writing style is described as always interesting and thought-provoking, showcasing his talent for storytelling and his ability to blend mundaneness with the fantastic seamlessly.
The book features a mix of stories that are fun, bizarre, creepy, and intriguing, with unexpected twists that keep the reader engaged. Gaiman's imagination is praised as magnificent, with some stories being hailed as among the best and most thought-provoking short stories ever encountered. The collection is noted for its eclectic mix of short stories, poems, and other writings, always interesting and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of Gaiman's work.
Every Thursday afternoon Mrs Whitaker walked down to the post office to collect her pension, even though her legs were no longer what they were, and on the way back home she would stop in at the Oxfam...- #7
Save:'The Facts of Life' by Graham Joyce is a novel set in Coventry, England, during and after World War II, focusing on the Vine family and their eccentricities. The story follows the youngest sister, Cassie, and her son Frank, who is raised by the family after being born out of wedlock. The book combines elements of fantasy, history, and family drama, touching on themes of life, love, and mystical experiences. The writing style is described as well-crafted, with a blend of realism and fantastical elements that keep the reader guessing about what is real and what is supernatural.
Cassie Vine, just turned twenty-one but dry-eyed, holds the unnamed baby inside her coat and squints into the wind. It is twelve noon, three weeks after Victory in Europe day, and she stands on the w... - #8
Save:Touch by Alexi Zentner is a multi-generational tale set in the cold and mystical town of Sawgamet in Northern Canada. The story follows Stephen Boucher, a priest, who returns home to be with his dying mother and recounts the intertwined lives of three generations of his family - from his grandfather's search for gold to his father's struggles and Stephen's own memories of childhood. The novel beautifully weaves together elements of magical realism, family history, and the harsh realities of life in a small, remote town, creating a captivating and lyrical narrative.
The book delves into themes of enduring love, family bonds, and the impact of the past on the present, all set against the backdrop of a town where supernatural creatures, myths, and superstitions intertwine with everyday life. Through vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters, Zentner crafts a story that blends fantasy with realism, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world where the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary is blurred.
THE MEN FLOATED the logs early, in September, a chain of headless trees jamming the river as far as I and the other children could see. My father, the foreman, stood at the top of the chute hollering ... - #9
Save:'Le Grand Meaulnes' by Alain-Fournier is a timeless tale of youthful ardor and longing, following the protagonist Meaulnes on his search for his lost love. The story is a blend of romance, mystery, and coming-of-age themes set in rural France at the turn of the 20th century. The writing style is described as dreamlike and evocative, with characters that are both romantic and flawed, creating an unforgettable narrative that captures the essence of adolescence and the complexities of relationships.
- #10
Save:'Spiritwalk' in the series 'Moonheart' by Charles de Lint is a captivating and immersive tale that continues the story set in Tamson House. The book intricately weaves elements of mythology and folklore into a modern urban setting, creating a lyrical and evocative narrative that draws readers in. With a blend of fantasy and reality, the story follows a new cast of characters who find themselves entangled in the supernatural forces surrounding Tamson House, leading to major life changes and unexpected twists.
De Lint's writing style in 'Spiritwalk' is praised for its ability to make characters come alive and for the way he intricately weaves multiple storylines together. The book is noted for its beautiful prose, vivid descriptions, and deep messages that resonate with readers on living wisely. Despite some challenges with the pacing and complexity of the characters, 'Spiritwalk' is commended for its ability to transport readers to a world where magic, mystery, and everyday life intersect.
On September 23, 1906, one of Canada’s most notorious lumber barons went for an afternoon ride in the Gatineau Mountains and never came back. He left behind a flourishing lumber business and an extens...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Moonheart )
