Books matching: magical coming of age story
29 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:The Gray House by Mariam Petrosyan is a story set in a school for children with disabilities where strange and mystical events occur. The narrative is non-linear and character-driven, focusing on a group of boys with unique abilities who navigate through a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The House itself is a living entity, full of tribes, tinctures, and mysterious laws seen through the eyes of teenagers, creating a rich and detailed setting that immerses the reader in a complex and captivating storyline.
Including the Outsides in sentences constructed in present or future tense is discouraged. Past tense is permissible, but not advisable either. Mentioning the Outsides in future tense with respect to ... - #2
Save:Gold Diggers by Sanjena Sathian is a unique and imaginative novel that delves into the cultural challenges faced by Indian immigrants in the U.S. The story follows Neil Narayan, a second-generation teenager, as he navigates the expectations of his family and community while grappling with his own ambitions and desires. Through a blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and romance, the author captures Neil's angst and humorously pokes fun at desi stereotypes. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity, ambition, and the clash between traditional practices and American culture, all intertwined with a mysterious alchemical potion made from stolen gold.
The plot of Gold Diggers unfolds through two timelines, showcasing Neil's struggles during his high school years in Atlanta and his graduate years in San Francisco. The story touches on themes of self-exploration, love, and the challenges of blending into a new country while retaining one's identity and traditions. With engaging characters, soulful writing, and moments of magical realism, the book offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of immigrant experiences, cultural shifts, and the pursuit of ambition.
When I was younger, I consisted of little but my parents’ ambitions for who I was to become. But by the end of ninth grade, all I wanted for myself was a date to the Spring Fling dance. A hot one. The... - #3
Save:"Boy's Life" by Robert R. McCammon is a coming-of-age story set in the year 1964 in Zephyr, Alabama, following the adventures of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson. The book beautifully captures the essence of childhood, with themes of mystery, humor, friendship, and the magic of growing up in a small town. Throughout the story, Cory navigates through real-life challenges and fantastical elements, all while maintaining a sense of wonder and innocence that resonates with readers.
The novel weaves together a blend of supernatural elements, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling that immerses readers in Cory's world. Through Cory's eyes, the readers experience the joy, sadness, and complexities of life in a small town, where friendship, family, and the mysteries of the past intersect to create a captivating narrative that lingers long after the final page is turned.
THE GREEN FEATHER WENT INTO MY POCKET. FROM THERE IT found its way into a White Owl cigar box in my room, along with my collection of old keys and dried-up insects. I closed the box lid, placed the bo... - #4
Save:'A Fistful of Sky' by Nina Kiriki Hoffman is a magical coming-of-age story that follows Gypsum, a young woman from a magical family who is the odd one out as she hasn't received her powers. When Gypsum finally gains her powers, she discovers that she has inherited the ability to cast curses, which she must learn to control to avoid harming others. The book delves into themes of family relationships, self-acceptance, and the complexities of dealing with newfound powers in a quirky and creative way. Readers found the story engaging, with a blend of whimsical elements, intimate family dynamics, and a touch of darkness that keeps them engrossed.
IN my family, we used the word we all the time. Most of the time we meant the five of us, the children. We hated this TV show, loved that one. We adored cutthroat card games and fast chess, but preten... - #5
Save:'Vampire Academy' by Richelle Mead follows the story of Rose Hathaway, a Dhampir, who is tasked with protecting her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. The two navigate the dangerous world of St. Vladimir's Academy, a hidden place where vampires are educated in magic and half-human teens train to protect them. As they are dragged back to the academy, they become entangled in forbidden romance, social intrigue, and dark rituals, all while facing the looming threat of the Strigoi, the world's fiercest vampires. is praised for its engaging plot, relatable characters, and the unique take on the vampire genre, with elements of friendship, loyalty, and teenage angst woven into the narrative.
The writing style of Richelle Mead in 'Vampire Academy' is commended for its fast-paced and captivating nature, keeping readers hooked from the first page. The characters, particularly Rose Hathaway, are highlighted for their depth and development, with Rose being described as impulsive, loyal, and fiercely protective of her friend Lissa. explores themes of friendship, romance, and the complexities of the vampire world, offering a fresh perspective on the genre with its well-crafted plot and relatable characters.
Tasha Ozera didn’t like dresses. Or high heels. Or meaningless conversation. Really, she didn’t like anything to do with fancy parties. She knew, however, that there was a game to play, and she’d lear... - #6
Save:Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega is a deeply magical coming of age story where Witchlings in Ravenskill are sorted into covens during an annual ceremony. Seven, the main character, dreams of being placed in House Hyacinth but finds herself categorized as a spare. To keep her magic, Seven volunteers herself and fellow spares to complete an Impossible Task, facing the risk of being turned into toads if they fail. The story follows Seven, Thorn, and Valley as they navigate relationships, injustices, and a dangerous monstruo crisis while working to defeat a Nightbeast.
The book touches on themes of friendship, loss, coming of age, growth, magic, and insecurities, focusing on the internal development of the main character, Seven. Ortega's writing style creates a whimsical and enchanting world filled with lovable characters, vibrant illustrations, and plot twists that keep the reader engaged. The story unfolds gradually, showcasing the growth of the characters and addressing tough experiences with injustices and themes of superiority vs. inferiority.
- #7
Save:The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera is a collection of stories that delve into the emotional depth and nuance of human experiences, touching on themes of secret affairs, death, love, and the impact of historical events like the Soviet invasion. The writing style is described as poetic and philosophical, with Kundera's ability to examine everyday life and make it profound, while also providing insights into Czech history and societal norms.
In February 1948, the Communist leader Klement Gottwald stepped out on the balcony of a Baroque palace in Prague to harangue hundreds of thousands of citizens massed in Old Town Square. That was a gre... - #8
Save:The Gates of Sleep, part of Mercedes Lackey's Elemental Masters series, is a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale set in the Edwardian era. The story follows Marina Roeswood, who was cursed at birth by her aunt Arachne and raised in secret by her godparents in Cornwall. As Marina approaches her eighteenth birthday, her aunt returns to claim her and reinstate the curse, leading to a battle between good and evil, magic and sorcery. The book explores themes of family, identity, and the clash between the Romanticism movement and the Industrial world, all woven into an imaginative magical world with well-developed characters.
BIRDS twittered in the rose bushes outside the old-fashioned diamond-paned windows. The windows, swung open on their ancient iron hinges, let in sunshine, a floating dandelion seed and a breath of mow...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Elemental Masters ) - #9
Save:Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a coming-of-age story set in Nigeria, focusing on the life of a young girl named Kambili and her family dynamics. The novel delves into the complexities of privilege, wealth, family dysfunction, and violence, all against the backdrop of an unsettled Nigerian society. The narrative explores the themes of domestic violence, control, religious fanaticism, and the impact of political upheaval on individuals and families.
Papa always sat in the front pew for Mass, at the end beside the middle aisle, with Mama, Jaja, and me sitting next to him. He was first to receive communion. Most people did not kneel to receive comm... - #10
Save:"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman is a novel that has been compared to Harry Potter for adults, blending elements of magic, fantasy worlds, and coming-of-age themes. The story follows Quentin, an anxious and unhappy genius who discovers the existence of magic and is invited to a wizard school. However, as Quentin navigates through this world, he faces challenges, makes questionable decisions, and struggles with issues of self-identity and maturity. The book has been praised for its unique take on the magic school genre, incorporating elements of darkness, angst, and flawed characters reminiscent of those in "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt.
He snapped the cigarette away and set off across the wide lawn. He didn’t look back to see if Quentin was following, which at first Quentin didn’t, but then a sudden fear of being left alone in this p...
