A medieval setting, time travel, a quest, and intriguing complications--did Paula Lafferty write this book especially for me? She wrapped some of my favorite elements in funny banter, poignant (non-swooning) romance, and enough plot complexity to keep the whole thing chugging along and keep me riveted. I loved this. Twenty-two-year-old Vera is the beloved only child of two dear parents, but the rest of her life is a shambles. Her love Vincent died in an accident, her father i

Bovalino's story hooked me with a main protagonist who's a female knight, her best-friend mage, intriguing magic, a terrifying destiny, showstopping secrets, danger and adventure, and a deep romantic connection. I loved every bit of the first book in Bovalino's Hand and the Heart series. Captain Grey Flynn is a knight pledged to protect the mage Kier, who she has known since she was a child. She is not only a blade but a source of magic, a well. Unbeknownst to others, she and

This debut cozy novel showcases many of my favorite elements--magic, banter, a grumpy-sunshine hard-won romance, and a quest--within a charming, surprising story that I loved. The powerful dark lord Shadowfade is dead, and Violet Thistlewaite is determined to shed her identity as the Thornwitch, Shadowfade's right-hand woman, and start anew. She decides to settle in the nearby town of Dragon's Rest and open a flower shop, attempting to use her magical powers for good and to c

Novik's novella The Summer War reads like a fable, with unexpected twists and turns; duty, clever evasion, and curses; a strange world...

I loved my first T. Kingfisher read. This was dark, sometimes wryly funny, haunting, and intriguing, and the resolutions to the...

Do you love witchy books? I love a good witch-focused book. Magic, intrigue, strong women, defiance of societal rules; yes to all of...

Royalty, Intrigue, and Magically Wonderful Stories It's tough to fall in love with the first book in a series and then twiddle thumbs...

I loved the worldbuilding and the headstrong, powerful loose cannon of Nahri, as well as the Middle Eastern fantasy setting. I found...

Kellen begins as a principled, headstrong young man lacking in the magic crucial for power, familial stability and social standing in his...

Frances White's debut is a locked-room mystery on a magical ship full of uncertain alliances, deadly vendettas, and a sassy and...

Bardugo's rich world-building sets the scene in Spain during the Inquisition, as a scullery maid with magical abilities is thrust into...

I loved the dark academia setting, Sciona's bid to become the first female in the High Magistry, and her rethinking of long-held...

I felt like the story started off slowly, but once the world was built and the background established, I was hooked on the interpersonal...

Schwab returns to the world of the four Londons in the first of a wonderfully paced new series featuring established characters, their...

Marske's quirky, funny, richly imagined magical world, complex character-building, relationship exploration, and storytelling continues...

ICYMI: When tough, stubborn Alex Stern is offered a new start after surviving a mysterious multiple homicide, she becomes an unlikely...

The first in the series sets up a strong young Black heroine who bucks tradition as she explores her own heritage, flexes her newfound...

The more somber tone of book three and the focus on logistics feel appropriate as the recent graduates of the Scholomance desperately...

The second book in Marske's series is an irresistible queer magical mystery thriller with Edwardian England details, racy encounters,...

Witchy Book Love It's the perfect time of year to read a spooky book full of magic! If you haven't already, I hope you'll check out the...