I have loved science fiction and fantasy for a very long time. I haven't been reading as much from these genres because it came to the point where I just needed a break. I think we all go through different genre moods, and my fantasy/sci-fi mood has lasted for the past four years. Time for change! But I was glad to revisit these books this weeks because I was reminded why I liked these genres so much. I took a look around my library and Barnes and Noble again to look at some titles in fantasy/sci-fi that I haven't read or knew much about yet! Here they are!
Title: Children of Blood and Bone
Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Summary: Zélie Adebola is a young girl living in Orïsha where magic has disappeared and king turned dictator has taken control. Zélie is on a quest to restore magic to the land and must fight against the monarchy to do this.
Where the book was found: Ipswich High/Middle School Library
Why you chose it to be highlighted: I have been seeing this book all over Goodreads for the past month. Last week my boss gave me a stack of books to put dust jackets on and this was one of them! I decided to read the inside cover and some reviews online. The book is a blend of fantasy and West-African mythology and follows a young girl named Zélie in her quest to restore magic to her country. The plot sounds a little similar to Throne of Glass but I think the influence of West African mythology and folklore sets it apart from other fantasy books. I think it's a great addition to a high school library because we don't see a lot of YA books that contain African mythology. I am definitely going to read this soon!
Title: The Astonishing Color of After
Author: Emily X.R. Pan
Summary: Leigh's mother has recently committed suicide and has turned into a bird. Leigh travels to Taiwan to meet and learn more about her mother's family.
Where the book was found: Barnes and Noble
Why you chose it to be highlighted: I haven't heard that much about this book but I picked it up at the store to take a look at it. This is another YA fantasy book that includes elements from different mythologies and folktales. This book could be categorized as magical realism, which I find to be different from other fantasy books. Magical realism is a genre where a story has some fantasy elements but also has a lot of realistic fiction elements as well. Another major point in it is Leigh's mother's suicide, which is a difficult topic to touch on. This seems like a really important and emotional book that mixes both themes of mental health and mythology that creates a powerful story.
Title: Munmun
Author: Jesse Andrews
Summary: Warner and his sister live in world where your physical size and height is determined from your wealth. They have no money and must figure out how to acquire wealth to grow.
Where the book was found: Barnes and Noble
Why you chose it to be highlighted: I was taking down a display that included this book and it immediately interested me because I saw it was by Jesse Andrews who wrote Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl. However, this book seems like it's written by a completely different author. It always interests me when an author who usually writes realistic fiction writes a fantasy novel because it seems so out of their comfort zone. However, I think this is a good thing because it expands Andrew's audience and pulls people in who haven't really give the fantasy genre a try. The concept of the book is interesting and from the small blurb I read Andrews' humor is definitely present in the book. I think this would be a good book to include in a school library because the combination of humor and fantasy could draw teens in who may be a little reluctant to read a fantasy book.
Title: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Summary: Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan's Assasin, is an eighteen-year-old girl who has been imprisoned because of the betrayal of her master. She is released from Endovier so that she can compete in a competetion to become the King of Adarlan's personal assassin.
Where the book was found: My Bookshelf.
Why you chose it to be highlighted: I really couldn't get through this post without including Throne of Glass. I think this is an amazing book series that everyone should take the time to read. There is action, adventure, romance, and just an amazing group of characters that you fall in love with. Every book in the series something happens that you don't expect, this series keeps you on your toes. I recommend this book to teens and adults who are looking for a fantasy book or just a great book series to read. I think the books touches on some major themes like different social issues and traumas that readers could relate to. The last book comes out in October, which will be both a happy and sad day. I don't want this series to end!
No comments:
Post a Comment