League of Liars by Astrid Scholte is a unique mystery that combines magic with murder trials. I found the genre-blending premise original, and I enjoyed the mix of narrators, both inside and outside of the prison. While the content of this book didn’t meet all of my expectations, I still enjoyed the story as a whole. This is a great read for those looking for the tension of legal drama with a touch of fantasy. Continue reading
The Cage by Megan Shepherd is a gripping series that provides a thought-provoking look at humanity. Depicting a group of humans that are help captive in an alien zoo, this one contains many twists and turns as well as a strong cast of characters. I especially enjoyed the world building and the imaginative environments in the cage. While I do not typically pick up books about aliens, this one piqued my interest, and I would recommend it to those looking for a shocking and suspenseful series. Continue reading
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi is the kind of book that must be read slowly, so that each word can be savoured. Following a long-lost Jinn queen in hiding and the heir to the kingdom she is destined to destroy, this one contains two well-developed main characters and plenty of tension. I especially enjoyed the rich world-building and the Persian mythology at the core of the story. This is the beginning of an exciting new series that will not disappoint fans of Tahereh Mafi’s other books. Continue reading
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu combines music with magic as it follows Nannerl Mozart, the sister of the more commonly known Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this one, but I found myself touched by Nannerl’s longing to be remembered in a society that forbids women from composing. Nannerl herself is well-developed, and the book contains powerful feminist messages. This is a thought-provoking read that shows a new side of Marie Lu. Continue reading
How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather is an atmospheric duology that I struggled to put down. Inspired by the author’s own family history, this series puts a modern spin on the Salem Witch Trials and the Titanic. The investigative elements in both books build suspense, and I found the main character easy to root for. I was especially impressed with the author’s skill in integrating the past and the present, making this a great series for fans of both contemporary and historical fiction. Continue reading