The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami is a complex contemporary novel with elements of mystery and magical realism. The story follows a young man named Toru Okada who, at the beginning of the novel, is told by his wife to look for their missing cat. His journey takes him from the suburbs of Tokyo to a supposedly haunted house to the bottom of a well to a strange dream world that somehow affects reality. In the process of looking for their lost cat, he loses his wife as well.
Ashes of Gold by J. Elle is teen fiction but heavily focused on fantasy with ties to our world. The book is a continuation of Rue’s journey to reclaim Ghizon from the Chancellor and give it back to the Ghizoni people. Not only does Rue struggle in the fight against the Chancellor, she also struggles to connect with her people and herself. I love the compelling plot and the character growth in this book.
Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat is the first novel in a young adult fantasy series of the same name. The world of ancient magic has been forgotten, but not by everyone. Set in London, Will Kempen is on the run from the man who killed his mother, but he is quickly rushed back into the world of magic to follow his destiny and fight among the Stewards. This novel was refreshingly unique. The characters were distinctive, the plot was full of twists, and the world-building was flawless.
Join friends Alex and Anthony in a long journey that forces them to face their feelings. In a small town where basic necessities were taken away, lives Alex and her best friend Anthony. Alex, having her own regrets about family, decides to help Anthony find his mom. As they both walk ten miles to the next town over, they come across some unusual sights. This book is full of raw emotion and friendship, perfect for those who want a glimpse of reality.
The Thousandth Floor is a futuristic fantasy, set in Manhattan, New York in 2118. The world has evolved drastically, with mind-controlled objects and more. The first edition to this trilogy has me intrigued and I can't wait to read the next book. I love the way each chapter is told by a different character and how everyone is connected at the end. The plot is very well-thought and detailed. I recommend this book if you like suspense and are a fan of fantasy.
The Starless Sea is about Zachary Ezra Rawlins who discovers a rare book hidden in a library. As he turns through the entrancing tales, he finds a strange story from his childhood. He then finds a bee, a key, and a sword which leads him to a doorway–a hidden place far below the surface, a place of lost cities, seas, and lovers. As Zachary travels through this strange yet magical world, he discovers the purpose of his own life and in his story.
“Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or performance. It's the closest you'll ever find yourself magic in this world.”
I was lucky enough to hear A.S. King speak when she visited our Library in August 2015. Eventually, after much fascinating talk, one of the moderators got around to asking her about her newest book, I Crawl Through It. "What's it about?" We all laughed, as we had earlier established how difficult it can be to neatly summarize a King novel.
