Books matching: magical game
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- #1
Save:A dazzling, romantic fairy tale brimming with magic, but its flowery style and dramatic twists aren’t for everyone. Perfect for fans of whimsical, heart-driven fantasy - just don’t expect every trick to land for you.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a magical and mysterious tale following two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, as they escape their father to participate in the magical game of Caraval. The story is filled with twists and turns, secrets, and a dark and enchanting world that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The writing style is described as young adult, with detailed descriptions that transport readers to the streets of Caraval alongside the characters.
She read the letter again. Then again. And again. Her eyes took in each sharp stroke of ink, every waxy curve of the Caraval master’s silver crest—a sun with a star inside and a teardrop inside of the...2016•447 pages - #2
Save:A delightfully fun, heartfelt adventure with vibrant cultural flair - this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys magical board games and stories about friendship, family, and courage.
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi is a middle-grade fantasy novel that follows the story of Farah, an American Muslim Bangladeshi girl, who, along with her friends, gets sucked into a magical board game similar to Jumanji. The book beautifully weaves together elements of Bengali culture, family ties, and sibling relationships, creating a gripping adventure where Farah must navigate through challenges and puzzles to save her brother and themselves from being trapped within the game forever. The writing style is described as delightful, with a perfect balance of fun and horror, making it an enjoyable read for both kids and adults.
He sat beside her on the floor, a box of chenna murki placed in front of him. He offered her a bite of the soft, tender, marble-sized morsels of sweet cheese, which he’d chomp by the handful. “Want on...March 2017•304 pages - #3
Save:A fun, offbeat fantasy adventure with puzzles and peril for middle-grade readers; not perfect, but definitely a unique and creepy-cool ride for fans of magical games and unlikely heroes.
'The Game of Sunken Places' by M.T. Anderson is an adventure story about two best friends, Brian and Gregory, who are drawn into a mysterious game during their visit to Gregory's reclusive uncle's home in New England. The book follows their journey as they navigate through a life-sized fantasy game filled with trolls, ogres, and otherworldly characters, all while trying to understand the rules and purpose of the game. As they unravel the mysteries of the game, they are faced with ethical dilemmas and unexpected twists that challenge their friendship and lead to a dramatic conclusion.
Very soon, they had made arrangements with their parents to travel by train up to Gerenford,Vermont, where they would be picked up by Uncle Max for two weeks’ stay in the Green Mountains. Mrs. Thatz,...2004•293 pages - #4
Save:Dark, clever, and full of teeth - A Deadly Education is a must for fans of audacious worldbuilding and prickly characters. Just be ready for a slow burn (and to dodge a few monsters along the way).
A Deadly Education follows the story of El, a loner student at the Scholomance, a magical school where students must survive deadly creatures and classmates without any help from teachers or guardians. The protagonist, El, navigates the treacherous environment while forming alliances to increase her chances of survival. The book is narrated in a first-person, stream-of-consciousness style, providing insights into the dark magic world, classmates, and rules of the school.
I DECIDED that Orion needed to die after the second time he saved my life. I hadn’t really cared much about him before then one way or another, but I had limits. It would’ve been all right if he’d sav...September 2020•332 pages - #5
Save:A clever, subversive fantasy that skewers childhood escapism and magical wish fulfillment - deliberately darker, messier, and more grown-up than its inspirations. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right reader.
"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...May 2009•490 pages - #6
Save:A refreshing, thoughtful spin on epic fantasy that’s more about clever maneuvering than sword fights, with complex characters and economic intrigue elevating an already solid tale. Stick with it - once it clicks, it’s hard to put down!
The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham is an epic fantasy novel set in a world once ruled by dragons, now inhabited by thirteen different races of humans. The story follows four main characters: Marcus, a disgruntled soldier turned guard for hire; Cithrin, an orphan girl raised by a banking house and thrust into a mission she doesn't understand; Geder, a soldier and nobleman drawn to books over warfare; and Dawson, a key player in the political games of the court. The plot weaves these characters' journeys together as war looms on the horizon, with the narrative structured through alternating perspectives akin to George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.
A hundred and fifty years before, when the parochial disagreements between Earth and Mars had been on the verge of war, the Belt had been a far horizon of tremendous mineral wealth beyond viable econo...April 2011•593 pages - #7
Save:'First Ritual' in the 'Coven Caves' series by Kelly St. Clare follows the story of Tempest Corentine, a witch who returns to the coven her mother and grandmother fled from years ago. As she delves into the mysteries of her family's past, she encounters Wild, a captivating magus with his own secrets, and becomes entangled in a deadly game within the coven. Tempest's journey is filled with revelations, challenges, and unexpected connections, all set against a backdrop of magic, intrigue, and self-discovery. The plot unfolds gradually, drawing readers deeper into the story as conflicts arise, and characters reveal their personal histories bit by bit.
The writing style of 'First Ritual' is characterized by detailed world-building, complex character development, and a mix of humor and depth. features a strong female lead in Tempest, who is portrayed as spicy, feisty, and unapologetically herself, while also navigating emotional complexities and family ties. The interactions between Tempest and Wild, along with the supporting cast of characters, add layers of intrigue and dynamics to the narrative, making it a compelling read for fans of urban fantasy with a touch of spice and mystery.
“Hard life,” I answered. Hmm. The guy wasn’t hard on the peepers. Couldn’t be more than ten years older than me. This could be the last night of my life. Perhaps I should flirt a little. Even if this...January 2023•421 pages - #8
Save:Charming, funny, and brimming with imagination, "The Trials of Morrigan Crow" is a delightful entry in the portal fantasy genre - perfect for fans of whimsical adventures and magical competitions. A must-read for kids and the young at heart!
The Trials of Morrigan Crow in the series Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend follows the story of Morrigan, a Cursed Child blamed for all misfortunes in her town and doomed to die young. However, her fate changes when she is whisked away to the magical world of Nevermoor by Jupiter North. Here, she must compete in trials to join the prestigious Wundrous Society, facing challenges, magic, and danger along the way. The book is described as a mix of Harry Potter and Mary Poppins, with a whimsical world, charming characters, and an engaging plot that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
The writing style of Jessica Townsend in The Trials of Morrigan Crow is praised for its imaginative world-building, humorous dialogue, and colorful supporting characters. Readers find the story exciting and charming, with a captivating heroine filled with moxie and wit. The book is highlighted for its themes of bravery, self-confidence, and hope, making it a delightful and adventurous read for young readers who enjoy epic fantasy tales.
The new caseworker hadn’t touched her tea and biscuits. She’d traveled two and a half hours from the capital by rail that morning and walked from the train station to Crow Manor in a wretched drizzle....October 2017•640 pages - #9
Save:A clever, myth-soaked romp with flashes of DWJ magic, but lighter and more confusing than her best - recommend for existing fans or young mythology buffs, but not her strongest work overall.
Sent to a boisterous family gathering in Ireland by her overly strict grandmother, orphaned Hayley feels out of place until her unruly cousins include her in a special game involving travel through the mythosphere, the place where all the world's stories can be found, and where some secrets of her past are revealed. The story involves a girl who finds out all kinds of exciting things about her family and ends up rescuing them all from her 'wicked' uncle. The basis behind the story is yet another take on myths, where Hayley plays the Game and the mode of the story changes completely.
When Hayley arrived at the big house in Ireland, bewildered and in disgrace, rain was falling and it was nearly dark. Her cousin Mercer had called the place just “the Castle”. As far as Hayley could s...March 2007•221 pages - #10
Save:A towering, deeply immersive historical epic: demanding, dazzling, and rewarding for readers willing to put in the effort. If you crave a book that feels like time travel and don’t mind a steep learning curve, you’ll find yourself lost in its pages.
King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett is a meticulously researched historical novel that retells the story of Macbeth in an historical context, focusing on the life of Thorfinn Macbeth, who becomes King of Alba after warring with King Duncan. The book delves into the complex political landscape of 11th-century Scotland, filled with shifting allegiances, detailed genealogy, and historical events. The narrative weaves together themes of power, ambition, and tragedy, portraying Thorfinn as a character striving to be a good king amidst political turmoil and personal struggles. Dunnett's writing style is rich in description, superbly researched, and presents interesting characters at all levels, creating a deep and immersive reading experience.
The Romans had not conquered Denmark, or Norway, or Sweden. They had not conquered Ireland, or his own Orkney islands, or Iceland to his north. They had overcome England, beginning in the toe and push...1976•755 pages
