Books matching: magical influences
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- #1
Save:A complex, atmospheric fantasy with memorable (if sometimes prickly) characters and lots of promise for series fans - perfect for readers who don't mind their heroines a little flawed.
Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins is a historical fantasy novel that follows the story of five royal sisters navigating a male-dominated world filled with political intrigue, magic, and personal struggles. The plot revolves around the eldest daughter, Bluebell, a warrior and heir to the throne, who embarks on a quest to save her father, the dying king, suspected of being cursed by magic. As the sisters come together to uncover the truth and find a cure, each faces their own challenges, from grappling with magical abilities to dealing with societal expectations and personal desires. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the sisters, offering a character-driven exploration of power, family dynamics, and the complexities of loyalty and ambition in a cold and political world.
Blood. It smelled like the promise of something thrilling, as much as it smelled like the thrumming end of the adventure. It smelled like her father when he came home from battle, even though he had b...2014•486 pages - #2
Save:A fun, pun-filled romp through the world of music, though not quite top-tier Discworld. Best for music lovers and fans of Death, but mileage may vary if you want a tightly woven plot.
In 'Soul Music', Death takes a sabbatical, and his granddaughter Susan is reluctantly pulled into the family business of reaping souls. Meanwhile, Ankh Morpork is swept up in the introduction of rock music to the Discworld, causing chaos and toe-tapping mayhem. The novel humorously explores the clash between traditional music and the new genre, with witty puns and allusions to rock and roll culture woven throughout the story. Pratchett skillfully blends fantasy elements with a satirical take on the music industry and the power of music in shaping reality, making it an entertaining and thought-provoking read for fans of the Discworld series.
The narrative is rich with multiple storylines, featuring Death, Susan, a young bard named Imp y Celyn, and the wizards of the Unseen University, all intertwined in a tale that delves into the birth of rock music on the Discworld. Pratchett's writing style shines through in his ability to infuse humor, social commentary, and clever wordplay into the plot, creating a lighthearted yet engaging story that explores themes of family, identity, and the influence of music on society.
A dark, stormy night. A coach, horses gone, plunging through the rickety, useless fence and dropping, tumbling into the gorge below. It doesn’t even strike an outcrop of rock before it hits the dried... - #3
Save:A darker, more complex follow-up to Chocolat - rich in magic, intrigue, and Parisian flavor. A must for fans of the original, though prepare for a more bittersweet and haunting read.
In 'The Girl with No Shadow' by Joanne Harris, the story picks up four years after the events of 'Chocolat', following Vianne Rocher as she tries to live a magic-free life in Montmartre to protect her daughters. However, their lives are disrupted by the arrival of Zozie de l'Alba, a mysterious and seductive stranger with hidden intentions. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and Vianne must confront her most dangerous enemy - herself. The narrative style includes multiple perspectives, adding depth to the characters and their intertwined stories.
The book is a dark and magical tale set in Montmartre, Paris, filled with elements of fantasy, suspense, and intricate character relationships. Joanne Harris weaves a story of family, community, identity, and the struggle between good and evil, all against the backdrop of a chocolate shop and the mystical aura of Montmartre. The writing style is described as whimsical, vivid, and enchanting, drawing readers into a world where magic and reality intersect in unexpected ways.
It is a relatively little-known fact that, over the course of a single year, about twenty million letters are delivered to the dead. People forget to stop the mail—those grieving widows and prospectiv... - #4
Save:A dark, inventive spin on Snow White with heart, character depth, and enough differences to keep fairy tale fans entertained - especially if you love a good villain origin story!
Readers describe "Mirror, Mirror" as a unique take on the classic Snow White tale, providing a different perspective by narrating the story from both Snow White and the Evil Queen's point of view. The book is part of the 'Twisted Tale' series, where the original story is reimagined with major and minor differences, focusing on character development and providing backstory to the characters. The writing style is engaging and captivating, keeping readers hooked from the beginning with flashbacks and dark storylines that add depth to the familiar fairy tale.
It was the first thing the princess thought of when she saw it again. It felt like years since she had laid eyes on it, but in reality, it had only been a few weeks. Now, as she stared at the monstros... - #5
Save:Tricks for Free is the seventh installment in the InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire, focusing on Antimony Price, a Cryptozoologist from a long line of monster hunters. The story follows Antimony as she hides out at an amusement park, Lowryland, to evade the Covenant, a group of fanatics who hunt supernatural creatures. The novel is filled with a variety of weird and wonderful creatures, including ghosts, witches, and humanoid creatures, set in a Buffy Sanctuary-like urban fantasy world.
The plot of Tricks for Free revolves around Antimony's experiences at Lowryland, where she meets non-humans and magical beings, leading to a series of unfortunate events. The book features themes of family dynamics, self-discovery, and the struggle to balance relationships while facing external threats, all woven together in McGuire's unique writing style that delves into topics other authors may shy away from.
Children and parents all over the world speak the name of Michael Lowry with only slightly less reverence than the name Walt Disney. They were rivals once, after all, and while Disney proved to have t... - #6
Save:Black Maria, later published as Aunt Maria, by Diana Wynne Jones, is a chilling and engaging fantasy novel that delves into the dark world of mind magic and witchcraft. The story follows Nan and her family as they are drawn into the sinister web of Aunt Maria, a seemingly sweet but manipulative elderly lady who exerts control over the town of Cranbury on Sea. As Nan uncovers a magical plot involving her transformed brother and a mysterious green ghost, she must navigate a world where appearances are deceiving and danger lurks around every corner.
Jones expertly weaves together elements of fantasy, humor, and social satire to create a story that is both dark and entertaining. With well-developed characters, a suspenseful plot, and a touch of supernatural, Black Maria/Aunt Maria captivates readers with its intricate narrative and unexpected twists, offering a unique blend of everyday life and magical intrigue.
We have had Aunt Maria ever since Dad died. If that sounds as if we have the plague, that is what I mean. Chris says it is more like that card game, where the one who wins the Queen of Spades loses th...1991•232 pages - #7
Save:A solid, entertaining third entry in the Riyria Revelations - brimming with character growth, adventure, and political drama. Not flawless, but sure to please most epic fantasy enthusiasts.
'Nyphron Rising' in 'The Riyria Revelations' series by Michael J. Sullivan follows the story of Princess Arista as she employs thieves Royce and Hadrian on a mission amidst political turmoil and impending war. The plot revolves around the complexities of political diplomacy, clandestine plotting, and the struggle against the church's quest for dominance. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters like Princess Arista, Royce, and Hadrian, who bring depth to the story through humor, realism, and unexpected twists.
2009•391 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Riyria Revelations ) - #8
Save:A wildly imaginative, culturally rich urban fantasy packed with quirky characters and sibling heart - best suited for readers who love their magic messy, their families complicated, and their stories anything but average.
'Sister Mine' by Nalo Hopkinson is a modern fantasy novel that delves into the lives of conjoined twin sisters, Makeda and Abbey, born from a mortal and a god. The story explores their struggles for individual identities within a complex family dynamic that includes deities, paranormal occurrences, and a blend of Caribbean culture in Toronto. The narrative weaves together themes of love, family, identity, and the balance between enmeshment and individuation, all set in a magical and unconventional universe that challenges the characters to navigate their reality.
The writing style in 'Sister Mine' is described as vivid, colorful, and entertaining, offering readers an immersive experience in a world where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred. The author, Nalo Hopkinson, skillfully incorporates elements of Caribbean mythology and folklore, creating a unique and exotic perspective that adds depth to the characters and the storyline. Despite its complex plot and magical elements, the book addresses universal themes of family relationships, personal growth, and the search for one's place in the world.
I double-checked the scrap of paper I’d torn out of the Classifieds section of the Toronto Star. Yup, this was the place that was looking for tenants. It didn’t look like much, sitting there on a down...March 2013•346 pages - #9
Save:'The White Gryphon' continues the story from 'The Black Gryphon' as Skan, Drake, Winterhart, and Zaneel, along with other refugees of the Mage Wars, strive to build a new life in the south. The plot revolves around the challenges they face in their newfound society, especially when they unknowingly settle on the land of the Haleigh Kingdom. The book blends adventure, fantasy, and intrigue as the characters navigate through political complexities and unexpected threats, all set in a world created by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon. Magic plays a central role in the story, affecting the characters' dynamics and powers, leading to a narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The writing style of 'The White Gryphon' is praised for its ability to create a rich and immersive world that readers can get lost in. The characters are well-defined, and the plot development, particularly the focus on mystery and intrigue with the Haileigh people, adds depth to the story. Despite some political elements and slower pacing, the book offers a captivating continuation of the Mage Wars trilogy, presenting a mix of character development, magical elements, and evolving dynamics within the narrative.
Skandranon Rashkae rested his beaked head atop his crossed foreclaws and contemplated the city across the bay. Although his city was considered dazzling at night by the most jaded of observers, even b... - #10
Save:A dark, poetic, and hauntingly beautiful spin on selkie lore, best suited to those who savor literary, thought-provoking fantasy.
Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan is a dark and tragic tale that delves into the lives of the people on Rollrock Island, where women emerge from seals' bodies to marry men and then return to the sea if their seal skins are not hidden. The story follows the witch, Misskaella, who learns to draw women out of seals, leading to a series of events where all the human women disappear, the men take seal wives, and daughters of these marriages are meant to be returned to the sea.
Lanagan's writing style in Sea Hearts is described as beautiful, powerful, and compassionate, bringing the legend of the selkies to life with poignant storytelling that evokes feelings of sadness, longing, and hope. The novel explores themes of love, marriage, loneliness, nature, sacrifice, and the struggle to live authentically, all while maintaining a balance between darkness and light.
And down the cliff we went. It was a poisonous day. Every now and again the wind would take a rest from pressing us to the wall, and try to pull us off it instead. We would grab together and sit, then...2009•343 pages
