Books Like...

'The Hum and the Shiver' by Alex Bledsoe revolves around Private Bronwyn Hyatt, a war hero returning to her hometown in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, inhabited by the secretive and enigmatic Tufa people. Bronwyn must navigate her obligations to her people, her family, and her own identity while facing mysterious omens, family tragedies, and the pull of her heritage's music. Set in a contemporary Appalachian setting, the novel delves into themes of war, power, family obligations, and the struggle to find one's place in a unique and magical community, all with a touch of magical realism.

Ballad is a companion novel to Lament, continuing the story of James and Dee as they attend a music conservatory. The plot revolves around James' encounters with a fairy named Nuala, who is drawn to his musical talents. The book explores themes of faerie intrigue, longing, and heartache, with a focus on James' character development and his relationships with Nuala and Dee. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of suspense, adventure, and dark, thrilling elements that create a wondrous and enchanting world.

"Some Kind of Fairy Tale" by Graham Joyce is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that explores the mysterious disappearance of Tara, a young girl, and her unexpected return twenty years later. The book delves into the impact of Tara's absence on her family and friends, their reactions to her unbelievable story of living among fairies, and the psychological investigations that follow. The narrative weaves together elements of fantasy and realism, questioning the boundaries between reality and imagination. The story is told through multiple perspectives, offering a deep exploration of relationships, character development, and the blurred lines between truth and fantasy.

The Autumn Castle is an urban fantasy novel that follows the story of Christine, a young woman living in Germany with her artist boyfriend, Jude. Christine's life takes a mystical turn when she is transported to Ewigkreis, Fairyland, where she reunites with her childhood friend Mayfridh, who is now the Fairy Queen. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, romance, and magic as Christine navigates between the real world and the enchanting Fairyland. The plot intricately weaves together the lives of various characters living in an artist colony at Hotel Mandy Z. in Berlin, each with their own secrets and desires. Kim Wilkins' writing style brings a fairy tale-like quality to the story, creating a captivating and immersive experience for the readers.

The narrative explores the complex relationships between the characters, their struggles, and their growth throughout the story. Kim Wilkins expertly crafts a world where magic and reality intertwine, keeping the readers engaged with a blend of mystery, drama, and romance. The Autumn Castle introduces readers to a richly imagined universe where characters from different backgrounds and realms are drawn together by fate, leading to a web of lies, deception, and dark secrets that ultimately shape their destinies.

In "Faerie Tale" by Raymond E. Feist, the Higgings family moves to a farm with rumored Faerie Woods, where they encounter scary and ruthless supernatural beings seeking to harm them. The story is filled with mystery, magic, drama, and a touch of love as characters navigate the Faerie world while dealing with the dark and otherworldly creatures.

The book is set in modern-day upper state New York and intermixes Celtic mythical creatures with twentieth-century individuals, focusing on the twins Patrick and Sean as they learn to cope in the Faerie world. As the family unravels the mysteries surrounding their new home, they are drawn into a tale of Faerie intersecting with the real world, leading to a compelling and engaging narrative.

The Glittering World by Robert Levy is a mysterious and suspenseful novel set in Nova Scotia, blending elements of mythology, legend, and horror. The story follows Michael Blue Whitley as he returns to his childhood home with his friends, Elisa, Jason, and Gabe, triggering a series of events involving supernatural occurrences, ancient legends, and a hidden world coexisting with our own. As they uncover the secrets of the woods and the local folklore, the quartet of friends must navigate dangerous realms and face shattering consequences.

The narrative is rich in descriptive language, bringing to life the haunting landscape of Cape Breton and creating a sense of eerie beauty intertwined with darkness. Levy skillfully develops the characters of Blue, Elisa, Jason, and Gabe, exploring themes of friendship, love, betrayal, and the mysteries of the unknown forces lurking in the woods. Through a blend of contemporary issues and fantastical elements, the novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

'Kingdoms of Elfin' by Sylvia Townsend Warner is a collection of interconnected stories set in various Elvin Kingdoms located in Western Europe, ranging from the late middle ages to just before the end of the 19th century. The stories depict a parallel universe where fairies are cold, austere, and often cruel beings living for centuries with no souls. The writing style is described as brilliantly crafted, with intricate descriptions that create a dim, glittering world in a forest far away yet close enough to be parallel to our own.

The book explores the lives and customs of the Elfin aristocracy, their interactions with humans, and the complex hierarchy within the fairy society. Warner's narratives are spellbinding, with stories that end tragically for most characters involved, leaving readers wanting more. The writing is noted for its witty and wicked tone, creating a world where beings live their lives in a strange and alien way, touched differently by time.

'Thirteen Treasures' by Michelle Harrison follows the story of Tanya, a young girl with the ability to see fairies, leading to her being shuffled around to different homes to give her mother a break. Living with her grandmother at Elvesden Manor, Tanya becomes entangled in a mystery involving a disappearance from years before and encounters various fairytale creatures. The book is praised for its Grimm-esque spin on fairies and the intriguing changeling aspect that adds depth to the story. Readers appreciate the atmospheric world-building, realistic descriptions that immerse them in the setting, and the portrayal of faeries as mischievous and spiteful beings.

Under the Pendulum Sun is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Catherine Helstone as she ventures into Faerie to find her missionary brother, Laon, and help him save the souls of the Fae. The book delves into a nightmare Faerie world filled with gothic horror elements, religious themes, and a dark elegance that gradually unfolds as the protagonist navigates through a mysterious and cruel land. The story combines Victorian influences with a theological twist, creating a unique and atmospheric narrative that slowly draws readers in until the final act unveils the full picture with a captivating sense of ambition.

'The Good People' by Hannah Kent is a historical novel set in 1820s Ireland, following the story of Nora, a widow left to care for her disabled grandson Michael. Nora seeks the help of a local wise woman, Nance, to rid Michael of what she believes is a changeling. The book delves into the superstitions, folklore, and struggles of the villagers, highlighting the clash between paganism and religion during that time. Kent's writing style intricately weaves together themes of society, psychology, religion, and relationships, portraying the characters' humanity amidst a backdrop of hardship and ignorance.