Books Like...

'Star Mother' by Charlie N. Holmberg revolves around the story of Ceris Wenden, a young woman chosen to mate with the Sun God to birth a star, a process that is believed to be fatal for mortal women. However, Ceris miraculously survives and returns to her village after 700 years have passed. She embarks on a journey to find her descendants, encountering a mysterious godling named Ristriel along the way. The plot delves into themes of sacrifice, motherhood, love, and trust, set against the backdrop of a celestial war between the Sun and the Moon. The writing style combines fantasy elements with emotional depth, exploring the complexities of relationships and self-realization.

The Legendary Inge by Kate Stradling is a unique fantasy novel that tells the story of Inge, a strong female lead who accidentally kills a monster and is then adopted as the King's son, despite being a girl. The plot revolves around court intrigue, family secrets, and a mysterious vanished prince, all woven together in a humorous and entertaining writing style. The book is a clever retelling of Beowulf, with elements of magic, adventure, and surprises that keep the readers engaged till the very end.

"The Blood Spell" by C.J. Redwine is a captivating retelling of Cinderella set in the Ravenspire series. The story follows Blue, a teenage alchemist with a rare gift, who faces tragic events that disrupt her world. As Blue navigates challenges, including the oppressive presence of Dinah Chaveau and the looming threat of an imprisoned wraith, readers are drawn into a world rich in romance, magic, and intrigue. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering insights into the characters of Blue, Kellan, and Dinah, each uniquely crafted with depth and complexity. The plot twists and turns, culminating in a climactic ending that leaves readers satisfied and eager for more from this talented storyteller.

"The Blood Spell" stands out for its imaginative fusion of alchemy, magic, and blood, creating a world that readers would want to inhabit. The characters, from the independent and confident Blue to the brave and mature Prince Kellan, are compelling and relatable, driving the story forward with their actions and decisions. The book's fast-paced nature, surprising twists, and well-developed relationships keep readers engaged, unable to put the book down until the final page is turned.

"Wintersong" by S. Jae-Jones is a dark and enchanting tale that combines elements of German folklore, Greek mythology, and the Goblin King myth. The story follows Liesl, an overlooked innkeeper's daughter with a passion for music, who embarks on a journey to rescue her sister from the Goblin King. Set in an Old World setting rich with vibrant music, forested groves, and powerful emotions, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery as Liesl delves into an underworld of dangerous magic and makes heartbreaking choices. The writing style is described as beautifully lyrical, with a slow burn plot that weaves together elements of fairy tales and old wives' tales to create a captivating and atmospheric narrative.

'The Girls at the Kingfisher Club' by Genevieve Valentine is a historical reimagining of the fairy tale of the Twelve Dancing Princesses set in New York during the Roaring 20s. The story follows Jo, known as 'The General,' the oldest of 12 sisters, who sneaks her siblings out to dance clubs to escape their controlling father. The book delves into themes of sisterhood, rebellion, and freedom as the sisters navigate their sheltered lives and strive for independence, all while embracing the jazz age culture of speakeasies and bootleggers.

The narrative of 'The Girls at the Kingfisher Club' is praised for its enchanting storytelling that captures the essence of a fairy tale in a realistic and historical setting. Genevieve Valentine's writing style is described as magical, with a flowing prose that paints a vivid picture of 1920s New York and the lives of the 12 sisters. The book explores complex family dynamics, female empowerment, and societal constraints, all woven together with a touch of romance and a strong focus on the bonds of sisterhood.

In 'Sweet Black Waves' by Kristina Perez, readers are taken on a captivating journey inspired by the Tristan and Isolde legend. The story revolves around Branwen, cousin to Princess Essy, who finds herself entwined in a complex web of love, friendship, and political intrigue. Set in a fantasy world reminiscent of medieval lore, the book beautifully weaves together elements of Celtic mythology, magic, and romance. Through lush prose and immersive world-building, Perez crafts a tale filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end.

Branwen's character development shines as she navigates the challenges of loyalty, love, and duty in a world torn apart by war. The narrative skillfully explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the consequences of forbidden love, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless tale. With a rich tapestry of characters and a gripping plot that builds suspense with each chapter, 'Sweet Black Waves' promises a riveting reading experience that transports readers to a realm of kingdoms, magic, and heart-wrenching decisions.

'Of Silver and Shadow' by Jennifer Gruenke is a fantasy novel set in a kingdom where magic is outlawed, and a rebellion is brewing to overthrow the corrupt rulers. The story follows Ren, a streetwise girl with the ability to use magic, who gets involved with the rebellion for monetary gain but finds herself drawn deeper into the cause. The plot includes elements of political intrigue, forbidden magic, and potential romance, all set against a backdrop of rebellion and betrayal. The writing style is immersive, with vivid descriptions that bring the world and characters to life, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

In the small town of Sparrow, Oregon, the curse of the Swan sisters, accused witches who were drowned two centuries ago, haunts the inhabitants every summer when the sisters return to seek revenge by possessing the bodies of local girls and luring boys to their deaths. The book masterfully weaves a tale of mystery, romance, and revenge, with an atmospheric setting that transports readers outside of time and place. Shea Ernshaw's writing style is lauded for its vivid descriptions and ability to evoke emotions, making readers feel like they have a front row seat to the action.

'Down Comes the Night' by Allison Saft is a gothic fantasy novel that follows Wren Southerland, a healer with a talent for magic, who finds herself in the midst of a dangerous mystery and brewing war. The story is set in a world where war-torn countries, Vesria and Danu, are on the brink of conflict, with Wren navigating through political intrigue and dark secrets to prevent another devastating war. The writing style is described as immersive, with vivid descriptions of the setting and characters, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric tone throughout the book.

Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg follows the story of Elsie Camden, an orphan with a unique ability to break spells. She is recruited by an underground group called the Cowls to undo harmful spells cast by the elite in Victorian England. Elsie's encounter with Bacchus Kelsey, an elite magician, leads to a bargain where she helps him fix spells in exchange for her secret being kept safe. As they work together, they uncover a dangerous plot involving murders of wizards and the theft of their spellbooks, revealing secrets about Elsie's past and her family.

The book combines elements of magic, mystery, and social justice, creating a world where class divides are intertwined with magical abilities. The story follows Elsie and Bacchus as they navigate a world filled with intrigue, danger, and forbidden magic, while developing a deepening bond that may lead to unexpected consequences.