Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
A hero set out on a journey to save the world; instead of a being a savior, we see what happens if the hero becomes a tyrant (Lord Ruler). The world in which the Mistborn series takes place in used to be filled with greenery, but is now a bleak ash covered land of despair. These events were set into motion 1000 years prior to the main events of this tale, and much has been lost of the world of the past. After reaching a state of immortality, the Lord Ruler has ensnared the world and has removed any from power who display opposition. However, a group of individuals has gathered to challenge the Lord Rulers claim on the world. They are far from the first group to attempt to overthrow him, but can they succeed and reclaim the world to its former state?
I found this be to an entertaining read, with a likeable cast of characters. The world also has a unique magic system, which is controlled by the select individuals capable of consuming elemental metals. These powers vary, from increasing ones strength, or controlling others emotions. If I were to find a criticism in this first book it’s that, we only find out bits and pieces about how the Lord Ruler came to be, there is still much which is left unknown. Hopefully this will be fleshed out in the subsequent novels. This book was originally presented as a trilogy with additional books taking place in the same world but many years after the original story.
Goodreads 4.44 out of 5, Amazon 4.7 out of 5
This series is not available at EPL. Ask any of the reference librarians to get it for you from an area library.
Piranesi by Susanna Clark
Piranesi exists in a world of never ending rooms, hallways and ancient statues filling it with classical period ambiance. The only individual besides Piranesi, in this world, he simply refers to as the other. However, this may not be the case. Something else exists in the world Piranesi resides in, and it’s about to change his whole perception of existence. At the onset of this book, it may seem like a dream world where little makes since, and nothing is clear. However, as the reader dives into this book the mystery surrounding the world is revealed. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a short fantasy book incorporating another world, with a
sense of mythology.
Goodreads 4.31 out of 5, Amazon 4.5 out of 5
Circe by Madeline Miller
From the author of The
Song of Achilles, Circe is the most recent book from Madeline Miller. In
this novel Miller takes various myths where Circe appears, and retells her
story in a cohesive novel. With regards to the mythology we see Circe as a side
character in various stories. For instance, when Circe meets Odysseus and his
men in books 10 and 11 of the Odyssey, and changes his crew into
pigs. While in this novel Miller tells of Circe’s life and how she is exiled to
the island of Aiaia. While on the island of Aiaia meets with various characters
from Greek myth such as Daedalus, Jason, Medea, and Odysseus among others. I
highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest I Greek myth, along
with The Song of Achilles, especially if the idea of reading a
translation text such as the Odyssey. Miller presents the material
in the form of a novel written for a current audience.
4.26 Stars on
Goodreads, 4.6 on Amazon
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab
A young woman in France, during the 1700s, fears how short a lifetime can be and how little can be accomplished. Addie is unwilling to settle down and accept small-town life in the 1700s. Instead she discovers what happens when you pray to the gods at night, and why you never make deals with them. In exchange for never ending life, Addie will have to live a life where no one can remember her. Everyone who knew Addie up until this point in her life has now completely forgotten her existence. Also, anyone new Addie meets will forget her after she leaves their presence. Until 300 years later, when Addie encounters a boy in a bookstore who doesn’t forget.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. While this novel can easily be labeled as Fantasy, I would say it is light on those elements, and can easily be enjoyed by those who don’t want to be bogged down in fantasy worlds. The book also has elements of historical fiction and recounts moments of Addie’s life over the 300 year span. If you enjoy this book, and want something with more fantasy elements I’d suggest checking out VE Schwab’s Shades of Magic Trilogy.
4.39 on Goodreads, 4.6 on Amazon
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Noemí receives an alarming letter from her newlywed cousin
looking for desperately help. This leads Noemí to investigate her cousins, new
family, at their secluded home known as High Place. Her cousins’ new husband is
a charming British man, but something doesn't sit well with Noemí, and it seems
as though the husband has secrets to hide. However, Noemí is a strong-willed
individual, and isn't buying his charming act.
This leads her to uncovering secrets about the house and the family that
could lead to the end of her and her cousin. If you are looking for something
with a dark allure during October, I highly recommend this book.
Goodreads score 3.77, Amazon score 4.3
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Nevernight, book one of the Nevernight Chronicles follows
the main character Mia and her path of vengeance. At a young age, Mia witnessed
the death of her father Darius Corvere and the destruction of her family by the
government he attempted to overthrow. At her family's’ demise, Mia also obtains
powers over the shadows that surround her. This leads her to doorstep of a
retired assassin that takes in her in and trains her like his own. Though his training can only go so far, so he
sends Mia to the school that he was trained by. Though this school is filled by
cut throats, and only a select few can make it through the program. Will Mia be
able to rise up through her classes and seek out her vengeance, or will she be
left to the waste?
Book 1 of 3
4.24 stars on Goodreads, 4.6 on Amazon
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