Category Archives: Fantasy

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

Posted on July 3, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s another lovely Thai-inspired historical fiction/fantasy book from Christina Soontornvat, whose earlier books A Wish in the Dark and All Thirteen won Newbery Honors the same year. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Fantasy, Historical, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a fantastic new magical school story from best-selling author Dhonielle Clayton. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

The Loophole by Naz Kutub

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Katy K.

A queer teen tries to track down his missing ex-boyfriend to win him back, with help from a possible genie, in this winning debut. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Realistic, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Witchlings by Claribel Ortega

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Katy K.

Claribel Ortega’s newest middle grade fantasy, Witchlings, is an appealing mix of friendship, danger, and magic set in a contemporary fantasy world filled with whimsical details. Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Generational Trauma and Healing: Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa and A Comb of Wishes

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are two new middle grade fantasies that look at generational trauma through a fantasy lens, while being entertaining stories in their own right.  Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

Posted on May 6, 2022 by Katy K.

Who’s up for a steampunk mystery in 1912 Cairo, featuring a dapper young female agent? Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, books, Fantasy | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

2+2 Cybils Graphic Novel Finalists

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Katy K.

Here are reviews of four more outstanding 2021 Cybils Graphic Novel finalists – Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby, The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor, Cheer Up!: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Fraiser, and Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smyth. Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Realistic, Reviews, Romance, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand by Donna Galanti

Posted on April 27, 2022 by Katy K.

Thanks so much to Donna Galanti for sending me the second book in this appealing not-quite-middle-grade series.  Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath the Sand by Donna Galanti. Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. Epic!, 2022. Review copy kindly sent by the author.  Unicorn … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Chapter Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Good Neighbors by Stephanie Burgis

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a sweet, uplifting and funny fantasy romance … between a semi-magical inventor and the necromancer down the road,. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, books, Fantasy, Print, Reviews, Romance | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Ripped Away by Shirley Vernick

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Katy K.

Here’s a new middle grade book combination of true crime, time travel, and historical fiction is sure to keep you turning the pages! Continue reading →

Posted in books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments