Category Archives: Fantasy

Middle School Betrayals: A Field Guide to Broken Promises and A Split Second

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Katy K.

A Field Guide to Broken Promises and A Split Second are two moving stories of middle school girls blindsided by betrayals from friends and sometimes family, each with a slight speculative twist Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Realistic, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Monthly Book Round-Up Middle Grade-Adult: April 2025

Posted on May 9, 2025 by Katy K.

My brief thoughts of the 14 books I read in April, including three re-reads of beloved books. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Monthly Book Round-Up Middle Grade-Adult: March 2025

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Katy K.

My brief thoughts of the 16 books I read in March – so many books I loved! Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Historical, Lists, Middle Grade, nonfiction, Print, Realistic, Romance, Sci-Fi, Teen/Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis: Magic, Romance, and Royal Intrigue

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Katy K.

It’s always a happy day when Stephanie Burgis comes out with a new book, and this, her first traditionally-published book for adults in many years, is especially exciting. If you’re in the mood for a cozy fantasy romance with crows, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Books, Fantasy, Print, Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Adventures and Prejudice: Accidental Demons and Sona and the Golden Beasts

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are reivew of Accidental Demons by Clare Edge and Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca, two of the 2024 Cybils Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Finalists that I didn’t get to back when I first read them. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Cozy Fantasies with Cats: Literary Escapes

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are two cozy fantasies – both with cats – to comfort and inspire: The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner and The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Audiobook, Books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Cybils 2024: 15 Middle Grade Spec Fic Books that Got Away

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Katy K.

Here are 15 books that didn’t quite make the cut for the 7 finalists chosen by the Cybils Round 1 panel that I still loved. They all have strong characters and range from classic fantasy to science fiction, time travel to cryptids. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

2024 Middle Grade Speculative Fiction Cybils Finalists

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Katy K.

After much reading, the 7 middle grade speculative Cybils finalists, with links to my reviews where available! Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Lists, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Farrah Noorzad and Amir: Journeys with Jinn for Kids

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two Cybils-nominated books with rich worldbuilding, fast action, and thought-provoking themes: Farrah Noorazad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur, and Amir and the Jinn Princess by M.T. Khan. Continue reading →

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

Exploring Found Family in Middle Grade: The Flicker and Wishbone

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Katy K.

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon and Wishbone by Justine Pucella Winans are both stories of kids trying to find their way through grim circumstances, learning about themselves and creating found families along the way. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Sci-Fi | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments