Tag Archives: book-review

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

MG Epic Fantasy Book Reviews: Splinter and Ash & Nox Winters

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two epic fantasy stories, one with a classic medieval European-like setting, and one contemporary, both hard to put down. Continue reading →

Posted in Audiobook, Books, Middle Grade, Print | 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 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

Summer Camp Scares: It Came from the Trees and The Last Rhee Witch

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Katy K.

These two excellently terrifying Cybils-nominated books for middle grade readers set duriing summer camping trips. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Review of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Katy K.

Both timely and timeless, Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell is a book you definitely want to read. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Journeys with Introverted Kids: The First State of Being, Olivetti, and The Sky over Rebecca

Posted on October 13, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are three Cybils nominees all featuring beautiful stories of introverted kids who must reach out of themelves and their comfort zones to make things right for those around them. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Print, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Gaslamp Fantasies: A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience and Tea and Sympathetic Magic

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Katy K.

Short reviews of two deliciously bite-sized romantic gaslamp fantasy novellas, one by personal favorite Stephanie Burgis and one by new-to-me author Tansy Raynor Roberts. Continue reading →

Posted in Adult, Books, Fantasy, Print | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Werewolves and Selkies: Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf and The Selkie’s Daughter

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Katy K.

Here are two tales of fantastical creatures rarely covered in middle grade literature, one contemporary, one historical, both excellent. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Fantasy, Middle Grade | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments