Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Spanning a thousand years, two timelines, and a cosmic prophecy, Claire Legrand’s The Empirium Trilogy is an astonishing, high fantasy triumph. Following the interlocking destinies of two complex queens, this dark, magical, and fiercely diverse saga delivers an emotionally raw and epic narrative.
Ever wonder what happens after the Chosen One fulfills the prophecy? F.T. Lukens tackles the aftermath in this delightfully self-aware, queer fantasy romantic comedy. While seasoned fantasy fans might find the plot predictable and the prose simple, its refreshing diversity, joyful LGBTQ+ representation, and cozy, low-stakes humor make it an uplifting choice.
A poignant, necessary entry into the children’s literary canon, Root Magic brings to life the history and culture of Gullah people while highlighting the timeless plight of Black Americans. Add in a fun, magical adventure and you get everything I want in a book!
Witty, gripping, and tinged with mysticism, Caroline O’Donoghue’s YA debut All Our Hidden Gifts weaves an alluring tale of tarot cards, hidden magic, and modern Irish history. Centering on a relatable heroine navigating peer drama and a supernatural mystery, this highly engaging novel seamlessly explores gender identity and systemic change.
Maggie Stiefvater’s The Dreamer Trilogy is a stunning, 5-star urban fantasy masterclass that secondary educators and librarians must stock on their shelves. Blending unmatched world-building with profound character growth, this spellbinding series follows Ronan Lynch through a landscape of miracles and catastrophes. It delivers exceptional LGBTQ+ representation and intricate plotting that will captivate fantasy lovers from the first page of Call Down the Hawk to Greywarren’s breathtaking end.