What if the Sword in the Stone was a trap? Mari Mancusi delivers a 4-star “twisted” retelling of King Arthur’s legend. When Madam Mim rigs the selection of the king, Arthur and a new, fierce Guinevere must team up to reclaim their own destinies.
Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures is a 5-star masterpiece that feels like an instant classic. When Christopher saves a baby griffin, he is pulled into the Archipelago—a hidden world of fading magic and ancient legends. This lyrical, high-stakes adventure explores the bravery required to protect a dying world. Perfect for fans of Narnia or His Dark Materials, it’s a breathtaking tribute to the mythical and the courageous heart.
R.F. Kuang delivers a haunting Dark Academia twist on Dante’s Inferno. In Katabasis, two rival students descend into Hell to rescue a mentor—not for love, but for their academic futures. Using only chalk, runes, and their wits, they navigate a monotonous yet terrifying underworld. It’s a 4-star exploration of academic trauma and the lengths we go for validation. Perfect for high schoolers who loved Babel or Piranesi.
These Vengeful Wishes is a gripping YA supernatural thriller that breathes new life into the Latin American legend of La Cegua. When aspiring artist Ceci moves into a cursed mansion and discovers a wishing well, she learns that every desire comes with a sinister price. Appropriate for all high school readers, this standalone novel expertly balances eerie suspense with complex family dynamics and compelling characters.
The Encanto’s Daughter has potential with its magical, Filipino-mythology plot, but the execution falls short. The narrative is weighed down by irrelevant details and sluggish pacing, making it difficult to recommend for a high school audience. While the main character is likable, the book needed more focus and stronger character development.