Genre: Magic

This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. An intriguing blend of fantasy and science fiction elements, Naomi Ishiguro’s The Rainshadow Orphans is a unique crossover novel full of Japanese cultural and folklore inspirations. Mixing a variety of concepts across the SFF genre umbrella, this book is an appealing and accessible read that feels like a throwback to YA fantasy novels of the mid 2000’s modernized for current tastes. The start of a planned high fantasy trilogy, though the Rainshadow Orphans is quite lengthy and occasionally drags in places, it’s an appealing start to a series full of great potential. Set in a fictional island archipelago and primarily taking place in the affluent Rainshadow City and the impoverished Keeper’s Crescent, the Rainshadow Orphans tells the story of young adult characters (plus Haru) caught amid the Royal Emperor Asayo’s revisioning of the island and the illegal gang activities of the Lucky Crows. Presented through multiple POV’s, the story is one that is part fantasy magical object and creature-based, and part futuristic technology-based with light hints of dystopian turmoil. The book covers the events of 48 hours that put the futures…

Set on the eve of a large-scale rebellion against the Citadel in power, Adrienne Young’s Fallen City is a story of political power, control, and a slow burn in every form and meaning. Part one of a planned historical fiction x fantasy duology set in the Greco-Roman stylized walled city of Isara, Fallen City is a series about rebellion, choices, and their consequences in a land blessed or cursed by the gods. Although its slow pacing and dual POV plus dual timeline presentation is not for everyone, Young’s ambition, plotting, and writing rewards patient and intellectual readers with a story that constantly builds up on itself before reaching a dramatic to-be-continued ending. (On Goodreads, a 4.5-star rating rounded up) Not sure if it’s just me, but when I think of Greco-Roman stories, the famous Roman tragedies are the first to come to mind. While Fallen City is not a tragedy per se, it features many narrative elements of the genre crossed with light fantasy elements. The book is shown from the dual perspectives of Maris and Luca, two young adults who cannot live without the other yet are cast into roles and positions of power as adversaries. The daughter and…

An intense African inspired fantasy story, Marvellous Michael Anson’s Firstborn of the Sun is an impressive and commanding traditionally published debut novel. An imaginative and complex power struggle story of magic and action, this book has an expertly crafted plot that’s twisty, full of turmoil, and honors its cultural influences while also being very accessible and compelling. With confident storytelling and distinctively fresh fantasy elements, Firstborn of the Sun is a well-rounded and excellent start to Anson’s planned epic fantasy trilogy. I will be the first to admit that having zero familiarity with Yuruban culture, I had no idea what to expect from this book having received it as part of Goldsboro’s GSFF subscription. However, I am glad to have been exposed to this book as it’s a really solid one! Set in the fictional Continent and Kingdom of Oru that’s governed by a monarchy and Holy Order, Firstborn of the Sun’s strong African roots and inspirations are one of the book’s biggest highlights. A good number of popular high fantasy books tend to be loosely based around European fantasy material that can often feel stale or uninspired, but this book is distinctively different and conceptually very refreshing. As to…

This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Wednesday Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley. Magically captivating while simultaneously dark and harsh, Julia Alexandra’s debut novel Midnight on the Celestial is a well-paced and solid YA fantasy story that effortlessly walks the line between the fantasy and thriller genres. Prominently featured on both the book’s cover and in its blurb, the focal luxury cruise line enchanted with opulent and imaginative magic immediately catches attention but there’s a lot more to this story than what meets the eye. A dark fantasy thriller featuring a likable group of found family friends paired with a great plot and excellent age-appropriate character writing, Midnight on the Celestial is a great all-rounder book that tells a compelling standalone story with dazzling visuals. The land of Tamarynth is overseen by the elected Council and system that regulates those with magical powers. Referred to as morphia, this substance possessed by certain individuals grants them a variety of powers, in Roe Damarcus’s case the power of resurrecting spirits from the afterlife. As the famed daughter of one of the councilmen and only member with magical powers, her powers are largely used…

Part 1 of June C.L Tan’s planned urban fantasy paranormal duology, Darker by Four is pure YA anime/manghwa/donghua inspired goodness. An elite exorcist training academy, flashy magical spells and talismans, dangerous revenant spirits, plus visits with the local reapers and the Ten Gods of the underworld, this book is pure, unadulterated fantasy goodness. High on action, mysterious intrigue, and teenage/young adult angst, where this book may be a little lacking in emotional depth or nuance it more than makes up with consistent entertainment value. As a long-time anime fan, Darker by Four was right up my alley! Apart from its strong anime feel and presentation which I’ll get into shortly, Darker by Four’s most notable element is its incorporation of traditional Chinese folklore. In Tan’s world, qi serves as the base for one’s magical core, providing the ability to cast spells and wield spiritual weapons in addition to being able to see paranormal entities. Besides general Asian cultural references such as food and family traditions, the book’s story also heavily revolves around the Taoist mythology of the Ten Kings of Hell along with grim reapers who strongly resemble and follow the roles of the Heibai Wuchang. That said, this book…