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In Swordheart (2025), T. Kingfisher takes readers on a cozy romp through a somewhat medieval land scattered with random vestiges of its magical past. Our middle-aged heroine, Halla, has recently inherited an estate and is struggling to fend off nasty relatives who are intent on marrying her for her wealth.

10 years ago eight-year-old royal page Hanalei and Queen Oliana of Tamarind ingested poison and fell into a stasis. It was said that a dragonfruit (the egg of a sea dragon) has the power to undue a person's greatest sorrow - not without a price of course. After the poisoning three eggs were secured, but two were broken. The third egg was stolen by Hanalei's father, who used it to wake his daughter then escape into the night, leaving the queen. 

This Is How You Lose the Time War (2019) is a slim novel that leaves you wanting more. A largely epistolary book, it starts with a letter found amongst the ashes of a destroyed world. Readers will find out that this and the following messages are correspondence between Red and Blue, two skilled agents on opposite sides of a time war.

For generations, Rhea Silvia’s family ruled Alba Longa, but the deaths of her mother and brothers leave her father broken and unable to remain , allowing her uncle Amulius to seize the throne. Forced into service as a Vestal Virgin to prevent heirs that could rule instead of Amulius, Rhea plans revenge. Rhea’s secret affair with Mars, the god of war results in the birth of twins, Romulus and Remus, who will one day reclaim the kingdom.

Upon a Starlit Tide (2025) is a mesmerizing historical fantasy/dark fairy tale. In 1700s coastal France the protagonist, Luce, rescues a handsome sailor from certain death in the fickle sea. Confusingly she feels drawn to both him and to her loyal friend Samuel, an English smuggler.

A Monster Calls (2011) is a 13-year-old’s journey to come to grips with his mother’s terminal illness and the emotions that come with it. A monstrous yew tree appears outside his window, night after night, and tells Conor stories – fairy tales with complicated moral twists. As Conor deals with the bullying, anger and guilt overwhelming his life, the monster forces him to confront the feelings he’s avoiding.

Ten years ago, best friends Beatrice, Elowen, and Clare saved the realm of Mythria from the forces of evil, and it absolutely ruined their lives. Their heroic quest gave them fame, but at the cost of losing their quest leader and friend, Galwell the Great—and now the three of them don’t even speak.  

For anyone looking for a mix of 'We need to defeat the evil overlord to free our world' and 'I was bored so I decided to join up with the hero and save the world', look no further!

Oh look, another fantasy, but with some romance! Girl, Serpent, Thorn (2020) by Melissa Bashardoust is a dramatic, original fairytale of a princess cursed with a poisonous touch, and locked away in a royal palace. There's a lot to this once you get passed the initial exposition, and it's well worth it.

Written by Justin W, Tech Center

An Orc, once mercenary, decides to settle down and use her spoils to open a coffee shop, a drink the town of Thune hasn't yet tasted.  Legends and Lattes (2022) by Travis Baldree is low-stakes, high-fantasy, wholesome adventure that'll have you feeling like drinking coffee alongside it!

Written by Jason W, Tech Center

Author Stacy Sivinski debuts with a sweet and cozy fantasy with witchy vibes, set in 1870s Chicago. In The Crescent Moon Tearoom (2024) we meet the Quigley triplets, orphaned clairvoyants living a gentle, spice-scented life in their fortune telling tearoom. But it is all about to get turned upside down.

I really enjoyed reading this Brothers Grimm inspired story and read it in two sittings. The Thirteenth Child (2024) by Erin A. Craig is a dark take on a fairy tale about Hazel, a girl born a thirteenth child.  She is chosen to be adopted by the Dreaded End -the god of Death, and he gifts her the ability to cure sickness.