FAVORITES

The Wee Free Men (Tiffany Aching #1), Terry Pratchett.

I dare you to read this and not start talking like the Nac Mac Feegle–aka the Wee Free Men–a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men. This is the story of Tiffany Aching, a young, spunky witch-to-be who defends her home, with the help of the WFM, against the monsters of Fairyland: headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, and the sinister Queen of the Elves. First of four books. Part of the Discworld series. If you’re not familiar with Pratchett, this is a good place to start. He was a fabulous writer and this book showcases his wit. So what are you waiting for? “Gang awa’ oot o’ here” and start reading!

Wicked Like a Wildfire (Hibiscus Daughter #1), Lana Popović.

The story of two girls, Iris and Malina, with special gifts called gleams: Iris sees flowers as fractals and turns her visions into kaleidoscopic glasswork; Malina interprets moods as music. Their mother warns them to keep their powres hidden, but when she’s attacked, they learn there’s a curse on the family, one they’ll have to use magic to counter. This book is so sensual, so full of lush, beautiful writing that you might need to read it in small doses. The beginning was slow, but once the twins begin to search for the person/thing that took their mother, the tension really picks up. Iris is somewhat prickly at first, but as the plot progresses you understand why and she becomes a more sympathetic character. Loved the magic, and Popović describes it vividly. An addictive read. Can’t wait to read the sequel.

Way of Arata #1 (The Burning Land), Victoria Strauss.

Okay, technically this begins with “B” but I can’t finish this challenge without mentioning it. Strauss is a compelling writer who immerses you in an intriguing world where a monk, Gyalo Amdo Samchen, learns dark truths about his realm, Arsace. Long ruled by godless tyrants, the land is finally free to worship Ârata, its once-outlawed deity. Smchen is also a Shaper, a powerful mage beholden to no one. He goes on a mission into the Burning Land (desert) to rescue those who fled the country’s religious intolerance. Among them is the Dreamer Axane, who’s afraid to reveal her visions of a world beyond. Considered a fantasy classic. First of a duology.

WANT TO READ

The Watermight Thief (The Fire Queen’s Apprentice #1), Jordan Rivet.

From Goodreads: “Welcome to Pendark, a city of murky canals, brutal gladiator fights, and sorcerers who feud over access to the silvery magical substance known as Watermight. Tamri is a scrappy magic thief who’s trying to get her grandmother out of this festering swamp of a city. But when a quick score involving a dragon goes wrong, she’s shipped off to a distant mountaintop kingdom where the legendary Fire Queen is starting a school for magic wielders.  The King of Pendark suspects the Fire Queen is up to something more dangerous than training young wielders, and he orders Tamri to find out the truth. If she fails, neither she nor her grandmother will survive the school year.” Sounds like a winner!

The Wicked Deep, Shea Ernshaw.

From Goodreads: “Welcome to the cursed town of Sparrow… Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town. Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.

Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into. Mistrust and lies spread quickly through the salty, rain-soaked streets. The townspeople turn against one another. Penny and Bo suspect each other of hiding secrets. And death comes swiftly to those who cannot resist the call of the sisters.

But only Penny sees what others cannot. And she will be forced to choose: save Bo, or save herself.

I’ve read the sample on Amazon and it’s very, very strong.

That’s all for now. Thanks for reading.

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