Heart Blade by Juliana Spink Mills – Review
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
If you have a teenager in the house looking for a good read, or if you, like me, enjoy a well-written YA book every now and then, I can genuinely…
YA
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – Review
Gritty, thoughtful, and addictive from start to finish.
Painted Devils by Margaret Owen – Review
The dynamics between the gods, the cult’s unintended growth, and Vanja’s ever-evolving relationship with power and consequence make Painted Devils a worthwhile read...
The Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes – Review
Jayna
I loved all the references to the original story because it still felt fresh while interweaving so many clever little details.
Death’s Emissary by Emily Devereux – Review
a really promising debut that stands out in the crowded YA fantasy space with a fresh take on mythology and a darkly compelling concept.
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen – Review
Gritty fairytale vibes, thorny moral questions, and some really great queer rep made this one worth picking up.
Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker – Review
... a warm, thoughtful, and unusual book that balances sadness and fear of death with hope, humor, and love.
Beggar’s Rebellion by L. W. (Levi) Jacobs – Review
It’s a fast-paced yet thoughtful adventure with solid character work, world-building that doesn’t get in its own way, and just enough twists to keep things interesting.
The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
A window into a world where queerness, magic, and adventure intersect in the most beautiful ways. If you're looking for a book that thoughtfully represents gender, magic, and love, The…
SPFBO Finalist Review: The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword by Dewey Conway & Bill Adams
This is a traditional quest fantasy with some cool original ideas, plenty of action, strong characters and humour. In other words, something most fantasy-loving kids are going to enjoy.
Why Do We Love Elemental Fantasy?
Richard Marpole
Earth, air, fire, and water. Primal forces that make up the world and power magic. Why are they such a popular motif in fantasy fiction? Firstly, the theory of the…
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
JC Kang
Steeped in deep lore inspired by Chinese cosmology, Song of Silver, Flame Like Night infuses wonder and excitement into the common tropes of forbidden magic, lost heirs, and clash of…