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<\/a>Who doesn\u2019t adore a fairy tale? Naomi Novik\u2019s Uprooted<\/em> is one of my favourites and looks to Eastern European folklore for its inspiration. The story feels familiar in that comforting way but without falling into unoriginality. It follows Agneiszka who lives in a village protected by a sorcerer from a corrupted woodland \u2013 a sorcerer who demands a sacrifice every ten years from the village. Another slow-burn enemies to lovers with a morally grey love interest, this will appeal to fans of The Bear and the Nightingale<\/a><\/em> and Among the Beasts and Briars<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more…<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n I love this book so much! It\u2019s so immersive and whips you up into the world Rogerson creates thoroughly and completely. The story focuses on Elisabeth, who is raised in a magical library which houses magical grimoires that can transform into monsters of ink and leather. When one of the most dangerous grimoires goes missing, she has to team up with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn and his demonic servant to bring it back \u2013 what unfolds is a story of adventure, horror, and the bizarre. It\u2019s a slow burn YA romantasy and is truly for the girlies who love books about books. The way I wish I could visit the magical libraries Rogerson paints and speak to the books like Elizabeth! Bonus points for being a standalone with such<\/em> a wicked redemption arc.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Demi’s picks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sultry. Sensuous. Sapphic. Saara El-Arifi has managed to breathe life into another fae, and elf based romantasy, adding spice to an crowded genre. Set in an Afro-Arabic world where humans and fae are extinct and only the elves, living in squalor and violence, remain. Humans and fae are beings of legend until elf Yeeran, cast out by her ruler, stumbles across a truth that changes everything. Yeeran and her sister Leetle must fight for their freedom, their life and to right a millennium’s worth of mistakes.\u00a0Faebound <\/em>is perfect for anyone who wants a fast-paced read filled with magic, sisterhood and passion. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more…<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Though it\u2019s considered YA, don\u2019t let this category fool you, Skin of the Sea<\/em> is filled with romance, yearning and a slow burn that will leave you frustrated. Inspired by Nigerian mythology, Simidele is a Mami Wata, a mermaid who follows slave ships and collects the souls of the enslaved who die at sea. She is meant to simply observe, collect and never intervene… until she decides to save a boy\u2019s life. This romantasy is rich with West African folklore, enriching the story and creating an entirely unique and original perspective, I haven\u2019t read anything like it. For anyone wanting to see their culture reflected in fantasy or simply learn about myths that aren\u2019t always in the public eye, Natasha Bowen does a great job of introducing you to a new world of possibilities and reimagining the old one. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more…<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jade’s pick <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the third series of Sarah\u2019s that I have read and honestly, the third time’s the charm! I loved this book so much, it\u2019s definitely my favourite of Sarah\u2019s work. I laughed, I cried, and my jaw dropped on several occasions. The story follows Bryce Quinlan as she deals with the sudden murder of her best friend Danika. After years of thinking that the man guilty of Danika\u2019s death is behind bars, Bryce soon discovers that murders are happening around Crescent City that are awfully similar to the way Danika was killed. She pairs up with feared fallen angel Hunt Athalar to find the killer and finally bring Danika justice. What ensues is a story of love, friendship and found family. For the girlies who love being immersed in an incredible fantasy world with a mix of top tier romance, this book and this series is definitely for you! Be prepared to cry though \u2013 don\u2019t say I didn\u2019t warn you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more… <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracy Deonn, the woman that you are! This is a spellbinding retelling of the classic Arthurian legend. After the sudden passing of her mother Bree Matthews escapes to UNC-Chapel Hill, enrolling in a residential program for bright high schoolers. However, after witnessing a magical attack on her very first night, Bree becomes entangled in the secret society of \u2018Legendborns\u2019 Bree discovers that there might be more to her mother\u2019s death than she initially thought. This novel does an excellent job of weaving the famous legend that we know and love with modern aspects, making this a standout book for me. Additionally, I loved how Bree\u2019s background as an African-American plays a key role in her journey of self-discovery and realising her own strength. Merlin<\/em> stans, our time has come. I promise you that you won\u2019t be able to put this book down!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/vervebooks.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/sorcery-of-thorns-9781398518131_hr-667x1024.jpg\")
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