I always love when Charlaine Harris posts book recommendations on her blog. It’s surprising how long it took me to think… I’m an author. I should do that too!
So here we are. Blame Charlaine.
Here are some books I’ve enjoyed recently…
I’m using affiliate links to Amazon US, which means if you click through and buy something, I might make a small commission. Most of the time I link to the ebook, but I’ll note where I’ve linked to print copies.
Written in Red and Murder of Crows (The Others Books 1 & 2) by Anne Bishop
An urban fantasy series, but a bit different from the typical urban fantasy. It takes place in Namid, which is similar to our world in lots of ways but it’s not *quite* our world. They have our technology, but the continents are different — and in addition to humans, there are The Others.
Maybe I’m the only person who will ever think this, but I found these first two books surprisingly cosy. Our main character is fleeing her past and ends up in a bookshop called Howling Good Reads (run by a wolf, of course). From there she gets a job in the mail room, befriends all the different groups of the Others (vampires, elementals, crows and more), and restores things that are broken (I’m being vague so there are no spoilers). It’s snowy, there’s a little community with small-town vibes, and there are magic ponies!
To be clear: This series features shifters who eat people and prophecies that require self-harm, so it’s not, like, COSY cosy. Just cosy to me. (Something can feel cosy without being Cosy Fantasy, you know?)
Also, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere and you’re looking for books with wintry vibes, these are very cold and snowy. At least the first two books — I haven’t read any others yet. But I will!
When Among Crows (Curse Bearer Book 1) by Veronica Roth
(That’s a link to the hardcover.)
Another urban fantasy, this time based on Slavic folklore. It’s written by the author of Divergent, which I’ve never actually read (I kind of missed the dystopian wave somehow). This is a pretty short book, with the plot taking place over the course of a single night.
Actually, with the single-night plot, it kind of reminded me of Graveyard Shift by ML Rio (link to paperback). They’re very different books, but if you like the feeling of following the story through one night, you might like this.
It had some classic urban fantasy vibes, and it according to my notes it made me cry but not in a bad way, haha.
Haunting of Tram Car 015 (Dead Djinn Universe) by P. Djeli Clark
I just love this world — a steampunk magical 1910s Cairo. In this world someone broke the barriers between earth and the djinn’s realm, and all the magic from the djinn has led to Cairo pushing out the English and becoming a major world power. I kind of see this as historical urban fantasy. (You can tell what my favourite genre is at the moment, can’t you?)
The first novella is my favourite so far, though I haven’t actually read the novel in the series yet. The first novella is called A Dead Djinn in Cairo and it’s available in this free collection of stories, at least at time of posting.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
(Link to the paperback.)
This is a crime novel set in Lagos. Actually, people seem call it a literary thriller, but I feel like that description might scare away people who would actually enjoy it. It’s funny, wry and not as stressful as I expected it to be based on that title.
It’s a pretty fast read with nice short chapters, which is always appreciated. I enjoyed the audio and thought the narrator (Weruche Opia) was great, although when I looked at the book I noticed there are a couple of differences between the audio and ebook version — I think you get more Nigerian colloquialisms in the book that are changed in the audio. Just a heads up!
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
(Link to the hardcover)
This story has such fairytale vibes. I mean, it is literally a fairy tale, so I suppose that makes sense. It takes place in a town on the fringes of Faery and it’s about two sisters who sing magic. Magic in this world is called grammar and is about translation. You might have to read it to understand because I don’t think I’m explaining it well at all, haha. It makes sense in the book!
I’ve heard the audiobook is amazing, but I didn’t listen to it so I can’t say first hand. (I think they sing in it? Or that’s the impression I got.)
Even with its dreamy fairytale quality, it has dark and unexpected moments — something I really like. And it’s short, so you can read it in one sitting!
Firelight by John Morrissey
An Australian book! It’s a collection of sci-fi/supernatural short stories with horror elements. By the end I had LOTS of quotes highlighted, always the sign of a good book. I bought the book on a whim and didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
It made me laugh out loud a couple of times, though I’d describe it as more wry than comedic. The author is of Kalkadoon descent, and a lot of the stories touch on colonisation in some way. It definitely gets dark at times (especially in the later stories). The stories really stick with you, and I’ve found myself thinking about this collection a lot since I finished it.
Grave Witch (Alex Craft Book 1) by Kalayna Price
(Link to the paperback.)
Another really cool urban fantasy world — fae came out of hiding and ‘unfolded’ some extra bits of land, so new states have popped up in America. I loved it, and I’m so glad to have another new UF series to get through when I run out of Sookie Stackhouse. (I’ve been rationing them).
Of all the urban fantasy series I’ve read, it’s the one that’s reminded me the most of Charley Davidson (another fave). I loved how the main character’s grave sight worked, seeing into a realm of death and decay. I adore any book where Death himself is a character. And it’s got a little bit of spice, too.
So there we have it! What have you been reading lately? I’d love to hear your recs!
xx