"Read that already? Read this next!" - Dispatch #3
The literary world is full of repeated recommendations, popular books you're sick of hearing about, the newest releases you've already read, old classics you don't want to revisit. In a valiant effort to reconcile these occurrences, I invite you to join me for our third glorious installment of: "Read that already? Read this next!"
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo --> Book of Night by Holly Black
Book of Night is a very recent release, and Holly Black's debut in adult fantasy as well! From the author of your favorite childhood series, be it The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Folk of Air Trilogy, or The Modern Faerie Tales series, this modern dark fantasy harbors shadowy thieves, secret societies, and a maelstrom of secrets and murder.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novak --> The Wolf and The Woodsman by Ava Reid
This unforgettable debut from Ava Reid— inspired by Hungarian history and Jewish mythology—follows a young pagan woman with hidden powers and a one-eyed captain of the Woodsmen as they form an unlikely alliance to thwart a tyrant. The Wolf and the Woodsman explores a tale of a woman thought to be scorned by the gods who finds magic hidden deep within herself.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas --> The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
The Prison Healer is a dark, thrilling YA fantasy that follows the journey of seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan, who has spent the last ten years fighting for survival in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, working as the prison healer. With an incurable plague sweeping Zalindov, a mysterious new inmate fighting for Kiva’s heart, and a prison rebellion brewing, Kiva can’t escape the terrible feeling that her trials have only just begun.
Books by Holly Black or Tamora Pierce --> Hunters of the Lost City by Kali Wallace
In Hunters of the Lost City, twelve-year-old Octavia grew up believing the town of Vittoria was the only one left in the world. The sole survivors of a deadly magical war and plague, the people of Vittoria know there’s no one alive outside the town walls—except the terrible monsters that prowl the forest. When Octavia meets another girl beyond the walls, she discovers a world full of lies, monsters, and magic. This is a wonderfully immersive middle-grade tale for readers, highly recommended by our very own Victoria, and from a local press as well!
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi --> Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
In Skin of the Sea, called the must-read Black mermaid fantasy series, one mermaid goes against an ancient decree and does the unthinkable, ultimately taking on the gods themselves. Danger lurks at every turn, and as Simi draws closer, she must brave vengeful gods, treacherous lands, and legendary creatures. Because if she fails, she risks not only the fate of all Mami Wata, but also the world as she knows it.
Honorable Mentions — Recs based on what you've watched!
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina or The L Word --> Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
Grey's Anatomy or Scrubs --> The White Coat Diaries by Madi Sinha
The Godfather --> Jade City by Fonda Lee