Lessons in Magic and Disaster

Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders

A young witch teaches her mother how to do magic--with very unexpected results--in this relatable, resonant novel about family, identity, and the power of love.

Jamie is the average New England academic in-training--she has a strong queer relationship, generational trauma, and an esoteric dissertation proposal. But she has one extraordinary secret: she's also a powerful witch.

Serena, Jamie's mother, has been hiding from the world in an old one-room schoolhouse for several years, grieving the death of her wife and the simultaneous explosion in her professional life. All she has left are memories.

Jamie’s busy digging into a three-hundred-year-old magical book, but she still finds time to teach Serena to cast spells and help her come out of her shell. But Jamie doesn't know the whole story of what happened to her mom years ago, and those secrets are leading Serena down a destructive path.

Now it's up to this grad student and literature nerd to understand the secrets behind this mysterious novel from 1749, unearth a long-buried scandal hinted therein, and learn the true nature of magic, before her mother ruins both of their lives.

Charlie Jane Anders is one of my favorite authors. I will read everything she publishes! This is a great book with fully formed characters. Read it today.

Anders, Charlie Jane. (2025). Lessons in Magic and Disaster. New York: Tor. 

The River Has Roots

The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar is a beautiful novella that reads like a folk tale. 

In the small town of Thistleford, on the edge of Faerie, dwells the mysterious Hawthorn family.

There, they tend and harvest the enchanted willows and honour an ancient compact to sing to them in thanks for their magic. None more devotedly than the family's latest daughters, Esther and Ysabel, who cherish each other as much as they cherish the ancient trees.

But when Esther rejects a forceful suitor in favor of a lover from the land of Faerie, not only the sisters' bond but also their lives will be at risk...

After being introduced to Amal El-Mohtar's writing in This is How You Lose the Time War, I will be reading everything she publishes! This is a gorgeous book with beautiful illustrations.

El-Mohtar, Amal. (2025). The River Has Roots. New York: Tor.

The Oleander Sword (Burning Kingdoms #2)

The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri is the second book in the Burning Kingdoms fantasy series. 

The prophecy of the nameless god - the words that declared Malini the rightful empress of Parijatdvipa - has proven a blessing and curse. She is determined to claim the throne that fate offered her. But even with the strength of the rage in her heart and the army of loyal men by her side, deposing her brother is going to be a brutal and bloody fight.

The power of the deathless waters flows through Priya's blood. Thrice born priestess, Elder of Ahiranya, Priya's dream is to see her country rid of the rot that plagues it: both Parijatdvipa's poisonous rule, and the blooming sickness that is slowly spreading through all living things. But she doesn't yet understand the truth of the magic she carries.

Their chosen paths once pulled them apart. But Malini and Priya's souls remain as entwined as their destinies. And they soon realize that coming together is the only way to save their kingdom from those who would rather see it burn - even if it will cost them.

Suri has created a cast of strong women who are fighting back. This is a good second book in a series. Yes, there is war, but it is also forwards the character paths and leaves readers on edge for what comes next.

Suri, Tasha. (2022). The Oleander Sword. New York: Orbit.

The Broken Kingdoms (Inheritance #2)

The Broken Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin is the second book in the Inheritance fantasy series. 

Oree Shoth is a blind woman who moved to the city of Shadow, located under what was formerly known as the city of Sky. Many things have changed since the chained gods have returned to power. 

While Oree cannot see even shadows, she can see magic. And in a city filled with lesser gods, this is perhaps a good skill to have. She spends her day selling things in the markets. And she is an artist. She can somehow enter a trance-like focus and paint amazing scenes. 

One day Oree finds a man in her garbage. He is alive, but barely. She takes him in. 

This second book is from a different point of view, as is the third. This view gives readers a more in-depth look at the world Jemisin has created. This series is brilliant!

Jemisin, N.K. (2010). The Broken Kingdoms. New York: Orbit.

All the Dead Shall Weep (Gunnie Rose #5)

All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris is the fifth book in her alternate history western series featuring Gunnie Rose and her sister Felicia.

Felicia is traveling with her best friend Peter to visit her sister Lizbeth in Texoma. Felicia is in magic school in San Diego, of the Holy Russian Empire. 

Lizbeth and her husband Eli have visited Felicia in San Deigo, but this is Felicia's first trip to Segundo Mexia, Texoma - a much more rural place than the big city she lives in. 

When an army of unknown origin comes through Segundo Mexia, Peter and Eli follow them. Felicia and Lizbeth stay and try to protect the people in town. 

Could all of this be a move by someone to take over Texoma? Or is it related to the wizard's ball coming up - where the magical families make betrothals to strengthen their lines? A ball where the very powerful Felicia will be presented for the first time.

Harris has a wonderful gift for world-building. The Gunnie Rose series is both highly entertaining and a fast read. I highly recommend reading this series. 

Harris, Charlaine. (2023). All the Dead Shall Weep. New York: Saga Press.

The Stardust Thief (Sandsea #1)

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah is the first book in the Sandsea fantasy series. 

Loulie al-Nazari was saved by Qadir, a Jinn, when her whole family and tribe were killed by men in black. Al-Nazari is the Midnight Merchant. While others may go a lifetime without seeing a Jinn relic, Loulie sells them. 

Magic and relics are illegal – only some know that the relics are infused with magic left by the Jinn who created them. The wealthy collect them mostly for the status, not the magic. Now Loulie is arrested and brought to the sultan. He has heard of a relic in the Sand Sea that he wants her to collect – a trip that is likely to end in her death. 

The sultan will be sending his son Omar, head of the 40 Thieves, with her for protection. Omar is a famous Jinn killer. 

Abdullah’s first book in the Sandsea series is wonderful – everything you could want in a fantasy adventure. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

Abdullah, Chelsea. (2022). The Stardust Thief. New York: Orbit.   

The Serpent in Heaven (Gunnie Rose #4)

The Serpent in Heaven by Charlaine Harris is the fourth book in the Gunnie Rose alternate history, western, fantasy series - this one focuses on Rose's sister Felicia. 

Felicia Karkarov is a student at the Grigori Rasputin School of magic in San Diego - capital of the Holy Russian Empire. As a relative to the tsar, Felicia is at the school not for magic but to be close in case the tsar needs a blood transfusion. In fact, her teachers do not know if she has magic.

On her way to dine with her new in-laws, Felicia is kidnapped and locked in a room. She has no idea who has nabbed her, but she plans to escape. 

Harris has created a wonderful alternative history. This is a super fun series. Check out the first one today!

Harris, Charlaine. (2022). The Serpent in Heaven. New York: Saga Press.

Terciel & Elinor (Old Kingdom #6)

Terciel & Elinor by Garth Nix is the sixth installment in his Old Kingdom / Abhorsen series. 

Elinor was raised in Ancelstierre, south of the wall that block the magic of the Old Kingdom. Never in her childhood was magic even mentioned. 

Terciel was gathered by the current Abhorsen, Tizanael, from the orphanage he has live in since his parents and sister died. He will become the next Abhorsen in Waiting - learning all of the Charter magic needed to keep the dead in death and from coming back to the world to cause trouble. 

Their paths cross when a necromancer begins to summon the dead to attack Elinor. 

Nix has written this prequel, starring the parents of Sabriel, to the delight of his fans. What started out as the Abhorsen trilogy is one of my favorite fantasy series ever!

Nix, Garth. (2021). Terciel & Elinor. New York: Katherine Tegan Books.

The Last Graduate (Scholomance #2).

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik is the second book in her Scholomance series - a fantasy book about a high school where more students are killed by mals than graduate. 

El and her classmates are seniors. This is the year that alliances are cemented and seniors practice for the battle of the graduation hall. But this year is a little different. Is the school saving up to attack them later, or are there fewer mals trying to kill everyone?

Read everything by Naomi Novik! This series is no exception. El is a great character surrounded by creative classmates. I love this series.

Novik, Naomi. (2021). The Last Graduate. New York: DelRey.

A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe (Salvagers #1)

A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe by Alex White is the first book in his science fiction / fantasy series Salvagers. A tale in outer space but fueled by magic!

Nilah is a racecar driver, but not like the cars you can watch on Earth. Her car runs not on gas but on her own magic. She is a mechanist, and as such she can talk to any machine. She is also up for racer of the year - or she was until she found herself frozen in a spell and then transported away.

She wakes up in the city next to the racetrack. The news reports are looking for her, wanted for murder of the driver who was frozen with her at the track. The only clue she has is the conversation between what looked like the grim reaper and her track mate - find Boots.

Boots is an ex-celebrity treasure hunter. Now she sells somewhat dubious maps to suckers willing to pay. Which seems to be connected to what just happened to Nilah. At the same time, Boots is running from her old ship captain who has come looking for her.

The Capricious is going hunting - for the same treasure that caused all of these problems. The rumor of an extremely large ship called the Harrow. 

White has created a fascinating universe combining science fiction and magic. His characters are wonderful and I will be following them onto their future adventures. 

White, Alex. (2018). A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe. New York: Orbit.

Magic for Liars

Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey is the story of Ivy Gamble being hired to solve a death at a high school for magic students - the same high school in which her sister teaches.

Ivy and her twin sister kinda went their separate ways when Tabitha started doing magic. You are either born with magic or you are not. Now Tabitha is a teacher at a prestigious magic school and Ivy is a hard-drinking private detective.

Ivy will have to investigate in a setting she does not understand. Her knowledge of magic is better than most, in that she knows it exists. But that is where her knowledge stops. She will have to decide who to trust to teach her as she interviews teachers and students to discover what happened to the woman who was divided in two in the library.

Gailey is a creative storyteller. Their books never go quite where you expect. If you need a book Sarah Gailey is always a great author to pick up.

Gailey, Sarah. (2019). Magic for Lairs. New York: Tor. 

The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3)

The Russian Cage by Charlaine Harris is her alternate history series featuring Gunnie Rose. Lizbeth Rose is a guard who, with a crew, guides people through the wilds of an altered United States.

Lizbeth gets a letter from her half-sister in the Holy Russian Empire (what we call California and Oregon) - a sister she only discovered months ago. On a second reading she notices a code.

Eli has been arrested. Eli's brother, a classmate of her sister, has been to see him but cannot find out why he is in jail. 

Lizbeth packs a bag, digs up some money and hops a train west. Once arriving in San Diego, she has to attempt to blend in - including not carrying her guns. 

Harris has created a wonderful genreblend - alternate history magic, western - which should surprise no one who is familiar with her Southern Vampire (aka True Blood) series. She is a great writer with an extra amount of imagination! I love this series!

Harris, Charlaine. (2021). The Russian Cage. New York: Saga Press.

Black Sun (Between Earth and Sky #1)

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse is a great book and the first in her Between Earth and Sky series. 

Celestial prophesies say that on the day of the black sun there will be a reckoning. In the city of Tova the solstice is a time of celebration and renewal as the sun completes the year and comes back for a new one. The Sun Priest will lead the ceremony to ensure that it does.

Captain Xiala, a Teek sailor whose song can calm the waters and call a breeze, is hired to get a blind man to the city of Tova. He must arrive before the convergence. This will require cutting across the sea instead of following the shoreline. 

Serapio, the blind man, is anything but harmless. He has been training almost since birth to perform one act.; It has to be done as the sky darkens - before the sun can be brought back for a new year.

Roanhorse has created a wonderful fantasy series set in the pre-Colombian Americas. This is one of the best books I read in 2020!

Roanhorse, Rebecca. (2020). Black Sun. New York: Saga Press.

A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1)

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik is the first book in her fantasy series The Scholomance - imagine if Hogwarts killed more students that it graduated! 

El, short for Galadriel, is a magic high school that eats about half of the students, or rather mals get them. It is dangerous to make friends, but also necessary to form alliances by the last year. 

Some of the other students belong to magical families who have joined an enclave. These students are used to getting their way, have access to the best spells and use the unaffiliated as serfs with the promise to consider them for membership in their enclave if they live through graduation. 

El is a dark wizard, born to the sweetest healer in Europe. She refused to embrace her darkness, but the school keeps giving her assignments based on her evil talent.

Novik has created a wonderful series. I love this book and cannot wait for the next. Buy a copy today.

Novik, Naomi. (2020). A Deadly Education. New York: DelRey.

A Longer Fall (Gunnie Rose #2)

 A Longer Fall by Charlaine Harris is the second book in her alternative history western featuring Gunnie Rose - a bodyguard and guide through the wild lands of North America.

Joined by a new crew, Gunnie Rose is escorting a crate from Texoma to Dixie. 

When the train is derailed, she is sure is it to seal the crate. Rose and the other gunnie, Lizbeth, try to defend their cargo against whomever is coming for it. 

Harris has created a wonderfully enjoyable series that is part western, part fantasy and part historical. Rose is as followable a character as her Sookie Stackhouse was in the vampire South.

Harris, Charlaine. (2020). A Longer Fall. New York: Saga Press.

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1)

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas is the first book in her Crescent City series, a fantasy series that also includes technology of our world (cars, computers, guns, etc...).

Bryce Quinlan is half Fae and half human. She lives in Lunathion, also called Crescent City, and is known as a partier. Her best friend Danika Fendyr is the leader of a pack of wolf shapeshifters. Bryce works at an auction house that deals in rare to forbidden art, books, artifacts, and is owned by a sorceress who is reported to turn those who annoy her into animals.

A brutal murder changes Bryce's life forever. Due to her relationship to the victims and her attempt to kill the demon who did it, she is tasked to help find who summoned the demon. She is assigned a bodyguard / partner who is a fallen angel known as the Shadow of Death.

Their investigation takes them to all levels of the city, into their own dark pasts, up against incredibly powerful creatures.

This first in Maas's new series will not disappoint. She has quickly grown to become on of the most loved fantasy authors. Her books are cleaver, fast, twisty and sexy.

Maas, Sarah J. (2020). House of Earth and Blood. New York: Bloomsbury.

An Easy Death (Gunnie Rose #1)

An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris is the first book in her alternate history / fantasy / western series featuring Gunnie Rose.

In an alternate history of North America, where other countries (Canada, Mexico, Russia, England) control part of what we know at the United States, Rose works as a gunnie on a crew that transports people between what is once again Mexico (now called Texoma) and New America to the north - across the lawless region in between.

When all goes wrong, she is forced to take a job by two wizards from the Holy Russian Empire (California to Alaska) as a local guide and gunnie while they look for a missing man. She doesn't tell them that she knows exactly what happened to him - she needs the money.

This is a great start to another fun series by Charlaine Harris, best known for her Southern Vampire series that became True Blood on HBO. With a feel both western and dystopian, this is the start of a wonderful series.

Harris, Charlaine. (2018). An Easy Death. New York: Saga Press.

Goldenhand (Abhorsen Trilogy / Old Kingdom #5)

Goldenhand by Garth Nix is the fifth book in his Old Kingdom series which started with the Abhorsen trilogy. This is one of my favorite fantasy series.

Lirael, the Abhorsen in Waiting, will be in charge of defending the kingdom while Sabriel and Touchstone are on a much needed vacation.

When a message hawk arrives from the South Wall saying that Nicolas Sayre is in trouble, Lirael flies there to find out what is happening.

A Free Magic creature leads her to believe that an enemy she thought was dead is still around.

Goldenhand as good as the original series. Fans waited patiently in the hopes of the series continuing and it was completely worth the wait. Read this wonderful fantasy series.

Nix, Garth. (2016). Goldenhand. New York: Hot Key Books.

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah Maas is the seventh book in her Throne of Glass series - a fantasy series set in the land of Erilea, which used to have magic and is fighting to get it back before an evil tries to enslave them all.

This final book in the series brings together all of the various characters and clans to fight against evil from another realm. It is hard to review the book without giving away spoilers from the previous six books.

If you are a fan of fantasy, strong female characters overcoming great obstacles, or young adult fiction you will enjoy this series. There are some great characters.

Maas, Sarah J. (2018). Kingdom of Ash. New York: Bloomsbury.

A Court of Frost and Starlight (Court of Thorns and Roses #4)

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas is the fourth book in her Court of Thorns and Roses series. - set in the fairy realm.

Everyone is rebuilding after the war. In the Night Court, Fayre and her friends are doing everything possible to repair the city and help those whose homes or lives were destroyed during the war.

This entry in the series is a treat for fans. The book takes place over a couple of weeks around the Winter Solstice. It is a holiday books where everyone figures out how to deal with the past few months - a nice looks at the more ordinary life in the fairy realm.

Maas is a great fantasy writer. Both this series and her Throne of Glass series are stellar. If you are not yet familiar, go get one today!

Maas, Sarah J. (2018). A Court of Frost and Starlight. New York: Bloomsbury.