Reviews

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim is the first book in the Fate's Thread series. Set in 1990s South Korea, the novel is an urban romantasy inspired by Korean mythology. Part vague police investigation, part slow-burn romance, this book is Sophie Kim's ode to K-dramas. Seokga, a former trickster god, is banished to the mortal world after a failed coup, where he is now a grumpy, coffee-loving detective. Kim Hani is a powerful, sassy gumiho (nine-tailed fox spirit) who is laying low as a barista after garnering too much attention in 1888. When drastic and unexpected circumstances pull them together, sparks fly in this secret-antagonists-to-lovers plotline.

I've been curious about this book for a while; one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but this cover is gorgeous! Thus, I was hopeful, and thankfully not disappointed. This is a great read for those who enjoy a high stakes dramatic storyline with moderately spicy romance and quick back and forth banter, along with plot twists that will take readers by surprise. Sophie Kim also has a very engaging writing style, and a flow that will keep readers turning page after page. (Psst--fans of this book can rejoice: the sequel, The God and the Gwisin, comes out in June 2025....)

Those interested in similar titles may enjoy The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh, Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan, How to Become a Dragon by eon, Super Secret by eon, Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee, The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan, The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo, and A Taxi Driver, among many others. 

Leap by Simina Popescu follows two young adolescent girls as they navigate life, love, and friendship at their dance school in Bucharest, Romania. Ana is a contemporary dancer, but remains tied to the classical track by her very career-driven girlfriend of three years, Carina, who wants their relationship to remain a secret. Sara began in classical but has switched to contemporary in order to seek her passion for dancing, as well as to remain near the teacher she has a not-so-discreet crush on. As the meme goes, "And then they were roommates." Thrown together by chance, Sara and Ana quickly find solace in each other in this coming-of-age tale. Readers will laugh, cry, and cheer for these girls as they seek direction, support, and love while they dance their hearts out.

Popescu (they/she), a dancer themself in Bucharest, renders this story in fluid, energetic lines that capture both dance movements and the characters' tumultuous emotions with equal ease. They are also adept with color, using a mix of warm and cool tones to set the mood of a scene or to denote a flashback, but know when to use a pop of full color to emphasize a poignant moment. Script-wise, the story flows easily, and will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. A personal favorite element is (spoiler) that this story does not fall into the roommates-to-lovers trope--Sara and Ana have enough on their plates! The positive impact of LGBTQIA+ friendships should also not be overlooked, especially in works for YA and adult audiences. 

Readers who like Leap may also enjoy Even Though We're Adults by Takako Shimura, I Felt Myself Slipping by Ray Nadine, Sunhead by Alex Assan, and Our Colors by Gengoroh Tagame.

Castle Swimmer is Wendy Lian Martin's first published graphic novel. It is a lighthearted fantasy series inspired by aquatic--especially marine--wildlife; all the character designs stem from real animals. The series follows Siren and Kappa, two young men with very different backgrounds who are actually quite similar. Kappa is the Beacon, who swims around destined to solve/enact other peoples' prophecies, while Siren is prince of the Sharks, destined to kill Kappa to save his people. Enamored with each other and opposed to their fates, these merfolk decide to try and find a new solution, together. Volume One of this series contains Chapters 1-19 of the story, plus adorable bonus material.

I've been a fan of this comic for years and was ecstatic to learn it would be getting a print edition. I love everything about this series, from the expressive, full-color illustrations to the overall lighthearted tone of the story, which also doesn't shy away from darker elements later on. Martin's balance of humor, plot, and character is well-executed, as well as color palette and even font choice. This is a great series for fans of light fantasy, aquatic lifeforms, and merfolk stories. I can't wait for Volume 2!

Readers who enjoy this series may also like: Boyfriends. by refrainbow, Navigating With You by Jeremy Whitley, Tristan and Lancelot: A Tale of Two Knights by James Persichetti and L.S. Biehler, and The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer.

Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher is a historical supernatural Christmas romantasy set in mid-nineteenth century York, England. After her father's sudden passing from diabetes complications and her mother falling catatonic after a seance, young Lizzy Grimm runs the family curio store on her own. As Lizzy struggles to make ends meet and repay her family's mounting debts, she encounters two men who will change her life forever: Ambrose Stoke, who has a strangely intense interest in some mysterious old books in the shop, and Antony Carlisle, a lord-to-be whose younger sister bears an uncanny resemblance to the condition of Lizzy's mother. In this novel that is part ghost story, part mystery, and has a generous helping of romance, Lizzy must save her family, her livelihood, and her heart's desire, all before Christmas. Really, with all that going on, what's a girl to do?

A note: Despite the title, the novel has no connection to the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, except for the fact that Lizzy's paternal relatives originally hail from Bavaria. The book actually draws upon Yule lore, perfect for a supernatural Christmas/Yuletide read.

Something I very much enjoyed about the book is Fisher's use of location-specific terminology. Research is very important to Fisher, and she includes both a glossary at the beginning of the book to introduce York-specific vocabulary (ex. 'ginnel' and 'snicket'), as well as a list of research references in the acknowledgements for readers who want to learn more about York and its fascinating history. Similarly, Fisher is very good at creating a sense of place. The descriptions of alleys, interior spaces, and fantastical landscapes are easily imagined from her writing, and remain the best-remembered aspects of the novel, along with the visual descriptions of ghosts and folkloric creatures, such as the mythological 'printer's devil.'

The romance aspect is very much a slow-burn, and the pacing picks up once Croft & Croft is introduced. Charlie Croft is one of my personal favorite characters in this novel. Perhaps if Fisher makes this into a series, there can be a book about Charlie next? Those who enjoy C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, Holly Black and Sarah Rees Brennan's tales of the fae, Jane Austen's literary works, The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan, and/or Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh may also enjoy this novel.

A Vile Season by David Ferraro is a period vampire story with a twist. Often, these novels tend to follow a human encountering or trying to become a vampire, or, more recently, vampires who become curious about the humans they devour--not to mention the entire vampire sub-genre of paranormal romances. While all of these elements are indeed included in this book, the vampire protagonist Count Lucian Cross has a rather different problem. After being chased from his castle by an angry mob of vampire hunters, he makes a deal with the vampire god, Vrykolakas, to save his hide: Lucian will become human again in order to go undercover on a mission for vampire-kind--he is to find the identities of his attackers and win the hand of Ambrose Harclay, the eldest son and heir to the ailing Duke Harclay. In return, Vrykolakas will not only make Lucian a vampire once more, Lucian will will be even more powerful than before. However, a mission that should have been simple quickly becomes complicated as Lucian is beset by former soured relations, becomes embroiled in the mystery of Ambrose's missing middle brother, Emmett, and finds himself increasingly drawn to the youngest Harclay brother, Maxwell... What do you mean, there are consequences for one's actions?

Set in fantasy England during an unspecified historical time period, this novel combines mystery and the paranormal with a well-balanced ratio of romantic subplot. Referencing classic vampire tropes, such as shape-shifting, a sensitivity to garlic and crosses, and a fatal allergy to the sun, Ferraro pays homage to the original Gothic vampire tales readers know and love while putting his own spin on the genre. He adds colorful balls and game-show-esque challenges to the competition to become Ambrose's betrothed. This is not to say that there aren't also mysterious crypts, ghostly cemeteries, hidden passageways, and secret societies--there's plenty of those, too! This well-paced and adventurous novel, with its quirky cast of characters, will keep the reader engaged from dramatic start to happy end. This was an overall quite entertaining read! I will likely seek out Ferraro's other work in the future.

Readers interested in other vampire tales may enjoy Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, Dracula by Bram Stoker, Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu, When I Arrived at the Castle by Emily Carroll, and Renfield (dir. Chris McKay). For those interested in neo-Gothic works, try Crimson Peak (dir. Guillermo del Toro) and Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. For another new LGBTQIA+ fantasy mystery, try Voyage of the Damned by Frances White.

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater is a Gothic faerie tale set in a fantasy Victorian England. Winifred, or Winnie, an orphan pulled from a traumatic workhouse by a noble benefactor, is called away from London to Witchwood Manor as a favor to the dowager Lady Longfell, ostensibly to be a governess to the lady's grandson, Robert. In truth, Winnie is a black magician specializing in cartomancy, and her true task is to protect Robert from the faerie curse placed on the manor, which is tied to the mysterious Witchwood Knot. Armed with her wits, her magic, and her loyal ghostly feline familiar, Winnie's mission is complicated by the contrarian young Robert, his truly creepy father, and the mysterious butler-who-is-and-is-not a butler, Mr. Quincy.

This novel, the first in a series, draws on several mythologies for its inspiration--mostly from Celtic mythology, and a dash of Beauty and the Beast. Atwater's book is chock-full of detail; given the historical background she provides for her books, as well as her own personal interest in history, this was one of best parts in the book. This is also a book suited for fans of historical fantasy with a romantic subplot, or fans of romantasy with a subdued romance. Atwater does include a content warning at the beginning of the book, so wary readers are advised to glance at it before proceeding. Highlights of this book include its dark faerie tale elements and sardonic, witty heroine. Atwater's previous series (Regency Faerie Tales) may add extra world-building context.

Fans of Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Sarah J. Maas, and The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert would likely enjoy this novel. 

Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah is a book about nostalgia and imagination, for readers of all ages, to be read solo or in the company of others. On the surface, it seems to be merely a whimsical story about a young boy and his wise teddy bear, Walter, who go on an adventure "into the uncut grass," the unknown lands beyond the boy's house, because the boy disagrees with his mother's rules. While it is indeed an adventure story, it is also a tale about seeing the world from other perspectives, and trying new ideas as a result. The snails and coins that the boy meets are reminiscent of Aesop's fables, while his other encounters hark back to childhood favorites, such as "We're Going on a Bear Hunt."

Inspired by his relationship with his own mother, Trevor Noah leans into his sentimental and thought-provoking perspectives to tell a story both heartwarming and poignant. The tone in this book is different from his humorous memoir, Born a Crime, but the effect is one of universality, rather than specificity. Everyone can take something away from this book, even if it's just a sudden desire for waffles.

Fans of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy; and Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne will likely enjoy Into the Uncut Grass, as will fans of cozy, feel-good adventure stories. (Readers who liked The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune may also enjoy the gnome cameo and the other quirky characters in this book.) Sabine Hahn's whimsical illustrations also bring to mind the works of Quentin Blake. 

Well. Every time I tried to predict how this book would go, it found a new way to surprise me. I still am not entirely sure I know how it ended.

To backtrack--Don't Let the Forest In is author C.G. Drews's YA horror debut. It follows high school student Andrew Perrault as he struggles through his senior year while dealing with entitled rich bullies, ambivalent teachers, and his twin sister Dove apparently avoiding him. Then, monsters attack from the creepy forest bordering the gothic private school, and the only person who can fight them off is Thomas Rye, for whom Andrew has some very complicated feelings (and they were roommates). As if all of that wasn't hard enough, Andrew also has crippling anxiety and regular panic attacks. Buckle in--this ride pulls no punches.

I really wanted to devour this book in one sitting, and I'm very glad I did. This is a story that will swallow the reader from chapter one; it isn't for the faint of heart. Drews does a fantastic job of combing dark fairy tales with the horror genre--the Brothers Grimm would be proud. From the Victorian architecture to the detailed descriptions of Thomas's artwork and Andrew's flash fiction stories--'papercuts,' he calls them--the reader is fully steeped in the horror experience. As Andrew also increasingly questions his own reality, the reader is right there with him, trying to sort out fact from fiction, constantly propelled forward by the tantalizing foreshadowing dropped around Andrew throughout the book. The desire to know more becomes almost a compulsion when paired with Drews's lyrical prose. Now that I've finished the novel, I want to immediately read it again!

With monsters galore, this is the perfect Halloween read, right up there with T. Kingfisher's What Moves the Dead. Fans of Holly Black and The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert will enjoy the dark fairy tale tone and structure of this book, while fans of The Dead Boy Detectives and The Babadook will enjoy not just the horror/supernatural aspect, but also the queer associations. I, for one, loved the ace protagonist and will look forward to the next world C.G. Drews has in store.

Mags Herrera has her hands full. A senior in high school, she seems older than her young years--she takes care of her abuela, a multi-stroke survivor; has a tense relationship with her mother; and a secret she is desperate to protect, all on top of typical high school stressors like jobs, grades, and dating. When Mags's childhood friend, Nessa, returns to their hometown, the delicate balance Mags has built begins to crumble...but to what end?

In this standalone graphic novel, Molly Knox Ostertag, featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 (2020), masterfully depicts Mags's story in simple but expressive line work, poignant dialogue, and a dramatic contrast of grayscale/color. (Ostertag's use of color palette(s) as a storytelling device are what bumped this rating up to five stars.) Readers will laugh, they will cry, they will gasp, and they will cheer for Mags, Nessa, and the very human cast of characters in this book. It will stay with them even after the final page has been turned.

Those who enjoy The Deep Dark may also enjoy Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed, We Are Okay by Nina LaCour, The Harrowing by Kristen Kiesling, Witchlight by Jessi Zabarsky, and My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris. Other works by Molly Knox Ostertag include The Girl from the Sea and the Witch Boy trilogy.

Mysteries come in all forms these days, from darker, grittier mysteries, classic noir, and Japanese "iya-misu" (trans. "ew mysteries") to cozy, low-stakes puzzles. Recipes and food showcases also seem to be increasingly popular beyond the typical cooking show. So, why not do both? Welcome to The Kamogawa Food Detectives, the first book in a cozy mystery series in which a retired Kyoto detective, Nagare Kamogawa, and his daughter Koichi investigate and recreate lost dishes at their mysterious Kamogawa Diner. While the structure of the book is somewhat formulaic, the pattern is such that the reader could potentially read the chapters out of order (apart from the expository first chapter), depending on which featured dish one is in the mood for.

Quiet but compulsively readable, one can easily devour this book in one sitting and still have an appetite for seconds. Each chapter is chock-full of delicious meals, from light summer fare to hearty banquets. Each morsel is flavored with nostalgia, bringing to mind an appreciation for the small joys in life. Warning: Don't read this book while hungry--by the end, you'll be starving for all these homestyle foods to comfort you like a bowl of hot soup.

Readers who enjoy this book may also like: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa, If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura, Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen by Hiromi Sato and Kamome Shirahama, What Did You Eat Yesterday? by Fumi Yoshinaga, and She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat by Sakaomi Yuzaki.