Hi guys, I hope you are all well. As you can already tell from the title, today I am sharing some more book recommendations with you guys. Since it’s winter I thought it would be a good time to share some fairytale-esque fantasy books. I have six books to talk about this time, so let’s get straight into it.
The Bear and the Nightingale / Katherine Arden
Publisher: Del Rey
Series: Book 1 of the Winternight trilogy
Genre: Historical fantasy
Length: 328 pages
This the first book in an adult historical fantasy trilogy set in a medieval Russian village and is influenced by Russian folklore. It follows a young girl called Vasya as she grows up in the Russian wilderness, in a male orientated society. The atomsphere and setting are so well done in this trilogy. My review.
Fudoki / Kij Johnson
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Historical fantasy
Length: 316 pages
This book is inspired by Japanese mythology. It is one of my all time favourite books and is a fantastic mix of fantasy and historical fiction. Set in Japan, it follows Harueme (a dying, unmarried noblewomen) as she prepares to leave the Emperor’s court to go into seclusion for her last days. While her attendant Shigeko continues with preparations, Harueme begins writing a story of a young cat who sets out on an adventure to the other side of the empire. This is a dual narrative; firstly following Harueme, and secondly following a cat turned warrior woman Kagaya-hime. My review.
Forgotten Beasts of Eld / Patricia A. McKillip
Publisher: Tachyon Publications
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 242 pages
Now this one is not influenced by any particular myths or folklore, but it does have a distinct fairytale feel to it. Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a fantasy standalone that follows Sybel, a sixteen year old girl who has grown up alone on Eld Mountain. Her only companions are mythical beasts, until a man brings a baby for her to raise. Having had little to do with humans for most of her life, the baby begins to awaken feelings in her that she’s never known before. My review.
Daughter of the Forest / Juliet Marillier
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Historical fantasy
Length: 672 pages
I don’t actually know much about this particular legends, but I believe this book is loosely based on the legend of the Children of Lir (Irish mythology) and the Six Swans (German legend). Sorcha’s life is turned upside down when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil sorceress who curses her brothers. To save them Sorcha must complete the task while staying silent . My review.
Heart’s Blood / Juliet Marillier
Publisher: Tor
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 405 pages
Another Marillier recommendation, this one is a Beauty and the Beast retelling (loosely based). Set on the Whistling Tor, a curse is set upon the chieftan and his people. No one is prepared to go there, but for Catrin it is a place to escape her own demons. Like her other books, this has a distinct fairy-tale feel to it.
Shadows on the Moon / Zoe Marriott
Publishers: Walker Books Ltd
Genre: YA Fantasy
Length: 464 pages
Loosely based on Cinderella, this book follows Suzume, a sixteen girl who has the ability to shadow-weave. This power allows her to recreate herself into any form. After surviving the tragic attack on her family, she sets out for revenge, but first she must discover who she truly is. While a little romance heavy at times, I really enjoyed this retelling and would recommend checking it out.
Im in love with the bear and the nightingales cover!! So pretty!
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The trilogy as a whole has amazing covers! 🙂
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‘Daughter of the Forest’ and ‘The Bear and the Nightingale’ are precious!
I haven’t heard about ‘Heart’s Blood’, is it one of her older ones?
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I don’t think so, although I think it was published around ten years ago.
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I haven’t read any of these but now I want to. Great post.
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Thank you! I hope you enjoy any you check out.
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Great post. Fudoki sounds awesome!!!! Definitely gonna add that to my TBR :)))
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Thank you! Fudoki is fantastic. It became one of my all time favourite books. I hope you enjoy it.
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Oh I love the bear and the nightingale! I should check out some of the others!
(www.evelynreads.com)
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Yeah the bear and the nightingale is so good. I hope you enjoy any of the books you check out. 🙂
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The Bear and the Nightingale is a great one for this time of year! I haven’t read the rest of the trilogy yet, but I really need to.
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As soon as I saw the title of this post, I thought you might have included some Marillier! Her writing is so beautiful and I would definitely describe it as having a fairytale sort of aspect to it. ✨
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