Claire Legrand used to be a musician until she realized she couldn't stop thinking about the stories in her head. Now a writer, Ms. Legrand can often be found typing with purpose at her keyboard, losing herself in the stacks at her local library, or embarking upon spontaneous adventures to lands unknown. Claire lives in New Jersey with a dragon and two cat.
A Deadly Endeavor (2024) (Deadly Twenties Mystery, book 1) Jenny Adams "Sparkling prose, deft plotting, a vivid setting, and a captivating mystery are brilliant feathers in A Deadly Endeavor's stylish cap, but the charming, complex characters elevate it to a bona fide knockout. Adams has crafted real gems in the heartbroken yet irrepressible duo of Edie Shippen and Gilbert Lawless, whose chemistry crackles like fireworks. This book is an utter delight."
Medea (2024) Eilish Quin "With rich prose, vivid imagery, and a voice of singular compassion, Eilish Quin tells the story of Medea, a remarkable woman whose lonely childhood and innate curiosity led her down unthinkably catastrophic paths. Quin's telling is clear-eyed but tender, and explores questions of power, sacrifice, and what it means to be a woman in a world ruled by men. A haunting, deeply moving tale that I won't soon forget."
Pillar of Ash (2024) (Hall of Smoke, book 4) H M Long "Utterly entralling, and a world I loved getting lost in."
Not Quite a Ghost (2024) Anne Ursu "Anne Ursu has done it again: Not Quite a Ghost is a tender-yet-fierce hug of a story, complete with heartbreaking (and heartwarming) friendship ups and downs, a sensitive and honest exploration of invisible illness, and a truly creepy thing that lives inside the walls of a very special house. I want to press this beautiful book into the hands of everyone I know."
Night of the Witch (2023) (Witch and Hunter, book 1) Sara Raasch and Beth Revis "Night of the Witch is an irresistibly compelling page-turner, distinguished by vivid descriptions, a fascinating magic system, and crackling chemistry between the two leads. Best of all? When I finished reading, I wanted more. Bring on the next book!"
Curious Tides (2023) (Drowned Gods Duology, book 1) Pascale Lacelle "A darkly enchanting story that had me turning pages like mad. Gorgeous writing, fascinating characters, and the kind of rich magical lore that dreams are made of. Curious Tides swept me away. I'm obsessed with this world."
The Family Fortuna (2023) Lindsay Eagar "Heartbreaking, irreverent, hilarious, grotesquely gorgeous (or is it gorgeously grotesque?), and ultimately triumphant--The Family Fortuna paints an unforgettable picture of a dazzling circus, a messy family bursting with equal parts love and resentment, and most beautifully of all, a girl finding the courage to accept, embrace, and celebrate her true self. Words aren't enough to describe how much I loved this weird, fantastical, exquisitely crafted book. It has my whole heart."
Where Darkness Blooms (2023) Andrea Hannah "Andrea Hannah's haunting novel Where Darkness Blooms drips with delicious atmosphere and a slowly creeping dread. Fans of [...] Rory Power's Burn Our Bodies Down will love this book, a spiritual cousin that explores with vivid earnestness the mighty force that is women determined to help each other."
She Is a Haunting (2023) Trang Thanh Tran "She Is a Haunting is exactly the kind of book I love--gorgeous prose, a deliciously terrifying atmosphere, incisive thematic resonance, and a gloriously complex heroine. Jade is an unforgettable character, all tender longings and sharp edges, and readers everywhere will root for her just as hard as I did. Put it on your shelf next to Rebecca and The Haunting of Hill House. An incredible, riveting debut."
Foul Lady Fortune (2022) (Foul Lady Fortune, book 1) Chloe Gong "Chloe Gong's Foul Lady Fortune is an electric, action-packed jewel of a story, brimming with vivid prose, exhilarating twists and turns, and incredible characters who will steal your heart. This book dazzles."
Murder for the Modern Girl (2022) Kendall Kulper "Kendall Kulper's whip-smart romp through 1920s Chicago has it all--mystery, romance, a killer wardrobe, and a vibrant cast headlined by the indomitable, irresistible Ruby Newhouse. A deliciously dazzling page-turner you'll devour in one sitting."
Where Dreams Descend (2020) (Kingdom of Cards, book 1) Janella Angeles "Vibrant imagery, jaw-dropping set pieces, sizzling romantic tension, and unstoppable heroine Kallia bring this ambitious debut novel to spectacular life. Fans of Caraval and The Night Circus will be delighted!"
Star Daughter (2020) Shveta Thakrar "An enchanting story about love, family, finding your voice, and searching for home. Thakrar’s sparkling command of language weaves magic on every page. This book is a joy, and will speak to anyone who yearns to belong."
Ghost Wood Song (2020) Erica Waters "What a gorgeous, creepy gem of a book, brimming with magic, mystery, music, and so much love that you’ll ache as if these characters were your actual friends. Ghost Wood Song weaves a captivating spell you won’t want to break."
Incendiary (2020) (Hollow Crown, book 1) Zoraida Córdova "Gorgeous world building, searing suspense, and a huge cast of fascinating, complex characters . . . I loved every minute of it."
The King of Crows (2020) (Diviners, book 4) Libba Bray "Unlike anything I've ever read, this mind-blowing series is one of my all-time favorites."
Wilder Girls (2019) Rory Power "Wilder Girls is the bold, imaginative, emotionally wrenching horror novel of my dreams – one that celebrates the resilience of girls and the earthshaking power of their friendships. An eerie, unforgettable triumph."
The Merciful Crow (2019) (Merciful Crow, book 1) Margaret Owen "One of the most exciting, exceptionally crafted fantasy debuts I've ever read. I did not want to leave this world! Absolutely breathtaking."
Damsel (2018) Elana K Arnold "Exquisitely written and unflinchingly, furiously feminist, Damsel is a gorgeous inferno of a fairy tale and my new obsession. Searing and audacious, with an ending that will leave you howling at the moon. A must for every collection."
Nightbooks (2018) (Nightbooks, book 1) J A White "Fast-paced, deliciously creepy, and a loving tribute to the power of storytelling, NIGHTBOOKS is sure to delight fans of fairy tales, nail-biting adventures, and things that go bump in the night."
Ice Wolves (2018) (Elementals , book 1) Amie Kaufman "With propulsive prose and impeccable pacing, Amie Kaufman has created a wholly absorbing fantasy world that feels both ancient and dangerous. Readers will devour this tale of fire and ice, magic and mystery, family and friendship—and immediately beg for the next book. Engrossing and vibrant."
The Problim Children (2018) (Problim Children, book 1) Natalie Lloyd "Natalie Lloyd has done it again! A story about family, hidden treasure, a wonderfully mysterious house, and finding your place even when you’re frightened to try, The Problim Children is bursting at the seams with magic, heart, and humor. A sheer, riotous delight."
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (2017) (Montague Siblings, book 1) Mackenzi Lee "Sweet, smart, and powerful, Gentleman’s Guide tackles timely topics that will resonate profoundly with readers--all wrapped up in a truly epic road trip. Prepare to laugh, gasp, swoon, and cheer."
Orphan Island (2017) Laurel Snyder "An elegant and thoughtful meditation on the joys and sorrows of growing up, with lyrical prose, characters that feel as alive as your dearest friends, and a vivid setting sure to enchant young readers. A work of extraordinary heart."
Kingdom of Ash and Briars (2016) (Nissera, book 1) Hannah West "Like Cashore and McKinley, Nix and Novak, Hannah West has crafted a tale both fresh and familiar--a fantasy epic lush in detail and breathlessly enchanting, with an indomitable heroine at its heart."
