Jaclyn's Holiday Recommendations
Who doesn't love a solid YA fantasy? Brigid does a fantastic job of bringing together everything I love about this genre. There's twists and turns, strong and witty characters, and of course a little romance. Defy the Night follows an apothecary, Tessa, on her mission to uncover the truth behind a cruel monarch, where things might not be quite what they seem. I hoenstly couldn't put it down!
The perfect read for any age, the Alchemist is a story of determination and following your heart. A boy who desires to see the world sets off in pursuit of his personal legend to discover the pyramids of Egypt, but along the way he discovers so much more. Throughout his story the boy meets a king, a merchant, a theif, an alchemist, and the love of his life; each one with a different lesson to teach him. This book encouraged me to keep pushing towards my goals in life, even when it seems like everything is against me. It also teaches you to listen to the omens, the language of the universe, and you'll never be lost on your journey.
An off-beat classic from the author of Brave New World; Aldous Huxley puts his signature dystopian twist on a utopian novel. A book that will make you think hard about the society we've chosen to create and the strange norms we've accepted. Island is a book you won't quickly forget, deeply philosophical, Huxley has a knack for making you look around and question everything you thought you knew.
Best book ever. I laughed, I cried, I re-read it 3 times in one month. I could not have asked for someone to write a more perfect tale. The story follows Dex, our non-binary tea monk, as he meets Mosscap, the whimsical and curious robot. Redefining science fiction, Becky Chambers writes the most hopeful and heart felt story of the generation. This will be one that I revisit constantly when I need a bit of comfort for humanity, the future, or just a solid read with a good cup of tea.
Samantha Shannon has created what I would consider the perfect epic fantasy. In one novel (granted one very large novel) she builds a world of magic and fantasy that takes you on a journey you will never forget. With dragons, alchemy, warring kingdoms and queendoms, love, and of course a touch of magic - what more could you ask for? The perfect read to keep you busy during winter, wrapped up in a blanket with a steamy cup of tea, you'll be transported into an amazing land of magic, action, and adventure.
Another classic fantasy that I'll never get enough of. My favorite Gaiman novel; it's a story that follows Tristrin, a love struck young man on a journey to find a fallen star and return it to his love (who doesn't love him back). Tristrin journies over the Wall and into a magical land filled with evil witches, lightening pirates, and seven princes who are hell-bent on poisoning each other for a chance at the throne. A love story with a magical and comical Gaiman twist. One of my favorite stories of all time!
If you're like me and completely and utterly obsessed with all things Harry Potter, this is for you. The complete retelling of the classic story, but with beautifully added illustrations that any collector or lover of the series needs to have on their shelf. An amazing gift for the Harry Potter lover in your life, or an even better gift for yourself; these illustrated editions are not to be missed.
A classic, easy read, fantasy novel that you can even read to the kids! I've been in love with the Last Unicorn since I saw the animated film as a child. It's a classic story that never really gets old. Follow the last unicorn's journey as she seeks out the mythical Red Bull to discover what happened to her kin. Along the way she meets a rather poor magician and the two make a very unlikely pair as they make their way to the king's castle to face the Red Bull. It's a tale of magic and mystery that will last in your heart for a lifetime.