Marielle's Holiday Recommendations
An amazing and captivating historical fantasy, this book will hook you from word one. Giving a feminist and LGBTQ voice to Mulan and Chinese history, SHE WHO BECAME THE SUN is addictive, haunting, and far too awesome to capture with words. Beautifully written and as heartbreaking as it is triumphant, you will be salivating for the next page as you follow one woman's journey to rise above the place made for her to a place she wants to be.
This is one of the best fantasies I have read in a long time! An awesome combination of multiple fairytales, FOR THE WOLF is a dark, epic, romantic fantasy oozing with magic, folklore and some of the best characters out there. This is the perfect fairytale, all creepy and dark with the threat of death around every corner. A perfect pair of protagonists, and an immersive and eerie setting, makes this a story one you’ll never want to end.
A different form of apocalypse story that still feels so familiar, THE WORLD GIVES WAY is both a heartbreaking tragedy and a glorious story of love in the darkest of times. The relationships between the characters feel so real, and Myrra is the type of strong female protagonist that is often lacking in books. She has no super powers or futuristic weapons, but a soft and powerful strength, which truly makes her a character your heart won't soon forget.
As a lifelong admirer of Jane Goodall, this book was an absolute joy. Using dialogue style writing, Jane's words come to life and make you feel like she is right in the room with you. With wisdom, wit, and humor, Jane takes you on a journey through her life that is both inspiring and humbling, leaving you with feelings awe, tranquility, and happiness. THE BOOK OF HOPE gives you just that, and will leave you with an everlasting smile.
A dark, edgy, and feminist reimaging of Little Red Riding Hood, RED WOLF pulls you in and won't let go. Adele is a strong, beautiful, monstrous, wonderful character and I loved every single second of her story. Action, adventure, and romance combine into an epic dark fantasy that'll make your fingers itch to turn the pages faster all the way to the end.
A beautiful love story full of magic, selkies, and environmental activism, THE GIRL FROM THE SEA is a fairytale for the modern day. Both words and illustrations combine to pop this story right off the pages as two girls come together to be themselves and find the perfect place for them to belong. A heartbreaking, but hopeful fantasy romance you won't want to put down!
THE TROUBLED GIRLS OF DRAGOMIR ACADEMY is a fantastic, gorgeous, adventure that is all too easy to get lost in. Beautiful writing ensnares you right from the start, transporting you into the world of Illyria, and into Marya's heart as we follow her on her journey. A true feminist fantasy for middle grade, wrapped up in a coming-of-age story full of magic and mystery, this tale is one you'll never want to put down!
This story is Tarzan, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and Princess Mononoke all wrapped up in one. Arrow is an incredible character and you will love getting to know him within these pages. While the story does deal with issues of pollution and rainforest destruction, at its core this is a story about friendship, family, and risking everything to save all those you love. ARROW is a prime example of how awesome middle grade eco-fiction can be!