Fantasy/Sci-Fi
For our farewell post of the semester we conclude our Winter Break cozy reading recommendations from Anna Condo, this time from the genres of fantasy and sci-fi. Fantasy and science fiction offer a comforting escape from reality and into a world where winters are as magical as they are harsh and long.
A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos
Ophelia lives on Anima, one of many floating islands–“Arks”–created when the world shattered during the long-ago Rupture. On Anima, objects have souls. Though unassuming in appearance, Ophelia possesses two unique abilities: the ability to read the pasts of objects, and to travel through mirrors. Her simple, quiet life is compromised when she’s unexpectedly promised in marriage to a strange, distant man from a powerful family on an icy Ark, the Pole–known for its harsh, inhospitable winter climate.. There, she’s thrown into a deadly world of secrets and court intrigue, all while grappling with her engagement to the mysterious Thorn. With a fascinatingly whimsical magic system, A Winter’s Promise is perfectly suited to winter reading.
Quote: “To read an object requires forgetting oneself a little, to leave room for the past of someone else.”
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long
On the frozen planet of Tundar, Sena is an orphaned 17-year-old taking any opportunity to make money to survive in a harsh world. When she crosses a local gangster, the only chance for survival is the same deadly sled race that claimed her mothers’ lives five years prior. After escaping with the gangster’s prized fighting wolf, Sena accepts a deal from scientists who offer to pay for her to leave Tundar if she can guide them through the grueling race. On the perilous journey, Sena forms a fierce bond with the wolf, as well as the scientists she’s guiding. Across the tundra, they face the dangers of nature and humanity alike.
Quote: “We race the cold and night, my wolf and I.”
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Miryem is the daughter of an overly lenient moneylender. Determined not to fall into poverty, she takes over for her father and becomes so successful that she gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold. Her boasts of her ability draws the attention of the king of the Staryk, a race of fey who come to the human world every winter to raid human settlements. As another harsh winter draws near, she struggles to meet the Staryk king’s demand–and keep herself and her family alive. Miryem crosses paths with two other young women who become her unlikely allies. Wanda is a peasant girl determined to build a new life with her younger brother; she begins working for Miryem’s family to pay off her abusive father’s debts. Irina is a lord’s daughter engaged to a man who happens to be possessed by a fiery soul-drinking demon. The three women must make deadly choices with consequences for themselves and their world in this stunning winter read.
Quote: “But I had not known that I was strong enough to do any of those things until they were over and I had done them. I had to do the work first, not knowing.”
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Evangeline Fox lives a charmed life, faithful in her beliefs in true love and happy endings–that is, until her beloved gets engaged to her stepsister. Desperate to stop the wedding, she makes a deal with the Prince of Hearts–a Fate rumored to grant a person their wish in exchange for three kisses–who is not nearly as sympathetic as she’d imagined he would be. The Prince of Hearts, Jacks, is far more dangerous than Evangeline had bargained for, and her deal ends in heartbreak. It may not have gone to plan, but Evangeline’s struggle brings her fame that brings her to the magic and glamor of the Magnificent North, as icy as it is enchanted. There, she must juggle a second chance at love, dangerous magic, ancient secrets, curses, and Jacks…who she still owes her kisses to. This whimsical tale is the first in a series (and is a companion of the Caraval series) and perfect for a magical winter’s night.
Quote: “I believe there are far more possibilities than happily ever after or tragedy. Every story has the potential for infinite endings.”
I hope you find these wintry books as enjoyable as I did!