Nettle and Bone
North and South
A Day of Fallen Night
I Who Have Never Known Men
Galatea
Fate of the Tearling
Neapolitan Series
Bloodchild
Garden Spells
After being raised like a nun, Princess Marra embarks on a quest to save her sister from an abusive marriage. With the help of a gravehound, a fairy godmother, and a demon-possessed chicken, she must complete three impossible tasks and assemble the bones of a saint to build a dog of war and change her sister’s fate.
Enjoyable with cozy fairy tale elements, featuring a sheltered princess on a mission. Audiobook might have enhanced the experience
Margaret Hale, a young woman from southern England, must relocate with her family to the industrial north where she witnesses the brutal world wrought by the industrial revolution. As Margaret becomes aware of the poverty and suffering of the local mill workers, her clash with mill owner John Thornton sparks a deep examination of the class divide and their own personal ideologies.
Surprisingly political, involves a family moving to an industrial city, and the protagonist's ideological clash with a mill owner
This prequel to "The Priory of the Orange Tree" features the legend of the Nameless One and the rise of the great dragonrider order. It delves into the rich history of this universe, exploring the origins of the epic conflict with dragons and the storied history of the dragonriders who stand against them.
A loved prequel even more than the original story, strong points of view, and emotionally investing
A group of women, kept in a cage deep underground, find themselves alone after their captors disappear. The novel follows their struggle for survival and search for understanding in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world, grappling with the concepts of freedom and humanity in the absence of a greater society.
Described as incredibly depressing yet highly recommended; a post-apocalyptic tale of women seeking freedom
In this short story retelling of Pygmalion, a living statue named Galatea defies the man who created her, seeking independence and the right to shape her own destiny. The story questions themes of autonomy, creation, and the artist's control over their work, exploring the depths of Galatea's emotions and desires.
A compelling retelling, the story of a statue woman seeking autonomy against her creator, praised for its depth
Queen Kelsea Glynn must protect her kingdom from both internal and external threats. With the fate of the Tearling at stake, she faces the dark magic that has permeated her, and the narrative weaves together past and future to bring about a climactic resolution to the series' complex history and conflicts.
Despite mixed reviews on the ending, I found it satisfying and well-executed in the fantasy context
This series chronicles the lifelong friendship of Elena and Lila, two women from Naples, Italy. Beginning in their post-war childhood and moving into their adult lives, the series explores the complexities of female friendship, personal ambition, and the socio-political changes in Italy through the decades.
Chronicles a complex friendship set in Italy, deeply engaging and is an anticipated all-time favorite series
This collection of short stories showcases Butler's range, from the titular "Bloodchild," a tale of human-alien symbiosis and survival, to other stories that explore far-reaching themes of race, sex, and power. The compilation reveals Butler’s perspective on humanity and its relationship with the other, the future, and itself.
A collection that offers a deep dive into human themes, with every story having its significance and connection to the author
The Waverleys of Bascom, North Carolina, are a family of peculiar women with unusual talents. When a wayward sister returns, the Waverleys' magical garden and their enchanted apple tree stir up romance and magic, revealing secrets and empowering them to embrace their legacy.
A magical realism tale that was exactly what was needed at the time, invoking cozy vibes and a compelling modern witch narrative