The Bookies Bookstore suggests entertaining titles filled with fantasy
The staff from The Bookies Bookstore in Denver recommends three popular fantasy titles for some fun fall reading.
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Each week as part of SunLit — The Sun’s literature section — we feature staff recommendations from book stores across Colorado. This week, the staff from The Bookies Bookstore in Denver recommends three popular fantasy titles.
Spark of the Everflame
By Penn Cole
Atria Books
$29.99 (hardcover)
October 2024
Purchase
From the publisher: In a mortal world colonized by the gods and ruled over by their cruel, magical offspring called the Descended, Diem Bellator yearns to escape her poor village. Her mother’s sudden disappearance — and the discovery of a dangerous secret about her past — offer Diem an unexpected opportunity to enter the dark world of Descended royalty and unlock a web of mysteries left behind by her mother.
With the dying King’s handsome yet enigmatic heir watching her every move and a ruthless rebel alliance recruiting her to join the growing civil war, Diem must navigate the unwritten rules of love, power, and politics in order to save her family — and all of mortalkind.
From Krystal Murphy, event coordinator: The character development and world building is beautifully written in “Spark of the Everflame,” the first in a tetralogy. Not everything is as it seems, and betrayal can come from anyone. Originally self-published, this series was picked up by Atria books, and gets more intense with each book. I highly recommend to readers who love fantasy, found family, slow-burn romance, and lots of reveals as the story unfolds.
A Pirate’s Life for Tea
By Rebecca Thorne
Tor/Forge
$19.99 (paperback)
October 2024
Purchase
From the publisher: Kianthe and Reyna are on the hunt for dragon eggs to save their hometown — but it requires making a deal with Diarn Arlon, lord of the legendary Nacean River. Simply capture the river pirate Serina, who’s been plaguing Arlon’s supply chains, and bring her in for justice. Easy peasy.
Begrudgingly, the couple joins forces with Bobbie, one of Arlon’s constables determined to capture the pirate. Except Bobbie and Serina have a more complicated history than anyone realized, and it might jeopardize everything.
While Kianthe and Reyna watch this relationship-wreck from afar, it quickly becomes apparent that these disaster lesbians need all the help they can get. Luckily, matchmaking is Reyna’s favorite pastime.
From Krista Carlton, store manager: Book two in this delightful series takes us on a swashbuckling adventure with our main characters and their new friends. While it continues the story from book one, it is designed for new readers and is a stand-alone story as well! Unlike the first in the series, this book isn’t “sit by the fire with a cup of tea” cozy but it carries a sweetness and lightness that offers the reader a mental safe haven all the same. A great read for those who want to seize adventure (and love) for themselves!
Predestined
By Rachel Byrne
Humboldt Press
$13.95 (paperback)
September 2024
Purchase
From the publisher: Mysteriously invited to attend the elite Haverford Pines Academy, 16-year-old Lina Jamison feels out of place. With mediocre grades and no special talents, she questions why she was chosen to be among her generation’s brightest and most promising teens. Only after Lina saves a fellow trainee’s life does she begin to glimpse her own potential.
Settling into the academy’s training, she starts to uncover secrets and question Haverford Pine’s motives. Why is HP monitoring its trainees’ conversations? How were they selected? And what’s behind the alarming rumors of former trainees meeting dark fates? As the term progresses, Lina realizes that her presence there may not be a coincidence. With danger lurking around every corner and her own destiny hanging in the balance, Lina must uncover the truth before it’s too late.
From Judy Carroll, bookseller: The debut novel by Colorado author Rachel Byrne, this book is a fantasy/sci-fi YA adventure filled with quirky high school characters that you love and root for as they navigate six weeks of a summer camp that they were mysteriously invited to attend. Hmm … why were they invited, what’s really going on here, and who are the real heroes? Better yet, who are the real villains?
THIS WEEK’S BOOK RECS COME FROM:
The Bookies Bookstore
2085 S. Holly Street
Denver, CO 80222
As part of The Colorado Sun’s literature section — SunLit — we’re featuring staff picks from book stores across the state. Read more.
