For Readers: Blog

Once upon a time...

While you bask in the glow of September's sunshine, maybe you're ready, and waiting, to pull out cozy flannels and stowed-away sweaters. There’s something about the crisp air and golden colors of autumn that recall years past and the folklore and fairy tales of childhood. Those familiar old stories have been transformed into captivating new stories in every genre. Try one of these reads to revisit a favorite legend (with a twist), learn about the lore of another culture, or discover a modern fairy tale.

At its foundation, Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik is inspired by the story of Rumpelstiltskin, but it becomes something truly remarkable by blending in Jewish tradition and elements of Russian folklore. This is a standalone fantasy with unexpected depths and complex characters that will also appeal to historical fiction readers. Try the award-winning audio version to get swept up in this wintry world of magic. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse is a fresh take on urban fantasy, set in a near-future world that has been devastated by floods. In a fast-paced story drawing on Navajo legend and traditional stories, monster-hunter Maggie teams up with the local medicine man to uncover the dark truth behind a girl's disappearance. As you wait for the next book in the series, treat yourself to Roanhorse’s upcoming release, Black Sun, the start of a new series inspired by the mythology of the ancient Americas. [print]

If thrillers are your style, Melanie Golding’s Little Darlings is a creepy, modern-day myth with hints of the supernatural and changeling lore. This is a suspenseful look at motherhood and a woman who would do anything to protect her children from an unseen threat, even when no one believes her. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Translated from German, Tyll by Daniel Kehlmann is a complex but inventive retelling of a trickster tale from German folklore. Told through interlinked episodes, this is a challenging but rewarding read with a colorful cast of characters that blends literary fiction and magical realism, and features an undercurrent of dark humor. [e-book | print]

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker is a magical historical tale of friendship, love, and adventure that transports readers to 1899 New York City. A meeting of Jewish folklore and Arabic mythology, this is a thoughtful and creative story about the unexpected humanity of the two titular creatures. The expertly narrated audiobook is another award-winner, painting a vivid picture of the grimy streets of the Lower East Side and adding heart to the many interconnected characters. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Dedicated readers of epics will have no trouble losing themselves in Upon a Burning Throne, Ashok K. Banker’s world of royalty and gods, a books that comes in at just under 700 pages. Inspired by the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic poem, Banker builds a fantastical world that pays homage to the culture and myths of ancient India. Full of political intrigue and monumental battles, this is a story of an inheritance that threatens to rip a nation apart. If you have the time, listen along on audio as the narrator masterfully gives life to the many well-developed characters. [e-book | print | audiobook]

—Laura