Alix E. Harrow’s The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a historical fantasy about January Scaller, a girl who discovers magical doors that lead to other worlds. Living under the care of a wealthy collector in early 1900s America, she finds a book that reveals hidden truths about her past—and the power of stories to reshape reality. As January seeks to reclaim her identity and navigate between worlds, she battles forces that seek to close the doors forever. A beautifully written novel about transformation, freedom, and the power of words, it’s a love letter to imagination and possibility.
An American author known for her lyrical and imaginative historical fantasy novels and short stories. Her works, such as The Ten Thousand Doors of January and The Once and Future Witches, often feature strong female characters, portals to other worlds, and a celebration of the power of stories and folklore. Harrow's evocative prose and imaginative narratives have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
In The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, three estranged sisters reunite in 1893 New Salem to fight for both women’s suffrage and the return of witchcraft. In a world where magic is nearly forgotten, they rediscover ancient spells hidden in rhymes and folk tales. As they challenge oppressive forces, they must confront their own trauma and secrets. The novel blends history, fantasy, and feminism, weaving a powerful story of sisterhood, rebellion, and reclaiming power. Rich with lyrical prose and political urgency, it’s a spellbinding tale of witches who refuse to be silenced.
In 'The Children of Jocasta', Natalie Haynes masterfully reimagines the classic tales of Oedipus and Antigone from a fresh perspective—a lens that brings women’s voices, often muted in Ancient Greek mythologies, to the forefront. This novel weaves the parallel stories of Jocasta and her daughter Ismene, offering a nuanced exploration of love, power, and choice amid the backdrop of a cursed lineage. Jocasta’s quiet strength and Ismene’s unyielding resilience breathe new life into familiar tales, while Haynes’s elegant prose enriches the narrative’s emotional depth. Engaging with timeless themes of fate and identity, this reinterpretation compels readers to reexamine the silenced stories within classical works and appreciate their enduring relevance.
In Philippa Pearce's enchanting novel, 'Tom's Midnight Garden,' readers are transported into a world where past and present intertwine in a magical garden. The story follows Tom, a young boy who discovers that the clock strikes thirteen, unlocking a portal to the past where he befriends a girl named Hatty. As Tom explores the mysterious garden, he uncovers secrets and experiences the power of friendship, time, and memory. This evocative tale beautifully explores themes of nostalgia, childhood, and the fleeting nature of time. With its lyrical prose and captivating storytelling, 'Tom's Midnight Garden' is a timeless classic that delights readers of all ages.
Series: Winternight Trilogy (#1)
Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale is a rich historical fantasy rooted in Russian folklore. Set in a remote village, it follows Vasya, a girl who can see spirits others cannot. As Christianity spreads and the old ways fade, dark forces stir in the forest. Vasya must embrace her gift to protect her family and her world from ancient evil. With lyrical prose, magical realism, and a fiercely independent heroine, the novel weaves myth and history into a haunting coming-of-age tale about belief, bravery, and the struggle between tradition and change.
1806. England is beleaguered by the long war, and centuries have passed since magicians faded from view. But one remains: the reclusive Mr Norrell. Proceeding to London, he raises a woman from the dead and summons an army of ghostly ships to terrify the French. Yet the cautious Norrell is challenged by the emergence of another magician. Young, handsome and daring, Jonathan Strange is his very antithesis. So begins a dangerous battle between these two great men - which overwhelms that between England and France. And soon their own secret dabblings with the dark arts are going to cause more trouble than they can imagine.