The Seventh Queen by Greta Kelly
Type: NovelPublisher: Harper VoyagerRelease date: Nov. 2Den of Geek says: This buzzy fantasy sequel is popular for a reason. Critics and readers praise the “gripping” story and female characters in the series, which started with The Frozen Crown. Publisher’s summary: The Empire of Vishir has lost its ruler, and the fight to save Seravesh from the Roven Empire is looking bleak. Moreover, Askia has been captured by power-hungry Emperor Radovan, who plans on making her his wife simply so he can take her magic as his own, killing her in the process. Aware of his ex-wives’ fates, Askia must find a means of avoiding this doom, not only for the sake of Seravesh, but now for Vishir as well. She must put both nations first and remember Ozura’s advice: you must play the game in order to survive. Askia was born a soldier, but now it’s time to become a spy. But it’s hard to play a game where the only person who knows the rules wants to kill her. Yet she’d trade her life for a chance to save Seravesh. The problem: she may not have that choice. Buy The Seventh Queen by Greta Kelly.
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
Type: NovelPublisher: Levine QueridoRelease date: Nov. 23Den of Geek says: Darcie Little Badger became one to watch with Elatsoe, whose charming main character and portrayal of Native American life meshed well with fantastical beings and social commentary. While this one is more middle grade than young adult on some official listings, Little Badger’s previous book proved to us her work is magical for all ages. Publisher’s summary: Nina is a Lipan girl in our world. She’s always felt there was something more out there. She still believes in the old stories. Oli is a cottonmouth kid, from the land of spirits and monsters. Like all cottonmouths, he’s been cast from home. He’s found a new one on the banks of the bottomless lake. And there are some who will kill to keep them apart. A Snake Falls to Earth is a breathtaking work of Indigenous futurism. Darcie Little Badger draws on traditional Lipan Apache storytelling structure to weave another unforgettable tale of monsters, magic, and family. It is not to be missed. Buy A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger.
Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix
Type: NovelPublisher: Katherine Tegen BooksRelease date: Nov. 2Den of Geek says: Some Millennial readers like myself grew up with this prolific author, especially his beautiful and uncanny fantasy series The Old Kingdom (starting with Sabriel). This newest installment should work as a stand-alone, as it’s a prequel concerning the main protagonist’s parents. Publisher’s summery: In the Old Kingdom, a land of ancient and often terrible magics, eighteen year-old orphan Terciel learns the art of necromancy from his great-aunt Tizanael. But not to raise the Dead, rather to lay them to rest. He is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, and Tizanael is the Abhorsen, the latest in a long line of people whose task it is to make sure the Dead do not return to Life. Elinor does not know she is deeply connected to the Old Kingdom, nor that magic can sometimes come across the Wall, until a plot by an ancient enemy of the Abhorsens brings Terciel and Tizanael to Ancelstierre. In a single day of fire and death and loss, Elinor finds herself set on a path which will take her into the Old Kingdom, into Terciel’s life, and will embroil her in the struggle of the Abhorsens against the Dead who will not stay dead. Buy Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix.
