Huntington Public Library Adult Reading Challenge

  This series reminds me of books I used to love reading as a kid but for adults! It’s the ultimate cozy adventure story with endearing characters and creatures.

 Great for fans of High Fantasy and court intrigue. Immersive storytelling whisks you away to another world parallel to our own. First book in a great trilogy with a satisfying end.

 Fun adventure with unique dynamics. V. E. Schwab offers well developed storylines for multiple characters that will keep you coming back to finish the series.

  A woman recounts her previous existence as a statue and her life after becoming human while hoping to escape from her husband.

  I do not typically read books that span over centuries, but this one was on my book club's list. I ended up loving it! This book tells the story of a young woman, who in 1714 is expected to marry someone she does not love. In an attempt to retain her freedom, she makes a deal with...the devil? A dark god? This is the question. In exchange for her freedom, she is forced to live forever but after being out of people's sight, they forget her. The book spans a few centuries, and we learn how Addie, despite her curse, finds a way to leave her mark on the world.

I could get behind the fantasy genre more, if more of it looked like this. I don't want ancient elf-vampire feuds or "ash-blood plagues" or Chosen Ones. I want culturally relevant styles of magic that change the course of real history in important but sensible ways. I want people with motivations beyond fighter, thief, wizard, cleric, and bad guy. No forests, no mountain castles. This delivers in spades.