The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

By #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, the first book in a stunning new series about a mortal girl who finds herself caught in a web of royal faerie intrigue.

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Oryx and Crake is at once an unforgettable love story and a compelling vision of the future. 

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The haunting story centers on twelve-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community.

The Absolute Book by Elizabeth Knox

A bewitching epic fantasy about a revenge killing, a mysterious scroll box that has survived centuries of fires, and the book that changed everything

The Crane Wife by Patrick Ness

A magical novel, based on a Japanese folk tale, that imagines how the life of a broken-hearted man is transformed when he rescues an injured white crane that has landed in his backyard.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

William Goldman’s modern fantasy classic is a simple, exceptional story about quests—for riches, revenge, power, and, of course, true love—that’s thrilling and timeless.

Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

USA Today bestselling author Talia Hibbert returns with another charming romantic comedy about a young woman who agrees to fake date her friend after a video of him “rescuing” her from their office building goes viral…

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl is a coming-of-age tale of fanfiction, family, and first love.

On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers

Nominated for the Locus and World Fantasy Awards, On Stranger Tides is the book that inspired the motion picture Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides—non-stop, breathtaking fiction from the genius imagination that conceived Last Call, Expiration Date, and Three Days to Never.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman comes a remarkable quest into the dark and miraculous—in pursuit of love and the utterly impossible.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.

The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author, a thrilling and addictive new novel—a prequel to The Pillars of the Earth—set in England at the dawn of a new era: the Middle Ages.

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel

From the award-winning author of Station Eleven, an exhilarating novel set at the glittering intersection of two seemingly disparate events—the exposure of a massive criminal enterprise and the mysterious disappearance of a woman from a ship at sea.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

An isolated mansion. A chillingly charismatic aristocrat. And a brave socialite drawn to expose their treacherous secrets. . . . From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes “a terrifying twist on classic gothic horror” (Kirkus Reviews) set in glamorous 1950s Mexico.

Teeth in the Mist by Dawn Kurtagich

Three generations of women uncover an ancient evil in this epic genre-bending horror-fantasy — a “fearless” Faustian tale perfect for fans of Kendare Blake and Ransom Riggs (Cat Winters).

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Shadow’s story did not end with the last scene of American Gods. In THE MONARCH OF THE GLEN, we follow Shadow to an isolated castle in Scotland, where he becomes embroiled in an ongoing battle between men and monsters. And in BLACK DOG, Shadow travels to a small village in England where he is befriended by a local couple with a dark past . . . and its ghosts.

This release is sure to be a collector’s item for fans with a limited print run of 2,500 boxsets (each package will be numbered). Plus, the slide-in slipcase and five LP jackets all feature stunning original artwork by Miranda Meeks. The vinyl audiobook is available to pre-order now on the HarperCollins website.

The full cast stars Derek Jacobi as the Narrator (MOG and BD), Daniel Oreskes as Shadow (MOG and BD), Marc Thompson as Wednesday/Odin (MOG), Peter Forbes as Dr. Gaskill/ Security Guard 1/Smith (MOG) and Landlord (BD), Katherine Kinglsey as Jennie (MOG) and Cassie (BD), David Rintoul as man with deep gravel voice/Gordon/Security Guard 2 (MOG) and Dr. Scathelock/Police Officer (BD), Siobhan Redmond as Maura/Woman 1 (MOG) and Doreen (BD), Daniel Weyman as Bald man/Man1/Thor (MOG), Michael Emerson as Mr. Alice (MOG) and Ollie (BD), Adjoa Andoh as Woman 2/Mother (MOG) and Moira (BD), and Maggi-Meg Reed as Bast (BD).

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House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

The Thaumas girls are cursed, or so everyone believes after four of the sisters die terrible, gruesome deaths. Annaleigh, plagued by tragedy and the loss of her sisters, begins to have visions of ghosts haunting Highmoor. At first, it feels like her grief is altering her view of reality. But what if the ghosts are real and the deaths weren’t accidental at all?

A retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses like you’ve never seen before filled with intrigue, horror, and more than enough spook to last you a lifetime.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-García

This book has been on everyone’s radar and within good reason. Noemí Taboada’s recently married cousin has sent some worrying letters, which means Noemí is tasked with visiting High Place and finding out exactly what is going on. The Doyles surely are an odd mix- mysterious, strict and highly secretive. Her cousin’s husband, even with all his good looks and charm, seems like the worst of them all. But Noemí doesn’t give up easily.

An unlikely heroine pushed forward by sheer stubbornness, will Noemí survive everything thrown her way? Grab a handful of mini candy bars, a cosy blanket, and pick this up to find out.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

Motels tend to be excellent settings for creepy stories, just ask Norman Bates. The Sun Down Motel proves exactly how chilling this type of setting can be. In 1982, Viv Delaney disappears from Fell, New York without leaving a single trace. No one knows what happened to her, and those who might have a clue aren’t very willing to talk. Decades later, Carly, Viv’s niece, arrives in Fell and takes a job at The Sun Down Motel in hopes of finding both closure and clues about what happened to her aunt.

Both entertaining and completely chilling, this is the type of book that made me weary of closing my eyes at night out of fear that a ghost would try to pull my legs from under the covers.

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

A school hidden deep in the woods, completely isolated from the outside world. What could go wrong? Well, everything of course! Those students lucky enough to be admitted to Catherine House will get an education like no other. They promise power and prestige while completely taking care of tuition and boarding. Their students will want for nothing. The catch?  Complete and utter isolation from the outside world for the next three years – no contacting family or friends, no television and no music. Ines finds herself becoming accustomed to these rules, yet she soon finds out that Catherine House is hiding some ominous secrets.

This book is perfect for fans of dark academia and contemporary gothic! 

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier

Most know about Daphne Du Maurier thanks to her incredible novel, Rebecca, but what about the equally suspenseful My Cousin Rachel? Phillip Ashley, an orphan, lives an idyllic life in his cousin Ambrose’s estate. These men share a close bond, and Phillip is even named heir of his cousin’s fortune. But when Ambrose leaves on a trip to Florence, everything changes. He falls in love, he marries and, ultimately, he dies. Phillip is heartbroken, already starting to hate his cousin’s widow with every fibre of his being, and yet ends up being drawn to the mysterious Rachel.

With its eerie atmosphere, unreliable characters, and questionable morals, this book will surely entrance any lover of gothic fiction.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

After moving to a new house, Coraline decides to go exploring. There’s a certain door in the house, however, with only a brick wall behind it. It’s not long before that door shows an alternate version of Coraline’s life. The Other Mother is caring and attentive, the food is fantastic and there are enough toys to fill a store. But the Other Mother wants Coraline to stay forever, to sew buttons into her eyes to seal deal. Soon, Coraline discovers that this alternate reality isn’t as perfect as she initially thought, and the lost spirits of other children beg her to rescue them.

 A modern classic that will both spook and capture the hearts of children and adults.

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

Sydney Green, a Brooklyn native, realises her neighbourhood is changing fast. Her neighbours are disappearing, their homes are going up for sale at an alarming rate and realtors constantly harass her to give up her home. In hopes of keeping the spirit of her community alive, Sydney embarks on creating a walking tour exposing the real history of each building and the streets surrounding them. The more she researches, however, the more she realises how deeply troubled things are becoming in Brooklyn.

A thriller centred around gentrification and the history of Black people, Alyssa Cole has crafted an absolute masterpiece that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  

Crimson Peak: The Official Novelisation by Nancy Holder

There’s a chance you’ve watched this movie already and dreamt about waltzing with Tom Hiddleston, or maybe exploring the rooms of Allerdale Hall with Edith Cushing. The book takes a deeper look into the lives of Edith, Alan, Thomas, and Lucille. Edith, an American heiress, becomes romantically interested in Thomas, although her father highly disapproves. After Edith’s father dies of unexpected circumstances, she decided to marry Thomas and move to his estate in England, locally known as Crimson Peak due to the fact that it’s currently sinking into red clay. Once there, Edith realises that married life isn’t as idyllic as she would have hoped. Both Thomas and Lucille are hiding terrible secrets, and there seems to be ghosts roaming around Allerdale Hall warning her of terrible dangers.

This novelisation is an excellent companion to the movie, and it’s also a perfect treat for those who haven’t watched Crimson Peak.

Category Five by Ann Dávila Cardinal

After the events of Hurricane María, Puerto Rico goes through a drastic change. The island of Vieques is trying to recover from the disaster while developers are taking advantage of the opportunity to buy their land for less than its worth. Just when it couldn’t get worse, a string of murders start to occur while the threats of supernatural attacks are hanging over everyone’s heads. Luper, Javier and Marisol, characters featured in Dávila’s previous novel Five Midnights, take matters into their own hands when it comes to investigating these strange happenings.

Not a lot of books take into the consideration the consequences of Hurricane María, so Category Five is both an educational read and an incredible take on the paranormal.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

It’s not spooky season without zombies, and Justina Ireland definitely delivers. Dread Nation follows the story of Jane McKeene. She’s sent to study in Miss Preston’s School of Combat, due to the fact that Black and Native people are tasked with bringing down the dead and protecting the wealthy. This isn’t the type of life Jane wants, but when people start to disappear in Baltimore she’s caught in a conspiracy like no other.

Set after the events of the Civil War, this book not only an action-packed zombie adventure, but also reveals the harsh truths about racism and white supremacists.

Do you have any other spooky recommendations? Let us know in the comments below!

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Published in 1990, Good Omens, written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, was a cult classic of the fantasy genre. Packed with dry British humour, this odd yet delightful read follows two unlikely long-time friends, the demon Crowley and angel Aziraphale as they attempt to stop the Apocalypse against the wishes of Heaven and Hell.

The massive success of the book, including over five million books sold worldwide, meant that expectations were very, very high for this screen adaptation. With Neil Gaiman on the creative team, it was clear that Amazon Studios, the studio behind the show, was serious about this adaptation and wanted to explore its full potential.

How Did It Change?

There were two major aspects of this adaptation that required change: elements that work well in book format but not on screen, and the dated feel of the book.

To address the former, something which ends up being the make-or-break of an adaptation, the showrunners did several things. The most notable of these was the voice-over commentary from God – much of the charm of the original novel came from the style of narration, something which is very hard to transfer over. The voice-over managed to preserve the tone of the book, while not overshadowing the actors, perhaps one of the best parts of the adaptation.

Because of when it was published, Good Omens shows its age through cultural references and general out-of-date technology. Your average teenager is likely to know what voicemail is, but the very specific Ansaphone references are likely to go over their heads. However, the age is again one of the things that add to the charm of this classic, so the show traps you in a little bubble where you’re so busy thinking about the Apocalypse that it really doesn’t matter how dated the technology is.

What plot deviation there is helps build the story up very well. This deviation occurs in two main parts of the plot: the introduction of Aziraphale and Crowley, and the ending. In the original novel, the story begins with the birth of the Anti-Christ, the signal that the Apocalypse was coming; the adaptation instead starts at the very beginning, with the meeting of Aziraphale and Crowley. We see a lot more of the development of their friendship, and their bond has a stronger foundation throughout the rest of the show. This lends itself well to the ending, which was satisfyingly different to the book, and leaves the show on a different yet very enjoyable note.

Was It Done Well?

Good Omens was undeniably a successful adaptation; it’s been nominated for several awards including a Hugo, and garnered many thousands of viewers. There’s even the potential for a second season, and Neil Gaiman revealed that he and co-author Terry Pratchett plotted a second novel that never got written. But does this shows success mean that it was a good adaptation?

Perhaps because one of the original authors was involved, it remain remarkably faithful in terms of plot to the source material towards the beginning, with deviation mainly towards the end of the six-episode series. This had both its pros and cons: seeing a good book brought to life by talented actors is always a fantastic thing, and David Tennant dancing on a pin is the scene we never knew we needed, but some fans have said that the show is a little too similar, so there’s not quite enough excitement.

Good Omens is undeniably one of the better book adaptations in terms of faithfulness, and can definitely be called successful due to the acclaim it has received. Original fans and newbies alike can watch the show and enjoy it for the comedic moments, the heartfelt scenes and the general lovable chaos. It’s got longevity too, with an influx of content-creating and consuming fans on platforms such as Tumblr and Twitter, so overall it can definitely be concluded to be a solid adaptation of a solid book.

What did you think of the adaptation? Tell us in the comments below!

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The story is about two enemies turned reluctant acquaintances turned something like best friends. Aziraphale is an angel, Crowley is a demon. They have been on Earth and in each other’s orbits since the beginning, and have grown quite fond of the place and the people on it. As their superiors say, they’ve ‘gone native’. So when the Antichrist appears on earth and the distant threat of the apocalypse (the genuine one) becomes very real indeed, they team up to do everything they can to prevent it. The only problem is, somehow the Antichrist has been misplaced and nobody knows where the child is now…

If you haven’t read Good Omens yet or are looking for reasons to revisit it, here are five that might convince you to do so:

1. Everything About It Promises A Good Time!

A lot of us turn to light and funny reads to cope in dark times, and Good Omens is a book that might help. Despite the story being about the literal end of the world, the blend of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s writing styles give the narrative a quirky, sarcastic tone, full of dry and dark (and heavily British) humour. There’s a huge cast of mostly likeable characters, including witches, witch-finders, and kids who turn out to be the only sensible and sane people around. The plot will keep you engaged and you’ll keep snort-laughing as you read, so go ahead and give it a try!

2. Crowley and Aziraphale

Readers over the years have suspiciously googled ‘Are Aziraphale and Crowley in love?’ and have met with chaos and confusion in answer. The thing is, canonically it’s never stated (but if you ask me or any reader who has gone through the book obsessively and specialises in reading between the lines, it’s pretty obvious, really). However, what is canon and inarguably the best thing about the book is their lovely friendship, and the adoration they have for each other.

They are both incredible as individual characters: Aziraphale has a pleasant and somewhat awkward presence, but he isn’t exactly the definition of ‘good’; Crowley pretends to be obnoxious, wears sunglasses even in the absence of the sun and overall does his best to look the part of a demon, but deep down inside is a cinnamon roll who cares deeply. They get together frequently and are closer to each other than the sides they work for; as Crowley puts it, Aziraphale is ‘an enemy for six thousand years now, which made him a sort of friend.’  Their personalities play off each other really well, and it’s amazing seeing this unlikely duo scheming and plotting and doing everything in their capacity to stick together and protect the earth they’ve both come to love.

3. Adam Young and His Group of Friends

Adam is the Antichrist charged with heralding the Armageddon, but he’s not aware of it. So he grows up to be nothing like what you’d expect from Satan’s son. Him and his friends’ thoughts on everything ranging from authority and power to the banishment of witches to the hidden existence of Atlantis are both insightful and comical, and they’re some of the best parts of the book!

4. Discusses Quite A Few Difficult Topics

Despite being a comedy and relatively short in length, Good Omens is a deep and contemplative discussion of good and evil, of religion, morality, fate, and free will, and what being human actually means. Crowley is correct in his assessment when he says “Hell wasn’t a major reservoir of evil, any more than Heaven was a fountain of goodness; they were just sides in the great cosmic chess game. Where you found the real McCoy, the real grace and the real heart-stopping evil, was right inside the human mind.” So is Adam when confronted with his destiny, “I don’t see why it matters what is written. Not when it’s about people. It can always be crossed out.”

5. The Good Omens TV Mini-Series

As readers, we know soul-crushingly disappointing or downright bad screen adaptations to be occupational hazards. We live in constant fear of our favourite books being turned into steaming piles of hot mess. Very rarely comes an adaptation that utterly satisfies our nitpicky reader hearts, and thankfully, Good Omens is one of those. It stays faithful to the book throughout, the only difference is that in the book, Crowley and Aziraphale were parts of the ensemble cast, but in the show they take the center stage. Their love for each other is the driving force behind the plot, their absolute refusal to let each other go is what leads them to stop the Apocalypse.

The casting is spot-on, especially David Tennant and Michael Sheen as Crowley and Aziraphale respectively. Fans have always had great faith in Tennant (he can do no wrong) and he more than delivers, of course, and Sheen is an absolute delight as the fussy Aziraphale. The show also gets rid of quite a few problematic aspects in the original work, so yes, I’d urge you to read the book ASAP so that you can feast your eyes on this gem of a TV series!

To sum it all up, Good Omens is an ineffably fun ride, so hurry up and read it!

Have you read Good Omens? Tell us in the comments below!

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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Many YA fans have read this graphic novel by now (and its sequels), but one can never go wrong with a contemporary romance, especially if it is as endearing as this one! This is the sweetest boy meets boy story and throughout the three volumes, we can see how Nick and Charlie’s relationship grows and deepens. Oseman also shows us the struggles of teenage love and those of the process of coming out. Ultimately, it sends a message of hope to LGBT+ people and she does so with her beautiful illustrations that are able to express feelings and emotions without the need to use words.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Goodreads | Amazon |  Book Depository | Audible

Oscar Wilde’s most popular work is engaging and compelling. The story is set around three characters: Dorian Gray, Lord Henry, and Basil Hallward. The latter is an artist who paints a picture of Dorian Gray and later becomes obsessed with him because of his beauty. Then Dorian meets Lord Henry, a friend of Basil, and is fascinated by the way he sees the world and his belief that the senses should triumph over reason. Overall, this is a great story with morally grey, complex, and corrupted characters that just feel real. You will be fascinated by the cynicism and vileness towards humanity that these characters display and by Wilde’s masterful and beautiful prose and his eloquent and rich language. If you are not convinced to pick up this book yet, maybe knowing that there’s a new audiobook narrated by Ben Barnes will do the trick.

Vicious by V. E. Schwab
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Here we have another beautifully written story with morally grey characters addictive enough to read in one sitting. Schwab’s novel follows two college friends, Victor and Eli, who decide to base their thesis on how someone can develop extraordinary abilities. However, when their study moves from the academic to the experimental, things go terribly wrong. It’s the perfect “good people gone bad” novel for those who love stories about superheroes and anti-heroes. It’s dark, brilliant, and engrossing.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
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It’s no secret that Gaiman has a gift for storytelling, and these short retellings of different Norse myths feel like an absolute dream. Gaiman takes these old stories and makes them approachable to today’s readers, thanks to his modern stylish flair. He gives personality and life to these complex characters and offers a different version of them. It is a fast-paced and action-packed read but also very funny and enjoyable. It’s interesting and a compelling pageturner that will bring you closer to some familiar faces like the powerful Odin, the honourable Thor, or the mischievous Loki. But you will also discover and learn a lot more about other Norse deities and the nine worlds they live in.

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
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Here we have another retelling; this one is perfect for those who love YA fantasy. This is The Little Mermaid story, but reimagined in a completely different and twisted way. Christo’s debut novel is full of intrigue and so easy to read that you will devour it in no time. The story follows two different characters that are both next in line to different crowns. We have Lira, the most feared siren of all time, known as the “Prince’s Bane” and daughter of the tyrant Sea Queen. On the other hand, we have Elian: royal prince, pirate, and siren hunter. After a certain event, the Sea Queen turns Lira into a human and sends her to kill the royal prince.

Basically, this book has a little bit of everything: a strong female lead, slow-burn angsty romance, fantasy elements, great imagery, vivid action scenes, strong friendships, and witty banter. What more do you need?

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

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As bookish people, there is one place we all feel at home: the bookshop. The outside world doesn’t even matter anymore as long as we are surrounded by our favourite books and stories yet to be discovered. Most of us use the bookshop as far more than just a place to meet our needs, which is to get new reading material. We see it as a place to meet our friends, a place of comfort full of like-minded people and yes, even a place to reward or console ourselves after an accomplishment or an especially hard day (on that subject, check out fellow Nerd Daily contributor Tracy’s article on impulse book buying here). 

Now, you’re probably wondering why I just told you all of that when these are facts you know perfectly well yourself. I simply want you to be reminded of how you feel when entering a bookshop; either on a planned trip on a spontaneous visit to your favourite store. I get the exact same feeling whenever I read a story set in a bookshop, don’t you?

Luckily for us, a lot of authors choose to set their stories in a bookshop. These stories exist in every genre and for every age group and are like the comfort of a bookshop you can carry around with you and take home.

Surely, you’ve already read some stories which involve our favourite place to shop and you might even have a favourite fictional bookshop (Flourish and Blotts, anyone?) but just in case you haven’t or you’re in need of new reading material, here are five of my favourite fictional bookshops:

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

For some reason, this romance novel has two titles. The American version, as it is listed here and the original British title, which is The Little Shop of Happy Ever After. This is a story about a young woman breaking free of (some) social conventions, relocating from the bustling city of Birmingham to the countryside of Scotland and falling in love. And she does all of this by impulsively buying a van and turning it into a bookshop on wheels.

If you are looking for a love story in which the protagonist not only falls in love with a man but with life, books, and most importantly herself, then this is the book for you.

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

A. J. Fikry is a bookshop owner who has seen better days. In fact, both he and the bookshop have. He starts isolating himself from everyone he knows and even withdraws from what has been giving him pleasure throughout his life so far: his books. That is until a small package arrives at the shop and changes everything.

 This is a story for you if you like contemporary fiction full of emotion because this book is a whirlwind of feelings of every kind.

Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

In this cute YA novel, Dash and Lily meet through dares which Lily has left in a notebook at her favourite bookshop in order to find the right guy for her. They keep talking via the cleverly hidden notebook before starting to wonder whether they would get on just as well in real life as they do on paper.

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan are a dream pairing when it comes to writing romances. Some of you might remember Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist – either the book or the film version starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings. Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares is an absolute delight for everyone who loves bookshops, an identity reveal and YA.

You by Caroline Kepnes

In this thriller, a bookseller Googles a customer’s name and starts cyberstalking her, before taking his stalking to an ‘IRL’ level. He slowly sneaks into her life and tries to eliminate every obstacle between them and their happy ever after, even if he crosses some lines.

You is an exploration of manipulation and trust (or lack of it) in our digital age, especially considering the power of social media and the enticing promise of ‘likes’. Many of you will probably already know the Netflix adaption starring Penn Badgley, but even so, the book is definitely worth a read as the story is so intense, the pages practically turn themselves!

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

The world is about to end. However, the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley have been living on earth since the very beginning (separately of course, except for when they run into each other which is bound to turn into lunch). They are too comfortable enjoying everything they are offered on this planet to look forward to the apocalypse. And then somehow, they lose sight of the Anti-Christ, which is a whole new level of dilemma…

This heartfelt and funny fantasy adventure is a true masterpiece. As for the bookshop setting, Aziraphale lives in a bookshop which serves as a meeting point for the angel and the demon on multiple occasions.

Here we have yet another book that has been adapted for the screen. What can I say; there is a reason that people want more of these stories after reading them. The Amazon Prime adaption of Good Omens has many beloved British actors in it, including David Tennant starring as Crowley and Michael Sheen as Aziraphale. If you love the show already, perfect, you will love the book just as much. If you haven’t consumed either, you’re in luck as both a perfect book and a perfect series await!

These are only five examples from a big pond of bookshop fiction and I hope that these examples can be an incentive for you to dive right in and to find as much comfort in fictional bookshops as I am assuming you do in your favourite real-life shop.

Now we would like to hear from you! What are your favourite fictional bookshops? Let us know in the comments below!

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Alanna by Tamora Pierce
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Faithful is one of the best familiars in fantasy. He’s wise, snarky, and he has his own seat on Alanna’s warhorse saddle so that he can ride with her into adventure and battle. If you grew up in the 90s wanting a cat, or wishing your cat could talk, this might be the reason why.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
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A very high percentage of Gaiman’s works feature disdainful and grudgingly helpful cats, but Coraline stands out to me because the cat is one of rather few characters, and he plays such a large role. Obviously Coraline is magnificent for lots of other reasons, but Gaiman absolutely nails both the hauteur and affection that every cat owner will recognise.

Tailchaser’s Song by Tad Williams
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There was a bit of a rage in the 90’s not just for lots of garrulous animal companions, but also for animal protagonists. This is a great example of the latter, and not just because it’s one of Tad Williams’s few books of reasonable length. Tailchaser’s journey to rescue his love interest turns into a quest to save cats from wicked magic and nefarious science, and is a solid fantasy even if you don’t like cats (though obviously it helps).

The Wild Road by Gabriel King
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Another 90’s installation of Cat Protagonists, this also featured quests, magic, and the larger animal world. Tag has to find and save the King and Queen of cats, even though he’s just a kitten. Further instalments of this series expand the mythology, which is very much in line with high fantasy epics–just with cats.

The Book of Night with Moon by Diane Duane
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Cats and wizards protecting New York City and hopping through portals? Yep, it’s the 90’s!

Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin
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This utterly charming work from the great LeGuin was a childhood favourite of mine, and merits re-reading now and again on rainy days or lazy afternoons. Cats! With wings! Enough said.

Mort(e) by Robert Repino
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This is a unique book that didn’t get too much press, but which impressed me with its meditations on animal rights and what humans have to offer. It’s a bit odd–animals gain the ability to stand upright and take up guns and fight, and an enormous anthill holds the key to the war–but it’s smart and sweet. All Morte wants to do is find his beloved friend, but to do so he has to discover the reason for the sudden anthropomorphism of the world’s pets.

Catswold Portal by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
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This might be the 90s-est book on the list, and that’s saying something. A woman who can shapeshift into a cat is secretly a lost princess, and will have to undertake a quest in two worlds to find a lost amulet and claim her throne. Lots of romance, lots of journeys to strange places, and lots of cats. It’s a fun ride.

His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
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There are several talking cats in these books, most notably Will’s Kirjava and Malcolm’s Asta, and of course Pan before he settles. All are daemons, the externalised souls of people who can interact with the world and provide comfort and advice. With the new BBC/HBO show airing, there’s never been a better time to pick them up.

The Ghatti’s Tale by Gayle Greeno
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Psychic cats in space! Well, kind of. There are psychic cat-like beings who bond with human settlers to another world. Together the bonded pairs travel the settlements and serve as mediators and judges. Someone has been attacking these pairs, though, and it’s up to Doyce and Khar’pern to defeat them. Obviously you can’t have a 90s fantasy without random apostrophes in names, or without a quasi-medieval setting, so if that’s your thing, this whole trilogy is here for you. 

Do you have any other suggestions? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 10 Books Featuring Not-So Creepy Cats appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Being fascinated by mythology while growing up means a part of you will always be drawn back into those enigmatic worlds. Mythology retellings have been the greatest way for me to revisit those characters and see them from so many different perspectives. In a way, retellings have given voices and depth to forgotten or supporting characters that had appeared in mythology

For me, I am grateful for retellings because they’ve been a great remedy to the problematic representation of women in mythology. For example, Circe, who played a small part in The Odyssey and was mostly perceived as a negative character, received a brilliant spin in Madeline Miller’s retelling where her actions and motivations were explained and she was definitely humanised by the end of the book. She became a three-dimensional character whose entire existence couldn’t be summarised as a challenge to the male protagonist anymore. She was her own character and her actions definitely made more sense.

Now if you’re as passionate as I am about mythology and want to see these beloved stories in a different light, then my recommendations will definitely be up your alley!

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
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Penelope is well known in mythology as the faithful wife, the one who waited for Odysseus to come home while keeping the suitors from taking everything she had. Margaret Atwood gives a voice not only to Penelope, but also to the twelve handmaidens that were hanged by Odysseus. She definitely offers a different spin to the myth as during the Odyssey, I have always thought of Penelope and Odysseus as a power couple if you will, yet in this book you become easily more focused on Penelope’s wit and her tribulations as she waited for her husband to return. Her feelings become more apparent and it definitely seems more realistic than Homer’s account where there is no anger, no resentment, just happiness at seeing her husband back home.

Galatea by Madeline Miller
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Galatea is definitely one of the less known works of Miller which is a real shame because her writing is as exceptional as always and the original myth is one of the most complex ones out there in my opinion. This tale of a skilled sculptor who’s rewarded for his abilities by having one of his sculptures (the most beautiful woman) become real has so many feminist sub-themes, discusses idealistic love, and it’s so clever in the way it works around Galatea’s character. It’s definitely a must-read!

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
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If you’re very knowledgeable in Greek Mythology and now want to get a bit more familiar with Norse Mythology, but don’t know where to start, I believe this one might be a great fit for you! The tales are filled with wit, they introduce you to every character from the sneaky Loki to the almighty Thor, and I think they are targeted especially to those who haven’t read those legends before. Gaiman presents the basics, his material isn’t heavy like some other general mythology books and that’s why the book can be perfect for both newcomers and the ones who want to rediscover the Norse tales told in Gaiman’s playful tone.

Outrun The Wind by Elizabeth Tammi
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This book deserves a spot on this list of recommendations solely for the reason that it focuses on Atalanta, a legendary huntress best known for organising races for her suitors and only the man who could beat her in a race could become her husband. Outrun The Wind has an interesting addition in the form of Kahina, who is the other main protagonist, a huntress of Artemis, and who clashes with Atalanta because of their too similar personalities. Recommended especially for those who like hate-to-love romances that are also slow-burns.

The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer
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Have you always been intrigued by the story of Hades and Persephone? Then maybe you want to try this retelling in which Hades is a woman and Zeus gets what he deserves while still keeping the best themes from the original myth. The romance is well-developed in this one and Persephone grows so much during this book, we see her go from a sheltered, inexperienced girl to a confident woman who knows exactly what her strengths are.

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan
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Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a fan favourite amongst mythology nerds and for a good reason. The plot revolves around Camp Half-Blood which is a place devised to keep the demigods safe from all the monsters that roam around and are trying to kill them. Even if it’s a Middle Grade book, I believe it’s suitable for all ages as the plotlines are very thrilling and you will root for Percy Jackson and his friends from the beginning to the very end.

Circe by Madeline Miller
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I believe what Madeline Miller did with this book is astounding considering the material she had to work with. There are very few mentions of Circe in mythology, very few clues about her personality and her motivation, yet Miller managed to work with and build around these aspects. She crafted this godly character that is so in touch with her humanity and humility, Circe finds strength and resilience in her vulnerability. She has a quiet kind of power that is admirable and definitely amazing to read about.

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
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Another (modern this time) retelling of the Persephone and Hades myth that you can read for free on WEBTOON, which is ongoing and updated weekly. You will surely be delighted by the beautiful illustrations and the great plot that has been progressing very well. Persephone’s journey is so easy to identify with as she gets her first job, tries to keep her feelings for Hades hidden and subdued because he’s in a relationship, and struggles with her life in the city after being sheltered by her mother for most of her life.

The Faust Act (The Wicked + The Divine (Collected Editions) #1) by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie (Illustrations), Matt Wilson (Colorist), Clayton Cowles
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The Faust Act is another graphic novel that is inspired by mythology, yet another one where you will fall in love irremediably with the stunning illustrations. This represents the gods as pop stars that keep reincarnating and offers a great discourse into our fan and celebrities cultures. This graphic novel has a diverse cast, the characters’ personalities are also so vibrant, and they are all very interesting to read about.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
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The Song of Achilles is probably one of the most famous retellings, therefore it doesn’t need much of a description because most bookworms out there have at least heard of it. But in case you haven’t read it yet, you should definitely give it a try because it is such a raw, emotional and heart-breaking look into Troy and Achilles and Patroclus’ relationship.

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 10 Books To Read If You Like Mythology appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Gird your loins and watch for ravens in the sky: American Gods is back for season 2 on Starz. It premiered on March 10 to less than stellar reviews. Beleaguered by budget challenges, continuing delays, and changing leadership behind the scenes, it was questionable if fans would get more of Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) and Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) mixing it up with deities and entities, both ancient and new. Now that the second season is here, it’s looking like the show’s hardships have manifested in the final product.

Looking back on the first season of American Gods and the novel of the same name the show is based on, written by Neil Gaiman and published in 2001, it is disheartening to see how the second season has limped off of the rails.

Let me start out by saying that American Gods is a good book and a good show. Is the book better? In some aspects, yes. Is the show a good adaptation and does it also improve upon some of Gaiman’s original narrative and concepts? The first season, absolutely. My snobbish bookworm side, who is tempted to chime into discussions of films, television shows, and the literary tomes they stem from with my eyes closed and a pseudo intellectual tone declaring, “The book is sssooo much better” can sit back in her Rococo armchair and take a deep breath. Gaiman’s book is worth reading, even if you think fantasy is not your cup of tea. After a rocky start in the first 15 minutes of the pilot for American Gods, I was convinced that the show is also worth watching.

Both the book and the show go something like this: Shadow Moon, a young convict recently released from prison due to the untimely death of his wife, Laura (Emily Browning in the show), just so happens to meet Mr. Wednesday, a charismatic, inscrutable grifter who hires Shadow to be his bodyguard and driver. Of course, Mr. Wednesday is much more than he seems, and the two embark on a cross-country journey where Shadow soon finds himself enmeshed in a high-tension conflict between the Old Gods and the New Gods that erupts in violence.

Initial showrunners Michael Green and Brian Fuller brought just enough of their own touch to Gaiman’s story to make it simmer on the small screen while remaining true to the book’s characters. Was it perfect? No, but then neither is the book, and the show and its source material’s oddities and subversive spirit were more interesting than the unattainable label of perfection.

For unknown reasons Green and Fuller did not return for the second season and their replacement, Jesse Alexander, also left the production. Gillian Anderson and Kristin Chenoweth, both commanding your attention as the new god Media and Ostara, the goddess of spring, also jumped ship.

However, plenty of people initially involved in bringing American Gods to Starz (including Gaiman himself) are still involved, and there are plenty of articles already dissecting what went wrong in leading us to a season that meanders. For a show involving living dead spouses, the power of belief as it’s own kind of magic, and duelling gods, it’s disappointing to see the show’s premise play out so aimlessly. The cast is still a treat, and they invest so much of themselves in their roles that they make season 2 watchable. Orlando Jones continues to electrify as the story-telling god Mr. Nancy, and Pablo Schreiber’s over six-foot tall leprechaun Mad Sweeney provides adept physical comedy. Crispin Glover’s jittery intensity still makes for a fun villain in Mr. World and Bruce Langley is so bratty and self-absorbed as Technical Boy that he may give Game of Throne’s Joffrey Baratheon a run for his money as most loathsome adolescent in a show.

Is there enough of the same qualities that drew viewers to season 1 to sustain them through season 2? If you have any feelings on the matter, jump in the comments section and let me know. For me, I will come back for season 3, with the hope that the magnetism and slick, tenebrous humor that made season 1 so compelling returns.

It’s the very least that the gods deserve.

Have you read American Gods? Or watched the TV series? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

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