Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Staff Recommendations by Rhonda Konig:
It’s been over a year since the last Twilight movie and while series such as The Hunger Games and Divergent have been good distractions, some TwiFans may be searching for a new sulky supernatural. Here are three series that should satisfy.
The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness
A Discovery of Witches starts the series and introduces Diana Bishop, an alchemy historian and unwilling witch. Though Diana was born into an elite witching lineage, she is able to elude her heritage until she accidentally calls a long sought after alchemical book from Oxford University’s rare book collection. The book has been hidden by magic for centuries and her accident draws the attention of other preternaturals, including Matthew Clairmont, a somber 1500 year old vampire and Oxford geneticist. Twilight fans will welcome Diana’s unassuming nature and the romantic tension between her and Matthew. Adult fiction.
The Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs
“Team Jacob” will especially appreciate the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy is a half Native American coyote shapeshifter who was raised by werewolves. She lives in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State and works as a mechanic. Although Mercy is a loner, her straightforward nature earns her the respect and friendship of powerful fae metalsmith, Zee; 500 year old vampire, Stefan; and the local werewolf alpha, Adam, who wants her to be his mate. Adam is Mercy’s neighbor and although she is drawn to him, she is concerned by his dominant, protective manner. Fans of television’s Buffy and Supernatural will appreciate Mercedes’ humor and the mysteries that are presented in each volume. Adult fiction.
The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
TwiFans who are also Harry Potter enthusiasts may find a match with The Grisha Trilogy. The series is set in a war torn fantasy world called Ravka. The central character is an orphaned young woman named Alina, who, in a life threatening situation, displays a previously undiscovered magical inclination. This draws the attention of the Darkling, the highest ranking Grisha, who are Ravka’s privileged “sorcering” class. The Darkling believes Alina’s gift may be the key to destroying the Shadow Fold, a lightless desert inhabited by monsters, which splits Ravka. He takes Alina away from her military troupe and her childhood friend Mal so he can cultivate her power. The Darkling’s affection towards Alina becomes apparent, antagonizing other Grisha and causing a rift between Alina and Mal. Young adult fiction.
These books, and thousands of other resources, computer access, e-books and other downloadables, and programs for all ages, are all available at your local Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Check us out at www.buffalolib.org or 716-858-8900.