Staff Picks
September/October
Martyr!
by Kaveh Akbar
In Martyr!, Kaveh Akbar delves into existential themes through the story of Cyrus, an Iranian man navigating life’s challenges while grappling with faith and identity. Recently sober and mourning the loss of his parents, Cyrus confronts the darkness of grief, recovery, and self-discovery. His obsession with martyrs leads him to meet Orkideh, a terminally ill artist presenting her final days through a performance art installation at the Brooklyn Museum. Through his interactions with Orkideh, Cyrus seeks to unravel the mysteries of existence. Akbar’s novel is a provocative blend of humor, audacity, and philosophical inquiry, making it a compelling read that invites reflection and repeated engagement.
~ Anna
The Housemaid
by Freida McFadden
The Housemaid, The Housemaid’s Secret, and The Housemaid is Watching follow Millie, a parolee who takes jobs as a maid for families who are not what they appear to be. No one can be trusted, including Millie, who will do anything she must to survive. Secrets abound and unfold slowly in these twisty page-turners that you will not be able to put down. The plots are totally unpredictable and will have you guessing until the very end. Fun, spooky reads with a dark, but extremely likeable heroine – absolutely must be read in order!
~ Mary
Tokyo Revengers
by Ken Wakui
Embark on a thrilling journey filled with motorcycle gangs, time travel, strong bonds of friendship, romance, and self-discovery in this gripping Action Science Fiction Thriller. Follow the story of Hanagaki Takemichi as he ventures back in time to protect all that is dear to him, all the while unraveling the secrets of the Tokyo Majin motorcycle gang. Packed with action, tension, and poignant moments, Tokyo Revenges will keep you engrossed, eager to uncover each enigma and root for the resilient protagonist.
~ Samantha
The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern
In the depths of an academic library in Vermont, Zachary Ezra Rawlins stumbles upon a hidden book that defies explanation. Its enchanting tales draw him in, but when he discovers a story from his own past within its pages, he becomes consumed by the need to unravel the mysteries surrounding his existence. Guided by clues—a bee, a key, and a sword—he embarks on a journey that leads him to a masquerade party in New York, a secret club, and a gateway to an ancient subterranean library. Within this extraordinary realm lie not only books and their devoted guardians, but also forgotten cities, timeless romances, and the echoes of the departed.
The Starless Sea is an enchanting blend of time, story, and magic. Morgenstern’s masterful prose and evocative metaphors create a world filled with astonishing emotional depth, immersing readers in its wonder. Her ability to craft stunning, elegant fables within the narrative is truly praiseworthy. The book’s undeniable charm and the sheer wonder it evokes stand as a testament to Morgenstern’s talent for weaving magic and reality together.
~ Danielle H.M.
The Shadow of What Was Lost
by James Islington
Twenty years ago there was a violent, magical, civil war that overthrew the powerful Augurs. The remaining Augurs were hunted down and killed while the surviving Gifted were bound to the Tenets. The Tenets limited the abilities of the Gifted, forcing those bound to obey the Administrators and made it so that they couldn’t harm others with their power.
Davian, Wirr, and Asha attend Caladel, one of the few surviving magic schools run by Tol Athian to learn control of their Gift. Ostracized and loathed by the general populace, they continuously feel like prisoners in their own home. However, their struggles increase tenfold as Davian discovers he has the powers of the infamous Augurs. Davian is given a Vessel and told that the Boundary, a magical border keeping ancient monsters at bay, is failing. The Shadow of What Was Lost is James Islington’s debut high fantasy novel. The world building was very well done with an intricate political and magical system tied together. The characters felt really fleshed out and believable with deep character development throughout the book. It was a really fun read and comparable to Sanderson’s Mistborn series.
~ Jenny