Category Archives: Fantasy

Review: Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow

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Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight
Alechia Dow
Feiwel & Friends
Published February 3, 2026

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About Until the Clock Strikes Midnight

The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.

Darling is the most talented—and unusual—Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms—if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it’ll be an easy razzle-dazzle job… until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there’s one thing Darling’s good at, it’s a makeover.

Calamity is the most talented—and arrogant—Misfortune of his class. It’s his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical “Happily Ever After.” When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy—Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too—a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.

To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy’s life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves… and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.

My Review

Darling had me on page one. I found her so relatable and her perspective so much fun to read. The story is predominantly set in a bookshop – another win, as far as I’m concerned! I also enjoyed the chemistry between Darling and Calamity. It felt present without dominating the story. I liked watching them figure one another out. I loved how they both fell in love with the town and the bookstore.

Darling takes medication to manage her bipolar disorder. She is very aware of how missing her pill impacts her health. The author could have created a more magical treatment for Darling, but I actually really appreciate that she presented a daily pill right in the midst of this whimsical, magical story. It was like a quiet statement that taking medication doesn’t inhibit the magic. It was also a reminder to readers that taking medication doesn’t make someone deficient in some way. Even a fairy needs to take medicine to support her health.

I liked the pace of the romance in the book. I especially like the balance between Darling and Calamity’s developing feelings and Lucy and her love interest’s romantic arc.

If you’re looking for a mental health-positive fantasy packed with whimsy and drizzled with romance, definitely check this one out. I’ve enjoyed all of Dow’s books, so I’ll take this moment to say that if your taste runs more toward sci-fi than fantasy, be sure to check out her earlier books: The Sound of Stars, The Kindred, and A Song of Salvation.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Very infrequent use of profanity.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing. Reference to sex.

Spiritual Content
Darling and Calamity have the ability to do some magic. Fairies and other magical beings exist in this story world.

Violent Content
A few characters bully and/or try to manipulate others.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi

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The Swan’s Daughter
Roshani Chokshi
Wednesday Books
Published January 6, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

The Swan’s Daughter

In this lush and romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.

To find love is a curse …

Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris’s parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living.

My Review

LOOK AT ME READING THE BOOK I PRE-ORDERED IN A TIMELY MANNER. I cannot believe I missed all announcements about this book last year. What rock was I living under? I’m glad I heard about it in time to pre-order a copy. I’ve been a fan of Roshani Chokshi’s books, especially her young adult titles, since her debut. Knowing she had a new young adult fantasy book coming out this year was super exciting.

The book starts out a little bit slowly, but don’t be fooled. The setup showing her parents’ romantic relationship does some heavy lifting in terms of immersing us in the whimsical story world. I loved all the weird magical elements and complex relationships. The story stays in a lighthearted fantasy tone, but it has some teeth to it, too.

I loved Demelza and Arris. She’s smart and anxious. He’s romantic and imaginative. I like that they stay true to those qualities even as they get to know one another. Part of the story is figuring out whether two people so different could have a sustainable romance. Demelza’s friends are great, too. I laughed so much at some of the things that happened with them.

Reading this book was a very welcome escape for me, which I really appreciated. If you are looking for a fairytale-like story that isn’t a retelling, definitely check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
List.

Romance/Sexual Content
List.

Spiritual Content
List.

Violent Content
List.

Drug Content
List.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I pre-ordered a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

MMGM Review: The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , ,

The Aftermyth (The Aftermyth #1)
Tracy Wolff
Aladdin
Published February 3, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Aftermyth

In a world ruled by the tenets of Greek mythology, one girl’s fate is more than it appears in the first book in a new dark academia fantasy middle grade series from #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Crave series Tracy Wolff.

What’s your myth?

Penelope Weaver has spent her whole life preparing to attend Anaximander’s Academy, where students learn how to bring to life the stories of Greek mythology as well as discover the Greek god whose principles they most embody. Penelope knows she’s an Athena—all smart, practical, and rule-following girls who take part in stories that matter are Athenas.

But when Penelope and her twin brother Paris arrive at Anaximander’s, it appears fate has other plans. Penelope isn’t placed with Athena but with students who are anything but practical and who prefer parties to rules. And that’s just the beginning. She’s given the world’s worst muse, her assigned tasks feel impossible, and the magic of Anaximander’s is overwhelming. Not to mention, there are two very different boys making her new life even more confusing.

But as things go from bad to dangerously worse, one thing becomes in a world where everything is fated to happen a certain way, some stories need to be rewritten. As the world around her shifts and cracks, Penelope is asked to forget everything she thought she knew to help create a better story…even if that changes every plan and breaks every rule.

My Review

Since this book is set at a magic school centered around Greek mythology, I feel like comparisons to the Percy Jackson series are inevitable. Other than those themes, though, I didn’t find myself thinking of that series much as I read this one.

I really appreciate the way the author set up this story. Penelope is from a family who were all in the Athena house, so she expects to continue the family tradition at school. When she doesn’t, she resists fitting in with her new classmates, even though, to observant readers, she does have some traits that show why she belongs there.

That part of the story, where Penelope wrestles with her family’s expectations (and her own) versus her true personality and character, was really nicely done. It made me think a lot about how family culture shapes us, and how important it is for us to discover where our true interests and talents lie, which can be challenging from within a dominant family culture.

I also appreciated that Penelope learns about the value of friendship. She learns to trust her instincts, ask questions, and not accept things at face value. All good lessons. The way things roll out in the story, I found myself putting the clues together alongside Penelope, which made for an engaging reading experience.

Though this series opener is a bit long (more than 400 pages), the chapters are short, and the fast-paced storytelling makes it feel like a quick read. I’m curious to see where the series will go next.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
In the story, the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses is real, and students who attend Anaximander’s school receive a (supernatural) gift and mentorship from a muse as they continue their education.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Snakes threaten characters in one scene.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday

I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday. Check out other blogs with posts about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle.

MMGM Review: The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P. G. Bell

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The Big Bad Wolf Murder
P. G. Bell
Feiwel & Friends
Published January 20, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Big Bad Wolf Murder

A girl accused of killing a famous wolf must solve his murder while on the run, in this twist on Little Red Riding Hood!

At twelve years old, Ruby Calvino is the youngest human player in the Tooth & Claw championships. It’s her fast legs and even faster mind that leaves her as the last player left during the final game, and she’s ready to claim victory. But when the undefeated Alarick— the wolf player hunting her— is finally upon her, he…drops dead?

With poison found in Ruby’s bag, all fingers (and paws!) point to her. Desperate to prove her innocence, she teams up with a young wolf accused of helping her commit the crime. But figuring out who killed Alarick certainly won’t be easy while on the run from cops and another vicious wolf.

Luckily, Ruby’s Tooth & Claw training just might come in handy!

My Review

This is the first I’ve read of P. G. Bell’s books, but I will absolutely read more. I loved this mystery-laced twist on Little Red Riding Hood and the game the characters compete in during the book. The Tooth & Claw Championship is a little bit like capture the flag. One team’s goal is to cross the field without being captured and to raise their flags, while the other team (made up of anthropomorphic wolves) wins by capturing all players. Alarick’s murder interrupts Ruby’s team’s potential championship win.

The elements of the championship and the game were easy to understand and very well integrated into the story. In order to track down Alarick’s murderer, Ruby even had to use some of her best Tooth & Claw moves. I also enjoyed Ruby and Fillan as a team. They have very different backgrounds and personalities, and it takes them some time to learn to trust one another. Once they do, though, they make a powerful team.

At 224 pages, this fast-paced story is easy to read. Give this to readers who enjoyed The Great Texas Dragon Race by Kacy Ritter or who enjoy stories where fantasy and sports themes or mysteries intersect.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Ruby witnesses a wolf dying from poisoning. A wolf bites a girl in an attempted robbery. A wolf hunts Ruby and Fillan, clearly intending to kill them. Ruby and Fillan face other potentially fatal threats.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday

I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday. Check out other blogs with posts about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle.

Review: Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo

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Lunar Boy
Jes and Cin Wibowo
HarperAlley
Published May 14, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Lunar Boy

For fans of The Witch Boy and Squished, Lunar Boy is a must-have heartwarming coming-of-age graphic novel about a young boy from the moon who discovers a home in the most unlikely places, from debut twin creators Jes and Cin Wibowo.

Indu, a boy from the moon, feels like he doesn’t belong. He hasn’t since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their spaceship—their home—to live on Earth with their new blended family. The kids at school think he’s weird, he has a crush on his pen pal who might not like him back, and his stepfamily doesn’t seem to know what to do with him. Worst of all, Indu can’t even talk to his mom about how he’s feeling because she’s so busy.

In a moment of loneliness, Indu calls out to the moon, begging them to take him back. And against all odds, the moon hears him and agrees to bring him home on the first day of the New Year. But as the promised day draws nearer, Indu finds friendship in unlikely places and discovers that home is more than where you come from. And when the moon calls again, Indu must decide: Is he willing to give up what he’s just found?

My Review

I’m sure I saw a review of this book somewhere or saw someone posting about it on social media, but I’m terrible at keeping notes on that, so I can’t remember who told me to read this book. If it was you, thank you.

Lunar Boy is an unusual story. Indu begins alone on the surface of the moon. He hears a voice in his head that he identifies as belonging to the moon. The voice warns him that being alone is safe, and that forming connections to others opens a person up to the possibility of pain and heartache. Indu decides to leave anyway and lives as a part of a blended family. He and his mom move to a newly colonized planet where he learns a new language and attends school.

He faces some big adjustments, and learns to navigate different conflicts, both external and internal. He also explores his identity and encounters others coming to terms with their own identities. The book handles this very gently. There is one spot where someone misgenders Indu. He apologizes and is supportive after the fact, though.

I really liked the elements of found family/adoption in the story. It was also interesting that Indu faced being part of a blended family after acclimating to a smaller family with just him and his adopted mom.

I could see readers who enjoyed The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu or The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang liking this one a lot. I’m eager to see these authors create more books.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
References to an older couple in a dating relationship. One panel shows two characters kissing.

Spiritual Content
Indu hears the Moon speaking to him about the risks of forming relationships with others and living in community (loneliness and pain). At one point the Moon tells Indu he can come home at a certain cycle of the moon. References to ceremonies to honor coming-of-age for boys and girls.

Violent Content
Some homophobic or transphobic statements. One instance of misgendering. (The person apologizes and promises to do better in the future.)

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I borrowed a copy of this book from the public library. All opinions are my own.

Review: A Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny by Caroline Bonin

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A Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny
Caroline Bonin
Feiwel & Friends
Published January 13, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About A Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny

This cozy fantasy romance combines magic, college life, and first love into a sweetly brewed and delicious read about a girl roped into investigating a company’s dangerous product!

Dani Lionet is no stranger to working hard. But now she’s attending her dream university, and must manage classes, shifts at the local cafe, and maintaining her partial scholarship—all while trying to keep her unique ability under wraps. That way, no one else can take advantage of it like her parents used to.

So when a visiting professor calls Dani out on her ability, she’s terrified. Yet, it seems Professor Silva just wants to pay her to use it to help investigate a soon-to-be-released lucid dreaming product with horrible side effects. Dani is hesitant, but she needs the money, and it would help her new friend who was part of the product’s clinical trials. Meanwhile, she has a swoony distraction in Kass, her endearingly cute new regular at work.

But then Silva’s plan evolves into stealing the formula. Can Dani help with this “group project,” learn to embrace her ability, and get to know Kass? Or will it all fall apart?

My Review

I really enjoyed the magical college atmosphere of this book. It’s set in the real world, but with magical abilities and disciplines. The main characters attend a magical college, which I love as a concept. Dani also works at a coffee shop, which added even more cozy vibes.

My favorite thing about the book is how well all the different elements integrate into the story. Truthfully, I’d call the romance part of the book more of a subplot compared to the heist/group project that Dani and her friends commit to. I love that Dani’s romantic relationship doesn’t eclipse her other friendships. The story strikes a great balance, showing Dani falling head over heels while still anchoring her in other relationships, in part because she’s on this heist team and they have a tight deadline.

Dani has an unusual magical gift, which she feels ashamed of early on in the story. As the book progresses, though, she learns to think about her ability differently. Her feelings were so relatable. How often do we have a weird talent that seems useless or embarrassing? It takes courage and effort to reframe how we feel about that stuff, and her journey with that was really cool.

I almost wish this book had come out in November, since the story wraps up at Christmas. It would have been a really fun one to read leading up to the holidays. That said, I think it works perfectly as a cozy story to read on a chilly day or evening while bundled up with a mug of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

If you’re looking for a wintry, magical heist in a college setting with a strong romance subplot, definitely put A Barista’s Guide to Love and Larceny on your reading list.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 15 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
Some characters can do magic. One character has fae ancestry.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. A few scenes show characters trapped in their nightmares, acting out what happens in their dreams.

Drug Content
Teens drink alcohol at a bar and at a party.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.