Elora Morgan wends a tale of true love with powerfully poetic prose and playful, yet intense character depth. She builds a world that mixes a love for history and a variety of mythologies with her own sense of wonder and wisdom about the ways of the universe, which is both thrilling to experience and thought-provoking. The novel also features delightfully dark and elegant illustrations throughout.
Written by G.R. Thomas, The Frangitelli Mirror is a chilling tale that blends the supernatural, mystery, and family legacy into a gothic horror novel. Beginning in 1915, the story follows Rose Carbonelli, who lives with her mother in extreme poverty. Her life changes forever after she finds a mysterious book of magic that appears to have been dropped by an old crone. The cursed book refuses to leave her. It reappears no matter what she does, even after she tries to burn it. After she starts reading this book, she develops the terrifying ability to see ghosts, and she is followed by a raven that is clearly more than just an ordinary bird as it tries to communicate with her.
Blood of the Damned by Anthony J. Stanton is a blend of gothic horror, historical fiction, and vampire mythology. The story takes place during political instability and Ottoman conflicts surrounding Wallachia and the Order of the Dragon. There are whispers of creatures like the moroi and vampyres. At the center is Darius Nikolov, who is consumed by vengeance after the brutal death of his mother, Lady Nikolov. But the circumstances are far more horrifying than wolf attacks. Darius begins his training at Cherven Castle but is secretly looking for answers. The story becomes much bigger, however, with war against the Ottomans, ancient rituals, supernatural bloodlines, and the hidden corruption behind the Order. At the same time, the story follows George, Arianna, and Lucius, which deepens the mythology but also shows how grief, fear, loyalty, and ambition can make people unrecognizable.
