Reading Delights I

This is a new series of posts I’m starting sharing some of the books I’ve discovered. This series will cover a mixture of fiction and non-fiction and hopefully might introduce you to something new! Do share any of your recommendations in the comments too!

E. C. Hibbs: The Foxfires Trilogy

Initially I was intending to write about The Winter Spirits, the first novel of the trilogy, but it doesn’t feel right to omit the sequel books The Mist Children and The Night River. Set in the Northlands, the trilogy is an enthralling journey to the frozen lands of the arctic exploring a fictional lifestyle, inspired by real communities, living in harmony with nature and spirits of the three worlds. Focusing on the life of the aspiring mage, Tuomas, The Winter Spirits sees the Spirit of the Northern Lights manifest on Earth in physical form seeking revenge for an attack on her pride.

The series is a wonderful insight into another world, into another way of life. The characters grow and develop throughout each book, learning from their mistakes, even the Spirits learn a few things about being human. Beautifully written, each novel is a real page turner. You will probably lose some sleep by staying up all night determined to finish the next chapter!

Website: http://echibbs.weebly.com/

Natasha Pulley: The Watchmaker of Filigree Street

Natasha’s first novel was a best seller in 2016 and it’s not surprising that it achieved this status. The Watchmaker of Filigree Street is steampunk delight. A neo-Victorian story with a difference, it reaches out across continents from England to Japan showing off Pulley’s intense research with the accuracy and variety of historical events woven through the narrative. Going further with some glorious mystical elements as future events are foretold with eerie accuracy, this work also portrays the characters with a beautiful realness. They all have their flaws and the ideological notions of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ are not used – it is very human, with the exception of the clockwork octopus.

I highly recommend you also have a look at the prequel novel The Bedlam Stacks and the following book in the series, The Lost Future of Pepperharrow. I will add, I think these novels do well with at least two readings, there is a lot to take in on just one read through.

Website: https://natashapulley.co.uk/

Emilie Autumn: The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls

This novel a thrilling neo-Victorian offering that explores the social conventions of women in the Nineteenth Century with some rather alarming parallels to the modern day in respect to mental illness. It’s incredibly dark, with some disturbing notions and horrific imagery but it combines to create a fantastical piece of writing. It is well written and easy to read, it’s paced well with enough momentum and excitement to leave you wanting more.

The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls also ties in with Emilie’s music – for those unfamiliar with her work, Emilie Autumn composes and performs dynamic music driven with orchestral instrumentation and Victorian Gothic themes. I highly recommend reading the novel in combination with listening to her music.

Website: https://www.emilieautumn.com/