Escape This World

Fantasy and Science Fiction Recommendations from Librarians

Fantasy

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
This is a story about magic, courage, hope, and identity. Zelie is a teen who has discovered magic inside herself and sets out to restore magic to her land and her people. What I love most about this story is watching how Zelie grows into this fierce warrior by finding the strength within herself and realizing, even though she is a teenager, she can do great things. When you read this because you are needing to escape this world, my hope is that you will discover the magic and strength that live in you.

The Queen of the Tearling by Erica Johansen
Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, was raised in exile, but on her nineteenth birthday, she begins a perilous journey back to the castle and to her rightful throne. Bookish and level headed Kelsea is the opposite of her mother Queen Elyssa. However young and sheltered she is, Kelsea is not defenseless: She wears the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them to survive the attempts to kill, control, or steal her magic from her. Librarians love this book because it is a rich and engrossing fantasy world where politics and court intrigue is the focus.

Montague Siblings series by Mackenzi Lee
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings #1) follows our incorrigible protagonist Henry “Monty” Montague, who is sent on a Grand Tour of Europe with his younger sister, Felicity, and best friend, Percy, before he must return to England and take over his father’s estate. The premise is simple enough, but Monty’s poor decisions soon cause the journey to spiral into a fantastical and harrowing adventure, putting the resilience of his character to the test. The second book, The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, follows Felicity a year later, and is an equally exciting sequel that will cement a place for these characters in your heart.

Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto
After reading this book, you’ll be adding phoenixes to your list of magical creatures that you need to own. Crown of Feathers is a sprawling epic fantasy following three teenagers in a world that’s divided; Veronyka, Sev, and Tristan bring three different upbringings, struggles, and desires to the forefront, introducing their worlds in unique lenses and combining themes of war, betrayal, magic, love, hope, and community in each of their stories. This book has so many fun things: phoenix riders, sibling rivalry, romances (including LGBTQ+!), a really cool magic system (people talk to animals, who doesn’t want that power?), a girl disguising as a boy to break preconceived notions, and so much more. Sequel Heart of Flames came out February 2020, third book expected to come 2021.

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Science Fiction

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
When a plane full of beauty contestants crashes on its way to the competition, the survivors are left to fend for themselves. Join the Lost Girls and the Sparkle Ponies as they fight for dominance in this absolutely bonkers cross between Lord of the Flies and Drop Dead Gorgeous. The story unfolds almost like a reality show - one you won’t be able to stop watching.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Red Rising tells the story of Darrow of Lykos, a teenager who was born a Red, the lowest social class that lives on the planet Mars. He works hard. He does all that is asked of him. He pushes himself to his limit, all while loving with his whole heart; however, he suffers a great and terrible loss, which results in a great twist. What I love most about this story is that it reads like a huge blockbuster movie with so many action sequences. It’s a novel filled with twists and turns (especially at the end). When you read this, you will discover at the core of this series is a teenager like you, who, despite all odds, never gives up because he wants to bring justice to his people.

The Raging Ones by Krista and Becca Ritchie
Welcome to a frozen planet that’s divided into castes based on the age you’ll die. But here, you follow three teenagers (Franny, Court, and Mykal) who all beat their death days; this combined experience forge a physical and mental bond between the three that’s unique and strange and beautiful. This first book in a duology follows these three as they do everything they can to get off this planet in fear of someone finding out their secret. There’s mystery, LGBTQ+ romance, and action, but sets this apart from others is the beautiful friendship these three narrators develop together as their bond forces them to grow closer. This is a complete duology; the second book is The Last Hope.

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Titles and Links

Cover Image Still from movie Oz the Great and Powerful