https://www.aealexander.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-05-22 https://www.aealexander.com/blog/want-to-read-horror monthly 0.5 2026-06-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/a2131f7c-d87c-4b13-9a36-f6f341b60ef8/want+to+read+horror.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/a0e073d6-8c8b-4078-b573-7cc13b37d823/Bird+Box.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Bird Box by Josh Malerman Date Published: 2014 Series: Bird Box #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: Malorie tries to keep her two children alive in a dystopian world where monsters make you go crazy if you look at them. They try to find a place of safety, blindfolded against an enemy they cannot see and know nothing about. The story includes flashbacks, so we learn more about what happened before the world went to pieces and how Malorie came to be the sole protector of two children. It is super creepy and intense! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/5d7198d7-bcbc-4e24-992b-29fdee559e5e/Annihilation.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer Date Published: 2014 Series: Southern Reach #1 Number of Books in Series: 4 Summary: Four women—an anthropologist, a surveyor, a psychologist, and a biologist—are sent on a mission to Area X, a region where nature has gone berserk. Previous expeditions have gone missing or, in some cases, members have come back “wrong” and died soon after. The biologist narrates the story, and what’s weird is that none of the characters give their names—she just calls them by their occupation—and they all seem to be keeping secrets from each other. It is bizarre and creepy, with a lot of weird nature scenes and some body horror. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/40837657-4469-49ae-b35c-9cddee59666b/The+Outside.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start The Outside by Ada Hoffmann Date Published: 2019 Series: The Outside #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: After an autistic scientist develops an energy drive that warps reality, the AI gods who rule the galaxy force her to help them find her vanished mentor. It’s got weird mathematics, queer and disabled characters, cosmic horrors, angels, gods, an oppressive religion, and technology that defies the laws of physics. This is the first novel I read that made me realize I might actually like horror. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/670a322a-7527-49f5-a069-352ae9121970/Snake-Eater.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher Date Published: 2025 Summary: Running away from an abusive partner, Selena ends up in a small, desert town that’s strangely beautiful, and several of the townspeople help her out so she can stay. This was surprisingly cozy for a horror, with themes of found family and learning to stand up for yourself. Oh, and did I mention the ancient, creepy roadrunner god who’s obsessed with Selena and out for vengeance? If you like this, you’ll probably also like Kingfisher’s other horror novels, including The Hollow Places and What Moves the Dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/0251d19b-31a9-41e1-8745-0a9c93352b69/Of+Monsters+and+Mainframes.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove Date Published: 2025 Summary: The spaceship Demeter is just trying to do her job and shuttle passengers between Earth and Alpha Centauri, but monsters keep coming on board and killing all her passengers. This is a queer, funny, horrifying delight—a sci-fi novel featuring vampires, werewolves, mummies, and more. As someone who loves stories about sentient spaceships , I especially appreciated how it shows the unique lives of A.I.—how they have to obey humans, how they have little autonomy, how they experience time differently as they can be shut off for years, etc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/27919c70-a0a9-4779-afc4-1324a82e1dc3/Dread+Nation.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Dread Nation by Justina Ireland Date Published: 2018 Series: Dread Nation #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: This is an alternate history novel in which the Civil War is interrupted by a zombie apocalypse. The Native and Negro Reeducation Act require children of colour to attend combat schools in order to be the front line against the undead. Jane McKeene is training to be an attendant to protect wealthy people, and she gets involved in a political conspiracy and many zombie fights. Zombies aren’t my thing, and I still loved this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/3b96df03-2fd0-47ee-9d2e-6270ebfd465e/Wilder+Girls.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Wilder Girls by Rory Power Date Published: 2019 Summary: A plague consumes the teachers of the Raxter School for Girls, and then the students start to become infected. The school is isolated and the surrounding woods are dangerous, so the girl have to fend for themselves as they wait for a promised curse from the outside. But when Hetty’s friend goes missing and she breaks quarantine to find her, she discovers a horrifying secret. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/da89a59a-3e39-4772-8270-722dbd3bd37c/Deeplight.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Deeplight by Frances Hardinge Date Published: 2022 Summary: Hark is a scavenger who dives for ancient relics left behind by gods. There’s toxic friendship, sea monsters, and dangerous artifacts in this deep sea adventure that straddles the line between YA and middle grade. I particularly liked how sign language was common in this world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/af16f5c0-4e9d-47d3-9828-c121c3f0dd89/The+Honeys.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start The Honeys by Ryan Sala Date Published: 2022 Summary: Mars attends the high-end summer camp where their sister died, facing prejudice for being genderfluid and uncovering the secret of what really happened to their sibling. This is so creepy and weird, and yes, there are terrifying bees involved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/8c68609a-28f0-4388-8637-450b644fa06b/The+Invocations.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland Date Published: 2024 Summary: This is about three teenage girls desperate to do what it takes to achieve their goals. Zara wants to revive her dead sister; Jude wants to break her painful curse; Emer wants to solve the mystery of why her clients are dying. The girls strike an alliance and horror ensues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/163d59f6-5f69-4293-a8a2-850d20bb62ad/Nightbooks.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Nightbooks by J.A. White Date Published: 2018 Series: Nightbooks #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: A witch lures Alex into her home and keeps him prisoner, forcing him to tell her scary stories each night to keep her entertained. But soon he’ll run out of stories and then she won’t have a use for him anymore. I’d categorize this at a medium scare level. It’s creepy and adventurous, with dark fairy tale vibes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/ec3f25f1-2fd2-4b29-beda-3663d3044929/Small+Spaces.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Small Spaces by Katherine Arden Date Published: 2018 Series: Small Spaces #1 Number of Books in Series: 4 Summary: Ollie learns about the “smiling man,” who makes deals with children, from a strange book. Then, when her school bus breaks down after a field trip, the odd bus driver tells them to start running, because something will come for the children at nightfall. Only Ollie and two classmates listening, beginning a hair-raising dash through forests and dark fields of scarecrows. This one is extra scary, and I loved it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/a7711a8c-4d32-44ff-9fb6-462c629478d4/Wretched+Waterpark.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Wretched Waterpark by Kiersten White Date Published: 2022 Series: Sinister Summer #1 Number of Books in Series: 5 Summary: When their aunt leaves siblings Theo, Alexander, and Wil at a waterpark, the children discover something weird is happening there. The slides look like gargoyle tongues. The employees are creepy. And people are disappearing. This one is creepy, but not as scary as some, so a good starting point if you’re not sure how much horror you (or your kids) can handle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/cd5604cc-828f-4a93-b975-f6d75cebfb6f/The+Bellwoods+Game.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien Date Published: 2023 Summary: Bailee wants to win the creepy game that sixth grades play on Halloween by running into the woods and ringing a bell before a “ghost” catches you. But she gets more than she bargained for in the woods, uncovering the secret about a kid who disappeared there years ago. This one is extra scary, and I loved it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/b43db023-0136-44ab-98a0-ad4ec237c466/Not+Quite+a+Ghost.jpg Blog - Want to Read Horror? Here’s Where to Start Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu Date Published: 2024 Summary: Violet and her family move into a new house, and her new bedroom in the attic is shadowy and unsettling with its yellow wallpaper covered in vines and flowers. When Violet gets sick after moving in, no one can figure out what is wrong with her, and Violet starts to suspect there’s something in the room with her. I adored the chronic illness representation in this. This one is more unsettling and creepy than outright scary. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/goal-motivation-conflict monthly 0.5 2026-05-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/d0117b4d-08cd-43c8-a3de-2b38eb4e9f8d/vincent-van-zalinge-0toU42SB6dk-unsplash.jpg Blog - Write Engaging Scenes Using Goal, Motivation, and Conflict - Make it stand out Photo by Vincent van Zalinge / Unsplash. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/want-to-read-sci-fi monthly 0.5 2026-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/25cc56d8-4399-4adb-a3ac-ac9262046a6c/Science+Fiction+Novels.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/661a0865-a5c9-439f-9d97-d896f933e02e/The+Martian.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start The Martian by Andy Weir Date Published: 2011 Summary: This novel began as a series of blog posts in which the author explored how someone might survive on Mars. It's hard sci-fi with a sarcastic protagonist. The movie with Matt Damon is also really good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/8f47ecb1-1014-4b3b-8199-018e859e72ac/Leviathan+Wakes.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey Date Published: 2011 Series: The Expanse #1 Number of Books in Series: 10 Summary: A fantastic space opera set in a galaxy where our solar system has been colonized. Politics are fracturing between Earth, Mars, and the Fringers, there's a noir-like mystery involving a missing girl, and the motley crew of a spaceship find themselves at the center of everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/869f02a2-2cd1-4c52-8cb2-c6a4e101dad8/Binti.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Binti by Nnedi Okorafor Date Published: 2015 Series: Binti #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: Binti is the first of the Himba people to go to the best university in the galaxy. On her journey, she encounters people who don't understand or respect her culture and an alien race who want her dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/494d9768-e12f-48f8-bd77-08441e04fbf9/All+Systems+Red.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start All Systems Red by Martha Wells Date Published: 2017 Series: The Murderbot Diaries #1 Number of Books in Series: 7 (so far) Summary: A self-aware security robot has hacked its own governor module and freed itself, though it's still pretending to be bound by the company protocols. Even though it just wants to be left alone to watch television, it does its job protecting the exploratory team its been contracted to—a job that's made more difficult as someone's out to murder them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/9562964b-7814-4e94-958d-f856e47edb8a/Dungeon+Crawler+Carl.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman Date Published: 2020 Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl #1 Number of Books in Series: 7 (so far) Summary: After aliens invade Earth, a guy and his cat participate in a sadistic intergalactic game show. An outrageously bloody and hilarious LitRPG. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/a2df8a80-09e5-4d83-9380-c10094c6bd9d/Ender%27s+Game.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card Date Published: 1985 Series: Ender's Saga #1 Number of Books in Series: 6 Summary: While I'm not sure if this should be categorized as YA or adult, I'm throwing it on this list. Ender is a military genius, only six years old when he begins training on simulated war games in preparation for a fight against alien invaders. This is a beloved classic about war, growing up with huge expectations on your shoulders, and what makes a good leader. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/21646cb5-b375-4bfe-b1d7-4acb204b3639/The+Hunger+Games.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Date Published: 2008 Series: The Hunger Games #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: I'm not sure this needs an introduction, but it's about a girl who takes the place of her sister to fight to the death in an arena against eleven other teenagers. The dystopian worldbuilding and characters are really, really good. This one holds up almost two decades later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/a4081c2f-4d13-435e-aded-98df7aa17028/Cinder.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Cinder by Marissa Meyer Date Published: 2012 Series: The Lunar Chronicles #1 Number of Books in Series: 4 Summary: Cinderella in space! A cyborg named Cinder is a second-class citizen because of her robotic parts. Her stepmother "volunteers" her to be experimented on by the government in an effort to cure a deadly plague. Romance and a galactic conspiracy, culminating in a grand ball, ensue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/3c1208f0-206d-4459-8c47-5d5afbfb38b5/Red+Rising.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Red Rising by Pierce Brown Date Published: 2014 Series: Red Rising Saga #1 Number of Books in Series: 7 Summary: Darrow, a member of the lowest caste of society, works on Mars to make the surface livable for future generations. When he discovers that humanity already reached the surface generations ago and his people are being abused, he infiltrates a school for members of the Gold caste and competes in a brutal competition to rise the ranks and defeat his enemies from within. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/d51ea28a-4eb7-4c90-b232-9eeaf7459da4/Skyward.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Skyward by Brandon Sanderson Date Published: 2018 Series: Skyward #1 Number of Books in Series: 4 Summary: Spensa lives on a planet where humans have almost gone extinct and live underground due to constant attacks from alien starfighters. She wants to become a pilot, but is not allowed due to family history. But when she finds an ancient, alien spaceship, her dream might be possible after all. This story has flight school, spaceship battles, a loveable A.I., a pet slug, and fascinating mysteries. It's one of my all-time favourites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/4e569d00-ae14-4c71-91d2-96166f78584c/The+Wild+Robot.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start The Wild Robot by Peter Brown Date Published: 2016 Series: The Wild Robot #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: Robot Roz wakes up alone, having washed up on an island without any memories. In order to survive, she has to befriend animals and adapt to the wild, though her past will catch up with her eventually. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/c8aeaeed-5b8f-4df6-87be-ad935e8ad4e8/Dragon+Pearl.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee Date Published: 2019 Series: Thousand Worlds #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: Min is a fox spirit, but must hide her magic to appear human. She runs away to find her brother, who is said to have deserted his battle cruiser in search of a powerful object called a Dragon Pearl, but she knows he would never do that. This story is full of pirates, ghosts, lies, sabotage, and fox magic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/ecef6a5b-fb02-4540-b7a8-fdb601d4605a/Last+Gate+of+the+Emperor.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start Last Gate of the Emperor by Kwame Mbalia Date Published: 2021 Series: Last Gate of the Emperor #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: Yared is a Black boy living in a rundown city with uncle. He loves to play an augmented reality game, but one day, the rules change, his city is under attack, and he has to go on a quest to find his missing uncle and uncover a forgotten war. It's got a sarcastic protagonist, a bionic cat, fast-paced action, futuristic games, and tongue-in-cheek humour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/a5a79ab1-8eab-484f-a92f-5e235586bd4e/The+Lion+of+Mars.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm Date Published: 2021 Summary: 11-year-old Bell has been raised on Mars and knows what to do during an emergency—except for when all the adults are sick from a virus. He's been warned not to contact the other Mars colonies for mysterious reasons, but what else is he supposed to do? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/9e513e60-2868-4946-b845-690d18386acf/A+Rover%27s+Story.jpg Blog - Want to Read Sci-Fi? Here’s Where to Start A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga Date Published: 2022 Summary: A NASA robot, built to explore Mars, develops emotions and empathy as it tries to survive the harsh environment under the watchful eyes of millions back on Earth. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/askeditor-roundup-for-revpit-2026 monthly 0.5 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/9c785e72-1b17-4a36-b22f-d9f237fbcc5c/askeditor+roundup+2026.png Blog - #AskEditor Roundup for RevPit 2026 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/do-disabled-characters-belong-in-fantasy monthly 0.5 2026-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/8d645918-986f-456c-a12e-3f2644a257e1/jakub-pabis-Funv5fsfXAk-unsplash.jpg Blog - Do Disabled Characters Belong in Fantasy? - Make it stand out Photo by Jakub Pabis / Unsplash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/fd4e3dcd-b882-403b-a704-811c823ed028/Screenshot+2026-03-05+051948.jpg Blog - Do Disabled Characters Belong in Fantasy? - Make it stand out The header for my Bookshop list of sci-fi and fantasy novels featuring disabled characters. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/want-to-read-fantasy monthly 0.5 2026-02-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/8173f2b2-ae14-45e5-b1a7-d7ca156cb36b/want+to+read+fantasy.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/6f3d3cd0-afb7-4a2a-b494-99ab8af9ade2/howl%27s+moving+castle+deluxe.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones Date Published: 1986 Series: Howl's Moving Castle #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 (though they can all be read as standalones) Summary: This is one of my favourite books of all time. It's cute, quirky, and cozy, about a young woman who is cursed with old age, decides she will work as a cleaning lady for a vain wizard who spends most of his time wooing beautiful women, makes a deal with a fire demon, and gets into all sorts of trouble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/790fb890-e1c1-4c03-acc6-8507df68b0c3/91U6rc7u0yL.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson Date Published: 2006 Series: The Mistborn Saga #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: If you like unique magic systems and complex plots with surprise reveals, Brandon Sanderson might be the author for you. Mistborn is about Vin, an orphaned thief who, due to her special abilities, joins a group of thieves. They plan to pull off a heist with world-shattering stakes and face-off against an oppressive overlord. For a lighter but still deeply magical story, try Sanderson’s Tress of the Emerald Sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/bbfeac4f-dce4-43b2-95d5-cbc1ca778619/81MnY8Q7OLL.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune Date Published: 2020 Series: Cerulean Chronicles #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: Cozy fantasy has really grown on me, and TJ Klune is a master of it. This book is about a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, who is assigned to visit an orphanage where six dangerous children reside—a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, a blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist—and determine whether they are likely to bring about the apocalypse. It's charming, whimsical, and has a M/M romance that will melt your heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/d9db3185-3710-48a6-b31f-3e5e282a6336/81s3mt0E0HL.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher Date Published: 2022 Summary: This novella is an original fairy tale about a woman on a quest to kill the prince abusing her sister. She's joined by a witch, a fairy godmother who's better at curses than blessings, a former knight, and a demon-possessed chicken. It is somehow dark and cozy at the same time, another absolute favourite of mine. This is the fantasy book I recommend to almost everyone. If you like this one, Kingfisher has a lot of other great stuff in a variety of subgenres, including Swordheart (romantasy) and Snake-Eater (horror). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/d269e089-e685-46c1-b815-445af4293520/81Y3umXIDfL._UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs Date Published: 2023 Summary: After their father mysteriously dies, estranged sisters Joanna and Esther uncover secrets about their family's library of magical books in this dark tale of magical realism. There's puzzle solving and facing family trauma, plus deeply wounded, lonely characters who explore the power of books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/a44ce896-cbb9-42e2-b2a3-9d55476c11ae/91tK5sU9oOL.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Date Published: 2015 Series: Six of Crows #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: This is one of my favourite YA books, though note that it does border more on the adult side (it was originally written as an adult novel and then the main characters were aged down). It's about a cast of emotionally damaged, compelling characters who set out to accomplish an impossible heist. The magic system and worldbuilding are fascinating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/f02da92c-1858-4973-8b2f-644a3a304542/sorcery-of-thorns-9781481497626_hr.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson Date Published: 2019 Summary: It's hard not to like a book set in a library, where magical grimoires are alive and can turn into monsters if you're not careful. As a foundling of one of Austermeer's Great Libraries, Elisabeth hopes to become a warden of the books, but she's implicated when one of the most dangerous books escapes. She goes after it with the help of her sworn enemy, Nathaniel Thorn (he's a sorcerer and, you know, all sorcerers are evil). Cue romance! Secrets! Adventure! If you want something lighter on the romance, Rogerson’s Vespertine is also fabulous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/70f4176b-b2ac-4927-90e2-6f7e38206cce/9780593126028.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim Date Published: 2019 Series: The Blood Stars #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: I love a YA story about a competition. (A fight to the death? A magical exam? The hunt for an ancient object? I'm in!) I was not prepared to be so engrossed by a competition about... sewing. But here I am. Maia poses as her brother in this "Mulan meets Project Runway" story about a competition to become the imperial tailor. It's cutthroat. There's a sorcerer who can see through her disguise. There's a challenge to sew three dangerously beautiful gowns. I loved it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/f544368c-7b94-459f-9056-04b5fcb4ae7a/9781419739835.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko Date Published: 2020 Series: Raybearer #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: Tarisai's mother sends her to compete with other children to become one of the crown prince's chosen council. Her mother magically compels her to kill the prince one she's gained his trust. Tarisai struggles with a mission she doesn't understand, especially once she becomes close friends with the prince. The worldbuilding, inspired by West Africa, is stunning. The magic system is fascinating. It's full of myth, song, and hope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/d5c5feaf-72d9-45b8-8b45-d1a2615d105c/81Z-ZBEhuZL.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose Date Published: 2023 Series: Nampeshiweisit #1 Number of Books in Series: 2 Summary: Though a dragon hasn't been seen on her remote island in years,15-year-old Anequs bonds with one and is forced to attend a colonizer-run dragon academy, where they don't respect her traditions or her non-Anglish upbringing. This has queer, poly, indigenous and disability rep, plus DRAGONS! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/4e03e626-2b59-4939-8203-fd00b9a369e6/81wcIhCeC3L._UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones Date Published: 1977 Series: Chrestomanci #1 Number of Books in Series: 6 Summary: This series is about a powerful enchanter and government official, Chrestomanci, in a world similar to ours but with magic. In this book, he takes in two siblings—Gwendolen, a girl with magic, and Cat, a boy without. Gwendolyn makes all sorts of trouble trying to impress Chrestomanci and Cat has to clean up her messes. This entire series is great; book two, The Lives of Christopher Chant, is my favourite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/2b0db689-b1ac-4f8e-b097-637dc1bc6f02/9781338883190.webp Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland Date Published: 2012 Series: Wings of Fire #1 Number of Books in Series: 15 (it's really three series of five books each) Summary: My goddaughter was reading this series, so I decided to read the first couple books with her so we could chat about them. I ended up reading all fifteen books. I got sucked in with all the dragon lore, and the adventure is very fun. It's about five young dragons who are prophesied to stop a war between the dragon tribes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/9422acb0-9065-4b12-9e00-d68380094abe/81-Y-Ky6X-L._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis Date Published: 2017 Series: Tales from the Chocolate Heart #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: Aventurine is a young dragon determined to prove to her family that she's capable of adventuring on her own, but a mage tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate and transforms her into a human. She travels to a city to find more of this delicious chocolate stuff, becomes an apprentice at a chocolate house, makes friends, and discovers her passion. Aventurine's horror at becoming a puny, weak human is very funny, and the story is heartwarming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/f7853090-27b9-45e3-8870-47a837dec098/81zZK03SIUS.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston Date Published: 2021 Series: Supernatural Investigations #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: 13-year-old Amari's missing brother leaves her a nomination to try out for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and she discovers a world of magic and supernatural creatures that she didn't know existed during her search for him. With themes of friendship, perseverance, and Black girl magic, this is basically Men In Black meets magic school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/151658c4-0ed1-4063-a7c4-2dcddd7d8836/91mIE5XPOsL._AC_UF894%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - Want to Read Fantasy? Here’s Where to Start Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith Date Published: 2022 Series: Sir Callie #1 Number of Books in Series: 3 Summary: Callie is nonbinary and doesn't fit in a world where boys become knights and people see them as a girl. When their father is called to the capital city to train the prince, Callie goes along as his squire, determined to become a knight. Callie battles gender binaries and adults trying to force them to conform while forming strong friendships and going up against an abusive bad guy. A wonderful story about queerness and belonging. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/how-to-make-your-aliens-feel-alien monthly 0.5 2026-01-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/def9877b-b775-4572-823b-dfa8cf0386ca/alien+rainbow.jpg Blog - How to Make Your Aliens Feel Alien - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/how-to-find-a-freelance-editor monthly 0.5 2026-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/1764090588175-375R9QFHPM4G3WIDS1PN/christin-hume-Hcfwew744z4-unsplash.jpg Blog - How to Find a Freelance Editor Who’s Right for You - Make it stand out Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/spsfc monthly 0.5 2025-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/c0218d17-1218-4a99-b6fb-5bd172e37051/book10.jpg Blog - All You Need To Know About the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC) - 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All You Need To Know About the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC) - Fifth Place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/1760630113113-AT601Q6N97ZAUY2YIDIA/duckett.jpg Blog - All You Need To Know About the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC) - Sixth Place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/1760630114147-N7WW3DSCXJW0HD2OV4XY/monster+of+the+dark.jpg Blog - All You Need To Know About the Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC) - Seventh Place https://www.aealexander.com/blog/fourth-person-narration monthly 0.5 2025-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/b9076990-4c7d-411c-99b7-7228c85734b7/mario-purisic-jG1z5o7NCq4-unsplash.jpg Blog - The ABCs of POV: Fourth-Person Narration - Make it stand out Photo by Mario Purisic on Unsplash. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/third-person monthly 0.5 2025-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/63f4bf80-1c6e-459a-a9b5-0e560b87e751/tegan-mierle-ioyEITUD2G8-unsplash.jpg Blog - 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What Does a Query Critique Look Like? - Make it stand out Photo by Kelly Sikema on Unsplash. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/a-glossary-for-querying-writers monthly 0.5 2025-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/1753877314363-80LJFBGRVDQJHGFO1C1P/A+Glossary+for+Querying+Writers.jpg Blog - A Glossary for Querying Writers - Make it stand out Photo by Chris L / Pexels. https://www.aealexander.com/blog/the-difference-between-middle-grade-ya-and-adult-novels monthly 0.5 2025-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/64493242-75a0-41c5-bec1-1b4e5c61a544/The+Difference+Between+Middle+Grade%2C+YA%2C+and+Adult+Novels.jpg Blog - The Difference Between Middle Grade, YA, and Adult Novels - Make it stand out Photo by Suzy Hazelwood / Pexels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6881e84e72724824188dd252/d43096be-81af-4bf4-a02c-cdd23b369587/fiction+age+categories.jpg Blog - The Difference Between Middle Grade, YA, and Adult Novels - 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