In this fantastical and philosophical novel, the narrative weaves a tale of love, fate, and magic through the lives of two women who are deeply in love. Their world is one where Death personified walks among mortals, and the couple is blessed with a child after making a deal with the enigmatic and powerful figure known as Godmother Night. As their daughter grows, the couple must navigate the complexities of their relationships with each other, their child, and the mystical forces that surround them, all while grappling with the profound themes of life, death, and the nature of existence. The story delves into the realms of myth and the supernatural, exploring the intricate tapestry of destiny and the bonds that transcend even the most immutable of forces.

"Hobby" by Jane Yolen is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Sarah who is struggling to find her place in the world. When she discovers a neglected horse named Hobby, Sarah is determined to save him and give him the love and attention he deserves. Through her dedication to Hobby, Sarah learns important lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the power of love. With beautiful illustrations and a touching narrative, "Hobby" is a must-read for animal lovers of all ages.

"The Axeman's Carnival" is a gripping historical novel set in 1918 New Orleans, during the height of the Spanish flu pandemic. As the city grapples with fear and uncertainty, a serial killer known as the Axeman terrorizes its inhabitants. The story follows three main characters—a jazz musician, a young girl, and a detective—as their lives intertwine amidst the chaos. With vivid descriptions and a suspenseful narrative, the book explores themes of resilience, identity, and the power of music in the face of darkness.

"The Wood Wife" by Terri Windling is a fantasy novel that follows the story of a young writer named Maggie Black who inherits a house in the remote Arizona desert after her mentor dies. As she explores the surrounding wilderness, Maggie discovers a hidden community of artists and musicians who are connected to the magical spirits of the land. When a local gallery owner is murdered and the community is threatened by outsiders, Maggie must use her newfound knowledge to protect her new friends and the natural beauty of the desert. The novel explores themes of creativity, nature, and the power of myth and folklore.

"Passager" by Jane Yolen is a historical fiction novel set in 18th century France. The story follows a young boy named Pierre, who is taken from his family and forced to become a cabin boy on a ship bound for the New World. Along the way, he meets a mysterious woman named Louise, who helps him navigate the treacherous waters of the Atlantic and teaches him the ways of the Passager, a secret society of travelers who possess magical powers. As Pierre learns more about his own abilities and the history of the Passagers, he must also confront the harsh realities of life on a ship and the dangers that await him in the New World.

"Ship Fever and Other Stories" is a collection of seven short stories and a novella, all revolving around the theme of scientific discovery and the human response to it. The stories span across different eras and locations, from 19th-century Canada during a typhus epidemic to contemporary America. The characters, including scientists, explorers, and ordinary people, grapple with the moral and ethical implications of scientific advancements, the pursuit of knowledge, and the intersection of science and human emotion. The novella, which gives the collection its title, focuses on the 1847 typhus epidemic among Irish immigrants in Canada.

The novel follows the life of Martin Dressler, a young entrepreneur in late 19th century New York City. Starting as a cigar shop worker, Martin's ambition and drive lead him to become a successful hotel tycoon. His relentless pursuit of the American Dream, however, leads to his eventual downfall, as his grandiose ideas and projects become increasingly unrealistic and unsustainable. The book explores themes of ambition, the American Dream, and the fine line between success and failure.

The play centers around two thirty-something men, Jasper and KJ, who spend their time behind a Vermont coffee shop discussing music, philosophy, and their personal struggles, embodying a sense of aimlessness and lost potential. Their static existence is interrupted when they form an unlikely friendship with Evan, a high school student and employee of the coffee shop. Through their conversations and interactions, the trio explores themes of connection, the search for meaning, and the poignant moments found in the mundanity of everyday life. The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, capturing the essence of small-town ennui and the subtle dynamics of male friendship.

"The Bear Comes Home" is a unique tale about a talking, saxophone-playing bear who navigates the human world while yearning for true freedom. The bear, who is also the protagonist, struggles with the complexities of human life, including love, art, and the search for self-identity. As he explores the jazz scene, he is caught between his bear nature and his human-like consciousness, leading to a profound exploration of what it means to be free and to be oneself.

In "Galveston," a once-thriving city is now split between two realities after a magical event known as the Flood. The city is divided between the Mardi Gras-like endless revelry of the supernatural "Fat Tuesday" and the grim existence of "Ash Wednesday," where life is harsh and magic is draining away. The protagonist, a former gambler named Josh Cane, navigates this dual existence, dealing with fantastical creatures, powerful magic, and human desires. As he becomes entangled in the complex politics and struggles of Galveston's inhabitants, he must confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will determine the fate of both realities.

In this science fiction epic, the final installment of a series, the narrative follows the journey of a man tasked with protecting a young girl who has the potential to influence the fate of humanity. Set in a far-future universe where the Catholic Church has become a dominant spacefaring entity, the pair travels through various worlds, evading the Church's forces and its leader, who seeks to harness the girl's unique abilities for his own ends. The story weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle against oppressive powers, culminating in a climactic battle that will determine the course of human evolution and the true nature of the cosmos.

In this dark fantasy novel, the protagonist is a morally dubious "physiognomist"—an individual who judges and manipulates people based on their physical features, believing these traits reveal character and destiny. He serves a repressive regime, using his skills to maintain order until a series of events challenges his beliefs and leads him on a surreal journey through bizarre landscapes and encounters with strange creatures. As he confronts the consequences of his past actions and the flawed science he once trusted, he is forced to reckon with his own identity and the possibility of redemption. The narrative blends elements of steampunk and grotesque imagery, creating a unique and thought-provoking exploration of power, science, and human nature.

This novel unfolds as a mysterious and evocative narrative centered around a young man who becomes embroiled in a perplexing incident one night in Paris. After being hit by a car, he finds himself plunged into a deep investigation of his past, guided by cryptic clues and shadowy figures who drift in and out of his life. As he delves deeper, the boundaries between past and present blur, leading him on a haunting journey through the streets of Paris. The city, with its hidden corners and forgotten stories, becomes a character in its own right, enveloping the protagonist in a labyrinth of memory, identity, and intrigue. This atmospheric tale weaves together themes of memory, loss, and the search for truth, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully rendered Parisian nightscape.

The play follows the emotional journey of a young man who, after suffering a major loss during a cross-country bike trip, seeks solace and understanding by visiting his feisty 91-year-old grandmother in her West Village apartment. As the unlikely pair navigates the complexities of family, independence, and coming of age, their generational gaps both challenge and deepen their bond. Through a series of candid, heartfelt conversations, they explore themes of grief, connection, and the search for personal identity, revealing the profound impact of intergenerational relationships and the resilience needed to heal from life's unpredictable trials.

Set in the wintry wilderness of medieval Russia, the novel weaves a tale of a young girl named Vasya who is gifted with the ability to see and communicate with the spirits that protect her village. As the world around her succumbs to the fear and influence of a zealous priest, Vasya must embrace her unique abilities to safeguard her family and the mystical beings of the forest. Her journey is fraught with challenges as she confronts the encroaching forces of both human and supernatural threats, ultimately leading her to confront a dangerous entity. In doing so, she must navigate the tightrope between the Christian beliefs of her community and the older, pagan traditions that run deep in her blood.

Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.

"Distraction" by Bruce Sterling is a science fiction novel set in a near-future America where political corruption, media manipulation, and technological advancements dominate society. The story follows Oscar Valparaiso, a political operative and entrepreneur, as he navigates the chaotic world of politics, corporate espionage, and personal relationships. As Oscar becomes entangled in a web of power struggles and conflicting interests, he must confront his own ambitions and decide where his loyalties truly lie. Through its vivid portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse, "Distraction" explores themes of identity, morality, and the impact of technology on human relationships.

"Dark Lord of Derkholm" follows the story of a world where magical creatures are real and tourists from other worlds come to visit. The story centers around a family of wizards who are forced to act as the "Dark Lord" for the tourists, causing chaos and destruction in their land. However, when a group of rebellious tourists and locals band together to overthrow the Dark Lord, the wizards must decide where their loyalties lie and fight for their home and people. Full of humor, adventure, and magic, "Dark Lord of Derkholm" is a thrilling and imaginative tale.

The novel weaves a complex tapestry of Native American life, blending contemporary realism with mystical elements. It explores themes of love, family, and cultural identity through the interwoven stories of multiple generations affected by a legacy of trauma and healing. The narrative centers around two Ojibwe families in Minneapolis and the titular Antelope Wife, a mysterious woman with a profound connection to the spiritual and natural worlds. The book delves into the characters' struggles with their pasts, the power of storytelling, and the intricate bonds that tie them together, revealing the resilience and transformations that occur within their community.

"Lote" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of a young protagonist named Lote as they navigate the complexities of identity, race, and art in contemporary London. Through a series of encounters with various characters, Lote explores themes of belonging, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling, ultimately challenging societal norms and redefining their own sense of self. With its lyrical prose and rich exploration of cultural heritage, "Lote" offers a unique and captivating reading experience.

In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, an artificial intelligence with a sarcastic personality and a penchant for self-preservation, finds itself and its human companions embroiled in a complex mystery. The AI, which typically inhabits a humanoid robot body, must navigate treacherous political landscapes and confront its own past while attempting to protect its friends from a multitude of threats. As the group is pulled into a dangerous situation involving an alien artifact and a missing colony, the AI must leverage its unique abilities and wit to unravel the conspiracy and ensure their survival. The narrative combines action, humor, and emotional depth as the AI grapples with its identity and the meaning of personhood.

"The Innamorati" by Midori Snyder is a historical fantasy novel set in 16th century Italy. The story follows the adventures of a young woman named Giulia who is determined to become a great artist despite the limitations placed on women during that time. She becomes caught up in a world of magic and intrigue when she falls in love with a mysterious man named Carnevale, who is actually a member of a secret society of artists known as the Innamorati. Together, they must navigate the dangers of this world and fight against those who seek to control or destroy it.

This novel is a poignant coming-of-age story set in the rural town of Breathed, Ohio, during the mid-20th century. It follows the life of a young girl of mixed white and Cherokee heritage, who grows up in a large, impoverished family plagued by dark secrets and personal tragedies. Through her eyes, we experience the harsh realities of racism, sexism, and the struggles of her family against the backdrop of Appalachian folklore and the deep connection to nature. The narrative is a tapestry of the protagonist's resilience, the power of storytelling, and the unbreakable bond she shares with her father, who instills in her the importance of her heritage and the strength found in one's roots.

The book centers around a young man who, after a tabloid scandal threatens his job at a charity, realizes he needs to clean up his image. To do so, he embarks on a fake relationship with a respectable, no-nonsense barrister who also has his own reasons for needing a pretend partner. Despite their initial lack of genuine affection, the two men find themselves navigating the complexities of their fake relationship, which leads to unexpected personal growth, genuine connections, and the blurring of lines between what's real and what's for show. As they deal with their respective issues and the public's watchful eye, they start to wonder if their fauxmance might just have the potential to become something real.

The play explores the struggles and complexities of class and social mobility through the lens of Margie Walsh, a sharp-tongued single mother from South Boston. After losing her job at a dollar store, Margie reaches out to an old flame, now a successful doctor, in hopes of finding employment. As their past and present collide, the narrative delves into themes of opportunity, resilience, and the challenging question of whether individuals can truly escape the circumstances of their birth. The interactions between characters reveal the intricate dynamics of old friendships, the judgments we make, and the role that luck plays in the American Dream.