Books by Naomi Novik
“Much of the book is the heroine coming into her own power, learning that she has her own magical talents. As she becomes more powerful, she has to go and save her friend, who has been taken by the forest. The forest itself is creepy and dark and wonderfully written. Probably the part I love most, as a gardener, is that there are giant stick insects in it, which is just awesome. Everybody goes for a praying mantis, nobody ever goes for stick insects. I loved that.” Read more...
Fantasy Books Based on Fairy Tales
Ursula Vernon, Novelist
“It’s a fantastic series. The first book is very straightforward, the plot is not too convoluted – it’s very much: gets dragon, trains, a little bit of intrigue, big climactic battle at the end. But it’s just a great experience and journey as you’re reading it. I highly recommend that one.” Read more...
Taran Matharu, Novelist
Interviews where books by Naomi Novik were recommended
The Best Dragon Fantasy Books, recommended by Taran Matharu
Dragons can be found in the mythology of almost every culture, and today they are enjoying a surge in popularity – but these days they are portrayed as companions, not the enemy, says the bestselling author Taran Matharu. He talks us through his top five ‘dragon fantasy’ books, from classic heroes’ journeys to emerging fantasy trends, and tells us how to spot if your dragon is actually a wyvern.
The Best Historical Fantasy Books, recommended by P. Djèlí Clark
Historical fantasy books intermingle real history with counterfactual and speculative elements. P. Djèlí Clark, historian and Nebula Award-winning novelist, talks us through his top five magical re-imaginings of past eras, taking us from fourteenth century Russia into the Washington D.C. of the Roaring Twenties.
The Best Fantasy Novels of the Past Decade, recommended by Sylvia Bishop
The winners of the Hugo Awards and the Nebula Awards are chosen by fans each year. They cover both fantasy and sci fi, and the best novel spot for each is highly prestigious. Our fantasy and sci fi editor Sylvia Bishop takes a look at the fantasy winners of the last decade, offering rich pickings for fans of magical worlds that are beautiful, absorbing and strange.
Fantasy Books Based on Fairy Tales, recommended by Ursula Vernon
Fairy tale retellings are nothing new: the same stories have been told in various forms across centuries and cultures. Modern fantasy is making new use of these timeless tales, specialising in unlikely heroes and playful subversions. We asked Ursula Vernon, the Hugo Award-winning author, to recommend her top five fantasy books based on fairy tales.
