Fantasy: Tender Morsels

Margo Lanagan is best known for writing eerie, atmospheric short stories. Her fantasy novel, Tender Morsels, is a dark and convoluted story based on the fairy tale of Snow White, Rose Red.

Lanagan's tale is for mature readers, as it involves themes of rape, murder and heartbreaking sadness. However, readers will be well rewarded for approaching these difficult topics, as the characters wrestle with their desire to retreat into a dream life of ease and kindness, where they are insulated from the harsh realities of life.

One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is the unique use of language. Lanagan creates her own dialect, which adds to the jarringly vivid sense of place. This is a rich tale about the human soul, and it explores the depths of cruelty, and the heights of human kindness. The message, in the end, is that somehow life is worth it.

Fantasy

Grades 11-adult

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Elfpunk: Wicked Lovely

Elfpunk is a genre set in gritty urban environments, with characters who are conflicted, dark, and often goth. If you like vampire novels, like Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, you'll probably find Elfpunk appealing!

Aislinn has always been able to see fairies, but her grandmother taught her to never, ever show that she's aware of the other world that shadows ours. The Fey Folk have had no interest in Aislinn...until Summer King Keenan discovers that she is fated to be his queen. As Keenan pursues Aislinn out of love, the Snow Queen's minions race to kill her. An unusual love story follows, as Aislinn struggles to evade her fate, and maintain the fragile life (and love!) she has built for herself in the city. With romance, violence and a large dose of the fantastic, this book is suited for older teens.

Melissa Marr is definitely an author to watch. Other books in this series include Ink Exchange and the forthcoming Fragile Eternity.

Elfpunk
Grades 10-12
Click here to check out the Port Moody Public Library's catalogue.