Andy

The Orphan of Cemetery Hill combines a fascinating historical backdrop with an exciting romantic adventure. Following the exploits of an orphaned girl who can speak with the dead, and the charming rogue who captures her heart, the story crosses years and the Atlantic Ocean as a tantalizing mystery unfolds. Fox takes full advantage of the setting in mid-19th century Boston, taking the reader on a tour of its winding streets and delving into the era’s relationship with death and the intriguing industries that surround it. A very fun read, especially for fans of the gothic and macabre.

A grim, frightening take on the legend of Bigfoot, Devolution examines what separates man from beast. Detailing the story of a small high-tech community beset by mysterious primates through journal entries and interviews, it is a gripping survival story and brilliantly realized look at Bigfoot in the 21st century. A great book for fans of cryptids, the wilderness, and stories about the darker side of nature.

This book has it all—magic, intrigue, romance, and a magnificent aesthetic that fills every page with wonder. Morgenstern’s vivid descriptions are a sumptuous feast for all 5 senses, and the twisting web of the storyline is like unwrapping a gift. Reading this is like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. One of my favorite books of all time.

Perhaps the most vividly realized and well thought out take on the zombie genre you’ll ever read. With a huge cast of characters and an epic, global scope, World War Z tells the story of a world looking back on a zombie disaster and explains how such a crisis would impact every part of life. An engaging and thrilling read—not to mention a whole lot better than the movie.

Told through the letters and emails of a beleaguered English professor, Dear Committee Members weaves a sardonic tapestry of life at a small college. A hilarious pastiche of academia made all the better by the commentary of the irritable, not exactly lovable narrator, this book is a fairly quick read that will leave you laughing and groaning in equal measure.

The hauntingly sweet tale of a young boy raised by a community of ghosts, The Graveyard Books is great for readers of any age. Both a poignant coming of age story and a story of adventure, intrigue, and ghouls, it is sure to delight anyone who enjoys a good mix of the somber and the whimsical.

From a master of imagination and whimsy, the Discworld series is an absolutely hilarious take on fantasy epics. All taking place on the Disc, a magical land balanced on a turtle’s back, these books feature recurring characters and places, but each one can be read on its own. Discworld is a brilliant satire, but they’re still gripping adventures with heart.