3 Picks for Fantasy / Speculative Fiction Fans

One of my favorite reading indulgences is fantasy and speculative fiction (though not science fiction). Here are three recommendations--each geared to a different age group, and I plan to read them all.

• Winterwood by Jacey Bedford: Set in England in 1800, this is an alternate history, fantasy/adventure geared to an adult audience. Our hero is Captain Rossalinde Tremaync, a cross-dressing privateer who's also a secret witch. Reviewers say this first in a new series has good world building and plenty of action, making it an engaging read. Keywords & themes: ghosts, fae, dark magic, ancient wrongs, new allies, treasure hunt, mystery. Data: Daw Books, February 2016
• I Woke Up Dead at the Mall by Judy Sheehan: Set in contemporary times mostly in the Mall of America, this is a combination of paranormal, humor, and speculative fiction geared to a young adult audience. Our hero is Sarah Evans a teenager from New York City who was accidentally poisoned and sent to purgatory at the mall. Reviewers say this a fun read, escape reading peppered with humor and deadly puns. Keywords & themes: life after death, friendship, righting wrongs, changing the future, self-discovery, a little postmortem romance Data: Delacorte Press, March 2016
• The Secrets of Solace by Jaleigh Johnson: Set in the make-believe land of Solace this is a fantasy with steampunk elements geared to a middle grade audience Our hero is Lina Winterbock, who is a young but ambitious archivist known to be far thinking and a bit of rule breaker. Reviewers say it's set in the same world as Mark of the Dragonfly (click for my review), but can easily be read as a stand-alone. They note the slow start but assure us we will be well-rewarded by the end. Keywords & themes: resourcefulness, calculated rebellion, friendship, adventure, a world at war Data: Delcorte Books for Young Readers, March 2016