Recommendations from Lynchburg Public Library
Summer is the perfect time to dive into your to-be-read list—or, let’s be honest, add a few more books to that ever-growing list. To celebrate the opening of Lynchburg Public Library’s new Downtown Branch, we asked library team members to give us their favorite book recommendations.
If you don’t have a library card, visit a public library location today to get one!
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
“A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft is an enchanting tale about a boy, a girl, a magical fox hunt, dreams, grief, and fighting for your place in a world that says you don’t belong. I came across this story fresh out of college when I was as lost as Margaret and Weston. Its cozy atmosphere and lush imagery felt like a warm blanket on a misty afternoon—something I needed in my early post-undergrad life.” – Lindsey Walter, Library Clerk I at Lynchburg Public Library Main Branch and Downtown Branch
Genre: Magical Realism
Synopsis: When Margaret Welty, a skilled sharpshooter, spots the mythical hala, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt is imminent, offering fame, riches, and a chance to bring her mother home. However, she needs a partner, and alchemist Weston Winters, desperate for a mentor, is her only option. Though not yet an alchemist and having failed multiple apprenticeships, Wes’s last hope lies with Margaret. Despite their differences and the town’s disdain for Margaret, they team up, bound by their outsider status. As the hunt approaches, their bond strengthens, and they uncover dark magic that could secure their victory, provided they survive the hunt’s dangers.
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
“I love Choo’s books because they teach me about places and cultures I’ve never seen, and The Fox Wife is no different. This story includes a murder mystery- complete with a hardboiled detective, a love story, mythical creatures, and rich historical context. It was a delight to read and I totally recommend it to anyone interested in Chinese and Japanese culture.” – Alexandra Schlomer, Librarian II (Head of Adult Services) at Lynchburg Public Library Main Branch
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction
Synopsis: It’s Manchuria in 1908 and a detective named Bao, known for his ability to uncover the truth, is hired to investigate the mysterious death of a young woman found frozen in the snow amidst rumors of shape-shifting fox spirits. Concurrently, a family running a renowned Chinese medicine shop grapples with a generational curse causing their eldest sons to die before turning twenty-four, while their last surviving grandson approaches his twenty-fourth birthday. A mysterious woman joins their household, potentially altering their fate. In “The Fox Wife,” bestselling author Yangsze Choo weaves a captivating tale blending human and spirit worlds, exploring themes of revenge and the blurred lines between folklore and reality.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
“Out of all the books I read so far this year, this one was by far my favorite. It centers on two war correspondents in a world similar to our own, but filled with magic and a war between ancient gods who have the power to destroy everything. The chemistry between the two main characters is what has kept me thinking about this book long after I read it, and I can’t wait to read the sequel!” – Katie Owen, Library Assistant II at Lynchburg Public Library Main Branch
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Synopsis: In a world where gods are at war, eighteen-year-old journalist Iris Winnow is determined to win a columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette to support her struggling family. Amid her challenges, Iris writes letters to her missing brother, which mysteriously end up in the hands of her rival, Roman Kitt. Their anonymous correspondence sparks a deep connection that propels them into the heart of the divine conflict. Together, they must navigate the front lines, facing love, loss, and the fate of mankind in this epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy.
The Half Life of Valery K by Natasha Pulley
“This is the story of a nuclear scientist released from Siberia to a top secret site in the Russian countryside to study the radiation there. The book is half heart-warming romance between him and the stern-yet-kindly KGB officer assigned to the site and half suspense/thriller where the secrets Valery uncovered might kill him, either from the radiation or a bullet from the KGB.” – David Wilson, Adult Services Library at Lynchburg Public Library Main Branch
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: In 1963, former nuclear specialist Valery Kolkhanov survives a Siberian gulag through shrewd connections and resilience, until his mentor rescues him to work in the enigmatic City 40. Here, Valery resumes his scientific role, tasked with studying radiation’s effects on local wildlife in a heavily contaminated, secretive town. As he delves into his research, Valery uncovers unsettling mysteries about the radiation levels and the town’s hidden truths, risking his life for answers. Based on real events and narrated with Natasha Pulley’s distinctive style, The Half Life of Valery K is a gripping tale for fans of Stuart Turton and Sarah Gailey.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
“I love the retellings of Greek mythology, especially from the female perspective, and Natalie Haynes reframes the story of Medusa, Athena, and Perseus brilliantly! You start to question: Who is the real monster? Witty, critical, and empathetic—I can’t stop gushing over Haynes and her work.” – Angela Arthur, Youth Services Library Assistant III at Lynchburg Public Library Main Branch
Genre: Mythological Fiction
Synopsis: In Stone Blind, Natalie Haynes reimagines the myth of Medusa, the only mortal among her immortal Gorgon sisters, who ages, changes, and feels weakness. When the sea god Poseidon assaults Medusa in Athene’s temple, the goddess, enraged by the violation of her sacred space, punishes Medusa instead of Poseidon, transforming her into a monster with snakes for hair and a gaze that turns beings to stone. Condemned to a life of solitude, Medusa’s story takes a pivotal turn when Perseus embarks on a quest to claim her head. Haynes brings empathy and nuance to Medusa’s tale, challenging the traditional narrative that blames and punishes her for Poseidon’s actions, offering a timely and witty retelling that resonates with contemporary themes.
After the Forest by Kell Woods
“I love reading fairytale retellings and historical fiction. This Hansel and Gretel retelling is set in the 1600s and follows a grown-up Greta, from the familiar Hansel and Gretel fairytale. When we meet Greta, she lives on the outskirts of town with her brother Hans. Greta keeps the siblings afloat by selling magical and irresistible gingerbread at the town’s market. In this book, Greta not only faces the evil witch from the fairytale we all know, but also new foes and challenges as she discovers secrets about her family and the magical world around her. This book is filled with magic, adventure, and a hint of romance. If you are a fairytale fanatic as I am, it will make your heart happy to see Greta grown up and still fighting her own battles.” – Berkley Simmons, Librarian II Branch Manager Lynchburg Public Library Downtown Branch and City Hall Branch
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Fifteen years after their encounter with the witch in the gingerbread house, Greta and Hans are struggling to survive in a war-ravaged countryside. Hans is burdened with gambling debts, while Greta secretly possesses the witch’s grimoire, which contains a recipe for irresistibly addictive gingerbread. Greta’s baking keeps them afloat, but the village’s superstition turns her gingerbread into a source of suspicion and gossip. As dark magic resurfaces in the woods, Greta’s emerging powers may be their only salvation, though they could also be her undoing.
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford
“As someone who loves Great British Bake Off, this read was meant for me! Loveable characters, an emotional story, and found family. This read demonstrates love, acceptance, and the power of a good recipe. I cannot wait to read this author’s future books, and sharing a first name with the author isn’t a bad perk either.” – Olivia Eaton, Youth Library Assistant
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis: After fifty-nine years of marriage and with her husband Bernard’s health declining, Jenny, childless and feeling left out as her friends focus on their grandchildren, secretly applies to be a contestant on the TV show Britain Bakes. Immersed in the world of cameras and baking challenges, Jenny discovers a newfound independence that brings to the surface long-buried memories, including a significant secret from her past. As she gains success on the show, the stress of competition and her hidden deceit threaten to unravel her marriage. Jenny grapples with whether her pursuit of independence and fame has inadvertently set the stage for disaster.
