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Brat summer may be over, but now it’s fairy tale fall! As the weather cools down, you may find yourself craving cozy fantasies with fairy-tale-like atmospheres and autumnal vibes coupled with a nice hot cup of soup on the side. Check out the list below for some young adult fantasy novels with folkloric feels and then check our catalog for soup recipes for the perfect pairing.
Where the Dark Stands Still by A. B. Poranek
Living in a community that finds her magic abhorrent, Liska is desperate to get rid of her unnatural abilities. After running away, she stumbles into the perfect opportunity: in exchange for a year of service in his crumbling mansion, the devil in the wood will free her from her magic. But as her time with the Leszy goes on, Liska learns more about the burden he is tasked with and begins to discover the true power behind her own magic -- and maybe it’s not something she wants to give up, after all. Also available as an ebook and an eaudiobook.
The Hedgewitch of Foxhall by Anna Bright
Disgusted with the irresponsible and wasteful use of magical resources, hedgewitch Ffion worries not just for the lack of material for herself but also what it means for the environment. With two brothers on a mission to destroy an enemy’s wall, Ffion finds herself drawing on her magic to help -- even if their ends are at odds. And along the way, the two brothers may find themselves at odds over Ffion’s affection. Currently only available as an ebook.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
Determined to establish herself in academia, Effy makes her way to the crumbling mansion of late renowned author Emrys Myrddin to redesign his estate. Academic rival Preston, meanwhile, is at the home to research Myrddin’s works and prove his opus fraudulent. As the pair sink deeper into their work, a sinister presence weighs heavily in the atmosphere and just might foretell a future of cold, damp doom for both students. Also available as an ebook and an eaudiobook.
Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
Capturing the essence of late fall, Wintersong introduces readers to musically-inclined Liesl, staring down a future of bleak innkeeping. But adventure soon sweeps her up when the Goblin King kidnaps her sister. In the depths of the Goblin King’s realm, Liesl discovers chilling and unsettling things as she races against time to save her sibling -- and perhaps begins to see the Goblin King in a new light. Also available as an ebook.
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
In five short comics, Through the Woods raises the hair on the back of your neck and while having you looking over your shoulder at every turn. Be chilled by the life of a new bride, examine the nature of guilt after a murder, experience communicating with the dead and more in these darkly scintillating stories perfect for a chilly fall evening. Also available as an ebook.
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Gifted with an ability to paint, Isobel is one of the few daring enough to deal with the fae, who lust for human-created items. When the autumn prince, Rook, commissions a portrait, Isobel can hardly refuse -- but it comes at a steep cost, throwing Rook into danger and Isobel into the position of being held responsible for her apparent crime. As the pair travel across the land to Isobel’s trial, however, the adversaries they both face give them a common enemy and the chance to discover perhaps even more in common. Also available as an ebook and an eaudiobook.
About the Author
Abby is a New-Hampshire-grown Assistant Branch Manager at Southwest Neighborhood Library. In addition to writing book lists for DC Public Library, she's written for Book Riot, School Library Journal, Library Journal, Booklist, and other professional library and bookish publications. She reads broadly, but often enjoys literary young adult fiction, contemporary young adult fiction, and young adult fantasy. She lives in Virginia with her husband and her cat, Oopsilon.