The Bookies suggests entertaining titles full of fantasy

Each week as part of SunLit, the literature section of The Sun, we feature recommendations from staff at bookstores across Colorado. This week, the staff at The Bookies Bookstore in Denver recommends three popular fantasy titles.

Spark of the Eternal Flame

By Penn Cole
Atria Books
$29.99 (hardcover)
October 2024
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From the publisher: In a mortal world colonized by the gods and ruled by their cruel and magical offspring called the Descendant, Diem Bellator longs to escape his poor village. The sudden disappearance of his mother, and the discovery of a dangerous secret about her past, gives Diem an unexpected opportunity to delve into the dark world of Descendant royalty and unlock a web of mysteries left behind by his mother .

With the dying king’s handsome but enigmatic heir watching her every move and a ruthless rebel alliance recruiting her to join the growing civil war, Diem must navigate the unwritten rules of love, power and politics to save his family and all of humanity. .

From Krystal Murphy, Events Coordinator: Character development and world building are well written in “Spark of the Everflame,” the first of a tetralogy. Not everything is as it seems, and betrayal can come from anyone. Originally self-published, this series was picked up by Atria’s books and gets more intense with each book. I highly recommend it to readers who love fantasy, family, slow burn romance, and lots of revelations as the story unfolds.

A pirate’s life for tea

By Rebecca Thorne
Tor/Forge
$19.99 (paperback)
October 2024
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From the publisher: Kianthe and Reyna are on a quest for dragon eggs to save their hometown, but a deal must be made with Diarn Arlon, lord of the legendary Nacean River. Simply capture the river pirate Serina, who has been affecting Arlon’s supply chains, and bring her to justice. easy peasy

Reluctantly, the pair join forces with Bobbie, one of Arlon’s agents determined to capture the pirate. Except Bobbie and Serina have a more complicated history than anyone realized, and that could put everything in jeopardy.
As Kianthe and Reyna observe this relationship from afar, it quickly becomes apparent that these disaster lesbians need all the help they can get. Luckily, wedding is Reyna’s favorite pastime.

From Krista Carlton, Store Manager: The second book in this delicious series takes us on a fun adventure with our main characters and their new friends. Although it continues the story of the first book, it is designed for new readers and is also a standalone story! Unlike the first in the series, this book is not cozy ‘sitting by the fire with a cup of tea’, but has a sweetness and lightness that gives the reader a safe mental haven. A great read for those looking to seize adventure (and love) for themselves!

predestined

By Rachel Byrne
Humboldt Press
$13.95 (paperback)
September 2024
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From the publisher: Mysteriously invited to attend the elite Haverford Pines Academy, 16-year-old Lina Jamison feels out of place. With mediocre grades and no special talents, she wonders why she was chosen to be among the brightest and most promising teenagers of her generation. Only after Lina saves the life of a fellow trainee does she begin to glimpse her own potential.

Settling into the academy’s training, he begins to uncover secrets and question Haverford Pine’s motives. Why does HP monitor student conversations? How were they selected? And what lies behind the alarming rumors of former apprentices meeting dark fates? As the term progresses, Lina realizes that her presence there may not be a coincidence. With danger around every corner and her own fate hanging in the balance, Lina must uncover the truth before it’s too late.

From Judy Carroll, Bookseller: The debut novel by Colorado author Rachel Byrne, this book is a fantasy/sci-fi adventure filled with quirky high school characters you love and grow to love as they navigate six weeks of a summer camp they were mysteriously invited to attend. Hmm…why were they invited, what’s really going on here and who are the real heroes? Better yet, who are the real villains?