There’s something truly magical about the bond people between and animals, whether it be in stories with animal companions, or books about mythical creatures who are actually just metaphors for life’s monsters or magic. It’s something I include in all my stories, from the cats that make a hard day a little easier, to the fantastical beasts rooted in a society’s survival. There’s always something new to learn from them, and I hope you enjoy these stories about them as much as I did!
I wrote...
The Storm Crow
By
Kalyn Josephson
What is my book about?
In the tropical kingdom of Rhodaire, magical, elemental Crows are part of every aspect of life...until the Illucian empire invades, destroying everything.
That terrible night has thrown Princess Anthia into a deep depression. Her sister Caliza is busy running the kingdom after their mother's death, but all Thia can do is think of all she has lost.
But when Caliza is forced to agree to a marriage between Thia and the crown prince of Illucia, Thia is finally spurred into action. And after stumbling upon a hidden Crow egg in the rubble of a rookery, she and her sister devise a dangerous plan to hatch the egg in secret and get back what was taken from them.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
The Books I Picked & Why
The Endless Skies
By
Shannon Price
Why this book?
Winged! Lion! Shifters! What more could you want? Maybe a simmering romance? A warrior society reminiscent of Sparta? A floating kingdom? This book has all that and more. Set against the backdrop of a harrowing race against time, this book is perfect for fans of Sky In The Deep by Adrienne Young and Wonder Woman, with core themes of friendship, family, and loyalty.
This book is all the magic, action, and romance you could want from a YA fantasy.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
Elatsoe
By
Darcie Little Badger,
Rovina Cai
Why this book?
Set in an alternate America shaped by magic, this book follows Elatsoe, a teenage girl with the ability to summon animal spirits, a power passed down through her Lipan Apache family. When her cousin is murdered and his death passed off as an accident, she opens her own investigation, and will stop at nothing to get the truth.
It’s an absolutely beautiful book with a focus on the power of storytelling, complete with a ghost dog sidekick you’re sure to love.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
Crown of Feathers
By
Nicki Pau Preto
Why this book?
If you’re a fan of dragon-riding stories, you’ll love this one. Except instead of dragons, we have massive fiery phoenixes that bond with their riders. This story follows the return of the last phoenix riders as they’re caught up in an ancient war with a legendary queen, complete with twisty court politics, hidden agendas, and a story that echoes across generations.
Obviously, I’m a huge fan of giant magical birds, and this book delves deep into the bond between human and animal.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
The Beast Player
By
Nahoko Uehashi,
Cathy Hirano
Why this book?
Have you ever wished you could talk to animals? In this story, Elin has the rare ability to communicate with the dangerous royal beasts that guard her queen, a power that captures the equally dangerous royals’ attention. Elin must navigate the treacherous waters between those who would use her abilities for war, and the beasts she’s grown to care for, if she and her beloved beasts are to survive.
This book draws heavily on ecology in a way that had my biologist brain buzzing with interest, and made for a unique take on the fantastical animal bond trope.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
Tess of the Road
By
Rachel Hartman
Why this book?
There are a lot of fantastic iterations of dragon books out there, and this is one of the best. Dragons in this story have the ability to shapeshift into humans—not the other way around—and do so with great disgruntlement. But our story focuses on a distinctly human girl, Tess, whose troublemaking nature has alienated her from family and friends alike. When her family attempts to force her into a life she doesn’t want, Tess sets out on the adventure of a lifetime with her dragon friend to rediscover herself, and maybe find a little magic along the way.
This book is a healing journey in the guise of a fantastical adventure that will leave you feeling lighter for the trip.
