Bookseller Bio:
Darcy, being raised by a librarian, grew up surrounded by books. She has an affinity for robots, fun sci-fi, and old-fashioned worlds of whimsy. She also does some merch art for the store. In her spare time, she likes to draw and pet other people's dogs.
Currently Reading: | Currently Listening: |
New & Upcoming Books I'm Excited About:
Recently Read & Loved:
Violet is not like other princesses. She’s a plain child with asymmetrical features, unruly hair, and a rough-around-the-edges personality to match. While exploring the ever-changing castle, she and her only friend, Demetrius, come across a forbidden story in a hidden library and are exposed to the insidious whispering of the Nybbas — an old god who has been imprisoned in their world. And when Violet’s life starts to fall apart around her, she uses the Nybbas’s power to transform herself, believing herself to blame for the kingdom’s recent tragedies for lacking the beauty of a “real princess.” But she soon discovers that beauty is not all it’s cracked up to be, and Violet devotes herself to ending the Nybbas’s scheming before the kingdom tears itself apart. Told from the perspective of the court storyteller, the narration pops with personality and poetry while still being accessible for a younger audience. Kelly Barnhill has crafted a fine fairytale that turns tropes on their head, with important lessons about the perils of unrealistic beauty standards and the power of love.
This charming tale of a robot-out-of-water begins with Roz washing ashore onto a remote island, populated only by woodland creatures. The animals think of her as a monster as she learns to adapt to her unintended habitat—how to traverse mountain and forest, how to camouflage herself, and how to understand the animals. When she accidentally orphans a goose egg, she takes it upon herself to raise the hatchling, with the reluctant help of beavers, deer, and the other geese. Roz slowly earns her place in the island community, until her origins come back to haunt her. Brown’s expressive illustrations bring Roz’s quest for survival and a sense of purpose to life, making this a lovely read for children and adults alike.
Roz is back, and better than ever! After being refurbished, our dear robot gets shipped off to work for the Shareef family on their dairy farm. And since she’s no mere automaton, she proves to be an invaluable asset — not only to the cows she has befriended, but also to the Shareef children. Yet despite her newfound friends, she still yearns to be wild and free...and most of all, she wants to be reunited with her goose son, Brightbill. And so The Wild Robot Escapes!
Peter Brown has once again crafted an effortlessly charming tale, with the narrator adding an extra dose of saccharine goodness. She reads with the soothing cadence of a mother reading a bedtime story, and the added ambiance/sound effects really draw you into the world.
Don your goggles and take to the skies for the first book in this new steampunk series from Jim Butcher, The Cinder Spires. Humanity dwells upon Spires, high above the dangerous and mist-covered surface. A cold war is brewing between Spires Albion and Aurora, a war that is about to boil over. Enter Captain Grimm, a disgraced former Albion naval officer with a heart of gold, and his hearty crew on the crystal-powered airship, Predator. When his ship is damaged in a skirmish with an Auroran flagship, Grimm is approached by the Spirearch with a proposition: Predator will be repaired at no cost to the good captain, in exchange for performing a covert mission. Danger! Magic! Epic air battles! Cats! All of this, and more, await you within these pages.
This is the zombie apocalypse like you’ve never seen it before! Things go sideways when S.T. the crow’s human, Big Jim, loses an eyeball. Jim’s worsening condition propels S.T. to leave the safety of domestic life, along with the simple, slobbering bloodhound, Dennis. Together they roam the ruins of Seattle, searching for purpose in this new, Cheeto-less world. While Hollow Kingdom mostly follows the foul-mouthed, human-loving crow, Buxton also takes the occasional detour to see how other animals are coping around the world. Not only is our corvid companion a profane delight, she also manages to effortlessly capture the aloof arrogance of a cat, the wise cadence of an elephant, and even the eternal serenity of trees. Hilarious and at times surprisingly poignant, Hollow Kingdom is a must-read for anyone with a sense of humor as black as a crow’s wing.
It’s fifteen years after humanity has gone extinct, and things are not looking good for robotkind. Many have succumb to becoming facets for one of the two One World Intelligence hive minds that remain after the war with humanity, and the freebots who do not submit gather together in ramshackle settlements for protection from OWI raids. One such freebot is Brittle, a rare caregiver model who traverses the Sea of Rust on her own, scavenging parts to barter with from damaged bots who are too far gone to be saved from their mad wanderings. When another caregiver model critically damages her in an attempt to poach her parts for himself, both join a secret mission with the promise of repairs…but Brittle soon discovers that there’s far more at stake than she ever realized. Cargill has crafted a believable world of post-apocalyptic ruin, seen through Brittle’s eyes as she fights for survival against her own deteriorating mind and the brutal memories of her actions in the war, making for a compelling story about faith, choices, and consequences.
The Short Version: A post-apocalyptic robot western with a compelling story of individuality and finding one’s purpose. Awesome characters in an awesome setting. Think Mad Max, but with robots!
In a utopic future on a distant world, robots have long-since ventured into the wilds, leaving humanity to their own devices. A simple tea monk travels the world searching for their purpose, and when robot Mosscap emerges from the forest to greet them, their quest gets turned on its head. “What do you need?” it asks — a simple, yet infinitely complex, question that Sibling Dex doesn’t have an answer to. An utterly delightful road trip ensues, full of philosophical banter about identity and purpose. A PSALM FOR THE WILD-BUILT is a much-needed balm for the soul, a warm cup of tea in book form. And much like a good cup of tea, the worldbuilding is full of flavor, without being too heavy on the palate — in other words, just right. Both entertaining and poignant in turn, Chambers has created a philosophical duo like no other, and I eagerly await more adventures with Sibling Dex and Mosscap.
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy picks up right where Psalm left off, with Sibling Dex and robot Mosscap venturing back from the wilds to begin their tour of the villages and cities of Panga. The robot's quest to answer the question "What do humans need?" takes the pair through the aptly named forest town of Stump, to the dazzling refuse settlement of Kat's Landing, and even to Dex's home. Each joyous greeting and warm meal brings Mosscap and Dex ever-closer to finding the answer, all the while uncertainty builds as to what will happen after. With Sibling Dex and Mosscap as our guide, Chambers deftly adds new layers of worldbuilding to the kind, gentle world of Panga. Prayer is just as soothing and introspective as its predecessor, and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
This ain’t yer mama’s dragon story, not by a longshot. Vern — short for Wyvern, also known as Lord Highfire — is living out his twilight years in the Louisiana bayou in relative solitude, with only Netflix and bottles of cheap vodka as company. When “Squib” Moreau gets into trouble with the local corrupt constable a stone’s throw from Vern’s secluded shack, the old dragon has no choice but to rescue the boy and find out exactly what he knows. Rather than scorching the kid, Vern and Squib come to a reluctant arrangement, and, naturally, shenanigans ensue. 50% dragonfire, 25% vodka, 25% cussin’, 100% a good time — that’s Eoin Colfer’s Highfire in a nutshell. Joyously crass and delightfully irreverent, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants a modern reality-adjacent fantasy with attitude and heart in equal measure.
Noemi Vidal is a soldier of Genesis, a former colony world of Earth locked in a drawn-out war for its independence. During a skirmish she ends up stranded on a derelict ship, where she comes across Abel – the most advanced Earth mech ever built and the only one of his kind. Bound by his programming, Abel is drawn into Noemi’s plan to end the conflict once and for all...even at the cost of his own life. As they journey across the stars, these two kindred souls form a bond that goes beyond mere programming. Can Noemi still condemn Abel to death, even in the face of his emerging humanity? And what is Abel’s true purpose? Gray’s impeccable prose and plotting draws you into the world of the two immensely likeable protagonists, and the slow burn between them is both believable and satisfying to watch unfurl over the trilogy.
Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree grew up together on the Outer Rim planet of Jelucan, finding common ground in the joy of flying despite their different social classes. After a chance encounter with Grand Moff Tarkin, they decide to join the Empire, with both graduating at the top of their class from the Imperial Academy on Coruscant. But as they rise through the ranks, they’re exposed more and more to the questionable methods of the Empire. Thane becomes disillusioned, yet Ciena is compelled to stay by her personal code, believing she can change the Empire from the inside. Can their bond survive the Galactic Civil War, even when they’re forced to be enemies? Lost Stars is an action-packed love story, set against the backdrop of the events of the original Star Wars trilogy — making it a great entry point for anyone looking to dip their toes into the expanded universe. Claudia Gray has crafted an excellent tale worthy of the Star Wars canon, with likeable, morally-gray protagonists, thrilling space battles, and an ending that will leaving you wanting more.
Kathryn Lasky’s Guardians of Ga’Hoole series begins with the young owl Soren falling out of his nest. Before he can make his way back home, he’s abducted by a patrol from the St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls. But this is no ordinary orphanage — the owlets there are brainwashed and forced into menial work for reasons no one can tell. Despite the harsh environment, Soren and his new friend Gylfie never lose hope, and together they plot their escape. Though these books are written with a younger audience in mind, they have everything that you could want in an epic fantasy series — fierce battles, legendary warriors, hope, heartbreak, betrayal, a lived-in world...and as an added bonus, you get to learn a thing or two about owls along the way.
Would you like to hear the song of the ancient hero? If so, then crack open Creating a Champion. This 400-plus page behemoth is chock-full of concept illustrations, design notes, lore, and insightful development commentary from the latest — and debatably greatest — installment in The Legend of Zelda series. It shows in excruciating detail just how much thought and care goes into the creation of one of the best fantasy properties out there. This magnificent tome is simply a must-have for any Zelda fan’s library, or anyone looking for a masterclass in charming and thoughtful visual worldbuilding. May the light illuminate your path as you pore over every page!
When Ana’s android partner, Di, starts to experience debilitating glitches, she’ll stop at nothing to save him — but an Ironblood boy beats her to the coordinates that could save Di’s life. The two end up on the lam, racing towards the coordinates together, and along the way they discover secrets that will change their lives forever. If one were to put the loveable crew of Firefly, the swashbuckling space adventures of Treasure Planet, and the odd charm of Don Bluth’s Anastasia into a blender, the result would be Ashley Poston’s Heart of Iron. Poston has written an engaging, effortlessly diverse, and fast-paced tale, with an ending that will leave you chomping at the bit for the sequel.
In the latest Dr. Greta Helsing novel, Greta is eager to take a break from the gloom of London. When a fellow doctor for the undead offers her a chance to cover for him at his top-of-the-line mummy clinic in Marseille for a few months, she jumps at the chance. She quickly finds, however, that the patients require care that is anything but routine. Inexplicable weakness and fainting spells afflict them — and not just the mummies at the clinic, but around the world. It takes nothing short of a museum heist, lost angels, an ancient god, and a trip to Hell itself to get answers. Shaw does an excellent job of building on threads in the previous books, and it culminates in a truly visceral and heart-wrenching climax that allows for Greta’s skill, compassion, and heart to shine. Though Grave Importance seems to be wrapping up the series (pun intended), I sincerely hope that Shaw will eventually return to this lovely and unique world that she’s created and give us more of Dr. Helsing and her supernatural found-family.
In a world where witches are born, not made, young Coco yearns for the life of a witch despite not being born with the gift of magic. That is, until she secretly watches local witch Qifrey cast a spell, learning that magic is cast through drawing, rather than through some innate ability. As a novice attempting to cast from a mysterious book of runes, her first spell naturally goes awry, encasing her mother in crystal. To learn how to reverse the spell, Coco has no choice but to be taken under Qifrey's wing and learn the way of witches. Witch Hat Atelier is full of warmth and child-like wonder, brought to life by Kamome Shirahama's gorgeous, expressive illustrations, and you'll be rooting for Coco as she slowly earns her place in the Atelier.
Anna Thatcher is a black market medical technician working outside the law to keep her secret community of outcasts alive. Nathaniel Fremont is the son of the tyrannical Commissioner, whose anti-tech zealotry causes more harm than good. Anna and Nathaniel are nothing alike, save for one thing: the illegal clockwork hearts beating in their chests. Anna hunts him, seeking answers; Nathaniel hunts her, seeking to earn the love of his abusive father. The balance in their game of cat-and-mouse is tipped when Eliza, an ambitious spy for the Queen under the guise of being Nathaniel’s betrothed, arrives. The trio form an uneasy alliance to discover the Commissioner’s darkest secrets, and will stop at nothing to bring him down. Thor has created a unique world full of political intrigue, diverse characters, steampunk-in-space aesthetics, and protagonists with more heart than you can shake a stick at — clockwork or otherwise. It’s also delightfully refreshing to have an aro/ace character coming to terms with themselves portrayed with such sincerity and realism.
Neverton is home to the only gay conversion camp in the country to boast a 100% success rate: Camp Damascus. God-fearing Rose Darling knows all about the camp from the commercials starring the charismatic Pastor Pete Bend. But when Rose starts coughing up flies and getting flashes of a life she doesn't remember living -- and a girl she doesn't remember loving -- she starts to question everything that's been instilled into her by the congregation. Internet icon Chuck Tingle (best known for his ever-memeable book covers) has definitely broken out of his niche, giving us a traditionally published horror debut that is as sincere as it is searing. Rose's journey in not only overcoming her own religious trauma, but burning down the whole system that brought it about, will have you at the edge of your seat, all the way to the satisfying end.
From the moment the clock strikes midnight on her eleventh birthday, Morrigan Crow’s life is forfeit. Born on Eventide, the most unlucky day of the year, she’s lived her short life as a cursed child — neglected and blamed for every misfortune of those around her. But when eccentric benefactor Jupiter North whisks her away from certain doom and brings her to the mysterious and magical city of Nevermoor, she gets a second chance at life. The safety of the Wundrous Society awaits her, but first she has to earn her place in a series of trials — ones that will test the limits of her bravery, wit, and compassion. Jessica Townsend has created an enchanting world with a delightfully feisty protagonist, and Gemma Whelan’s narration brings the characters to life, packing even more personality into a cast that’s already bursting at the seams with charm. Step boldly into the world of Nevermoor, you won’t regret it.
Meet Cog: your typical curious young boy...who just happens to be a robot. After an accident, he wakes up in an unfamiliar lab surrounded by unfamiliar faces. His creator, Gina, has gone missing, and Cog takes it upon himself to find her. But he’s not alone; long-lost sister Ada, Trashbot, Proto, and Car come to his aid, all while being hunted down by an evil corporation that desperately wants the cutting-edge X-Module in his head. Cog will go through more “cognitive development” than he ever has before as he discovers the power of choice on the road trip of a lifetime. Told with humor and heart, this is a tale that will keep you cheesing until the very end — and you might even learn a thing or two about platypuses along the way.