Explore worlds steeped in myth and folklore with this month's Staff Picks.

After the Forest by Kell Woods
"After the Forest" by Kell Woods revisits the tale of Hansel and Gretel two decades later. Greta and Hans face hardships in a countryside recovering from war. Greta bakes gingerbread using a secret recipe to support their family, but the villagers gossip about her mysterious talents. When dark magic returns, Greta's abilities may save her, or they could lead to her downfall. This enchanting story blends magic, mystery, and the strength of the human spirit in a compelling tale of survival. - Jen D

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
"The Bear and the Nightingale" is set during the Middle Ages in the wilderness of northern Russia where new Christian beliefs are at odds with the old ways of honouring the household spirits. When Vasilia’s mother dies, her father brings a new wife from Moscow and a new priest is assigned to their small village. At their insistence, people begin shunning the old spirits leading to misfortune in the village and evil creatures breaking free. As danger circles, Vasilia must defy everyone around her to protect her village from a threat right out of her nurse’s most terrifying tales. "The Bear and the Nightingale" is a beautifully atmospheric dark tale full of Russian folklore, enchanting magic, and a brave and wild heroine. - Natashia

The Book of Love by Kelly Link
Calling all fans of unique and morbid fiction! Award-winning short story author Kelly Link delivers a bewitching novel, "The Book of Love." This sprawling tale blends coming-of-age themes with a touch of the occult, perfect for those seeking an unusual adventure. Set in the seemingly ordinary town of Lovesend, Massachusetts, we meet a diverse cast of unforgettable teenagers, including fantastic LGBTQ+ characters. Their lives take a chilling turn when a strange event leaves them questioning reality. Having died and inexplicably returned with no memory, they struggle with amnesia and a growing sense of unease. As bizarre occurrences plague Lovesend, it becomes clear a powerful magic lurks beneath the surface. If you enjoy supernatural villains with grudges that span over hundreds of years, this book is for you. Prepare to be swept away on a journey of self-discovery, mystery, and wonder. Link's adept storytelling explores the many twists and turns of love - the unwavering bonds of friendship and family, alongside the blossoming of young romance - all masterfully woven into a dark magical adventure that will leave a lasting impression. -- Ashley

Circe by Madeline Miller
A great story with a complex and likeable main character who has been demonized in the past. The book challenges patriarchal stereotypes of thousand-year-old stories and shows how oral histories based in myth continue to evolve over time depending on who tells them. - Josh

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Imagine, if you will, that Jane Austen and Philip Pullman had a loquacious child. That child would be Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. A door-stopper of a book at 800 pages and written in a Dickensian style, this tale is not for everyone. But for the right reader, it is a joy. The setting is England during the Napoleonic Wars, and Mr. Norrell and his former pupil, Jonathan Strange, become rivals in their desire to become the preeminent English magician and to assist England in its war with France. Not only is magic real in this version of history, but so is the world of faerie. But these are not the cute fairies from a Disney cartoon, these are dark and malign fairies, and if one has any dealings with them, one would be wise to read the fine print in the contract. An intoxicating blend of history, magic, manners, and folklore, "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" is a great story to tuck into on a stormy night in front of a fire. - Ken

The Just City by Jo Walton
The goddess Athena brings together 10,000 children and teachers from history to live on a Greek island according to Plato's ideal society. Skeptical of his sister's experiment, Apollo sneaks in among them. Is anything "ideal" once you involve actual people? You don't have to know Plato's philosophy (I didn't) to enjoy this intriguing story, but it might make you curious about it later on. - Elisa