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Air date: Aug. 10, 2025
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JESSICA:
Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.
Today's two reading recommendations are enchanting fantasies.
First, we’re going to hear from Hattie, library associate for Library on Wheels, for a spellbinding tale of dealing with demons. Take it away, Hattie.
HATTIE:
If you’ve read all the magic schools, seen all the chosen ones take down all the evil overlords, and are hungering for a new twist on dark academia, and maybe a protagonist with a fully developed prefrontal cortex, then Emily Tesh’s “The Incandescent” is exactly the book you’ve been waiting for.
Doctor Walden is the Director of Magic at Chetwood School and one of the most powerful magicians in England. Her days consist of meetings, teaching, more meetings, and securing the school's boundaries from demonic incursions.
Walden is good at her job — no, Walden is great at her job. But demons are masters of manipulation. And it's her responsibility to keep her school with its six hundred students and centuries-old legacy safe. With a magic system that relies on careful, legal bargains with demons, sometimes being brilliantly good is the most dangerous thing of all.
Dr. Walden’s dedication to her students shines throughout the book. The story is grounded in both the passion and grind of teaching. And I love a main character who finds herself single, mid-career, and genuinely happy with the life she has built for herself.
The magic is unique, the twists are gut wrenching, and the side of romance is sweet. “The Incandescent” is the rare book where being an adult is still full of magic and adventure.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Hattie! Sounds like a fresh, fierce take on magical academia.
Next, let’s hear about a tender journey of fate and kindred spirits, from Lois, librarian at the Snohomish Library. Over to you, Lois.
LOIS:
“The Teller of Small Fortunes” by Julie Leong is an immersive and heartwarming story about a fortune teller’s gentle adventure through the land of Eshtera.
Tao travels alone from town to town, offering small fortunes to clients and never staying in one place for long. After a chance encounter with two ex-mercenaries, Tao agrees to accompany them on their search for a lost daughter. Along the way, they attract an adventurous baker and a friendly cat. The ragtag bunch travels together, searching for the lost child, making pastries, and sharing fortunes.
As they wander, they encounter perils, like an existential troll and a magefinder. Tao is also an immigrant, hailing from the neighboring kingdom of Shinara, and sometimes faces anti-Shinn prejudice. This book is a cozy fantasy, though, so the threats are low risk. Even so, the author does an excellent job balancing adventure and humor, while thoughtfully exploring the immigrant experience and providing enough excitement to keep you turning the page.
The characters drew me into this story, and I was eager to follow their exploits. I also appreciated that there was very little romance, enjoying the main character’s relationships with found family. For fans of “Legends & Lattes” or “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches,” pick up “The Teller of Small Fortunes” for a book that feels like a hug.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Lois! This story is so charming and quirky that it really deserves to be called a cozy fantasy.
Our recommendations this week are: “The Incandescent” by Emily Tesh and “The Teller of Small Fortunes” by Julie Leong.
Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.
Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.
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