Book Buzz

Episode 123 - Air date: Oct. 12, 2025

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 will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We’ll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we’re going to hear from Madeline, librarian at the Marysville Library, for a novel (pun intended!) take on horror and mythology. Take it away, Madeline.

MADELINE:

If you are interested in cults, traditional Indigenous knowledge and folklore, or a fan of “The Walking Dead” or author T. Kingfisher, this book is for you.

“Empire of Wild” by Cherie Dimaline is a fast-paced eco horror about a Rougarou, or werewolf, terrorizing a Cree Metis community.

A year after her new husband Victor goes missing, Joan wakes up in her car to the sounds of a religious revival. She wanders into the tent and finds a crowd watching her lost husband spread the word of Jesus in the pulpit. This bible-thumping charismatic preacher doesn’t recognize Joan, and his followers insist the Reverend Wolf has travelled with the congregation for years. But Joan knows this man is Victor, and she won’t give up on bringing her husband home. Joan teams up with firecracker elder Ajean and her goofball nephew Zeus on a creepy adventure to outwit the supernatural and corporate entities suppressing her people and holding Victor captive.

I found it interesting to read how the villains in this book use Christian evangelism and traditional Cree Metis werewolves to suppress Native resistance, and our protagonists fight them on the supernatural plane to protect community members and fight ecological destruction.

This plot was so exciting and these characters were so spunky and loveable, and they made "Empire of Wild” just impossible to put down!

JESSICA:

Thanks, Madeline! I hear the ending is heart wrenching and may divide readers. You’ve been warned, but that’s not going to stop me from adding this to my to-be-read list.

Next, let’s hear from Collection Development Librarian Bridget, for an unexpected love story. Over to you, Bridget.

BRIDGET:

Fairly fresh out of a bad break up, Ro Dutton has left New York City for the humid, tree-lined streets of Athens, Georgia, in Delilah Dawson's “Bloom.” In an effort to embrace her new life and get some local produce, Ro goes to a farmers' market and finds herself drawn to Ash, an effortlessly cool and beautiful woman who owns one of the stalls. It happens to the best of us. However, Ro's fascination with the artisan is returned, much to her surprise and delight.

As she grows closer to Ash and opens herself up to new feelings, both Ro and readers find themselves suspicious of some of Ash's stranger boundaries and behaviors. Is it just Ro's paranoia from her previous relationship? Or is something sinister happening on Ash's quaint farmstead?

This sapphic and sharp novella is perfect for fans of Angela Carter's “The Bloody Chamber” or anyone who has bought stuff they didn't need just because the person selling it was so cool. “Bloom” begins as a cozy romance, a sweet love story about learning to trust that is soon tempered by dread and darkness. I devoured this book in no time at all and think it's a great thrilling quick read.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Bridget! This is a fascinating mix of sapphic romance with a touch of horror.

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.