Best Magic Realism Books December 2024

Mort

Death takes an apprentice in this wickedly funny Discworld novel. Young Mort, clumsy and naive, finds himself whisked away to become Death’s assistant. As he fumbles through his new duties, Mort discovers the complexities of life, love, and the delicate balance of the universe. Pratchett’s signature wit and clever wordplay shine as he explores mortality with a light touch, leaving readers chuckling and pondering in equal measure. A delightful romp through the afterlife that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear.

The Slow Regard of Silent Things

Delve into the enigmatic world of Auri, a mysterious character from Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicle. This haunting novella follows her solitary life in the sprawling tunnels beneath the University. With lyrical prose and intimate detail, Rothfuss paints a portrait of a fragile mind navigating a world of forgotten things. It’s a quiet, introspective journey that left me pondering the beauty in small moments and the power of finding order in chaos. Not your typical fantasy, but utterly captivating.

The Book of Life

Deborah Harkness’s “The Book of Life” weaves a spellbinding tale of love, magic, and ancient secrets. As Diana and Matthew return from their time-traveling adventure, they face new challenges that threaten their future. With richly drawn characters and a world steeped in history and lore, Harkness captivates readers, drawing them into a mesmerizing blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. I found myself completely lost in the pages, savoring every twist and turn of this beautifully crafted conclusion to the All Souls trilogy.

Shadow of Night

Deborah Harkness’s “Shadow of Night” plunges readers into a captivating world of time travel and supernatural intrigue. As historian Diana Bishop and vampire Matthew Clairmont journey to Elizabethan London, they’re thrust into a dangerous web of politics, magic, and secrets. Harkness’s meticulous research brings the past to life, while her deft storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely lost in this rich, atmospheric tale, unable to put it down until the very last page.

The Poppy War

Rin, a war orphan from a backwater province, defies expectations by acing the Empire’s brutal military exam. Thrust into an elite academy, she discovers a gift for shamanism—a power that could change the course of history. As war looms and dark forces awaken, Rin must confront her own demons and make impossible choices. Kuang’s debut is a gripping tale of magic, warfare, and the cost of power, leaving readers breathless and haunted long after the final page.

A Discovery of Witches

Diving into “A Discovery of Witches,” I was instantly captivated by Deborah Harkness’s rich tapestry of history, magic, and romance. The story follows Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch who stumbles upon an ancient manuscript that unleashes a world of supernatural intrigue. As I turned each page, I found myself lost in the atmospheric Oxford setting and drawn to the enigmatic vampire Matthew Clairmont. Harkness’s blend of scholarly detail and spellbinding fantasy left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this bewitching trilogy.

The Witcher Series

Immerse yourself in a dark fantasy world where monsters roam and morality blurs. Sapkowski’s Witcher series follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutant monster hunter with supernatural abilities. As he navigates political intrigue and battles fearsome creatures, Geralt grapples with his own humanity. Rich in Slavic folklore and moral ambiguity, these books offer a gritty, complex tale that will keep you spellbound. Prepare for a journey where destiny and choice collide in unexpected ways.

The Witches

The Witches by Roald Dahl is a darkly humorous and imaginative children’s classic that tells the story of a brave young boy and his grandmother as they uncover the secret world of witches. Unlike the fairytale witches you may know, these witches are terrifyingly real, hiding in plain sight, and they have a sinister plan to rid the world of children. Full of magic, danger, and adventure, The Witches is a timeless tale of courage, wit, and triumph over evil.

The Indian in the Cupboard

Imagine a world where your toys come to life! That’s exactly what happens to Omri when he discovers his old cupboard has magical powers. With a simple turn of a key, his plastic Indian figure transforms into a real, tiny person from the past. As Omri navigates this incredible secret, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the complexities of different cultures. Banks weaves a captivating tale that will leave readers of all ages spellbound and yearning for their own magical adventure.

Mary Poppins

When the East Wind blows Mary Poppins into the Banks’ household, magic and mischief follow. This beloved classic whisks readers away on a whimsical journey through London’s rooftops and beyond. Travers’ enchanting prose brings to life a world where anything is possible, from tea parties on the ceiling to adventures in chalk drawings. With her no-nonsense attitude and bottomless carpetbag, Mary Poppins captures hearts and imaginations, reminding us all that sometimes the most extraordinary things happen in the most ordinary places.