RECOMMENDED READS

Welcome to our literary circle, in which San Diegans pass the (printed) word on books

Cassie Koldewyn

Job: Youth materials selector, San Diego County Library

She recommends: “Reverie” by Ryan La Sala (Sourcebooks Fire, 2019; 416 pages)

Why? “Reverie” has something for everyone. It is part superhero fantasy and part apocalyptic noir. It is at once a coming-of-age story and a queer romance with mystery and intrigue aplenty. After an accident that leaves him with no memory, Kane’s world is turned upside down. He is not sure who to trust and feels utterly alone. While his family and the police are demanding answers he doesn’t have, Kane must try to piece together his life before the accident. He finds Ursula, Adeline and Elliot, who all claim to be his friends and call themselves The Others, a group of teens with superhuman powers. They tell Kane the shocking news that he is their leader and has been working to break the dark magic that is forcing them into dreamlike worlds, called reveries. Despite his mistrust and uncertainty, Kane must rediscover his powers and find a way to break the control of the reveries for good, all without becoming distracted by the charming doctor charged with caring for him after the accident. Author Ryan La Sala has crafted a fantastic and engrossing read, filled with twists and turns that will catch you by surprise in this dreamy, upending young adult novel.

Linda Tonnesen

Job: Buyer, Mysterious Galaxy She recommends: “American Demon” by Kim Harrison (Ace, 2020; 496 pages)

Why? Welcome back to the Hollows. We have not visited witch-born demon Rachel Morgan and her crew in a while, so the preface of “American Demon” gives the reader a rundown of people, places and terms to either introduce or catch us up on the Cincinnati supernatural scene. I was happy to read that Rachel’s tough-talking pixy partner Jenks is still at her side, as is adolescent gargoyle Bis. They are facing an increase in zombies in the ’hood, some murders that are a bit strange in nature, and a big demon peril to Rachel and her lover, elf-born Trent. Trent is a political threat to others in power, and a plot to kill him is putting everyone and everything Rachel loves in peril. But the cure may be even worse, like world-altering dangerous. What’s a demon to do? I was pulled into the Hollows world once again, happy to be there.