The Last Adventure: Tackling the Threshold of Adulthood in ‘Doll Bones’

In the enchanting realm of middle-grade literature, Holly Black’s Doll Bones emerges as a hauntingly beautiful narrative that transcends the boundaries of imagination and reality. This Newbery Award-winning novel is a testament to the bittersweet journey of growing up, told through the eyes of three inseparable friends: Zach, Poppy, and Alice.

The Heart of Childhood Adventures:

Zach, Poppy, and Alice have shared countless adventures, animating their toys and action figures with rich, fantastical stories. But as the cusp of adolescence looms, their friendship faces the inevitable tides of change. Zach grapples with his father’s expectations to abandon child’s play, Alice confronts the bewildering changes of puberty, and Poppy fears losing her friends and being left behind.

A Haunting Quest:

The narrative takes a compelling turn when Poppy reveals that a porcelain doll, locked away in her home, whispers of its haunted past. This revelation sets the trio on an unexpected journey, a final adventure that weaves the threads of friendship with the eerie lore of the doll’s ghostly origins. Their quest to unravel the mystery of a girl’s disappearance and to lay the doll’s spirit to rest is as much about confronting their personal demons as it is about solving the enigma.

A Creepy, Captivating Tale:

Doll Bones strikes a perfect balance between the eerie and the profound, making it a page-turning read for middle graders and adults alike. Holly Black’s mastery in crafting a story that is creepy yet not overly graphic is commendable. The novel delves deep into the essence of friendship, the pain of letting go, and the courage to step into the unknown.

The characters, with their distinct fears and dreams, are brought to life with such empathy and depth that readers of all ages will find echoes of their own childhoods within these pages.

Doll Bones is more than a story; it’s a reflection on the thresholds we cross from childhood to adolescence, marked by the relics of our innocence and the strength we muster to face the unknown. Holly Black has indeed woven a tapestry rich with the hues of nostalgia, friendship, and the thrilling chill of a ghostly tale.

For those enchanted by the allure of Doll Bones and the exploration of friendships tinged with the supernatural, I invite you to join my Reader’s Club newsletter. Dive deeper into the world of enchanting reads, stay updated on my works in progress, and explore the Slavic Spirits series, where I unravel the myths and legends of the Slavs. Let’s embark on this journey of storytelling together, where magic knows no bounds, and every tale is a doorway to a new adventure.

Where Fairies Lurk: A Journey into the Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicle is a captivating series that invites readers into a world where the line between the mundane and the magical is blurred. Written by Holly Black with enchanting illustrations by Tony Diterlizzi, the series is divided into two parts: the original quintet and a sequel trilogy titled Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles.

This series will captivate readers who revel in tales where the real and the fantastical intertwine, especially appealing to middle-grade readers who appreciate a darker, more authentic take on childhood adventures.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

The original series follows the Grace children – Jared, Simon, and Mallory – as they uncover a hidden world of faeries and other fantastical beings upon moving into the decrepit Spiderwick Estate.

1. The Field Guide: The siblings discover Arthur Spiderwick’s field guide and the unseen world it reveals.

2. The Seeing Stone: With a magical stone, Jared sees the invisible world, leading to a daring rescue.

3. Lucinda’s Secret: The Graces seek their great-aunt Lucinda’s wisdom, delving deeper into the mystery.

4. The Ironwood Tree: A kidnapping at school drags the siblings into a deeper, darker adventure.

5. The Wrath of Mulgarath: The ultimate confrontation with Mulgarath to save their mother and the guide.

Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles

This sequel-series to the Spiderwick Chronicles follows eleven-year-old Nick Vargas, his big brother Julian, and their new step-sister Laurie as they discover giants, mermaids, and fire-breathing salamanders who threaten their Florida home. Jared, Simon, and Mallory from the original series also make guest appearances.

1. The Nixie’s Song: A new adventure with a nixie’s cry for help, introducing new characters and challenges.

2. A Giant Problem: The children face off against a destructive giant, testing their courage and ingenuity.

3. The Wyrm King: The thrilling conclusion, where the siblings confront the serpent king to restore balance.

Storyteller and Artist Complement Each Other in The Spiderwick Chronicles:

Holly Black’s writing in “The Spiderwick Chronicles” stands out for its acknowledgment of the darker, more perilous aspects of childhood. The series does not shy away from showing that children can and do face real dangers, adding a layer of authenticity to their encounters with the fairy realm.

Tony Diterlizzi’s art breathes life into this shadowy world. His black-and-white illustrations are a window into the eerie and the whimsical, perfectly capturing the essence of each character and creature. The slightly unsettling depiction of goblins adds a tangible sense of danger, complementing Black’s narrative beautifully.

If you’ve been enthralled by the adventures of the Grace children and the magical world they navigate, I invite you to join me on a similar journey into the heart of Slavic folklore. I’m currently working on a collection of Slavic fairy tales for children, where the mystical and the monstrous coexist in stories that are as inspiring as they are instructive. By subscribing to my email list, you’ll gain insight into a world where “the sight” might reveal Baba Yaga’s hut on chicken legs or a domovoi guarding the hearth. Let’s explore these enchanting tales together and discover the magic hidden in plain sight.

From Vintage Photos to Vivid Fantasies: The Art of Being Peculiar

Ransom Riggs’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a series that stands out in the young adult genre, weaving a tapestry of eerie vintage photographs into a narrative teeming with supernatural powers and hidden sanctuaries. What sets this series apart is not just its unique storytelling method, but its exploration of what it means to be special in a world that fears the extraordinary.

One of the interesting features of this series is that its writing was inspired by eerie vintage photographs, which Ransom Riggs has woven into the books.

This is absolutely one of my all-time favorite young adult series.

In 2016, the first book in the series was made into a movie by Tim Burton.

Series Overview:

1. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children — Introduces Jacob, who discovers the reality behind his grandfather’s tales of a home sheltering children with extraordinary abilities, upon visiting a mysterious island which has a time loop that takes Jacob back to the 1940s.

2. Hollow City — Jacob and his peculiar friends embark on a journey across war-torn Europe, seeking to cure Miss Peregrine, who is stuck in bird form.

3. Library of Souls — The peculiars face a formidable foe and uncover new aspects of the peculiar world, leading to a thrilling quest for liberation and identity.

4. A Map of Days — The peculiars venture into America, exploring new time loops and confronting the challenges of a vastly different world.

5. The Conference of the Birds — Jacob’s story takes a turn as he follows clues that might lead to a powerful new ally.

6. The Desolation of Devil’s Acre — The series concludes with a climactic battle, testing the peculiar’s strength, resolve, and the very nature of their peculiarities.

Tales of the Peculiar — A short story collection of fairy tales set in the world of the peculiar. Throughout the series, Jacob and his friends keep referencing a book called “Tales of the Peculiar,” which has stories about imbrins, children who can remove nightmares from people’s dreams, and stories of boys turning into birds, and stories of cannibals. This is that book. It is a sort of “Grimm’s Book of Fairy Tales” for the Peculiar World.

Jacob’s journey from grief to the discovery of his own peculiarities is both a thrilling adventure and a chillingly eerie tale of self-discovery. Riggs masterfully crafts a narrative that is as haunting as it is beautiful, making “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” a series that will resonate deeply with any reader who has ever felt out of place. Although these book were written for a young adult audience, I definitely felt like they had an emotional depth that would resonate with adults as well.

What I adored the most about this series is its ability to transport readers into a world where the peculiar is celebrated, and the boundaries of reality are expanded by the power of imagination. Riggs doesn’t talk down to his audience. These books are a poignant reminder of the magic that lies in accepting our own peculiarities and in how empowering it is to find a tribe of your own, even if your family of origin rejects you.

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Magical Realism meets harsh realities

Katherine Arden’s “The Winternight Trilogy” is an enchanting journey into 14th century Russia, masterfully blending historical reality with folklore. Arden, an American author who lived in Russia, crafts a narrative that is as immersive as it is impressive, particularly given her young age at the time of writing the first book.

Book Summaries:

1. The Bear and the Nightingale: This book introduces Vasya, a young woman with the rare ability to see and interact with magical creatures. The story sets the stage for the conflict between traditional Russian folklore and the Orthodox Church, embodied in the tension between Vasya and the zealot priest Konstantin.

2. The Girl in the Tower: The second book sees Vasya venturing beyond her village, challenging societal norms and expectations. Her journey intertwines with larger political dynamics and continues to explore the clash between ancient beliefs and emerging religious doctrines.

3. The Winter of The Witch: The final installment culminates in the lead-up to a significant historical event, marking the unification of various tribes into what would become Russia. Here, the series reaches its climax, with Vasya playing a pivotal role in the unfolding events.

Arden’s portrayal of 14th century Russia is unflinchingly honest, capturing its brutal and misogynistic aspects. The series, while marketed as adult fantasy, can also resonate with older young adults, thanks to its thoughtful balance of violence and sexual content.

“The Winternight Trilogy” is a testament to Arden’s ability to weave historical authenticity with magical realism. It stands out as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in bridging the past with the present, and the fantastical with the real.

Personal Note on Current Events:

In light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it’s important to acknowledge the historical context that shapes our understanding of these nations. While this series celebrates Russian folklore and history, it’s also crucial to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in the current crisis. I hope for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and extend my support to all those affected by these tragic events.

If you want to learn about more books like this, don’t forget to sign up for my VIP Reader’s Club for more book reviews, articles about slavic lore, and updates on my current works in progress. As a Thank You for signing up for my Reader’s Club, you will receive a FREE short story from me, showcasing my own work in this slavic fantasy world.

Monsters and Morals: From Polish Folklore to Fantasy Phenomenon

No book blog about Polish-inspired fantasy could be complete without mentioning The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski, who has a huge international cult following and is probably one of the most famous Polish writers of our time.

Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher” series is a remarkable foray into the depths of fantasy, blending the traditional with the unique. Set in a fairy-tale medieval Europe, the series revolves around Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher – a genetically enhanced sword-for-hire tasked with slaying monsters. However, his adventures delve into the complexities of justice, good, and evil. 

The series is enriched with a cast of compelling characters: the powerful sorceress Yennefer, the enigmatic Ciri, a warrior-princess with the ability to traverse time and space, and Dandelion, Geralt’s loyal friend and minstrel.

The Series at a Glance:

1. The Last Wish — A short story collection, which is commonly recommended as a starting point to the series. The first season of the Netflix serial “The Witcher” is based on this book. The timeline of this first collection (and season 1) is fragmented.
2. Sword of Destiny — A short story collection, often recommended as book of the series, since it continues many of the stories from The Last Wish.
3. Blood of Elves — A full-length novel, continuing the story of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri.
4. The Time of Contempt
5. Baptism of Fire
6. The Tower of Swallows
7. Lady of the Lake — Often seen as the final novel in The Witcher saga, Ciri has entered another dimension, where she seem to travel through time.
8. Season of Storms — This short story collection is seen as a kind of epilogue to the Witcher saga.

The novels are a deep dive into Polish mythology, bringing to life creatures like strzygas and kikimoras. This aspect was particularly fascinating, offering a glimpse into a rich, less-explored mythological world. 

However, the series is marked by intense violence, catering to an adult audience. (Read: NOT FOR KIDS.) 

A striking difference from the television adaptation is the portrayal of Geralt. In the books, he is far from the stoic figure seen on screen. Instead, he’s a deeply philosophical and talkative character, often engaging in profound discussions with Dandelion about morality. This introspective version of Geralt adds layers to the character and the narrative, enriching the reader’s experience.

Sapkowski’s series is more than a fantasy saga; it’s a complex exploration of philosophical themes, set against a backdrop of rich Slavic folklore and relentless action. While the graphic violence might not be for everyone, the series offers a unique and engaging experience, especially for those intrigued by the depth and diversity of European mythology.

If you want to learn about more books like this, don’t forget to sign up for my VIP Reader’s Club for more book reviews, articles about slavic lore, and updates on my current works in progress. As a Thank You for signing up for my Reader’s Club, you will receive a FREE short story from me, showcasing my own work in this slavic fantasy world.