3 hand-picked fantasy, contemporary fantasy, and found family books curated by NextBookAfter.
For fans of Katabasis's blend of cultural mythology, witty banter, and journeys through supernatural realms, Black Water Sister offers a fresh take on ancestral spirits and modern rivalries in a Malaysian Chinese underworld of gods and ghosts, emphasizing queer identity and familial redemption.
If Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries captivated you with its curmudgeonly academic heroine unraveling dark faerie lore through footnotes and fieldwork, you'll devour The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches for Mika's pragmatic witchcraft that echoes that intellectual rigor amid whimsical magic. The slow-burn romance built on banter and the found family in an isolated manor mirror the snowbound warmth and character growth that made Emily's story so heartwarmingly real. Perfect for fans seeking thoughtful escapism where curiosity uncovers hidden wonders without the high-stakes chaos.
If The Spellshop stole your heart with its unapologetic coziness, whimsical everyday magic, and a reclusive heroine finding joy in simple spells and small-town vibes, you're in for a treat. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna delivers that same restorative escape, blending gentle witchcraft with a found family of misfits and a honey-sweet romance that mends the soul. Dive into this feel-good fantasy for more optimistic adventures that prioritize comfort over chaos.