THE VIOLET WEST
Fantasy Novels & Graphic Novels

The Art of the Open Mind: Navigating "Problematic" Books with Honesty and Grace by Ana Vanessa Bettencourt De Almeida I am deeply honored to share my personal approach to the complex world of "problematic" literature. My perspective is shaped by a life lived on both sides of the page. Known as Ana in the reviewing community and Vanessa in my creative life, I hold a Master’s in English and Portuguese Literature and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. My career has been a journey of sto

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Lickitypop is a whimsical, emotionally responsive story universe created by author Ellie Moss . The debut title, Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue , introduces young readers to a cozy, candy-colored world where kindness, friendship, and helping others are the greatest forms of magic. Dibs the Dragon & the Marshmallow Rescue is Book 1 in the Lickitypop Series - perfect for ages 3–8 In the magical land of Lickitypop, Dibs the Dragon is kind, helpful, and brave—but lone

Releases March 10th Get book here @simonandschuster #simonbooksbuddy #simonaudioinfluencer Dune meets Wool in this high-octane quest through the void, where two eternal forces are about to collide in an epic showdown. A HALF-FORMED UNIVERSE. A POWERFUL ANOMALY. A POEM THAT IS PROPHECY. When the Sinker was a child, all she knew was violence. To survive, she fled into the Void—a seemingly infinite nothingness where people live on “rocks,” individual lands spread out in all d

Here are two contemporary authors known for their silliness and humor. They write amazing characters, nonsensical, hilarious scenes, but they are also great Social Commentary Satire authors. With subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle inspiration in our current times, don't miss these two. (In random order, no order of preference, they are both awesome) When the Moon hits your Eye (Macmillan) Released March 2025 New York Times bestselling author John Scalzi flies you to the moon

Eliza has a second adventure on the other side of the fairy door—and must call on her wits when a band of impish hobgoblins follows her home—in this enchanting tale by the award-winning author of the Judy Moody series. What’s that? Eliza hears faint music coming from behind the teeny-tiny fairy door she created low on the wall. So she presses her ear to the door and— shwoosh!— is whisked into the red, rocky land of hobgoblins, leaving behind the heaps of toys and books that w

Releasing March 24th 4 Stars This hits all my favorite things in a historical fiction. Double POV (ancient Egypt following the Reign of Hatshepsut, from princess to Queen) and the English excavations in Egypt with an independent, knowledgeable archaeologist. I love the parallelism between the Queen's life as a ruler, with her mother trying to keep her within the socially acceptable rules, and the same happening with Evelyn. And the father figure is always supporting and teach

Tests can bring up unexpected emotions for many kids, even on ordinary school days. Katie’s Really Bad Day: A Story About Test Anxiety  by Kathleen Jeffrey, illustrated by Susan Kilmartin, centers on a young girl whose confidence wavers when a familiar routine suddenly feels overwhelming. Cheerful and energetic, Katie usually enjoys school, but test days bring a different set of feelings. Even when she knows the answers, anxiety creeps in and makes it hard for her to focus. O

A New York Times -Bestseller! A Kids' Indie Next Pick! A B&N Best YA Book of the Year! New York Times -bestselling author Aiden Thomas returns to the beloved world of The Sunbearer Trials in Celestial Monsters , a heart-stopping duology finale, in which three young semidioses travel through a dark monster-infested world, facing down chaotic Obsidian gods, in a quest to save their friends and return the sun to the sky. Teo never thought he could be a Hero. Now, he doesn’t hav

At the center of Winter’s Season  by R.J. Koreto lies a crime that refuses easy answers. The story follows the slow unraveling of truth under pressure from power and silence.  In a city still shaped by war, Captain Winter serves as Whitehall’s discreet agent, relying on instinct rather than law. When a young woman is murdered, his investigation exposes how privilege and fear protect the guilty. Winter’s search depends on alliances marked by history. A nobleman connected to hi

This is a 5+ for me. This book will stay with me for a long time. It may not be an easy one to read, for some people for the emotional heartbreak of the first (most) of the first half of the book. Loss, pain, truth, honesty. I found it very interesting that she keeps her Asian, keeping feelings inside, hidden from others, that her husband is such an introvert and is on another page. That the character will work in that place and find a way forward. Here are two books that are

Happy almost release of Green & Deadly Things by Jenn Lyons by Torbooks Release March 3rd 2026 Get book here For fans of S.A. Chakraborty, Robin Hobb, and Martha Wells's Witch King , a riveting standalone fantasy of necromancy and magical mayhem from Jenn Lyons, the acclaimed author of The Ruin of Kings. Centuries ago, necromancy almost destroyed the world. That’s how history remembers it. History remembers it wrong. Mathaiik has trained all his life to join the sacred order

@harperkids @katemilfordnagspeake @storygramtours   #storygramtours A standalone mystery from a  New York Times  bestselling author set in a contemporary world tinged with magic, in which tween sisters Ivy and Dahlia spend summer vacation in a small town in the shadows of abandoned amusement park that is not what it     seems. positive mental health representation: Dahlia lives with anxiety and goes to therapy Inheritance mystery: The sisters' new friend Remy has an aunt whos

Awesome Kate Massner Graphic Novel @katemessner, @falynnk, @bloomsburybooksus  and @storygramtours  hashtags  #campmonster  #storygramkids New York Times  bestselling author Kate Messner invites you to Camp Monster in this fun-filled young middle-grade graphic novel series perfect for fans of InvestiGators. From  New York Times  bestselling author of History Smashers, Ranger in Time,  The Trouble with Heroes,  and many more A graphic novel with a cast of fun characters There'

Just released Macmillan A groundbreaking exposé showing how the arts — alongside diet, sleep, exercise and nature — are the forgotten fifth pillar of health From cradle to grave, engaging in the arts has remarkable effects on our health and well-being. Music supports the architectural development of children’s brains. Artistic hobbies help our brains to stay resilient against dementia. Dance and magic tricks build new neural pathways for people with brain injuries. Arts and m

5 stars I am so happy to have discovered this series. I know there are a few volumes already out for this one, but I like to follow the chronological publishing order. I was hesitant because maybe the first volume wouldn't be as good as the experience of older volumes, but that is not something to worry about with this author. We can see clearly how well-structured and well-thought-out this first volume was. It's complex. The author masters each thriller/mystery classic eleme

A Change of Pace: A Reimagined Regency Romance Audible.com  Release Date Publisher Spotify Audiobooks A trailblazing historical romance that brings pride (without prejudice) to a reimagined, more inclusive Regency London. When Miss Pace, a womanizer who never wanted love, discovers that a vulnerable acquaintance of hers, Mr. Coombes, is being targeted by villains from a gaming house, she stops at nothing to protect him and restore justice. She is assisted by the mysterious La

@odddotbooks, @jimbentonshots and @storygramtours    #everybody  #storygramtours A poignant and playful exploration of what comes next, from bestselling author and illustrator Jim Benton. EVERYBODY is a book for all ages—a heartfelt journey that gently explores what might come after life through the eyes of a curious soul. Originally sparked by a viral cartoon that deeply resonated with fans, this book is an honest and comforting response to a universal question. From a Viral

Quietly introspective and emotionally grounded, The Radical Radiance of the Fishing Fly  by Lewis K. Schrager centers on a story shaped by grief, restraint, and the fragile spaces between certainty and surrender. Through a measured narrative lens, the book traces how personal loss can unsettle long-held beliefs and open unexpected paths forward. Logic has always provided David Nichols with certainty, a framework he relies on both professionally and personally. That sense of c

Not all love stories begin with confidence or clarity. One Alpen Day  by Michele Davenport-Dutton explores what happens when two people meet while carrying emotional baggage they cannot simply set aside, and when timing feels as uncertain as the choices ahead. Angela Sutton is trying to rebuild after divorce and repeated pregnancy losses have left her questioning her identity and future. Returning to help her aunt in the family bakery provides routine, but not resolution. Her