STAFF PICKS
Fiction
The Darkness Knows
By Arnaldur IndridasonThe intricate plot of The Darkness Knows unravels at the slow-burn pace typical of Nordic Noir. A retired detective haunted by a cold (in more ways than one) case, navigates not only the tangled web of 30-year-old evidence, but also his personal grief and memories attached to a recent loss. Each character is, in their own way, plagued with personal demons, tragedy, and the lasting effects of Iceland’s financial collapse. Indridason’s writing brings Iceland to life, from the desolate, baron ice caps to the crowded city streets, and shows how the globalization of Iceland have impacted its insular, formally isolated community. A great read; I look forward to seeing where this Konrad series goes next. –Russell, Charleston
Non Fiction
A Little Devil in America
By Hanif AbdurraqibWhen I read Hanif Abdurraqib, I find myself constantly wanting to share passages and ideas with friends. With artful and passionate prose, poetry and thought, on topics both timeless and timely, personal and communal, Hanif Abdurraqib has quickly become one of my favorite writers, and it feels as if he might just be getting started. –Sara, Atlanta
Young Adult
Furyborn (Empirium Trilogy #1)
By Claire LegrandFuryborn is the story of two strong heroines living 1000 years apart. Rielle is just starting to learn to control her power over the 7 types of elemental magic when an angel’s whispers begin turning her down a dark path. Eliana, a bounty hunter for the evil Emperor, is forced to make hard choices when her mother is stolen away from her in the night and the only one who can help her is her enemy. Claire Legrand does a wonderful job weaving these two stories together as Rielle and Eliana choose their paths, step by step. Magic, angels, familial bonds, and self-discovery are only a few of the threads connecting them. A story that comes together like the pieces of a puzzle, Furyborn is an enjoyable read from start to finish. I’m looking forward to the next installment! –Rebecca, Atlanta
Children
The Nest
By Kenneth OppelThe publisher synopsis of celebrated author Kenneth Oppel's new book The Nest states that it is an eerie masterpiece, and eerie seems like the best word to describe it. It is not scary necessarily (unless you have a phobia about insects), but it does leave an impression and Jon Klassen's illustrations highlight the loneliness & grief of Steve's family's struggle to cope with the serious illness of their newborn baby. –Anne, Atlanta