🎁 Do you still have gifts to buy and lack inspiration?
The Literature Pole of Trolls & Legends offers a selection of favorite novels: flamboyant piracy, Afro-Creole folklore, reimagined tales, dark fantasy, poetic post-apocalyptic, grand mythical frescoes, not to mention a gem for young readers.
Cannon Fire – Titania Blesh – Hikaya Editions
Embark on a flamboyant piracy epic with Cannon Fire by Titania Blesh (Hikaya Editions). In an atmosphere of powder, salty wind, and freedom, we follow Fiammetta, a heroine marked by violence, and Stellina, a young witch capable of tracking cursed doubloons. The novel explores the fury of life, the thirst for independence, and the power of dreams of the sea and rebellion.
The Guild of Dead Cat Tails – Phenderson Djèlí Clark – L’Atalante Editions
A guild of assassins, magic, necromancer gods, and a time travel: The Guild of Dead Cat Tails by Phenderson Djèlí Clark (L’Atalante) mixes a thrilling investigation with a dive into a rich and original Afro-Creole folklore. We follow Eveen, a living dead in the service of the goddess Aeril, bound by an assassin's oath that allows no breach. A fun, rhythmic, and inventive fantasy that we love.
Soul Skin – Aude Ziegelmeyer – Gulf Stream Editions
With Soul Skin – The Lilacs of the King by Aude Ziegelmeyer (Gulf Stream), the tale of Donkey Skin is boldly reimagined. The novel offers a modern and dark retelling, set in a medieval universe where family secrets, magic, and power struggles intertwine. Colorful characters, strong emotions, and addictive writing make it an ideal read for those who love reimagined tales.
Beware of Still Water – Julia Richard – The Man Without a Name Editions
Beware of Still Water by Julia Richard (The Man Without a Name Editions) is a fantasy-fantastic novel with finely crafted writing, structured like a dark tale. In the remote village of Schmutzheim, strange miracles disturb Astrid's daily life, while secrets from the past resurface. A dark, intoxicating atmosphere for a story where the marvelous is as unsettling as it is fascinating.
The Spear of Peterur – Nicola Griffith – Argyll Editions
With The Spear of Peterur by Nicola Griffith (Argyll), head into a universe inspired by Celtic and Arthurian myths. Between initiation, battles, magic, and the quest for truth, the novel highlights the strength of female destinies in a world steeped in violence and enchantments. An intense and embodied fantasy fresco, perfect for fans of reinvented legends.
The Underwood – Cristofe Senegas – Les Monts Métallifères Editions
Between fantasy and post-apocalyptic, The Underwood by Cristofe Senegas (Les Monts Métallifères) is a disconcerting and enchanting novel. It explores a strange, often unsettling world, close to the forest and its mysteries. An ambitious and atypical read, aimed at those who enjoy stepping off the beaten path.
Noon, The Desert of the Skies – L. L. Kloetzer – Le Bélial’ Editions
With Noon, The Desert of the Skies by L. L. Kloetzer (Le Bélial’), fantasy takes on an epic, dreamlike, and political dimension. The third adventure of Noon, this novel mixes investigation, magic, corruption, and intersecting ambitions in a desert where the powerful and the humble clash. The text is enhanced by the illustrations of Nicolas Fructus, offering a journey that is as visual as it is literary.
A Waltz for the Grotesque – Guillaume Chamanadjian – Aux Forges de Vulcain Editions
A Waltz for the Grotesque by Guillaume Chamanadjian (Aux Forges de Vulcain) is a fantastic tale with a gothic, sensitive, and profound atmosphere. In a strange city with unsettling statues, destinies intertwine, oscillating between gentle horror and dark poetry. A novel that leaves a lasting impression and already has the makings of a future classic.
For young readers: Mélie Maginaire – The Mirror Flies-Will
We do not forget the youngest with Mélie Maginaire: The Mirror Flies-Will by Noémie Buissonnière and Alice Morentorn (Sarbacane Editions). A youth novel full of magic and humor, which inspires as much reading as it does dreaming. Ideal from 8 years old for children who love magical adventures, endearing heroines, and a bit capricious mirrors.
✨ Whether you are looking for a gift for a fantasy enthusiast, a lover of gothic, reimagined tales, or a young reader, this selection from the Literature Pole offers plenty to fill the sack… and the libraries.
