Gothic+Fantasy

Fantasy  It's Darker Than You Think Children have been fascinated by the fantastic for generations. In ancient times dark myths were told. Back in the 1800s the Grimm brothers and other fantasy writers wrote their stories as dark tales that were meant to scare children into doing chores and obeying parents. Moving along the timeline, fantasy grew out of these fairy tales and brought a change in the fantasy genre to one of happy endings filled with sparkling fae and love that never dies. Lately readers of fantasy works can see a shift from these happy go lucky tales back to their darker counterparts. Today this sub-genre of fantasy is known as gothic fantasy. Gothic fantasy has seen a rise in popularity recently. It has seen a particular rise in young adult literature. The fantasy genre can actually help adolescents with their real lives, and gothic fantasy is no different. Gothic fantasies can reach those who are going through darker issues in their lives. These darker tales allow readers to reflect and contemplate on crucial and sometimes painfully lifelike themes in a way that is more appetizing than in facts. The fanciful characters and settings provide readers with that emotional detachment that allows readers to think about complex and essential ideas more accurately than other genres. The irony about this fact is that in spite of the fantastical beasts, adventures and worlds found in fantasy, gothic fantasy has the ability to help readers better understand their reality.

From the inimitable Holly Black, a collection of twelve fantasy short stories—two of which are unique to this collection. Devoted fans will be delighted to discover that several of the stories use characters and settings from her **Modern Faerie Tale** novels. Included in the anthology are tales involving faeries, werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and all sorts of weird and wonderful and creepy creatures—there’s even a glimpse of a unicorn. Packaged with gorgeous new art and brimming with fantastical adventure, **The Poison Eaters** will find a home in the hands of both lovers of urban fantasy as well as readers of classic fairy tales.~ Synopsis from Barns & Noble

Themes: Running away from home GLBT themes Drug Use Female Heroes

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When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . ..

Themes: Single Parent homes GLBT Themes Identity

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For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Themes: Religious Love Effects of drugs and alcohol

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Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Delain, King Roland is murdered and his son and heir, Peter, is framed for the crime. Peter and his loyal friends must battle an evil wizard and Peter's usurper brother, Thomas, for the throne. Imprisoned in a tower, Peter conceives an escape plan that will take him years to execute before taking on Flagg, the powerful sorcerer who has masterminded this coup.

Themes: Adventure Heroes Good v Evil

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