From the Legend of Biel
A beautifully written premise about alien ruins and obsession gives way to an increasingly esoteric, talky, and relentlessly boring second half. If philosophical musings on the ordinary are your thing, this may work for you, but I hit my limit and gave up.
Islands
In a world of immortals, Tia Hamley is the one woman who will grow old and die. A beautifully written, deeply human exploration of mortality, identity, and connection, somewhat undermined by its metaphysical ending.
Gifts of Blood
A collection of strange, beautifully imagined stories about healing vampires on the Russian steppes, plus an alien invasion and a musical spider. Rich in mythology and prose, if sometimes light on plot.
The Wicked Enchantment
An eleven-year-old girl, three eccentric aunts, a magnificent collection of animals, and a rebellion involving Easter eggs. Delightfully feminist middle-grade fantasy that deserves to be a classic.
Found
A childhood favorite that holds up beautifully, with evocative prose, unexpected friendships, and a surprising amount of emotional depth.