Book Buzz

Episode 97 - Air date: April 13, 2025

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today's two reading recommendations are a psychological thriller and a fantasy romance.

First, we’re going to hear from Rhianna, library associate at the Langley Library, for the unraveling of family secrets. Over to you, Rhianna.

RHIANNA:

We’re all familiar with the typical locales for horror novels; a decrepit castle, a remote cabin in the woods, even the mundane suburbs. Now, Catriona Ward brings our collective fears to a new setting: the arid isolation of the Mojave desert in “Sundial.”

Thinking a return to her childhood home is exactly what her family needs to be happy and normal, young mother Rob is instead forced to confront her own past to ensure their future. But Rob must also face the reasons why her daughter collects bones and holds conversations with shadows — shadows that she herself is all-too familiar with.

Catriona Ward has already shown her horror-writing chops with 2021’s “The Last House on Needless Street,” but with “Sundial,” she has once again proven she’s a force to be reckoned with. With an expert blend of both slow burn suspense and methodical twists-and-turns, “Sundial” may have you thinking twice about exploring sand dunes and cacti.

And remember, in the desert, no one can hear you scream. Well, except the dark figures looming on the hill overlooking the property. Coyotes … those are coyotes …right?”

JESSICA:

Thanks, Rhianna! I’m getting chills from this story already.

Next, let’s hear from Madeline, librarian at the Marysville Library, for a fairy tale of two sisters whose unbreakable bond is challenged. Go ahead, Madeline.

MADELINE:

The River Liss runs north to south, and its waters brim with grammar. I was hooked on Amal El-Mohtar’s new book, “The River Has Roots,” from the very first line.

In this story, the Hawthorne family are stewards of an ancient willow forest full of magic. Magic in this world is called grammar, and it is shaped by riddles, translation, and song. Every sunrise and sunset, sisters Esther and Ysabel sing a harmony into the trees and in return, the trees nurture the community with their grammar.

But this fantasy novella reads less like a book than an old folk ballad. Soon enough, two suitors arrive: one with his sights set on marrying Esther and controlling the trees, and one from the land of faerie beyond death. I won’t spoil this beguiling love story, but I’ll tell you there’s a murder most foul, a woman who turns into a swan, a vengeance song from an enchanted harp, and a weird but touching happily ever after.

“The River Has Roots” is a great read but an even better listen. Gem Carmella gives an ethereal performance on the audiobook, which includes singing and some pretty magical sound effects of the River Liss. For fans of Naomi Novik or Leigh Bardugo, “The River Has Roots” is the perfect audiobook for a walk on a warm spring evening.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Madeline! The magic, sisterhood, and high stakes sounds absolutely enchanting.

Our recommendations this week are: “Sundial” by Catriona Ward and “The River Has Roots” by Amal Al-Mohtar.

Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.