Fiction: Reading for Fun

An ex-convict is hired as a bodyguard for a mysterious stranger who claims to be Odin, the old Norse god. They embark on a journey across America, where they encounter a variety of gods and other supernatural beings and get caught up in a war between the old gods and the new.

A quirky detective story set in a world where nursery rhyme characters exist. It follows Detective Inspector Jack Spratt as he investigates the mysterious death of Humpty Dumpty.

In "A Clash of Kings," the story continues in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. The realm is embroiled in a multi-sided conflict for power, following the death of King Robert Baratheon. Various claimants and houses vie for the Iron Throne, while beyond the Wall in the North, an ancient threat looms.

In "A Dance with Dragons," the plotlines follow various characters, including Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister, as they grapple with the challenges of power struggles, political intrigue, and the looming threats from both within and beyond the Seven Kingdoms.

In this installment, "A Feast for Crows," the story concentrates on events in the aftermath of the war that occurred in the third book, "A Storm of Swords." It largely focuses on the political intrigue and power struggles in the aftermath of the war, depicting the fallout of the conflict and its impact on various characters and regions.

The story is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth and follows the journey of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit, who is entrusted with a dangerous quest to destroy the One Ring—a powerful and malevolent artifact created by the Dark Lord Sauron. With the help of various companions, including other hobbits, humans, elves, dwarves, and the wizard Gandalf, Frodo undertakes a perilous adventure to Mount Doom to destroy the Ring and prevent Sauron from dominating Middle-earth.

The story is centered around a man who catches a talking flounder, a magical and mythical creature. The flounder speaks with a human voice and possesses great knowledge and wisdom.

The story is set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, where various noble houses compete for power and control. The tale spans political intrigue, power struggles, and the looming threat from the North, where supernatural dangers begin to emerge after years of silence.

"Titus Groan" introduces readers to the vast, labyrinthine Gormenghast castle and its odd characters, while "Gormenghast" continues the saga, depicting Titus's growth and conflicts within the rigid, ritual-bound society. "Titus Alone" follows Titus's departure from Gormenghast and his experiences in the outside world.

A collection of fantasy stories that revolve around the theme of the Green Man, a mythic figure symbolizing nature, rebirth, and the cycle of growth.

A novel that reimagines the epic poem "Beowulf" from the perspective of the monster, Grendel.

Taking place nearly a century before the events of A Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms compiles the first three official prequel novellas to George R. R. Martin's ongoing masterwork, A Song of Ice and Fire. 

At the magical Cirque des Reves, two young magicians, Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair, are engaged in a centuries-long duel to see who will become the most powerful magician. The stakes are high, as the winner will be able to claim the other's magic.

A retelling of the Norse myths, from the creation of the nine worlds to the twilight of the gods, Ragnarok.

A multi-generational saga following the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo.

Lyra Silvertongue and her daemon Pantalaimon journey to the Arctic to study Dust. They face many challenges along the way, but eventually learn more about Dust and its importance. They also discover a secret about the Magisterium that could have far-reaching consequences.

Combining elements of Jane Austen's classic novel "Pride and Prejudice" with the addition of zombie horror. The book is a parody and alternate version of the original story, incorporating scenes of zombie mayhem into the romantic plot of the classic novel.

In this book, the story continues the journey of Frodo Baggins and his companions as they strive to destroy the One Ring and ultimately defeat the Dark Lord Sauron.

This book serves as a prequel to Tolkien's well-known "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" series. It delves into the extensive mythology and history of Tolkien's Middle-earth, exploring the creation of the universe, the different races, the land, and the conflicts that shape the world.

In "The Silver Chair," Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole, introduced in the previous book, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," return to Narnia. They are sent on a quest by Aslan, the lion, to rescue Prince Rilian, the son of King Caspian, who has gone missing. The children embark on an adventure with Puddleglum, a marshwiggle, as they journey through underground tunnels, facing challenges and encountering various creatures in the land of Narnia.

The novel continues the complex and gripping tale of power struggles, political intrigue, and warfare in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. It follows the aftermath of the War of the Five Kings, delving deeper into the lives of various characters and their quests for power, survival, and revenge.

The book is referenced in the seventh Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," and features five wizarding fairy tales. These tales, popular among young witches and wizards, include "The Tale of the Three Brothers," which plays a significant role in the final book of the Harry Potter series.

This book chronicles the exhilarating spiritual journey that delivered Rae's anxiously awaited guest to her side on that special day--and tells of the powerful and enduring gift that would keep him forever close to her heart.

A career driven Julie tries to hang on to the falling pieces of her life. As a last resort, she decides to escape into the mountains to find peace and return with a fresh start. Her plans quickly change however, when she stumbles into an old gentleman named Simon. 

The story centers around the life of Robbie, a young man living in a desolate town who dreams of a world beyond his limitations. Robbie's life is transformed when he encounters a group of individuals led by a charismatic leader who promises an extraordinary and alternate existence.

In a magical and atmospheric New York City, Peter Lake, a burglar, meets Beverly Penn, a dying girl. Their love transcends death and time, as Peter tries to save Beverly and bring back the summer.