Appearing in an alternate dimension similar to that of Medieval England, a man with no memory tries to unravel the truth of who he is, why he’s being chased by people from his own time, and getting to grips with the idea that the local superstitions are likely to be true.
This book has a nice blend of fantasy and sci-fi with a lighthearted and funny narrative from the main character. You can tell Sanderson wanted to have fun with this which comes across within the book’s pages.
I don’t want to say too much about the main character as discovering who he is part of the fun, but some of the locals he meets along the way are very likable, particularly Sefawynn, a brave woman known as a skop who uses boasts to summon supernatural power, and Ealstan, a courageous man considered older for his time, who would do anything to protect his village.
These characters help our protagonist learn who he really is beyond what he gradually remembers about himself. The book explores the difference between who we are and who we have the potential to be along with our ability to change once we alter our perspective.
The world building is interesting because of the contrasting primative fantasy world which the main character finds himself in, and the high tech, futuristic world he comes from. It means you’ll find laptops and ancient gods in the same story which Sanderson blends nicely.
There are also extracts from the guidebook the main character arrives with between chapters which is a fun way to explore the world context he’s come from. The guidebook is at times sarcastic and is accompanied by excellent illustrations by Steve Argyle which add to the enjoyment of the book.
I found this book to be both funny and heartfelt, perfect for breaking the reading slump I’ve had over the last few months. Recommend if you’re looking for a lighter read within the fantasy/sci-fi genre.
Check out my review on Goodreads.
Paperback available on Amazon 3 October 2026
If novels are like the written form of movies, then this will feel like bingeing on your favourite TV show!
When sixteen-year-old Cassie gets kicked out of the Flitterbick School of Magic, she’s sentenced to work as a Magical Bounty Hunter for two years. Sure, they call it an internship, but it’s a punishment rather than a job opportunity.
With the help of her Scottish mentor, Victor, Cassie is launched into the life of a Chaser to reap the magic of criminals, but these aren’t your average magical lawbreakers. From a little old lady on Dublin’s Moore Street to a mob boss from 1920s New York, none of Cassie’s targets are what they seem.
Magical Bounty Hunters includes a series of five YA novelettes taking a teen witch across the world on death-defying missions while she discovers who she is along the way.
This book includes:
- Five stories, one epic series, all in one book.
- Twisty plots.
- Awesome magic.
- Majestic Tiger Dogs! (They’re as cool as they sound).
- Giants!
- Legends and folklore.
- Girl taking down bad guys.
Paperback available on Amazon 3 October 2026
