Category: Doreen

Tantalizing Tales — October 2026 — Part Five

I always get a little excited whenever I have a fifth Tantalizing Tales column in a month: it feels a little special! And we certainly have some exciting titles coming for you this November, beginning with a brand new South Asian-inspired Young Adult romantasy decked out in delightfully seasonal colors. The titular land of Radiya …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/30/tantalizing-tales-october-2026-part-five/

I Need Space by Molly Harris & Jon Corby

Incredibly relatable title to me rn. This charming children’s picture book tells the story of Rocco the Rocket Ship, who enjoys playing in outer space with his friends. There are so many awesome things to do and see on the interplanetary playground but, unfortunately, not everyone plays as nice as he and his best friend …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/29/i-need-space-by-molly-harris-jon-corby/

Queens Of The Crypt, Vol 1 by Dom&Ink

Several points to clarify before I dive into the book: firstly, yes, “Dom&Ink” is the pen name of a single, fabulous person. Secondly, the next time a publicist sends me a graphic novel that relies so heavily on white text on a dark background, I really hope they send me a physical copy. This book …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/28/queens-of-the-crypt-vol-1-by-domink/

Fitcher’s Bird by A. G. Slatter

Y’know, despite my lifelong love of fairy tales, I don’t recall ever reading the original story this novella is based on. Having taken a look at the classic upon finishing this book, however, I can certainly agree that it lends itself satisfyingly to this modern-day reinterpretation that leans hard in to the more horrific elements …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/27/fitchers-bird-by-a-g-slatter/

Bitsy Bat, Snow Star by Kaz Windness

Bitsy Bat is back for another charming adventure in a picture book that centers the autistic experience! Bitsy wakes up one day to a new and exciting sight outside her family’s window. Snow has arrived in their forest! Her parents think this means that they should go into hibernation a little earlier than expected, but …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/26/bitsy-bat-snow-star-by-kaz-windness/

Tantalizing Tales — October 2026 — Part Four

Hello, dear readers! Up here in the Northern Hemisphere, we’re turning from Harvest Moon to Hunter’s Moon, and settling in with some very awesome reads. First up is Amber Chen’s recently published An Auction Of Souls, the first half of a brand new fantasy duology! Meng Wu, the House Of Dreams, is a legendary auction …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/23/tantalizing-tales-october-2026-part-four/

Spookie Cookies by Karen Thi

Readers, I have written a weekly cooking column for over ten years now, but I fear that I will never be able to come anywhere close to the mastery Karen Thi displays in this spectacular tome on making the perfect scary treats for Halloween (or your other favorite spooky occasion.) This cookbook has actually been …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/22/spookie-cookies-by-karen-thi/

Mind Vs Machine by Steve Sheinkin, Maurice Ashley & Thien Pham

subtitled The Chess Match That Changed the World. I am really glad that Grandmaster Maurice Ashley was involved in the making of this book and wrote a really thoughtful Author’s Note at the end, because otherwise I would have probably Gone Off in this review. Which isn’t to say that this book is bad at …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/21/mind-vs-machine-by-steve-sheinkin-maurice-ashley-thien-pham/

We Are The Keystones by Katy S Duffield & Hannah Salyer

subtitled Animals that Hold Habitats Together. And honestly, I feel like I probably learn more facts more quickly from kids’ non-fiction than I do from nearly any other form of media (and I am 100% not the only former Jeopardy! contestant who will tell you so.) We Are The Keystones is the perfect example of …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/20/we-are-the-keystones-by-katy-s-duffield-hannah-salyer/

Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez

The 25th Anniversary Edition of this seminal Young Adult novel underscores how far American society has come in these past twenty-five years, and how important it is that we never go back to more repressive times. Rainbow Boys is the story of three turn-of-the-century high school seniors (in Virginia!), Nelson, Kyle and Jason. Nelson is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/10/19/rainbow-boys-by-alex-sanchez/