H. S. J. Williams’s novella Fairest Son contains familiar echoes: seven “dwarves,” a poison apple, a poem of prophecy. But the story is unique. Keeva, a young human woman, hunts in the mountains where she encounters a mysterious man of the fae people—one who hides his face under wrappings, communicates via mindspeak, and has seven goblin friends/servants. She tells him she’s hunting the great wild bear, but she’s lying. From there the story unspools a tale of treachery and deceit that leads to redemption. Christians will gladly recognize a type of Christ in one of the characters. Non-Christians will likely also feel the emotional uplift.

Best for: Teens and adults familiar with fairy-realm fantasy and ready to dive right in.

Discern: Mature themes that are delicately handled, but may make the book unsuitable for children under twelve.