Recs if you like The Binding...

Standalone fantasy books that won't make you invest your life in a dozen installments

Fantasy novels where magic systems involve some sort of practiced craft (painting, baking, bookbinding, and beyond)

Bibliophilia at its best - books about books, readers, libraries, bookstores!

Sometimes the main character is into fiber arts, sometimes a side character is hand embroidering a jean jacket for her wife. All recs and craft types welcome.

Books don't just sit on shelves and these novels show it. Each one is its own love letter to the importance of stories in every corner of human life, built on the belief that the right book, in the right hands, at the right moment, can change the entire shape of a life. (Always taking recommendations!)

So, you like your fantasy with a historical-ish setting; perhaps even a dash of gothic yearning here and there. I've got you bestie.

books in which speculative/science fiction/fantastical elements play with memory to interrogate the boundaries of the self and society as concepts

All fiction books that appear in the Tiny Bookshop catalogue! Would sort them by genre as I read along.

writing and worlds that reawaken the senses

Books about books because there are never enough books

Books that are banned, censored, removed from bookshops, marketplaces, and libraries, and writers that are considered as a threat to the authorities. Some called it a "Fahrenheit list".

Fiction and non-

Books where queer characters hunt for magical books...not as rare as you would think

Books with covers so gorgeous they deserve to be displayed as art on your shelves.

Can't attest to the content within, but boy are they pretty 😍

Mostly fantasy romance but genre not limited

Book Attic

Qualifications: I'm a practicing folk witch, I read a lot of fantasy. This list isn't specific to people calling themselves 'witches,' or just using 'spells,' but just magic systems I enjoy. And yes, please do give recommendations!

(For series I always put the first book in here)

These book recommendations reflect the essence of the chinese drama, Pursuit of Jade, while still being its own story. For those who are interested in stories about value: finding raw potential in what others dismiss, navigating high stakes social and economic games, and protecting one's legacy.