Phoenix author Mindy Tarquini once again makes magic at the intersection of fantasy and historical fiction with her third novel, Deepest Blue (Sparkpress, $16.95). Drawing on her Italian heritage, Tarquini takes the real historical Calabrian village of Panduri – decimated by an earthquake in the 16th century – and alchemizes it into an enchanted hamlet visible only at twilight, where everyone’s fate is irrevocably determined by the stars. When the duke’s sons tamper with their destinies, an epic journey of loss, grief, sibling rivalry and, ultimately, self-determination begins. It’s a relatable read for anyone who has struggled to find his place in the world and made bold moves to create an authentic life.
