calsfoundation@cals.org
Staff Picks: Darrel McLaughlin
Darrel McLaughlin has worked at CALS for 14 years, most recently in Technical Services. He tries to read a variety of diverse books but lately he has mostly been reading Star Wars graphic novels. He lives in an apartment with a pug and another human being. His pick for you is the urban fantasy California Bones by Greg Van Eekhout. Set in an alternate world where osteomancers gain power by consuming the bones of magical creatures, including those of other osteomancers, a group of thieves plan a heist to steal the emperor’s private collection of bones and a magical sword crafted by the protagonist’s father. This series has compelling and sympathetic characters, unique and interesting magic systems, cannibalism, a heist, tacos, and there’s even a dragon, if you’re into that sort of thing. Perfect for fans of Jim Butcher or Brandon Sanderson.