8 Novels About Rural People With Supernatural Powers

Rural settings often evoke a sense of simplicity and tradition, but in these novels, rural people possess extraordinary abilities that defy the natural order. From magical powers to psychic abilities, these characters navigate the challenges of rural life while also contending with their unique gifts. Here are 8 novels that explore the intersection of rural life and the supernatural:

1. The Night Country by Melissa Albert

In this dark and atmospheric novel, the residents of the Hinterland, a rural town, possess eerie and magical powers. The protagonist, Alice, must navigate this strange world while uncovering the secrets of her own supernatural abilities.

2. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

In Henrietta, a small town in Virginia, a group of friends discovers that they have connections to the mystical ley lines that run through the town. As they unravel the mysteries of their powers, they must also contend with the dangers that come with tapping into supernatural forces.

3. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

Set in rural New Mexico, this novel follows Antonio, a young boy who is mentored by Ultima, a curandera with supernatural abilities. As Antonio learns about the power of herbs and magic, he must grapple with the spiritual and moral questions that come with possessing such powers.

4. The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen

In a world where caste and magic determine one’s fate, Fie, a member of the lowly Crow caste, possesses the ability to ease the suffering of others. When she discovers a prince with a target on his back, Fie must use her powers to protect him while navigating the dangerous world of court politics.

5. Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew Sullivan

In this novel set in a bookstore in a small Colorado town, the protagonist, Lydia, uncovers a link between a series of mysterious suicides and a childhood trauma. As she delves deeper into the secrets of the town and its residents, she discovers her own psychic abilities.

6. The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones

In a village plagued by reanimated corpses known as bone houses, Ryn, a gravedigger, possesses the ability to see and communicate with the dead. When a mysterious stranger arrives in town, Ryn must use her powers to uncover the truth behind the bone houses and protect her community.

7. The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

In this prequel to Practical Magic, three siblings in rural Massachusetts discover that they come from a long line of witches with supernatural abilities. As they explore their powers and grapple with the limitations of magic, they must confront the family curse that threatens to tear them apart.

8. The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

In a remote Vermont town, the line between the living and the dead blurs as the residents grapple with supernatural occurrences. The novel weaves together the stories of past and present inhabitants, revealing the connection between the town’s mysterious powers and a tragic event that continues to haunt them.

Conclusion

These novels offer a glimpse into the lives of rural people who possess supernatural powers, blending elements of magic and mystery with the everyday challenges of rural life. As the characters navigate their powers and the forces that seek to control them, they must confront questions of identity, morality, and belonging. Through their journeys, readers are invited to explore the intersections of the natural and the supernatural, the mundane and the extraordinary.

FAQs

1. Are these novels suitable for young adult readers?

While some of these novels may contain mature themes and content, many of them are suitable for young adult readers who enjoy fantasy and supernatural elements.

2. What makes rural settings a compelling backdrop for stories about supernatural powers?

Rural settings often evoke a sense of isolation and mystery, making them the perfect backdrop for stories that involve supernatural forces. The juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary creates a rich and evocative setting for exploring themes of power, belonging, and the unknown.

3. Can readers who are not familiar with rural life still enjoy these novels?

Yes, these novels offer a mix of fantasy, mystery, and suspense that will appeal to readers regardless of their familiarity with rural settings. The themes of power, identity, and family are universal and resonate with readers from all backgrounds.