Abhorson Trilogy and Across the Wall by Garth Nix

The trilogy includes Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen all of which take place in a universe where the Old Kingdom borders the country of Ancelstierre. In the Old Kingdom, the Charter allows all people to use magic, although some (mostly necromancers) also attempt to use dangerous Free Magic to accomplish what regular magic cannot. On the other side of a spelled wall, the people of Ancelstierre are people of science, much like today's world of technology, and do not believe in the magic of the Old Kingdom.

Sabriel is just finishing school in Ancelstierre where she has lived for years, while her father, Abhorsen, travels around the Old Kingdom, using the skills of a necromancer and the magic of the Charter to undo the damage of actual necromancers and put souls back to rest. Now, however, Sabriel discovers that her father is missing and that strange and terrible things roam the Old Kingdom in his absence. As she sets out to find him, she gathers companions along the way - a cat named Mogget who is not at all what he seems, and Touchstone, a man who has been ensorceled for two hundred years. Together they must help Sabriel find her father, learn to use her powers, and stop the evil before the entire kingdom is lost.

The other two books take place back-to-back, more than a decade after the end of Sabriel. Lirael is a daughter of the Clayr who are distant cousins of the royal line and who all come into their peculiar power of seeing the future. But Lirael is different - she does not look like the other Clayr and does not know who her father was since her mother died when she was young; worst of all, Lirael is quickly becoming the oldest Clayr who has not yet come into the Sight. In desperation, Lirael finally gains permission to work in the library and devotes herself to learning and the use of complicated Charter magic. Along with the companion she creates, the Disreputable Dog, she stumbles upon her fate, different from all of the other Clayr.

Meanwhile, Sam, the prince, encounters terrible magic on the other side of the wall where he has been sent to school. Although he escapes, he has been wounded both physically and emotionally. He is sent home to recuperate, but he cannot seem to bring himself to do what his parents expect of him. Even worse, his friend (Nick) came out of the experience even more damaged although no one realized it. Now, Sam has decided to sneak out on his own and find Nick, not understanding the depth of the problem awaiting him. When his path crosses Lirael's, they must join forces (along with Mogget and the Dog) and race to save the kingdom from the evil threatening to destroy them all.

I really enjoyed this trilogy (and not only because Lirael was a librarian, although that was a fun part of the story); the characters are all very well developed and easy to relate to. There were a few parts of the world-building that were confusing when they were first introduce (for example, the Clayr are mentioned in the first book, but there is no real explanation of who they are until the second book), but I did not feel as though they really detracted significantly from the story. Although Nix's style can be a little tedious, I did not feel that these books were as slow as the Keys to the Kingdom series that I reviewed previously. Aside from all of that, these books are rather unique although they are a bit darker than some fantasy - particularly since the central plot revolves around necromancy and Raised Dead. I would definitely recommend these books to fantasy readers who are looking for something a little different or a little more serious than some of the lighter books.


Also, Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories includes a story about what happens to Nick following the end of the trilogy, although the other short stories are not related in any way. The story about Nick was a nice 'postscript' to the books although I was a little disappointed by the ending (I would have liked to know more about what happened and what had happened to all of the other characters who are not mentioned). I did not read all of the other stories in the book, although several of them were very interesting and readers who are looking for short stories that are a little different may want to pick this book up for some quick reads.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Last Apprentice, The Protector of the Small series, or Annals of the Western Shore

"Minds" Series by Carol Matas and Perry Nodelman

The first book, Of Two Minds, describes a world in which extraordinary things happen. Princess Lenora lives in Gepeth, where all of the people have the ability to make whatever they imagine come true; they choose not to imagine things, however, because of the Balance that has been decided upon. Her father has decided that it is time she married and has chosen Prince Coren of neighboring Andilla. In Andilla, the people have a different ability: they can all read one another's minds and have decided to live within their imaginations, seeing the world in their heads rather than the world that surrounds them. Lenora is so upset when she discovers that their parents want them to wed that she ends up jumping into another world - to realize that Coren has somehow tagged along. But it will take both of them to set things to rights and get back home, if they can ever learn to work together.

In More Minds, a giant is attacking the countryside in Gepeth. Lenora decides that she can best solve the problem and rushes off to find him, leaving a double of herself to take her place and then accidentally creating a double of Coren when she finds that the giant may be more than she can handle. Meanwhile, Coren realizes what Lenora has done and goes to find her; together they discover that the problem is bigger than anyone realized and that the Balance itself is falling apart. (Not to mention that the doubles Lenora created are making their own decisions and causing headaches for the real Lenora and Coren.) They're going to have to find a way to fix things - fast.

By the third book, Out of Their Minds, Lenora and Coren are finally getting married, but when they reach Andilla for the ceremony, they discover that none of the Andillans' powers are working. The wedding has to be put on hold while Lenora and Coren try to discover what has gone wrong and restore the Balance yet again. At the same time, Lenora is haunted by dreams about Hevak, the tyrant she faced in the first book, and Coren worries that it might be changing her. The two of them have their hands full with this newest challenge.

Note: There is also a fourth book, A Meeting of Minds, but I have not read it.


These books are a lot of fun. They're a little fluffy but there's enough plot that they have some substance. To some extent, all of the books feel about the same, but the characters are amusing and well developed and the universe created for the story is certainly intriguing. These are definitely great books for some light reading and I would recommend them to fantasy fans who are looking for something a little different.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Nevermore, Resenting the Hero, or The Two Princesses of Bamarre

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

This book tells the story of Perseus Jackson (who goes by Percy), an ordinary twelve-year-old who has been kicked out of many schools when strange things happen. Soon, his life is going to become even stranger when he and his mother have to run from monsters in the middle of the night. Suddenly, Percy is at Half-Blood Hill, a summer camp for the (half-)children of Greek gods. Although he knows nothing about his real father, he's going to have to catch up quickly, because the gods are on the brink of war and his father has a quest for him...

I enjoyed this book for the most part - the plot is interesting and different although parts of it are a bit predictable, and the characters are likable. This book is definitely geared toward somewhat younger readers, but it's a good, light read. I would recommend this to fantasy fans looking for a quick read and those who prefer fantasy in the 'real world.'


Note: This is the first book in the series Percy Jackson & the Olympians, followed by The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and the final book (expected to be released in May 2009), The Last Olympian.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Fablehaven, Troll Fell, Now You See It, or The Last Apprentice

Elemental Masters Series by Mercedes Lackey

I have mentioned this series before, but I realized that I never actually reviewed the main body of books. These books are all historical (several include actual historical events including World War I and the San Francisco earthquake) and involve the workings of magic within the 'real world' on the premise that magic can be wielded by persons with a particular excess of an element (earth, air, fire, water) by summoning and using elemental spirits. Each of the stories is also a retelling of a fairy tale. Although not technically included in the series, the first is The Fire Rose, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

1. The Serpent's Shadow - In this version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Maya Witherspoon has just moved to London. The daughter of a British doctor and an Indian mother, she has had unique opportunities from living in India and has become a doctor in her own right. Unfortunately, she has not had proper magical training; although a powerful sorceress, her mother claimed that Maya's magic came from her father's world and that Maya would need to learn the craft from a western magician. Now, her parents dead (possibly by foul play), Maya has escaped with an Indian household and seven protective pets to make a life for herself in England. She must not only gain respect as a professional, but must also learn to use her powers before she will need them to protect herself.

2. The Gates of Sleep - The second book tells the story of Marina Roeswood, a girl cursed at birth and sent to live with three artistic 'relatives.' As Elemental Masters themselves, each of Marina's guardians has taught her the basics of the craft. Marina has never met her parents, but enjoys her life in the country, learning about magic and creativity. Her life changes abruptly when her parents die unexpectedly and she is swept away by her father's sister Arachne. Marina must find a way to learn the secrets surrounding her parents and her seclusion in the country before her aunt can bring her evil plot into play.

3. Phoenix and Ashes - Eleanor Robinson is not terribly excited when her father brings home a new wife and stepsisters; when he leaves to fight in the Great War, her stepmother, Alison, takes a firmer hand on the household. Eleanor realizes that something is very wrong the night that they gain word of her father's death when Alison cuts off one of Eleanor's fingers and buries it under a hearthstone with dark Earth magic. Suddenly, Eleanor is subject to all of Alison's whims, tied to the house, and unable to understand her own abilities when she starts to see faces in the fire. Meanwhile, an upper-class neighbor, Reggie Fenyx, has also gone to war. As an Air Master, Reggie has been drawn to the air force and made a name for himself until he encounters an Air Master from the other side. Wounded physically and emotionally, Reggie can no longer call on his powers, nor protect himself from those who mean him harm. Somehow Eleanor and Reggie will have to find a way to help one another before it is too late for both of them to stop the evil in their midst.

4. The Wizard of London - In this retelling of the Snow Queen, Isabelle Harton and her husband Frederick have established a school after returning from India for the children of those abroad who cannot send their children to an upper-crust school and for those who care more about the love and attention the children receive. It is also a school for children with psychical powers that need to be trained since Isabelle, her husband, and several of their staff have the abilities to deal with special children who do have abilities other than those of Elemental Magic. Sarah Jane Lyon-White is one such child, sent to the school from Africa with a protective parrot Grey. Sarah soon befriends a street-urchin named Nan who also has special abilities and is invited into the school. Through a series of events, it appears that children with abilities, particularly Sarah and Nan, may be the targets of attack from an unknown source. Soon, Isabelle must confront unresolved feelings about David Alderscroft - a former friend and the current leader of the local Elemental Masters (nicknamed the Wizard of London) - and Sarah and Nan must learn how to use their undeveloped talents before all is lost.

5. Reserved for the Cat - A retelling of Puss in Boots.

Overall, I really enjoy this series and the characters that are created. In the first three, several of the characters reappear in later books with cameo roles. The fourth, The Magician of London was a bit vague, but based on some of the plot points in the other books, it appears to tell a story that comes before the others in the series, chronologically. Particularly, I like the way that Lackey finds a (relatively) plausible way to recreate fairy tales in the 'real world.' Each of the books has a slightly different feel which causes most readers to prefer certain books over others. For example, in Phoenix and Ashes, Eleanor learns about magic through the use of tarot cards, rather than with a human teacher as in the others; although I do not think this necessarily detracted from the book, it does not read the same way that the others do. Similarly, the last two books (as well as The Fire Rose) are not as closely connected to one another as the others in the series are. Regardless, I would definitely recommend these books, especially to those who enjoy retellings and simply suggest that disliking one book may not necessarily relate to the others.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Cecelia and Kate, Once Upon a Winter's Night, or Black Pearls

Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague by Brandon Mull


This sequel to the first two Fablehaven books begins immediately following the end of the second book, while Kendra and Seth are still staying with their grandparents during the summer. Seth stumbles onto the fact that something is turning light creatures dark; this problem quickly becomes severe when they realize that the condition is spreading. Meanwhile, Kendra gets inducted into the order of the Knights of the Dawn and is sent on a secret mission to another preserve to hopefully retrieve a second artifact. Additionally, all of the questions regarding the loyalties of the Sphinx and the trustworthiness of Vanessa complicate the predicament that all of the characters face as they race, once again, to save Fablehaven from falling and the world from the release of powerful demons.


This is a really great series overall. I enjoyed rereading the first two books (which is something I would recommend before starting the third to keep up with everything) and the third was just as good. Seth finally seems to grow out of his antics a bit in this one, which was a relief, and the newer characters all became more defined and more central to the story than they have in the first ones. The story is sophisticated enough to keep these books interesting for teens of all ages, and I definitely recommend them to fantasy fans. As a side note, according to the website, the fourth book, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, ought to be out by April 2009.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Last Apprentice, Dragonhaven, or Wicked Lovely

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

Vladimir Tod is a half-vampire high school freshman. His year is not off to a good start: the bullies target him, he can't seem to talk to the girl he likes, his best friend/human drudge seems more interested in popularity than in their friendship, and a vampire slayer may have been sent to find him. Luckily, a trip to Siberia with his uncle Otis helps him learn the basic vampire skills that he needs to master - but will he be able to use them well enough to stay alive until the end of the school year?

First of all, this book is actually the sequel to Eighth Grade Bites, which I have not yet read, so I may have missed some pieces that kept this book from being quite as good. That being said, I was not overly impressed with this book. It is not poorly written, but I thought the characterization was rather too chick-lit reminiscent which did not seem to fit the teenage boys, although it is clear that this series is geared toward younger teens who might identify with it better. Additionally, I thought that some parts of the plot and character relationships were much more shallow than they could have been, keeping the book almost too short and fluffy with a fairly predictable plot. I would recommend this book to younger teens and fantasy fans looking for quick, light reads.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Twilight, Once Upon a Marigold, or The Frog Princess

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Fifteen-year-old Chloe Saunders is a relatively ordinary student at a high school for the arts. Her life changes on the day that she starts seeing ghosts chasing her and ends up locked away in Lyle House - a group home for mentally ill teenagers. Life in Lyle House is not particularly terrible, but the relationships amongst the house-mates are complicated and they all have their own ways of coping with the adults in charge who are working to 'cure' them. Unfortunately, the situation is more complicated than Chloe realizes and getting out of the house and back to a 'normal' life may not be as simple as she had hoped.

This was an interesting book with well-developed characters and an intriguing plot. Although I enjoyed the book for the most part, my main complaint is that the book is rather slow in getting to the point and then rushes everything to a hanging ending (to be continued in the sequel, The Awakening) - anyone who particularly hates waiting for a resolution should probably pass this one up, at least until the other(s) are published. Generally, however, I would recommend this book, particularly to fantasy fans who prefer based in the 'real world' and in the 'supernatural beings/occurrences' aspect rather than myths.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Fablehaven, The Wish List, or Wicked Lovely

Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Although Ben (short for Benevolence) has always been a princess by virtue of being her uncle's heir, her parents have chosen to raise her as a fairly ordinary child. Unfortunately, at fifteen Ben's parents are both killed by a neighboring kingdom's assassins (though they deny responsibility) and Ben is immediately moved into the castle to be 'properly' trained at last. Unused to the demands and unwilling to cooperate, Ben suffers the unreasonable expectations of her aunt, Queen Sophia who finally moves her to a bare tower room and locks her in every night. But the tower room ends up to be a benefit when Ben discovers that it leads to a magic room, full of magical implements and a spell book. Now her time is spent learning spells whenever she can get away, but she'll have to learn quickly because she will soon need everything that she can remember.

This was a fairly good book. I enjoyed the characters and the relative unpredictability of the plot, although I felt as though the story seemed slow, particularly in the begin. I was amused by the random allusions to fairy tales that were spread throughout the book, although they seemed almost unrelated since they had no actual bearing on the plot or universe construction. I would have to say that, while this was not an incredible book, it was a good read, and worth picking up for some fairly light fantasy reading.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Heroics for Beginners, or Spirit Fox

Black Pearls: A Faerie Strand by Louise Hawes

This book is a series of short stories, retelling the tales of Rapunzel, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and Lady Godiva. Although the book is not long, none of the stories feels overly short and each includes an illustration. Several of the stories are told from non-traditional points-of-view: Rapunzel from the witch's perspective, Jack and the Beanstalk from the golden harp's perspective, Snow White from a dwarf's perspective.

Overall, I very much enjoyed these retellings although each one ends on a somewhat bittersweet note. For the most part, none of the stories is significantly changed from the traditional plots, however, each one shows a bit more humanity in the characters than fairy tales usually relate. These stories have no happily-ever-after even though Rapunzel escapes, Cinderella and Snow White marry their princes, and Hansel and Gretel's witch is defeated. I definitely recommend this book to fans of fantasy and fairy tale retellings in particular.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these:The Fairy's Return and Other Stories, Snow, Bound, or Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Bella has decided to move from Phoenix, Arizona to a tiny town called Forks in Washington to live with her father. The first day of school, she meets a boy named Edward who seems to hate her upon first sight, even though she doesn't know why. It turns out that Edward is a vampire - and Bella is falling in love with him regardless of the consequences.

I'm not usually a huge fan of vampire books (they're ok, just not really my thing), but this one has been so popular that I decided to pick it up and I have to admit - it was pretty great. This book is incredibly addictive and the story pulls the reader in quickly. The characters are believable and well developed (although I have to admit there was one detail about the vampires that was a little hokey). I'm really looking forward to the time when I can get my hands on the sequel. Obviously, I would recommend this book to other readers, but I do have to point out that while this is a vampire book (with some blood and violence and whatnot), the main focus of the book is on the romance between Bella and Edward - so if romance is not your thing, this is probably not your book.


Note: This is the first book in the Twilight Saga which includes Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. Additionally, the author is working on a parallel book, Midnight Sun which tells the story of Twilight from Edward's point of view. For more information, or to read excerpts, check out Stephenie Meyer's homepage.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Wicked Lovely, Poison Study, or Resenting the Hero

Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr


In Wicked Lovely, Aislinn has had the Sight since birth - she has always seen faeries even though she'd rather not. Her grandmother has taught her to act as though she cannot see them to keep from attracting their attention. Faeries are dangerous creatures. Suddenly, however, the faeries have taken a particular interest in her and she can't seem to get away from them. What she doesn't know is that Keenan, the Summer King has been searching for centuries to find his Summer Queen because without her, summer will disappear. Ash clings to her friends and 'normal' life, but Keenan has chosen her to be the next mortal he tests and will not be ignored. With each of them fighting for what they want, it's possible that neither of them will win...

The second book, Ink Exchange is a sequel, picking up a bit after Wicked Lovely, but the main character is Aislinn's friend, Leslie. Leslie is having a difficult time since her mother left - her father spends his time gambling and drinking and her brother deals drugs. She is desperate to make changes in her life and has decided that the first step is to get a tattoo. Leslie knows nothing of the Faery Courts or the complications for Irial and his Dark Court since the changes in the Winter and Summer Courts. When Leslie gets her tattoo, it changes her in more ways that she intended and forces her to discover things about herself and the world around her that she has never seen before.


I really enjoyed these books and I was really looking forward to the sequel when I finished the first one. The characters and the way that the faeries are constructed within the 'real world' are all very believable and the plots are interesting and relatively unpredictable. These books are easy to read and the tone of each one really fits the characters that they focus on (lighter for Wicked Lovely and the Summer Court, darker for Ink Exchange and the Dark Court). I would definitely recommend these books to fantasy fans - especially if you enjoy books about magic in the real world or books about faeries.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Summoning, Poison Study, Fablehaven, or Twilight

The Magic and the Healing by Nick O'Donohoe

BJ Vaughan is having a rough time - her mother's recent suicide has disrupted her concentration and, even though she's almost done with vet school, she isn't sure that she'll be able to finish. Her perspectives begin to change when one of the professors invites her to join a selective large animal rotation. In the class, she and her fellow students are introduced to Crossroads, a parallel world that intersects the 'real world' where the veterinary students encounter challenges that they had never imagined. They must learn to practice medicine with little access to information on the physiology or treatment of unicorns, griffins, or centaurs, among others. As each of the students discovers that the world is a bit larger than they believed, BJ must face her fears and discover whether or not she is willing to accept a new view on her own reality.

Unlike most fantasy books, this one is very strongly rooted in reality - the experiences of the students are told with explicit description of veterinary examinations and procedures. At the same time, the book is about the people as much as it is about the medicine. The story focuses primarily on BJ and her struggle to make difficult decisions in her life, although, personally I didn't feel all that sympathetic even though her character is well developed. Perhaps this is partly because some elements of the story seemed predictable, even from the start. The narration of the story actually switches between the students and the king of Crossroads (Brandal) which is a little confusing at times and is never entirely resolved even at the end of the book. Overall, even though the book had some issues, they were relatively minor and didn't detract from the story. I would still recommend this book to readers, especially those who enjoy 'real world' fantasy books.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Dragonhaven, Dark Lord of Derkholm, or The Wish List

Reserved for the Cat by Mercedes Lackey

Ninette Dupond has just lost her job with the Paris Opera Ballet because she performed a piece just a little too well for the tastes of one of the prima ballerinas. With limited options, she is just about to give up on finding a new position when a cat shows up at her apartment and speaks to her, convincing her to pack her things and travel to England. Soon she is wrapped up in a scheme pretending to be a Russian ballerina and performing again in an English theater. Her new life seems a little too good to be true, however, and little does she know that an elemental spirit has devoured the real ballerina that she's impersonating and the elemental has found out about Ninette's deception and has decided to remove the competition.

This is the most recent book in the Elemental Master's series (The Serpent's Shadow, The Gates of Sleep, Phoenix and Ashes, The Wizard of London), but it seems to work more as a stand-alone than as a continuation that some of the other books maintain. I enjoyed this book well enough although I didn't feel that it was one of the best in the series. The characters are very well developed and the plot is interesting without being too predictable. I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy readers, especially those who enjoy historical fiction and fantasy books that involve magic in the 'real world.'

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Wicked Lovely, or Black Pearls

Dragonhaven by Robin McKinley

Jake has spent his entire life at the Makepeace Institute which protects Smokehill National Park - one of the largest dragon preserves in the world. He has had an unconventional upbringing as the son of two professors, but he has enjoyed living at the park. Jake's mother died when he was young, in a mysterious accident at the park and shortly after, his dog died as well, leaving him very much alone. Those experiences have shaped Jake's life as he prepares for his first overnight excursion in the Park. But when something entirely unexpected happens that night, Jake's life is going to be irreparably changed and force him to grow up far more quickly than he expected.

This book is rather typical of McKinley's style, told in a roundabout way using first person; it was very slow in the start and felt a bit dense and wordy, but picked up a few chapters in. Once I got to the main part of the story, I enjoyed reading it. The characters are a little fuzzy in their development, but not enough to detract from the story and the plot in certainly different than the usual novel. Overall, I enjoyed reading Dragonhaven and I'd recommend it to fantasy fans.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Fablehaven, The Harper Hall Trilogy, or The Last Apprentice

Stravaganza: City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

Lucien is a young boy with cancer, struggling through his most recent treatment. His father gives him a blank book with a strange design on the cover so that he'll have someplace to write his thoughts. Something strange happens when Lucien falls asleep holding it, though - he finds himself in a place called 'Belleza' which seems very like old Venice but with important differences. Lucien discovers from the people there that he is a 'Stravagante,' meaning that he can travel between his world and that of Belleza. Although it starts as a fun adventure, his trips begin to cause complications at home, and things become more dangerous in Belleza; will Lucien be able to keep up his double life without everything falling apart?

First of all, I should point out that this book is written by a British author and takes a little getting used to for anyone who reads primarily American English books. Otherwise, the story is interesting and the characters are fairly well-crafted, but I definitely felt that there were some issues. Parts of the book made little sense and, in some cases the logic was explained after the fact, but I really could not accept some of the claims that were central to the plot. Also, the whole story seemed unsophisticated and the ending of the book appears to reconcile all of the loose ends, but I didn't think that it worked quite as well as it is meant to. This book is actually the first of three: Stravaganza: City of Stars, and Stravaganza: City of Flowers but I was not impressed enough with the first to continue reading the series. In general, I would say that this book wasn't bad for a light, 'fluffy' read if the subject sounds appealing, but I don't recommend it as one that I really enjoyed; consider these instead:

• The Keys to the Kingdom, Fablehaven, Once Upon a Marigold, or The Last Apprentice

Annals of the Western Shore by Ursula K. Le Guin

In the first book of this series, Gifts, Orrec and Gry live in the Uplands where powerful families keep control of their lands and feifs by wielding magical gifts that are inherited father to son and mother to daughter. Orrec's gift is slow to come, but when it shows itself, it is so powerful and uncontrollable that his family ends up blindfolding him to make sure that he does not accidentally kill in anger. His friend, Gry, has the power to call animals but refuses to call them for the hunt. Together, they must find a way to deal with the way that their birthrights conflict with their beliefs.

The second book, Voices, takes place about 20 years later, after Orrec and Gry have become travelers. This book takes place in Ansul - a city that used to be a mecca for learning before the Alds invaded. The desert dwellers have taken over the city and hold the city hostage, destroying all books which they claim are evil. Memer is a 'siege brat' - half Ald and half native of the city. When she learns to read, a new world opens to her and she realizes that her destiny lies in learning about her mother's heritage and the secrets of Ansul. But will she learn enough to save herself and her people?

The third book, Powers, tells the story of Gavir, a slave in Etra. He and his sister were taken from the Marsh people to be house slaves of the Arca family. Gavir has the power of foresight from his ancestors, but his sister, Sallo, tells him that he mustn't ever tell anyone about his visions. Gav lives a happy life - the Arca family treats their slaves well and has all of them educated, Gavir most of all since he will replace the current teacher. His life changes forever when their city comes under seige and he first reads Caspro's poetry. Later events cause him to leave his home and his travels take hime many places, forcing him to reevaluate what it means to be educated, skilled, or free - only he can figure out what he seeks, and then, perhaps, find it once and for all.


This is certainly an interesting series; each of the books is stand-alone, although they are connected. The characters and places are all unique and so well developed that readers can clearly imagine the world and events. Personally, I tend to find Le Guin's style to be a little tedious - I enjoyed these stories, but they did seem rather slow. The third one was the best of the bunch except that the second half of the book or so felt repetetive and a bit longer than it needed to be. All in all, I would still recommend these books to fantasy fans, but just keep in mind that these books aren't for you if you prefer less descriptive, or more fast-paced writing styles.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Keys to the Kingdom, Spindle's End, or Princess Academy

Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey

Etienne de Brabant refuses to have anything to do with his daughter when her birth causes the death of his beloved wife. Instead, he leaves her to be raised by servants and brings a boy, Raoul, to grow up along side her. He says nothing about Raoul's origins and insists that he never leave his land. His daughter, called 'La Cendrillon,' and Raoul live happily as siblings, but their lives change when they turn sixteen and de Brabant's new wife and stepdaughters move into the household. When they receive an invitation to a royal ball, the stepmother's decisions will change the course of all of their lives. Finally, La Cendrillon begins to understand the meaning of family and the way to ensure a happy ending.

This was an intriguing retelling of Cinderella because it challenges many of the inherent conceptions of the story that show up in most versions. Aside from the expected resolution, parts of the plot were rather predictable. The characters are very well developed and likeable, however. Overall, I really enjoyed this book except that the ending seemed a little rushed and would have been better if it were a little longer. Despite that, I would definitely recommend this book - particularly to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Bound, or Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms

Bound by Donna Jo Napoli

In this Chinese retelling of Cinderella, Xing Xing lives with her Stepmother and step sister, Wei Ping. She does most of the work around the house because her sister's feet are bound to make them smaller (an old tradition in many parts of China) and cause her great pain. Although Xing Xing has been educated to read and write, she rarely gets to practice her poetry or calligraphy; she has learned to take pleasure in small things - like the beautiful carp that visits her when she goes to the stream to get water. Unless her sister can make a good marriage, their whole family will be in trouble, so Xing Xing does all that she can to help her Stepmother and sister, hoping that perhaps she will find happiness herself, one day.

This is a beautiful story - very close to the Western Cinderella tale despite being set in China. Although written in third person, Xing Xing is definitely the main character and readers see everything through her eyes - and shaded with her sense of poetry and artistic vision. One thing that is different about this retelling is that, although there is a sense of mysticism and Chinese traditions (which feel a bit 'foreign'), there is no real 'magic' in the story; everything that happens is fairly realistic. The ending feels a little unfinished, but overall I enjoyed this book and it's a quick read with short chapters, which is nice when there is only time to read in short bits. I would recommend this book, particularly to fans who enjoy retellings and those who prefer more realism.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: East, The Fire Rose, or Protector of the Small series

The Last Apprentice by Joseph Delaney

The first book in this series The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch introduces Tom Ward, a twelve year old boy who has just been apprenticed to the Spook. As the seventh son of a seventh son, Tom has a special awareness for creatures of the dark - which are what spooks fight against, keeping the County safe for ordinary people. The work is not for the faint hearted - he must quickly learn about ghosts, ghasts, and how to bind the different sorts of boggarts. Perhaps most importantly, Tom will have to learn who to trust and how to get himself out of some particularly difficult situations...

In the second book, Curse of the Bane, several months of Tom's apprenticeship have passed and he has learned a lot. But now he and his master have set out to rid Priestown of a particularly old and malevolent spirit called the Bane. Although the Bane is trapped in the catacombs beneath the main temple of Priestown, it has the ability to convince those outside to do its will. Tom is worried because the last time the Spook faced the Bane, he nearly died. To make matters worse, the Quisitor, a ranking official who will burn them both at the stake as 'warlocks' if he finds them, has just come to Priestown too. Taking care of the Bane and getting out of Priestown alive will require work and some particularly good luck.

The third book, Night of the Soul Stealer, explains what happens when they move to the Spook's winter home in Anglezarke. The 'dark' is closer there and Tom and his master have more than enough work. Their biggest problem, however, is the possibility that someone will try to release an ancient god of winter, Golgoth, and bring about the destruction of everything. Tom will need everything he's learned so far to make it through the winter alive.

These are great books. I'm not usually a fan of 'horror', but these novels venture into the 'dark' without getting too caught up in the suspense and attempts to startle readers. They seem to be geared more toward younger teens, but I think they're definitely at a level that older readers can appreciate as well - the plots are fairly complex and have a level of sophistication that make them unpredictable. There's quite a bit of good characterization in these books, although some characters still have unresolved issues/motives so that readers are not entirely sure what to make of them. I enjoyed reading them and I would absolutely recommend them to fantasy readers, particularly those who prefer the books that are more about the dark aspects of fantasy, but also anyone looking for an interesting series that isn't fluffy.


Notes:

Books 4 (Attack of the Fiend) and 5 (Wrath of the Bloodeye) are also published now, but I have not yet read them.

Since Delaney is a British author, these books were also published in the UK as the "Wardstone Chronicles" with the titles The Spook's Apprentice, The Spook's Curse, The Spook's Secret, The Spook's Battle, and The Spook's Mistake.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Keys to the Kingdom, Dark Lord of Derkholm, or Fablehaven

Magic Can Be Murder by Vivian Vande Velde

Nola and her mother are witches - that's why they have to keep on the move every time someone starts to suspect. Unfortunately, as she gets older, her mother starts to lose her grip on reality and puts both of them at even more risk. Everything changes the night that Nola accidentally witnesses a murder while using magic - but worse, there's a chance that the murderer might implicate them if he realizes their secret. So Nola sets out in an attempt to cover their tracks and ends up even deeper. Now she has to get herself free from the tangled web without anyone realizing that she's a witch or she and her mother will both suffer.

This was an interesting story and it's a fairly quick read; the end seemed a bit contrived to me, but otherwise, it was all believable. I liked the characters and they definitely kept the plot from becoming too convoluted despite the layers of complications. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers who like a little edge of mystery or a relatively short book that isn't too fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Howl's Moving Castle, Cecilia and Kate, Black Pearls, or The Immortals series

Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguié

One day a storm comes up suddenly while a fisherman is out at sea. In the midst of the waves, he finds a glowing young girl who has white hair and skin and clutches a giant black pearl. He takes her home and he and his wife raise 'Pearl' as their own. She grows up quickly, however, and realizes that the only way to find happiness for herself and her friends is to discover the secret about where she comes from and who she really is.

This story is a great retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' (it's rather different than both the original and the Disney versions). The characters are well described and easy to envision and the plot is interesting, following the basic story but without being too predictable. I enjoyed this book a lot - the only disappointment was that it was a bit short and the ending seemed a little abrupt. I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy readers.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Snow, The Elemental Masters series, Flora Segunda, or The Princess Academy

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Sophie Hatter lives in a world where magic is real. Unfortunately, she has read enough fairy tales to realize that, as the oldest of three daughters, she's the least likely to have any great luck or grand adventures. When her father dies, she resigns herself to running their hat shop and turning into a timid spinster while her sisters have more exciting futures. Her life changes in an instant when the Witch of the Waste casts a spell to make her an old woman and she realizes that she cannot stay with her family any longer. Sophie decides that her only hope is to seek out the Wizard Howl (the evil wizard who eats the souls of young girls and lives in a moving castle). What she finds, of course, is entirely different from her expectations and suddenly Sophie is in the middle of an adventure of her own.

This is definitely an interesting story with well-written characters and a unique plot. It has a rather odd blend of 'real world' versus 'magical world;' it comes across fairly well since the two are linked in several ways, although I have to admit that there didn't seem to be much reason for it. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to fantasy readers - particularly those looking for something out of the the ordinary.

As a side note, I happened to see the movie first and I have to say that while it's cute, the book makes far more sense; I was confused by several points in the movie (most of which aren't in the book and the rest of which are clarified in the text). The movie is a nice bit of fluffy fantasy anime, but reading the book helps a lot.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, Now You See It, or Cecilia and Kate

Snow by Tracy Lynn

Jessica's mother dies when she is born and her father, the duke of a small Welsh estate, wants nothing to do with her. Instead he searches for a new duchess and a chance to start over as his daughter is raised by the kitchen staff and runs wild. When her father remarries, Jessica must abandon her friends and learn how to be a 'proper lady,' but even that ends when her stepmother decides to punish her by locking her away as a servant. One of her stepmother's servants has become her friend and he helps her to escape to London. Going by the name 'Snow,' she ends up living with a band of outcasts but soon discovers that if she wants to keep her new life, she'll have to fight for it.

I really enjoyed this retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (although, there are only 5 'dwarfs' in this story). The story is definitely different from other versions I've read with a blend of both magic and 'science', of a sort. This book is a fairly quick read, but not too 'fluffy' and the characters are all rather interesting but also believable. I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy readers, particularly fans of retellings.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Elemental Masters series, Cecelia and Kate, Dark Lord of Derkholm, or East

Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey

In this retelling of Sleeping Beauty, Aurore grows up with reminders of her christening-day curse all around her. Forbidden to touch sharp objects or go outside, she feels smothered. Finally, her parents agree to loosen the strictures and make the bittersweet discovery that she is the heir they always hoped she would be. But the curse remains. Aurore grows up and embarks on an adventure to delay the curse, and, perhaps, change her future.

I don't think this is one of my favorite retellings of Sleeping Beauty. The story is certainly an interesting take, although I'm not a huge fan of the writing style: told in first person, the beginning of the story is full of asides which I thought were a bit tedious. After the first couple of chapters, however, the commentaries disappear. The ending is also a bit unorthodox, but ties up all of the loose ends well. Overall, I would say that I liked this story, but I would probably only recommend it to fantasy fans who are really into retellings or readers who prefer the first person narrative-style stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Spindle's End, Princess Nevermore, or The Frog Princess

The Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix

The first book in this series, Mister Monday, introduces Arthur Penhaligon, a fairly average seventh- grader in the (presumably) near future. Arthur is supposed to die, but a twist of fate brings him a 'key' which saves his life and also causes him to see odd things - like the house that takes up half the street in his neighborhood. Suddenly strange creatures come after him, causing those around him to grow sick with the 'Sleepy Plague.' Arthur realizes that to save himself and his family, he must venture into the strange house. Suddenly, Arthur is swept up in an adventure without any idea of what the key means. But soon, he'll discover that he has gotten more than he bargained for: the Will has declared that he is the rightful heir and it's his job to undo damage and set things to rights, even though Monday won't give up his position without a fight.


The next four books tell the story of Arthur's struggle to release the rest of the Will and gain control of the keys:

In Grim Tuesday, Tuesday has decided to call in Monday's debt and will take it from Arthur in any way necessary, forcing Arthur to sneak back into the House and gather new friends and allies as he works through new challenges.

Wednesday follows in Drowned Wednesday; Arthur receives an invitation from Wednesday and discovers that she has been cursed by others of the Morrow Days, causing her to eat until she has turned into a Leviathan. She offers her key freely if Arthur will help release her from the spell, forcing Arthur to make difficult decisions about whom he should trust. Meanwhile, his friend, Leaf, has accidentally gotten caught up in Arthur's adventures and must find a way to keep herself safe while Arthur forges ahead to gain the third key.

After dealing with Wednesday, Arthur discovers in Sir Thursday that a copy of him has taken up residence on Earth and is trying to gain control of everyone around him. Leaf gets sent back to help, but Arthur must stay because he has been called up to serve in Thursday's army, as all denizens must do at some point. Army life would be dangerous enough, but an army of Nithlings ,unlike any the denizens have ever seen, has appeared and started a war. Arthur's only hope may be to gain the fourth key and negotiate peace.

Finally, in Lady Friday, Leaf discovers that Friday is abducting mortals from Earth and experimenting on them. In the House, Friday has lead Arthur and others on a wild goose chase for her key, claiming to have abdicated. Only Arthur can save his friend and the other innocent people that Friday is tormenting, if only he can wade through all the traps first.


Note: According to Amazon, the sixth book, Superior Saturday, will be released in August 2008. The seventh, and final, book does not yet have a release date.

This series is great. It seems to be geared somewhat toward younger teens, but they're interesting enough for all ages. The story is new, imaginative, and fairly unpredictable. There are not many 'solid' characters in these books (most of them are generic 'denizens of the House' that Arthur meets on his quests), but Arthur is definitely well defined and easy to sympathize with. The plot keeps moving at a good pace and these books are all fairly quick reads, but without being too 'fluffy.' I'm looking forward to the final two books and I would definitely recommend them to fantasy fans of all ages.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Last Apprentice, Fablehaven, or Flora Segunda

The Saint of the Dragons by Jason Hightman

Dragons were feared and hunted in the time of St. George, but are believed to be extinct. Instead, they have merely adapted to the new, modern environment and continue to spread their evil amongst humans. Simon St. George is a thirteen-year-old boy who has no memory of his parents and has lived at an elite private boys school since he was very young. Suddenly, a ragged-looking man appears out of nowhere, claiming to be his father and spirits him away, plunging him head-first into the family dragon hunting business. Due to unusual circumstances, Simon and his father are the last dragon hunters of their lineage; unfortunately, things are about to get even more unusual and no one else can stop the dragons' plot. Along with Alaythia Moore, an artist who gets swept up in their adventures, they travel across the seas looking for clues and a way to save the world.

I have to admit that I'm personally not a huge fan of the 'evil dragon' plot, but the author builds an intriguingly plausible scenario in this book. The characterization is fairly good although the relationships between the characters are a bit forced. Additionally, the author relies on the relationships to drive much of the plot which makes it a bit repetitive; the constant fighting between father and son, in particular, tends to get old. Overall, this book has an interesting premise, but the story is somewhat lacking. It is definitely geared toward younger teens and those readers may enjoy it more. It isn't a bad book if you're looking for something with a real-life 'modern' storyline, but readers who want a more sophisticated writing style (or who are easily annoyed by characters who keep making the same mistakes) should probably pass this one over.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Dragonhaven, Fablehaven, or Now You See It

Spirit Fox by Mickey Zucker Reichert and Jennifer Wingert

Reminiscent of medieval fiefs, the matriarchal fort communities of the Marchlands have long fought in a battle dictated by their gods. But when the gods make peace amongst themselves, the people embrace the 'Joyous Reunion' and make it illegal to learn fighting or warcraft of any kind. Unfortunately, years of peace have made them an easy target for an invading foreign army intent on wiping out the magic that many people wield as healers and soothsayers as well as those who have been spirit-linked to animals – a magical connection which the foreigners call an Abomination but which the Marchlanders view as a gift from their gods. One young girl, Kiarda, suffers a particularly difficult fate because her spirit link has become corrupted, causing her to turn into a fox. She must learn how to deal with her personal healing and find ways to save her people before their way of life is destroyed.

I really enjoy this book - the plot is relatively unusual, but definitely interesting. The characters are well developed (although occasionally a little too predictable) and the characterization of the invaders in particular added a unique facet to the story. The ending is a little too neat to be entirely 'realistic,' but it does tie up all the loose ends satisfyingly. I'd definitely recommend this book to fantasy fans.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Reserved for the Cat, Half-Human, Resenting the Hero, or Dragonsdawn

The Wish List by Eoin Colfer

Meg Finn has few options since her mother died and her step-father has kicked her out. For that matter, she hasn't really been a good kid. But now, her 'partner-in-crime,' Belch, has convinced her that they should break into an old person's house and rob him and Meg has to go along with it even though she isn't very happy. But the crime goes wrong and both Belch and Meg end up dead. Now, Belch goes straight to Hell, but Meg has ended up with an absolute even score and cannot enter either Heaven or Hell. To try and skew the balance, Meg has a second chance - she has to go back and help Lowrie McCall (the man that they tried to rob) finish up his Wish List of things that he wants to accomplish before he dies. It sounds rather simple. Unfortunately, Satan has decided that he'd like to have Meg down below and his second-in-command sends Belch out to 'make her bad.' Meg doesn't have very long to change her fate, and she has no idea how complicated it's going to be.

I'm not sure this qualifies as a 'fantasy' book per se, but it's definitely supernatural, so I thought it might interest some fantasy readers. This was a fairly quick read - it's aimed at the younger teens, but older readers will enjoy it too. The story is rather out of the ordinary and the characters are fairly well done. I'd definitely recommend it to readers looking for something quick and somewhat 'fluffy' or for anyone looking for something a little less 'fantastical,' but still outside the general fiction category.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Summoning, The Keys to the Kingdom, Reseerved for the Cat, or Fablehaven

Princess Nevermore by Dian Curtis Regan

Quinella is the only princess of Mandria, a kingdom where magic still lives beneath 'outer earth.' One of her favorite pastimes is watching the people who live above from the bottom of a wishing well that forms a portal between the worlds. Although she wishes to visit, Melikar, the only wizard who could send her, refuses. When she gets transported above by accident, however, she finds herself in the modern world with no understanding of cars, microwaves, or any other outer earth 'magic.' For that matter, she only knows how to be a princess and has no idea how to deal without the social strictures that she is accustomed to. Worst of all, she left without instructions on how to get back - and she's the only one who can get herself home. Quinn slowly gains more understanding of outer earth and discovers the inherent dangers - now she must make the most difficult choice of all.

This is a fairly quick read. The idea is interesting and the characterization drives the story, showing how a magical princess might view the world. The plot, however, seemed rather contrived and formulaic. Every point was too neat and planned, rendering it unrealistic (by fantasy standards). At the same time, it is clear that even though the book is usually categorized as a 'young adult' novel based on the age of the main characters (15-17), it certainly seems to be aimed at younger teens and might appeal to fantasy readers who want a light, fluffy read.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Once Upon a Marigold, Now You See It, orThe Two Princesses of Bamarre

Poison Study and Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

In Poison Study, Yelena is on her way to hang for murder; instead, she is offered an alternate fate. If she would prefer, she can have a permanent position in the palace with all of her needs taken care of. The catch is that she'll be working as the food taster for the Commander until one of his meals becomes her last. Yelena seizes the opportunity but finds the position less tenable when Valek, the chief of security, poisons her with Butterfly's Dust - only a daily dose of the antidote will keep her alive. With no chance of escape, Yelena discovers that her life is in danger from even more sources: her past still haunts her and a plot involving magic (in a country where magic is illegal) seems to center around her. Yelena must work fast to keep one step ahead before she ends up dead, one way or another...

In Magic Study, Although Yelena's fate has changed dramatically after the events in Ixia, she still has plenty of people out to kill her: an execution order is in effect in Ixia because of her magic, but the magicians training her will kill her if she cannot learn to control her abilities sufficiently. Meanwhile, her parents welcome her with open arms, but not all southerners are willing to accept her so quickly, including her brother. Rumors that she is a northern spy and assassin follow her all the way to the Citadel where students train as magicians. Plots crop up at every turn and suddenly, Yelena discovers that there are just as many complications awaiting her in Sitia as she had left behind. Luckily, she's up for a challenge.

I'm definitely enjoying this series - it's original and intriguing. The characters are well thought-out and the plot is complex but not confusing. I did feel as though some of the character relationships in the first book were a bit forced and unnatural and also that some of the plot in the second book seemed a little repetitive. Overall, however, I like these books and would recommend them to other fantasy readers - particularly those looking for something with a little political intrigue and 'spy work' or for something a bit out of the ordinary.

The third book in the series, Fire Study, is set to release in March 2008. For more information and excerpts from all of these books, you can visit Maria V. Snyder's homepage.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Spirit Fox, Song of the Lioness Quartet, or The Last Apprentice