Cupid: A Tale of Love and Desire by Julius Lester

Psyche was the youngest princess of a kingdom a long time ago. She was so beautiful that everyone who saw her instantly fell in love, causing problems throughout the land. When Venus (the goddess of love) discovers that the people have stopped worshiping her to spend their time looking upon Psyche's beauty, she sends her son, Cupid, to find a way to turn Psyche into a laughingstock. But when Cupid sees Psyche, he falls in love, as well - with her personality as well as her beauty. Even though Cupid has inflicted love (and discord) among unsuspecting people for decades, he discovers that actually being in love is complicated.

This retelling is narrated by a modern storyteller, lending a new voice to the Greek/Roman mythology and adding some interesting asides. I really enjoyed reading this story, which has beautiful, lyrical descriptions and characters with depth. I would recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings of Greek myths and stories that have some romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Radiant Darkness, A Kiss in Time, A Tale Dark and Grimm, or Once Upon a Winter's Night

Young Warriors edited by Tamora Pierce and Josepha Sherman

This is a collection of short stories around the theme of young warriors, including:

• The Gift of Rain Mountain by Bruce Holland Rogers
• The Magestone by S. M. and Jan Stirling
• Eli and the Dybbuk by Janis Ian
• Heartless by Holly Black
• Lioness by Pamela F. Service
• Thunderbolt by Esther Friesner
• Devil Wind by India Edghill
• The Boy Who Cried "Dragon!" by Mike Resnick
• Student of Ostriches by Tamora Pierce
• Serpent's Rock by Laura Anne Gilman
• Hidden Warriors by Margaret Mahy
• Emerging Legacy by Doranna Durgin
• An Axe for Men by Rosemary Edghill
• Acts of Faith by Lesley McBain
• Swords That Talk by Brent Hartinger

Although these stories have a common theme, they all approach it differently with settings across many places on Earth and beyond, and throughout time as well. Some of the stories are historical (not fantasy) but most of them have magic or fantasy elements. I found it interesting to see the ways in which different authors approached the idea of "warriors" - not all of the characters fight with weapons, but all of them fight for something. I would recommend this collection to fantasy fans who enjoy thought-provoking stories and coming-of-age tales.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Rampant, Dark Mirror series, Knight & Rogue novels, or The Seer and the Sword

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

Hallandren and Idris are two countries on the brink of war. As a means of promoting peace, young princess Siri is sent to marry the God King who rules Hallandren. Siri must learn to deal with the radical change in belief and culture as her people eschew the magic used by Hallandrens. Her sister Vivenna (previously betrothed to the God King) has to come to terms with her own purpose in life and becomes entangled in politics as she attempts to work for the good of the Idrian people. Meanwhile, other characters are caught up in the social and political maneuverings including Lightsong, one of the reborn gods that live in T'Telir, and Vasher, a mysterious figure who carries a bloodthirsty, sentient sword (Nightblood) and who wields magical Breath in his own pursuits. With hostilities becoming more and more of a potential reality, all of the characters will have to find a way to save those they love.


I thought this book started a little slowly, but once I got into the story, it was very interesting. The concept and world-building in this story are certainly novel and well-done and the characters are all well-developed also. The plot is fairly complex and includes quite a bit of political intrigue and secrets, for readers who enjoy that kind of storyline. The ending does a great job of wrapping up all of the salient points, although I was curious about what happens to some of the characters afterwards (so far as I know, this book is a stand-alone without sequels). I would recommend this to fantasy readers who are looking for something with a lot of depth and development rather than a quick, fluffy read, or who enjoy books with a lot of characters and complexity.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Abhorsen Trilogy, Lady in Gil, The Soprano Sorceress, or Spirit Fox

Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott

Badly burned and orphaned by fires when she was young, Zira has been raised in a temple where she has been training to become a warrior priestess and protect the faith of her people, the Ruan. The invading forces of the Sedorne people have oppressed and terrorized the Ruan people since the day of the fires, and Zira longs to fight back and free her country. But now, as she turns sixteen, Zira finds that she may get her wish, but that it will be a long and difficult road as she discovers who she truly is and looks for the strength to work with her enemy to end the oppression for all.

This was an interesting book and the plot takes several turns as Zira learns what it means to grow up and to become a leader. I enjoyed finding out where the story would go and the characters were written very realistically. I would recommend this to fantasy readers who like books with strong female characters.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: A Posse of Princesses, Rampant, or Song of the Lioness Quartet

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

In this retelling of Greek mythology, Persephone feels trapped by her mother, Demeter. Although she feels that she has reached an age of maturity, her mother continues to treat her as a young girl and refuses to allow her to 'grow up.' Then a mysterious stranger appears in a nearby meadow. When Hades offers to take her away and make her his queen, Persephone must choose between becoming a woman or staying her mother's little girl forever. But every choice has a consequence...


I really enjoyed this retelling. The characters and plot are all very well developed with just enough imagery to give it a realistic feeling. The story is told in first person, giving readers a view into Persephone's perceptions and feelings and making it easy to sympathize with her character and the challenges that she faces. From a 'fantasy' perspective, this book reads more like a novel than a typical fantasy story, but I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy Greek myths and coming-of-age stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Ever, Princess Ben, Firebird, or A Posse of Princesses

Anatopsis by Chris Abouzeid

Princess Anatopsis and Prince Barnaby come from rival Magical families. In the last year before the final wizard tests, a demigod tutor, Mr. Pound, insists that the two study together - a traditional requirement that has been enforced for generations. Ana and her human companion, Clarissa, and Barnaby with his dog, Uno, get off to a rocky start. Complicating matters is that neither Ana nor Barnaby wishes to inherit their family corporations. But, more importantly, they discover that Mr. Pound's requirements are part of a larger plan and hidden agenda which threatens the world as they know it. Resentments, personal preferences, and frustrations must all be put aside if everything is to be set to rights - and there are no guarantees for a happy ending.


I expected this book to be rather fluffy, but instead, this book is fairly serious, creating a fantastical alternate reality that explores human nature, dreams, discrimination, and sacrifice. Some of the plot points seemed a little more convoluted than necessary and a bit confusing at times, but overall, the issues within the story definitely come through. The main characters are well-developed and identifiable, though I did not always find it easy to sympathize with them. In general = if you're looking for a light-hearted book with a satisfying ending, this is not the one to pick up. Fantasy fans - particularly older teens - who are looking for something more thought-provoking or serious may consider trying this one out.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Academy, Poison, Fablehaven, or The Abhorson Trilogy

Ever by Gail Carson Levine

In Ever, Olus, the Akkan god of the wind, is used to getting his way. As he travels the world, learning about humanity, he discovers a girl named Kezi. Although she has caught his notice like none before, the people of Kezi's country worship Admat, the One God, and, due to their beliefs, Kezi is meant to die n a few short weeks. Kezi's faith and Olus' love with both be tested as they search for a way to avoid her death and find a life together.

This book really is unlike any of the other books I have read by Gail Carson Levine. It feels very much like a Greek myth rather than a fairy tale, but it is just as enjoyable. The characters are interesting and the plot is unpredictable; the tests are truly difficult, but they don't always end up as neatly as they do in the tellings of Greek myths. I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy readers, particularly those who enjoy myths or who are looking for something a little different.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Lightning Thief, The Immortals Series, or Spirit Fox