A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett

Tiffany Aching is leaving home for the first time to be an apprentice learn how to be a witch. Although she is excited to do something new, she soon discovers that witches spend much of their time doing chores and tending people, rather than spells and charms. What Tiffany doesn't realize is that a hiver -- a malicious entity -- is pursuing her because it needs to take over other creatures in order to have a body. She will have to find the will within herself to fight the hiver and to find a way to defeat it, before it destroys her or those she holds dear.

This is the second book in the Discworld series about Tiffany Aching, preceded by The Wee Free Men.

This book was light and amusing, but also had an interesting plot and world-building. The characters were believable, and well developed throughout the story. I have not read the first book about Tiffany Aching, and there are quite a few references to the events from that book, however, I did not feel as though my understanding of the story or my ability to enjoy it were affected by reading this book alone. The book also has some explanatory notes, mainly about the Feegles (the small, fae creatures from the previous book), but not enough to disrupt the story. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans looking for a less-serious read or who want a book about using magic and magical creatures.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Dark Lord of Derkholm, The Last Apprentice, Unfamiliar Magic, or Howl's Moving Castle

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

It's 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia and things aren't great; the economy is bad, metal is stolen of the street for money, school classes meet in abandoned buildings, and demons are popping up everywhere. Riley Blackthorne is the only female apprentice in the demon Trapper's Guild, following in her father's footsteps. When a straightforward job trapping a Level One demon goes horribly wrong, it is only the start of a series of problems. After tragedy strikes, Riley will be forced to make decisions about what she truly wants, how she can make it happen, and whom she can trust.

The Demon Trapper's Daughter is the first book in the Demon Trapper's quartet, followed by Soul Thief, Forgiven, and Foretold.

This was a really interesting urban fantasy story that crosses just a bit into the futuristic/sci-fi world (though it isn't quite dark enough to be a true dystopia or post-apocalyptic story). The only thing that bothered me a bit is that, even though there is quite a bit of action, the overall story arc felt a little bit slow and a lot of the plot points were left open for the sequels (in the first book). The rest of the series does tie up most of the loose ends and keep the action moving. Although it's written in third person, the story alternates between following Riley and following Beck (a fellow trapper and Riley's father's apprentice), and the "voice" telling the story is amusing and compelling. I would recommend this series to older fantasy fans who like urban fantasy stories and strong female heroines.

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

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Tamsin feels out of place in her own family. All of them have magical talents and, at her birth, her grandmother claimed that she would be one of the most powerful witches they'd ever seen. Except that she's never had a Talent. Instead, she's going to a boarding school in Manhattan and trying to pretend that she's a normal teenager. But while she's home, working in the family bookstore, a professor mistakes her for Tamsin's extremely Talented older sister, Rowena and she doesn't correct him. Instead, she agrees to track down a family heirloom, lost more than a century before. But it turns out that the request is not so simple; Tamsin will learn more about herself, her magic, and her family on her quest. The story concludes in Always a Witch.

For the most part I really enjoyed this story. At times, the plot seemed a little convoluted, but generally the characters were well developed and it was easy to like Tamsin and sympathize with her situation. Also, I did like the way that everything tied up neatly at the end of the second book. I would recommend these books to fantasy fans who enjoy books about magic in the real world, or time travel.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: the Dark Mirror series, Immortal Beloved, Now You See It, or Unfamiliar Magic

Rapunzel: The One with All the Hair by Wendy Mass

Rapunzel's twelfth birthday was supposed to be special - and not because a witch kidnapped her and left her in a tower, but that's what happened. She dreams of a way out of the towner and works to find out more about why she has been imprisoned. Meanwhile, Prince Benjamin is starting to feel as though he'll never measure up to the expectations of his parents, or the kingdom. He is desperate to find a way to prove himself, and to start living the life that he wants. Neither of them is happy, but perhaps together they will be able to break free of their prisons.

This was a cute story and a quick read. The plot had some interesting elements, but overall it felt like a fairly straightforward retelling of Rapunzel, told from both Rapunzel's and Benjamin's points of view. Both characters are well developed throughout the book as the story unfolds. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings of fairy tales. It is the first in a series of "Twice Told Tales."

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Stories, The Prophecy, or The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Janitors by Tyler Whitesides

Spencer Zumbro wants his life to be clean and well-ordered, which is difficult in his large, disordered family and at a new elementary school. But things get even worse when he starts to see strange creatures around the school and no one believes him. When Spencer sees a janitor attack one of the creatures with a vacuum, he realizes that he isn't the only one who can see them. He and his new friend, Daisy, set out to find the truth, but the situation is far more complicated than they realize...

Honestly, this isn't the sort of book that I usually pick up, but I did enjoy it. The story is a little bit fluffy, but there is enough characterization to really get to know Spencer and Daisy, and several serious topics are broached as well. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans of all ages, particularly those who enjoy stories about fighting monsters and magical creatures in the real world.

Note: This book is also the first in a series, continued by Janitors: Secrets of New Forest Academy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Lightning Thief, Now You See It..., The Prophecy, or fablehaven

Unfamiliar Magic by R. C. Alexander

Desdemona (Desi) and her mother, Callida, move a lot; they are witches, constantly on the run from discovery though Desi isn't sure that's the whole story. Desi is frustrated because her mother won't teach her any real magic or let her use her powers. When Callida has to leave unexpectedly, she turns their feline Familiar into a human girl to watch out for Desi. No one is happy with this arrangement. But while Callida is away, "Cat" learns about being human and Desi learns more about what it means to be a witch - and to grow up.

This was a really cute book that made me laugh, particularly the complications of "Cat," who looks human but still acts like a cat. Parts of the plot were fairly predictable, but it was a quick read that was fairly light and still had some good characterization and amusing scenarios. I would recommend this to fantasy fans of all ages who are looking for something a little lighter, particularly those who enjoy stories about using magic set in the real world.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Once Upon a Marigold, Magic Can Be Murder, Dark Lord of Derkholm, or How to Ditch Your Fairy

A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

This story is actually a series of retellings of the original Grimm fairy tales with commentary by a narrator. The stories are all connected by the main characters, Hansel and Gretel, who leave home after their father cuts off their heads (and their mother is ok with it) and then find a witch in a house made of cake. But it doesn't end there; Hansel and Gretel travel far and wide, staying with several families, going on adventures, and even going to Hell and back. But all they really want to find are parents that love them and a home where they can be happy...

Although I generally prefer lighter versions of fairy tales, this was certainly an interesting retelling of Hansel and Gretel as well as several lesser-known stories. As retellings of the original Grimm stories, this book is quite a bit more violent and bloody than most fairy tales, though the author doesn't focus significantly on gore and it's a fairly quick read. The narrator has a strong presence, so if you're bothered by frequent interruptions of the plot or editorial interjections, you may want to pass on this book. I would recommend this to younger teens and fantasy fans who are looking for more unusual retellings of fairy tales or stories that are a little less fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Poison, The Wish List, The Last Apprentice,or Black Pearls

Cloaked by Alex Flinn

Johnny works at a shoe repair shop in an upscale Florida hotel, where he knows all of the staff and is best friends with Meg, who works at the hotel's cafe. He works as many hours as possible to help his mom pay the bills but his fondest wish is that he could have enough money to create the shoes that he designs in his spare time. When he catches the attention of an idiosyncratic princess staying at the hotel, he agrees to help her, even though has no idea that he'll end up on a fairy-tale adventure, complete with talking animals, magical objects, and quest-like tasks - not to mention witches and plenty of danger. Assuming that Johnny can keep his promise (and survive to tell about it), he just might discover things about his life and himself.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. The characters are well-developed and the plot takes a couple of interesting twists even though parts of it are easy to predict - particularly for fans of fairy tale re-tellings. Despite that, this book actually draws on a wide range of fairy tale traditions (including quite a few lesser-known stories that I was unfamiliar with) and weaves them all together into an almost-believable modern-day story. This is definitely a book to pick up if you're looking for something fun, a little off the norm, or if you love reading re-tellings of fairy tales.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Dragon Princess, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, or The Prophecy

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn


Talia is a princess of the tiny European country Euphrasia. Like most princesses, she is watched every moment of the day, but unlike others, she is also reminded constantly to never touch a spindle. Despite the warnings, Talia accidentally pricks her finger on her sixteenth birthday, fulfilling the well-known curse placed on her at her christening. Three hundred years later, Jack - a bored U.S. high school student - breaks away from his tour group looking for adventure and stumbles on the sleeping country. Though he doesn't know why, he kisses Talia and breaks the spell. Suddenly, Talia is yanked into a world she doesn't understand, Jack is stuck with a 'spoiled' princess, and the witch who cast the curse is not happy. Now everyone is wondering - did Jack make a mistake, or is it really true love?


This retelling of Sleeping Beauty is rather interesting since it drops characters from the past into the twenty-first century. It is less realistic than some other retellings, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The story switches back and forth between Talia's and Jack's point of view which helps to develop all of the characters very well and also give the plot some unique perspective. I would recommend this to fantasy fans looking for something to read that's just a little bit fluffy - particularly fans of retellings and time travel-type stories.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Beauty Sleep, Princess Nevermore, Gifted: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, or The Elemental Masters Series

Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle


Twins Persephone (Perse) and Penelope (Pen) Leland live in England in 1837. They have received an uncommon education, learning math and other subjects not generally taught to girls - and they've been tutored in magic. Now that their eighteenth birthday is approaching, it's time for them to go to London, join the Season, and find eligible husbands. Keeping their magic a secret and dealing with the ton would be difficult enough, but they also discover that their governess has been kidnapped as part of a magical plot. Time grows short as they try to find Miss Allardyce (not to mention husbands) amid the many complications of the social whirl.

This was an enjoyable story, and a fairly quick read. There are quite a few characters, but they are all well-developed and easy to keep track of. The story is certainly interesting and adds a bit of fantastical mystery to the historical plot. I would definitely recommend this to teens interested in stories about Regency England, magic in the "real world", or those looking for a bit of light fantasy with a little mystery.


Note: This book focuses on Persephone's story; Penelope's story is continued in the second book, Betraying Season.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Cecelia and Kate, Magic Can Be Murder, A Posse of Princesses, or The Elemental Master Series

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

Beauty and Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley

Her mother named her 'Honour' (to go with her siblings, Grace and Hope), but her nickname is Beauty. When her father loses everything he has, they all pack up and move to a small village with Hope's suitor since he intends to be the blacksmith there. After a trip to town, their father returns with a story about a Beast who insists that one of the daughters come to live with him, Beauty knows that she must go. What Beauty finds at the enchanted castle is not what she expects, but slowly, she goes about taming the Beast and learning more about humanity.

Beauty: a Retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast is a very traditional retelling of Beauty and the Beast - it isn't precisely the 'Disney' version, but anyone who knows the story won't be surprised by anything. I enjoy reading this book because it does add some depth to the story, although it is kind of bland in comparison with other stories that have more variation from the 'original.' Anyone who really enjoys re-tellings should read this at some point, although, if you're looking for something really different, you would probably prefer the next book (Rose Daughter).


Rose Daughter is also a retelling of Beauty and the Beast: Greatheart, Jeweltongue, and Beauty are the three daughters of a wealthy merchant. Beauty, the youngest, takes refuge in the garden as soon as she can walk. After their mother's death when the children are young, their father loses interest in his business, causing them to lose everything a few years later. Luckily, Beauty happens to find a will giving her ownership of Rose Cottage in a far away village; without any other choices, they pack up and move. But although they all adjust to their new lives, the villagers hint of a curse if three girls live at Rose Cottage and other strange whispers about the forest and an old quarrel between sorcerers. When their father returns to Town on business, he takes refuge at an enchanted castle and, of course, the Beast demands one of his daughters when he takes a rose. Beauty discovers that the Beast needs her help and does her best to set things to right for him.

The first time that I read this book, I didn't enjoy it much. Since then, I have come to love it - the imagery is beautiful, the characterizations are complex and thorough. Perhaps most importantly, it retells the story with enough changes to make it very unique and satisfying. Some readers may not like the level of detail in this book (McKinley does tend to get a bit wordy with her descriptions) but I think that it is worth it. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy fans, particularly those who like re-tellings and/or the story of Beauty and the Beast.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: The Fire Rose, Cecelia and Kate, or Half-Human