The Swan Kingdom by Zoe Marriott

Alexandra is a princess in the Kingdom. Her father rules well and her mother keeps the Old Ways, maintaining the health of the people and the land; Alexandra's brothers are just as talented in their own ways, destined to keep the Kingdom on its path. But everything changes when Alexandra's mother dies in a mysterious attack and the king brings home a new wife. When Alexandra is banished and her brothers disappear, she must learn to look within and find a way to use her own gifts and save everyone - including herself.


This is a really great retelling of The Wild Swans. It's told from Alexandra's point of view and the characters are so well developed that it adds an extra depth to the story. The progression of the plot actually seemed a little random at times, but I didn't think that it detracted from the story overall. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of re-tellings or fantasy readers who like strong female characters.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Spirit Fox, or The Goose Girl

The Guardians of Time Trilogy by Marianne Curley

In the first book of the trilogy, the named, Ethan has a secret; although he works hard to fit in as an ordinary high school boy, in his spare time, he is a member of the Guardians of Time. Lathenia, the goddess of Chaos, and her followers are constantly attempting to change history so that she can take over the universe; her brother, Lorian, supports the efforts of the Guard to keep the balance of power - and history - as it is. Ethan has been a member of the Guard from a young age and has done well enough that he has advanced rapidly in the rankes. Now he faces his greatest challeng: training his new apprentice, Isabel. Time is short as the agents of Chaos step up their attacks. Ethan, Isabel, and all of the Guard must reach deep within and learn to use their talents and work together if they have any hope of maintaining history.

The story continues in the dark; the Guard has managed to hold their own and thwart Lathenia's plans, but now she strikes back by banishing Arkarian (Ethan's mentor) to an underworld lost in darkness and full of soulless creatures. Ethan, Isabel, and the others want to do whatever is necessary to rescue him, but Lorian has forbidden in. The race is on to find a way to reach Arkarian before it is too late and without losing all that they have worked for.

In the final book, the key, the Guard is scrambling to keep ahead of Lethenia's plans. The battle against Chaos is more desperate than ever but matters are made worse by the suspicions and distrust within the midst of the Guard. The time of the Prophecy regarding the Named and the final battle between dark and light is finally coming to pass.


Each book is told by a different pair of characters which gives it an interesting depth of perspective. The basic premise is fairly common - good vs. evil - but the story does a good job of giving it a unique edge by affecting history as a way of affecting the outcome. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and plots, although some bits were rather predictable. There were only two things that bothered me; the writing seemed a little off occasionally, as if there were inconsistencies in the tenses (but for the most part, this was fairly minor). The second issue was that the ending is really abrupt. I was actually confused at first when I turned the page and realized that there was no more text. The finale is somewhat artistic, but not satisfying at all. I would still recommend this series to readers who enjoy reading about time travel, but with the caveat that anyone who needs a really complete and happy ending probably out to skip this one.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Lightning Theif, The "Minds" series, or Dark Lord of Derkholm

The Faerie Path Series by Frewin Jones

Anita Palmer is an average high school student in London until she turns sixteen and a series of events causes her to end up in Faerie. Suddenly, she finds out that she is Tania, the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania, and that she has been lost for 500 years. Faerie has been in mourning since her disappearance but now it starts to come alive again. Anita wants to believe that what she is being told is true, but she is having trouble reconciling the life she knows with the life everyone in Faerie wants her to have. Meanwhile, a plot threatens all of them and Anita may be the only one who can stop it.

In the second book, The Lost Queen, Tania and Edric return to the Mortal Realm to see if they can find Titania and bring her home. Their simple plans are disrupted, however, by enemies still attempting to thwart them. It will come down to a race against time and a healthy dose of luck to save the lost queen and all of Faerie.

In the third book, The Sorcerer King, Tania has found Titania, but an ancient evil has been unleashed on the land of Faerie. None of the problems thy have faced thus far have prepared them for the Sorcerer King of Lyonesse. Now that Titania has discovered her new life, she may not be able to save her land and family in time to live 'happily ever after.'

This series is fun and overall a great read. I enjoyed the characters and the story even though the plot was somewhat predictable. This series introduces several long story arcs, so the endings are a little unsatisfying unless you continue reading; probably not a great choice for readers who don't want to invest in a series. However, I would recommend these books to readers looking for light reading or, in particular, those who enjoy stories about the Faerie Realm.


I originally thought this book was a trilogy, but it actually continues; see this posting for the fourth book, The Immortal Realm

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Wicked Lovely, The Fairy Godmother, Cecelia and Kate, or Princess Nevermore

Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Quincie Morris is a relatively ordinary high school senior in Austin, but her life is rather busy. Her parents founded an Italian restaurant which she and her uncle have been running since their deaths. But to make it more interesting, they've decided to completely remodel to reopen with a vampire theme. Unfortunately, they have to find a new "vampire" chef in a hurry and turn him into a Dark Lord for the melodramatic aspect of the restaurant. As if that isn't enough stress, her half-werewolf best friend is unavailable as he deals with the difficulties of coming-of-age, leaving Quincie wondering where they stand. Will Quincie be able to deal with all the issues in her personal life and still pull off a perfect opening night at the restaurant?

This was definitely an interesting book. The characters, particularly Quincie, are well-developed and realistic. I thought the actual plot was a little odd - the ending seemed a little unfinished somehow, although it's obviously meant to be a bit silly. In general, I'd recommend this book to fantasy readers who enjoy fluffy stories or stories about the supernatural in real life.

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

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Crown Princess Ani is not like other children. She enjoys spending time outside and speaking with geese, but she cannot seem to understand people. Although she tries, Ani is never comfortable dealing with her future subjects. But after the death of her father, she finds out that she is to be married off as part of a treaty. Unfortunately, the trip is long and not all of her protectors are loyal. When Ani winds up alone, she must learn to use her unique gifts in order to appreciate her talents and reclaim her birthright.

This is a great retelling of The Goose Girl. I really enjoyed the characters and the story which uses some really beautiful language. It was a little hard to get into, but it was worth working through the slow parts. I'd definitely recommend this book to fantasy readers, especially fans of fairy tale retellings.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Ben, Spirit Fox, Midnight Pearls, or The Two Princesses of Bamarre

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

Dragon Slippers and Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George

Creel's aunt has decided that their best option for saving the family farm is to sacrifice Creel to a dragon (assuming that she'll then be rescued by a knight who will marry her and take them all in). But the plan gets sidetracked when Creel talks her way out of the dragon's clutches and leaves with a pair of blue slippers. She plans to go to the city and make her way as an embroiderer, but soon discovers that it's more difficult than she realized. Unfortunately, the blue slippers are more than they seem and they're about to create all kinds of trouble for her...


In the sequel, Dragon Flight, Creel has settled in as a dressmaker with her friends and life is good. Then, the king gets word that a foreign country plans to invade and their army is mounted on dragons. As the resident 'expert' on dragons, Creel is called in for consultation and given a mission that seems impossible - to stop the army and save the country yet again.


These books were a lot of fun and left me hoping that the author will write a third book. There's a degree to which the plots are a little predictable because there's a lot of foreshadowing going on, but I didn't feel that it detracted from the story when I was reading them. The characters were all well-developed and likable (particularly the dragons). I would definitely recommend these books to fantasy readers, especially if you enjoy non-traditional stories about dragons.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Harper Hall Trilogy, Dragonhaven, or Dark Lord of Derkholm

A Posse of Princesses by Sherwood Smith

Rhis, princess of the small mountain country of Nym, has been invited to a gathering of titled peers to meet Prince Lios. She has never been a very "good" princess, as her older sister-in-law continually reminds her; she is far more interested in ballads and music than lessons in history and deportment. Now, she quickly attempts to catch up and finds that she enjoys the company of some, including Shera (her sister by marriage) and the prince's scribe, Dandiar. Some people are far less pleasant - particularly the beautiful lady Iardith. But when Iardith is kidnapped, Rhis and several other princesses band together to rescue her and must rethink many of the lessons they have learned.

It isn't terribly often that a book has multiple princesses - and all together in the same place. I really enjoyed reading this book. Rhis and the other characters seem very real and their story is a little dull in the middle, but picks up before too long. Aside from the number of princesses, the plot isn't too predictable to make up for the bit when they're all getting to know one another. I would recommend this book to fantasy readers who want something that isn't too heavy and a little different, or to those who like the books about girls who figure out how to manage on their own.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Ben, Princess Academy, or Princess Nevermore

Ella Enchanted, and Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

Ella Enchanted tells the story of Ella of Frell. Her life is a bit out of the ordinary because she received a fairy 'gift' when she was born; as a result, she must be obedient when anyone gives her an order. Her mother has told her that she mustn't share her secret with anyone, but when she dies unexpectedly, Ella is left alone with her father, who does not know and does not understand his daughter. When he chooses to remarry, Ella's life changes even more and she must learn whom to trust and how to take care of herself. Will she be able to make her life turn out happily ever after?


Fairest, a retelling of Snow White, returns to the world of Ella Enchanted, to the country of Ayortha where people sing more than they speak. Aza was adopted as a baby by an inn-keeping family. Despite her "ugliness," Aza has an amazing voice which she can even use in ways that others cannot. When Aza has a chance to go to the capital for a royal wedding, her abilities are discovered by the new, foreign queen who befriends her. Aza soon learns more about royalty, politics, friendship, and true beauty as she becomes entrenched in the personal life of a queen who wants to be the fairest in the land.


Ella Enchanted is one of my all-time favorite books; it's the one that helped me discover fairy tale retellings. I love all of the characters and the way that the story all comes together, and, the way that an old story is made completely new again. For those who have seen the movie, I have to mention that it bears only passing resemblance to the book (mostly just the names), so don't let that stop you from enjoying the book. Fairest continues the tradition, although I have to admit that it doesn't quite have the energy of Ella Enchanted. It's still a wonderful retelling, however, with more well-written characters. I would absolutely recommend either of these to any fantasy fan, and particularly to those who love retellings.

• If these books sound interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Elemental Masters Series, Bound, or Once Upon a Marigold

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