The World Above by Cameron Dokey

Gentian (Gen) and her brother Jack live with their mother on a farm, but times are hard. When Jack goes to the market to sell their cow and comes back with a handful of magic beans, everything changes. The twins have grown up hearing bedtime stories about the "World Above," the place from which their mother fled when their father was murdered. But finally they have a way to restore their birthright, except that once Jack climbs up the beanstalk to set their plan in motion, everything starts to go wrong.

This was a really fun retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk (with a little bit of Robin Hood, as well). It's told in first person by Gen, so the perspective is different than the traditional story. This is a really quick read and I would absolutely recommend it to fantasy fans who enjoy retellings of fairy tales and a little bit of romance.

This is part of the Once Upon a Time series.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, Princess Nevermore, Water Steps, or Enchanted

Water Steps by A. LaFaye

When Kyna was three years old, she nearly died in the storm that killed the rest of her family when it capsized their boat. Since then, she has been terrified of water, even drinking water and baths. Her adoptive parents, an Irish couple that saved her from the ocean, force her to take "water steps" and learn how to handle small amounts of water a little bit at a time. They tell her stories about fairies in Ireland that steal babies, shape-shifting silkies, and other sorts of magic. But when they tell Kyna that they're all going on summer vacation and living at a house on Lake Champlain, she will be forced to reconsider everything that she knows and face her biggest fears.

This book is fairly short, but it's written with beautiful, lyrical language that makes it difficult to put down once you start it. Even though parts of the story are a bit predictable, the characters are believable and it was interesting to see how all of the pieces would come together. Although there isn't as much "magic" in this story as in many other fantasy books, I would absolutely recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy a little bit of Irish myth.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Once Upon a Time series, Half-Human, Me, My Elf, and I, or Wings

Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley

When Isabel's mother dies in childbirth, she is sent to a nearby village to live with a wet nurse in the family of a blacksmith. She grows up as a peasant girl, although she is friends with Prince Julian who lives at the village castle since Beatrice, Bella's adoptive mother, was his wet nurse as well. Meanwhile, their country has been at war with a neighboring country for nearly one hundred years, wreaking havoc on the lives of all the citizens. But when Bella is thirteen, everything falls apart: she finds out that her father is a knight in the city who has just remarried and decided to bring her home, away from the only family she has ever known. Unfortunately, her "new" family is not any more excited to see her and life is complicated for everyone. It will take courage, ingenuity, and a little bit of magic to make everything come out right again.

Although this is an unusual retelling of Cinderella, it felt a little dry to me, and not much like a fairy tale at the end (though several Cinderella elements were there). The story is told from several different points of view, which helps to understand all of the characters involved and the plot is unpredictable enough to stay interesting. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans that enjoy books that are a little serious.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Aurelie, Beauty, The Other Book, or Warbreaker

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

Princess for Hire Trilogy by Lindsey Leavitt

Desi Bascomb is thirteen and not terribly happy with her life. She works at a local pet store (Pets Charming) as part of an apprenticeship program; it mostly involves dressing as a groundhog and enduring ridicule. But when she makes a wish on some "magic" fish, her life changes drastically. Desi discovers that has an unusual ability to tap her magic potential (MP), which means that she's a candidate for a position to substitute for royalty. When she puts on the magical Royal Rouge, her appearance is temporarily transformed into that of a royal family member, who use the service to go on anonymous vacations. Throughout the trilogy - Princess for Hire, The Royal Treatment, and A Farewell to Charms - Desi learns how difficult it is to fill someone else's shoes without losing herself. But she's determined to find out who she really is, and stand up for what she believes in...no matter what it costs her.

These books were really quick reads and I enjoyed the series a lot. The first book felt very fluffy, although there are some more serious issues later in the series. The plot was interesting and I kept reading to find out where it was going to head next. Since it's told in first-person point-of-view, it has an informal feel that's similar to The Princess Diaries or Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging (neither of which are fantasy books, but they have the same kind of tone), and readers really get to know Desi and how she grows. I would definitely recommend this series to fantasy fans looking for something light that's a little out of the ordinary, or stories set in the real world.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Cloaked, Wings, Me, My Elf, and I, or Fairest

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

The Lost Voices Trilogy by Sarah Porter

In Lost Voices, the first book, Lucette's father was lost at sea, leaving her orphaned and living with her abusive uncle. But when her uncle tries to rape her on her fourteenth birthday, Luce feels trapped and tired of the cruelty, finally deciding to throw herself off a cliff. But instead of dying she changes into a mermaid and discovers a whole new life with a nearby tribe. Suddenly, Luce has friends and magical abilities. But the relationships in the tribe are complex and she struggles with the fact that their magic is used to lead humans to their deaths.

The second book, Waking Storms, is told from the point of view of both Luce and Dorian, the human boy that Luce saved. After leaving the tribe, Luce is living alone and trying to figure out how to become more comfortable with her life as a mermaid. But larger problems may be on the horizon for Luce and all of the mermaids in the area as they face the possibility of exposure.

The final book in the trilogy (The Twice Lost) will be released June 2, 2013.

This story was very compelling and definitely drew me in; I was a little disappointed when I realized that the final book isn't out yet and I would have to wait to finish reading the trilogy. Even though a lot of the plot is fairly light, there is still an underlying serious tone. The focus of these books is really on character development and the social interaction of the mermaids, since they are all "lost girls" who have given up on humanity because of their own horrific experiences. I would recommend these books to older fantasy fans who enjoy stories about magic in the real world, or stories that are a little more serious.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Half-Human, Rampant, Wicked Lovely, or Morganvill Vampires series

The Other Book by Philip Womack

Edward Pollock lives at Oldstone Manor, a boarding school for boys. Every day is predictable...until Edward finds an odd book in the library and strange things start happening to him. He discovers that he has been chosen to protect the Other Book, a magical object which has enough power to cause horrible destruction in the wrong hands. But then a new substitute teacher takes a peculiar interest in Edward and he must fight for his life -- and for other things that he isn't sure he even understands.

This was an interesting concept, although I had difficulty getting into this book at first. It's definitely not a light-and-fluffy read; it actually has a similar feel to some of the old medieval romances (e.g., stories about King Arthur's court and other books written in that time period). The plot felt a little bit haphazard to me and didn't have a fully satisfying ending, but it was a decent read if you prefer serious books. I would recommend this to fantasy fans who would prefer something set in the real world that is a little darker or less fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Abhorson Trilogy, Storm Thief, Erec Rex: The Dragon Eye, or Swoon

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

Woodcutter Jarl and his wife have nine children; when the last one is born and turns out to be a fifth daughter, her mother refuses to give her a name, believing that sons are more useful. Her family refers to her as "pika" (girl), although her favorite brother, Hans Peter, who traveled the world on a ship calls her "lass." The country where they live has been immersed in a nearly-unending winter, which makes life difficult. So when a giant enchanted polar bear (isbjorn) shows up one night and asks the pika to live with him for year, she agrees to go if he'll ensure that her family finds fortune while she's gone. The isbjorn takes her to a castle made of ice that has all the comforts she could want, except that it starts to feel like a prison. The more questions she asks, the more servants start disappearing and she begins to fear what could happen; but that doesn't stop her from trying to find answers--and risk ruining everything...

This is a fairly good retelling of the fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, though there aren't really many surprises. I was a little disappointed that some of the plot points introduced at the start of the story that seemed important never really amounted to anything. However, I did enjoy it and I was interested to see what would happen. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy fans who like to read fairy tale retellings or who want something set in the "real world" that's a little out of the ordinary.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Seer and the Sword, Fablehaven, Howl's Moving Castle, or Auralie: A Fairy Tale

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Sunday is the youngest child of Jack and Seven Woodcutter and the seventh daughter (named in order for the days of the week). With so many siblings, Sunday particularly enjoys spending alone time in the Wood writing in her journal. When she meets a talking frog named Grumble, she's happy to have a friend all her own. One night she kisses him goodbye and leaves, without realizing that she has turned him back into Prince Rumbold - the crown prince who is hated by her family for an altercation with one of her older brothers, now shrouded in secrecy. Rumbold realizes that it will be challenging to convince Sunday to fall in love with him as a human, but he's sure that it will be worthwhile...

This book was a lot of fun and a fairly quick read, though that was mostly because I had trouble putting it down once I started it. Although it first appears to be a retelling of The Frog Prince (and it kind-of is), this book actually references quite a few fairy tales and nursery rhymes. One of my favorite things is that even though the fairy tale elements make parts of the book predictable (it's fairly obvious what will happen when one of Sunday's brothers is sent to the market to sell a cow), how the story turns out in the end is always a surprise. I would absolutely recommend this to fantasy fans of all ages who are looking for something light and fun to read, particularly readers who love retellings of fairy tales and stories with a bit of romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Frog Princess, Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, or Cloaked

The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison

In the kingdom of Kendel, people who communicate with animals through the gift of "animal magic" are hunted and killed for it. So it is imperative that no one find out that Prince George and his mother have the gift. After his mother dies, George's relationship with his father is strained and keeping his secret becomes more difficult for the prince as he gets older. When he turns seventeen, George visits the neighboring kingdom of Sarrey to meet his betrothed, Princess Beatrice. She is cold and reclusive, spending all of her time with her wild hound, Marit; but it turns out that it is because she also has a terrible secret. The real question is whether or not George and Beatrice can trust one another and work together to solve the problems - and maybe even find love.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down once I got in a few chapters. The characters are realistic, including their struggles to find themselves while keeping their secrets. Parts of the plot seemed less cohesive later in the story than at the beginning, but it all came together well at the end. I would recommend this story to fantasy fans who are looking for a story with a little more depth and characterization, or who enjoy stories about relationships between humans and animals.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Spirit Fox, No One Noticed the Cat, Radiant Darkness, or The Minds series

Magical Mischief by Anna Dale

Mr. Hardbattle is quite happy living alone in his little bookshop in Plumford; but then magic moves in to the dusty corners between his shelves. Although Mr. Hardbattle is willing to coexist with the magic - and the horrible smells, mischievous practical jokes, and animated objects - it scares customers away, leaving Mr. Hardbattle no choice but to try and find it a new home. When he shares his predicament with Arthur, a young boy, and Miss Quint, they agree to watch his store while Mr. Hardbattle searches for an appropriate place for the magic to live. But no one can guess how much trouble the magic can get into, especially while Mr. Hardbattle is away.

This is a cute story with an interesting premise. Miss Quint is a little annoying, but the characters are all realistic and the plot certainly kept me wondering what would happen next. I would definitely recommend this to younger fantasy fans and readers who are looking for something light and a bit out of the ordinary.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Now You See It..., Fablehaven, Flora Segunda, or The Frog Princess

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Ten-year-old Winnie Foster is tired of feeling fenced in by rules and the ever-watchful eye of her family. One morning Winnie sneaks into the wood that borders their yard. Even though it is owned by the Fosters, it has always been off-limits. But when Winnie stumbles upon Jesse Tuck and their family secret - the Tuck family drank from a spring in the Foster's wood and it has rendered them immortal. Suddenly, Winnie has to face serious questions about whether eternal life is worthwhile, and how much one should risk for friendship.

This book is fairly short and quick to read, but it is also very descriptive with a serious tone. I did like the fact that there were some thought-provoking questions that were raised throughout the book, but if you want something really light, this may be one to put off for another time. Overall, I would recommend this to fantasy fans of all ages, particularly those who prefer real-world/realistic, stories or who are looking for something a little less fluffy.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: East, Ever, or Bound

Entwined by Heather Dixon

When their mother dies, Azalea the Princess Royale and her sisters - Bramble, Clover, Delphinium, Evening Primrose (Eve), Flora, Goldenrod, Hollyhock, Ivy, Jessamine, Kale, and newborn Lily - are bereft. Meanwhile, their father is leaving for war and doesn't seem to have any interest in them. The household goes into mourning, which means no dancing, even though the princesses danced every day with their mother. So, when Azalea finds a magical passageway that leads to a silver pavilion, all of the girls are happy to have a place they can dance every night. But Keeper, the mysterious, magical being that presides over the pavilion has his own agenda and the princess' nights of dancing come with a price.

This was a really great retelling of Twelve Dancing Princesses and I enjoyed it a lot. There's quite a bit of characterization of the girls, even though there are so many of them, and also of their relationship with their father there are several twists in the plot that made it difficult to put the book down once I started it. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy fans, particularly anyone who enjoys retellings of fairy tales or a bit of romance.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Black Pearls, The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Princess Ben, or East

Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions Edited by Melissa Marr & Kelley Armstrong

This is a collection of stories from 16 different YA authors:

• Giovanni's Farewell by Claudia Gray: Ravenna's twin brother, Cairo, has been suffering from odd attacks that have caused them to drift apart; during a trip to Rome, Italy Ravenna meets a boy named Giovanni who shifts her perspective in a way that only her brother can understand
• Scenic Route by Carrie Ryan: Margie and her little sister, Sally, have built a hideaway in a remote cabin - away from an unsafe world - but they're about to be discovered by someone from outside
• Red Run by Kami Garcia: Everyone avoids the "Red Run" road in rural Louisiana at night because it's haunted by a killer ghost, but tonight Edie has decided that it's time to stop him
• Things About Love by Jackson Pearce: Lawrence's best friend, Viola, has fallen in love with a jinn which means that now he's regularly watched by the jinni for "security" reasons; however, Juliet isn't an ordinary jinn and she's determined to use her time with Lawrence to learn about the concept of love
  [Sequel to As You Wish]
• Niederwald by Rachel Vincent: Sabine has come to Niederwald, Texas to get answers; but consulting a seer is always tricky, even when she isn't guarded by a town full of harpies...
• Merely Mortal by Melissa Marr: Keenan and his girlfriend, Donia - who happens to be the Winter Queen - decide to take an ordinary, human vacation away from the world of faerie
  [Related to the Wicked Lovely series (the story contains spoilers if you are intending to read the whole series)]
• Facing Facts by Kelley Armstrong: Chloe and her friends (all teens who have abilities from genetically-modified DNA) are living on a country farm and keeping a low profile; but when Tori runs away, they could all be in danger
  [Related to the Darkest Powers series, which starts with The Summoning]
• Let's Get This Undead Show on the Road by Sarah Rees Brennan: Christian is the vampire bass player in the hottest new boy band "4 the One," which is going on tour; but not everyone is comfortable about having a vampire around
• Bridge by Jeri Smith-Ready: Logan may be dead, but he still has something he needs to tell his brother
• Skin Contact by Kimberly Derting: Rafe is in the middle of nowhere, trying to find something he has seen in a dream - and he's scared that he'll find it
• Leaving by Ally Condie: Everything changes for Sora when her father mysteriously leaves the safety of the city and she is tainted by association, but now she has a plan to change everything
• At the Late Night, Double Feature, Picture Show by Jessica Verday: Jane is the "bait" in a family of hunters who chase down supernatural monsters; tonight she has gone out on her own to find a troop of cannibal Girl Scouts...but then everything starts to go wrong...
• IV League by Margaret Stohl: Wren and Hopper are "Drinkers" from a remote town in the South who are on a school trip to interview at colleges where they'll have a convenient supply of "blood donors," if only they can get in
• Gargouille by Mary E. Pearson: Giselle is a gargouille - an angel of the night - but a man has captured her and stripped her wings in the hope of making money, but his hope has destroyed life as she knows it forever
• The Third Kind by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: Jess is used to her sister, Kissy, having strange impulses that force her to do things, so when Kissy wakes her up and says they have to go to San Antonio, they go - but the trip is far more complicated than either of them realize
• Automatic by Rachel Caine: As the youngest vampire in Morganville, Texas (a community primarily composed of vampires), Michael is chosen to demonstrate the new vending machine that dispenses cans of blood
  [Related to the Morganville Vampires series that starts with Glass House]

This was a really great collection of stories that I enjoyed a lot. As the title suggest, they tend more toward the paranormal/supernatural, but these stories represent a large spectrum, including fantasy. I would absolutely recommend this collection to fantasy fans looking for a good collection of short stories, particularly those who enjoy paranormal tales or who have enjoyed some of the other books written by these authors.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: The Last Apprentice series, The Magic and the Healing, Swoon, or Rampant

Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Now that Ella has landed Prince Charming, left her stepmother and stepsisters behind, and moved into the palace, she's just waiting for the "happily ever after" to begin. Unfortunately, the time before the wedding is filled with days of tedium and tutors to help her learn religion, history, etiquette, and even "how to interact with servants." But it will all be worth it once she and Charming get married and start their life together...won't it?

This was an interesting retelling about what happens after the "end" of the fairy tale. It was a quick read and not too predictable, with good characterization. The only thing I found disappointing was that there isn't much of a resolution at the end (somewhat understandable given the premise of the story); if you're bothered by book endings that are not conclusive, you may want to skip this one. However, I would recommend this to fantasy fans who enjoy slightly odd retellings of fairy tales or books about strong female characters.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Princess Academy, Black Pearls, A Kiss in Time, or The Seer and the Sword

Moon Flights by Elizabeth Moon

This is a collection of 15 sci fi/fantasy short stories:

• If Nudity Offends You -- Louanne discovers that someone in the trailer park has been stealing her electricity and they're going to pay...
• Gifts -- Dall Drop-hand leaves home to search for adventure; before he leaves, his sister gives him a bit of wood shaped like a knife and her gift could make all the difference
• Politics -- Gunny Vargas is a member of a marine company charged with keeping a landing site safe from hostile aliens, but the real enemy might be closer to home
• And Ladies of the Club -- When the king decides to charge taxes on women's breastplates, the lady warriors of the Ladies' Aid & Armor Society (LA & AS) will need to find a creative solution
• Accidents Don't Just Happen--They're Caused -- Peka is a consulting engineer assigned to a space station to improve the design and prevent accidents, but she's living under the shadow of her mother, who literally wrote the book(s) in the field
• New World Symphony -- Georges Mantenon is a specially-trained musician on his first assignment; his job is to musically represent a newly-discovered world, but it may be more challenging than he dreamed
• No Pain, No Gain -- Girls and women all over the kingdom wake up one morning to discover that their toned arms, legs, and stomachs have been replaced with flabby ones by magic; the members of the LA & AS will have to track down the people responsible and put things to rights
• Hand to Hand -- Ezera comes home after being at war to see her twin sister play in the symphony, but she isn't prepared for what she will hear
• Tradition -- A naval story from World War I
• Fool's Gold -- Cavernous Dire has accidentally been turned into a dragon, and he isn't happy about it; Mirabel Stonefist and the LA & AS decide to rescue him, but they aren't happy about it, either
• Judgment -- When Ker finds some egg-shaped rocks filled with crystals, he starts to feel uneasy, but he can't stop his soon-to-be father-in-law from taking them home
• Gravesite Revisited -- When the clanspeople discover that witches from the future are digging up their graves, they must rethink their traditions
• Sweet Charity -- The annual LA & AS Charity Ball is coming up and this year, Krystal Winterborn is determined to be named Queen of the Ball - no matter what
• Welcome to Wheel Days -- Planning a planet-wide festival is a massive undertaking, particularly since you never know what's going to go wrong...
• Say Cheese -- The Vatta brothers are on their first run, determined that they deserve a place in the family business of space merchants, but one of them may have ruined everything with an ill-fated purchase of cheese to sell

This is a very diverse collection of short stories, although it is definitely weighted toward war and fighters. I enjoyed most of the stories which range from relatively fluffy fantasy tales (such as the stories about the Ladies Aid & Armor Society) to deep, introspective science fiction. If you like both science fiction and fantasy - or if you've thought about branching out a bit - short stories can be a good way to go. I would recommend this to fantasy fans looking for short stories, particularly those who like darker, serious stories in addition to lighter ones.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: A Posse of Princesses, Rampant, The Abhorsen Trilogy, or Half Human

The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley

When Princess Torina is nine years old, her father returns from conquering their neighbor, Bellandra to gain their magical sword; the king brings her Torina two gifts: a crystal that shows her the future, and Landen, the former prince of Bellandra, to be her slave. The princess frees Landen and they secretly become friends over shared interests, but as they get older they slowly grow apart. One day years later, Torina's world falls apart and Landen is accused of plotting against the kingdom. The two of them are the only ones who know the truth - but will it be enough to save the kingdom?

Overall, this book was a good read with an interesting plot; there were some points that seemed a little too convoluted or coincidental, but I enjoyed it anyhow. The characters are realistic and likeable, and everything is tied up well at the end of the story. I would recommend this book to fantasy fans who want something a little different, or who enjoy stories that have some romance and happy endings.

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

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

No One Noticed the Cat by Anne McCaffrey

When Mangan Tighe, Regent to Prince Jamas of Esphania dies, the prince is suddenly immersed in a world of politics that he has to navigate alone. At the time, no one noticed Tighe's cat, Niffy, however, when she adopts Jamas, everyone is amused when he starts asking for her opinion as Tighe used to. The political situation heats up when the neighboring country of Mauritia starts looking toward Esphania to expand their holdings, and it soon becomes clear that their queen, Yasmin, has even bigger plans toward gaining power than anyone realized.

This story is a short novella, so it's a fairly quick read. Although it falls into the fantasy genre, there isn't much magic and the core of the story is more about politics. However, it was certainly an interesting story, and I would recommend it to fantasy fans who enjoy political intrigue or fantasy stories centering around cats as magical creatures.

• If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Reserved for the Cat, The Prophecy, Magic in the Mirrorstone: Tales of Fantasy, or Daughter of the Flames