“The Beast is an Animal” by Peternelle van Arsdale

“The Beast is an Animal” by Peternelle van Arsdale

“The Beast is an Animal” by Peternelle van Arsdale

Atmospheric and eerie, The Beast is an Animal is a tale of power and suspense, prejudice and fear. When the village is faced with hardship, the blame is placed upon twin daughters, born to the farmer who lives at the edge of the forest. In order to save them from death, the farmer moves his wife and daughters into the forest, promising to bring them back when the village is more prosperous. Over the years, he comes to visit less and less, and soon the girls find themselves alone, living in the forest. And becoming part of the forest, something new, yet old. Something terrifying. And they are set to take revenge upon the village that cast them out.

In the village, Alys is the only one awake when the sisters come, and she alone is left to discover the carnage they leave behind. All children were spared, and a traveler sends word to a neighboring village of their plight. But all is not well, as the new village does not accept these children as their own, and they are left outside the Gate to defend the town. Can they fight off the evil lurking in the forest? Or will the sisters finally get their prey? Only Alys stands between life and total destruction.

This was a great read. The writing was very descriptive, pulling the reader into the setting and creating tension and suspense. I recommend it for fans of gothic tales as it had much the same feelings of oppression and impending doom.

“A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab

“A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab

“A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab

In this fantasy series, instead of one London, there are four: Black, Red, White, and Grey. Each London had it’s own magic source, and travelers could move freely between the different cities. Now that has changed. Many years ago, the magic of Black London overcame its people, and that city was sealed off to protect the other three. The results of that action was to create three very different cities that only a few people can travel between. Red London still has its amazing power source and is full of magic. Grey London lost all access to magic and has forgotten about its existence. And White London, the barrier between Black London and the others, has become corrupt and overrun by tyrants. All of this was accepted and stable until Kell, the traveler for Red London, makes a horrible error in judgement, sending him on a life and death adventure. Along the way, he meets Lila, self-proclaimed pirate and street thief. Can this mismatched pair save the world?

This book has so much going on. A strong hero and heroine. Plenty of action and suspense. And a unique premise that really makes the reader think.

I loved what Schwab did with the parallel cities and how they could interact. The world building was well done and everything was explained nicely. Lila and Kell are awesome characters, each with their faults and strengths. Can’t wait for book 2 of this series to see what happens next!

Professional Review:

“Schwab (Vicious) creates an ingenious set of nesting alternate Londons in this imaginative, well-crafted fantasy. Confident prose and marvelous touches-a chameleon coat, a scarlet river of magic, a piratical antiheroine-bring exuberant life to an exhilarating adventure among the worlds.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The Kiss of Deception” by Mary Pearson

“The Kiss of Deception” by Mary Pearson

“The Kiss of Deception” by Mary Pearson

Lia has always felt pressure from her parents to keep up good appearances and serve her country. Now she is being married off to the prince of the neighboring kingdom for political purposes, and she has finally had enough. When she should be traveling to her wedding, she is instead fleeing her country with only her closest confidante, her lady’s maid. Wanting only to seek personal freedom, she soon sets up a life in a small village, working in the boarding house to earn her keep. Unbeknownst to her, the prince who was to be her husband is now tracking her down, determined to make her pay for her actions that led to his embarrassment. She is also the target of an assassination attempt, and only time will tell if she will survive both of her hunters. It’s either that, or fall in love with one of them. The thing is, she doesn’t know who these men are, and for once, neither does the reader.

I loved this! I really liked not knowing who was who for the romance interests and trying to match up the different identities and figure out which was which. Pearson does a fantastic job keeping the identities separate from their actions, and for the first time ever I couldn’t decide who I would rather have Lia end up with. They were both wonderful options. It was great not knowing which one was the prince because if I had known, it may have tipped the scale in his direction. The characters were well defined and relatable, and the setting was vivid without being overly descriptive.

Professional reviews:

“*The first in a marvelous new fantasy series that is sure to find an audience with devotees of Suzanne Collins’s “The Hunger Games” . . . Romance, adventure, mysticism–this book has it all and it just may be the next YA blockbuster.” ―School Library Journal, Starred Review

 

“Frostblood” by Elly Blake

“Frostblood” by Elly Blake

“Frostblood” by Elly Blake

Ruby has spent her life hiding in the outskirts, trying to keep people from getting too close and discovering her secret – she is one of the few remaining Firebloods and one the king would pay to have hunted down. When soldiers come to her small village, she feels that all is lost, especially after her mother is murdered. After months kept captive in a cold, dark dungeon, where her guards keep her freezing and hungry, Ruby has resigned herself to her final fate. Then salvation appears. However, she’s not sure who these mysterious men are or why they would want to save her. All too soon Ruby is learning to use her powers and wants nothing more than to seek her revenge on the king.

Blake, Elly. (2017). Frostblood. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
The world building in this novel is perfect for fans of lighter fantasy. This has some excellent character development and a well-developed relationship between the two main characters. While it may not be for the faint-of-heart as there are plenty of gruesome descriptions of wounds and fighting tactics, it will make a great read for fans of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard or Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Readers will be impatiently waiting for book two.

 

Professional reviews:

“This enchanting and fast-paced debut lights up the page with magic, romance, and action, all of which is expertly interwoven throughout the text. Readers will be eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.”―Booklist

“This is an enjoyable, fast-paced debut that blends romance into a story of suspenseful battles, royal prisons, and rebel schemes…. perfect for fans of Red Queen and will delight those who love fantasy, adventure, and romance. A strong addition to any YA fantasy collection.”―School Library Journal“Ruby’s a spitfire who faces her challenges with grit…. A slow-burning, classic tale.”―Kirkus Reviews

“A strong debut for Blake…. succeeds in laying down intriguing framework for the books to come.”―Publishers Weekly

“With a fierce and vibrant world, richly-drawn characters, a steamy romance, and page-turning twists, Frostblood has all the elements of a great fantasy.”―Morgan Rhodes, New York Times bestselling author of the Fallen Kingdoms Series

“Fast-paced and brimming with magic and intrigue, Frostblood will keep you frozen in place until the last page and then leave you burning for more.”―Lori M. Lee, author of Gates of Thread and Stone

“Dragonwatch” by Brandon Mull

“Dragonwatch” by Brandon Mull

“Dragonwatch” by Brandon Mull

Dragonwatch picks up where Fablehaven left off. It’s been a few months since the final big battle with the demons, and things are mostly back to normal. If living on a sanctuary full of mystical beings is normal.

Seth is still his usual self – annoying whiny teen boy who thinks he is invincible and doesn’t ever think through the consequences of his actions. Kendra is still a unicorn love-struck teen girl, though her head is still mostly on straight and she makes choices based mostly on logic. But when they are chosen as the new co-caretakers for Wyrmroost, life becomes a bit more interesting.

Through all the adventures and magical creatures, this book is the story of taking chances and saving the world, one dragon sanctuary at a time. Hopefully future volumes continue on in the same thread. Previous fans of Fablehaven will not be disappointed, and it looks like there are some new characters who will soon be having their own magical adventures.

“Hunted” by Megan Spooner

“Hunted” by Megan Spooner

“Hunted” by Megan Spooner

Beauty is the youngest daughter of a wealthy hunter turned merchant. When their family luck changes they are forced to relocate to their old hunting cottage, where her father spends his days hunting to support his girls. After he disappears, Beauty, trained from a young age as a skilled huntress, goes after him. What she discovers there changes her life forever.

This is a great retelling of Beauty and the Beast, complete with magical creatures, a growing love, and a spirited girl who will stop at nothing to get her revenge – at least until she finds out that wasn’t what she wanted.

I really enjoyed the growing relationship with this one, though I do have to admit that Beauty and the Beast is my favorite tale, so almost any retelling will be a win for me. I also feel that extra bonus points should be awarded here for including a library in this version of the retelling, because Beauty is only a complete character when she has a love for reading. I would love for this to have a companion book, but so far this is slated as a stand-alone novel.

Great for fans of fairytale retellings, especially those who prefer this particular tale.

Professional reviews:

“Spooner creates a detailed world populated by complex characters… An elegant, classic, and vivid fairy tale.” (Kirkus Reviews –starred review)

“Gilded Cage” by Vic James

“Gilded Cage” by Vic James

“Gilded Cage” by Vic James

In this alternate reality world, Luke and his family are part of the commoners, or those who do not have special mind control powers. Those who have the powers are called Equals, and they rule the land as members of a powerful aristocracy. All commoners are required to spend 10 years of their life in slavery to the Equals. Some do their years as soon as they are able, while others wait until the end of their lives to serve their time. No matter when it happens, those 10 years are not pleasant, and many die while most come back broken and unstable.

Luke’s sister finds a way for all of them to serve their years together in what will hopefully be a fairly peaceful estate. But all her planning is for naught, and Luke is separated from his family and sent to another slave holding. What he learns there will take him on the path to rebellion and a sacrifice for his family.

This was a very unique turn to an otherwise common story. The introduction of mandatory slavery for commoners set up the communities for an aggressive slave rebellion, but those in power have ultimate control, making it almost impossible for those without to have any affect on society. A great new read for those who like dystopian novels, but a little graphic for younger readers.

Professional reviews:

“Brisk plotting, sympathetic characters, and plenty of intrigue will keep readers on the edges of their seats, eager for the next book in a very promising series.”Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An alternate modern-day England where enticing drama and social unrest mix with aristocratic scandal and glamorous magic . . . conjuring up the specters of Les Misérables and Downton Abbey . . . an absorbing first installment that presages an intriguing new fantasy series.”Kirkus Reviews

“Savvy” by Ingrid Law

“Savvy” by Ingrid Law

“Savvy” by Ingrid Law

Everyone in Mibs’ family has a special talent, known as their savvy, that they receive on their thirteenth birthday. Her mother does everything perfectly, even when it’s a mistake. Her grandmother could catch music in a jar. Her grandfather causes the ground to move.

Now it’s finally her turn! Mibs is celebrating her thirteenth birthday, and she will finally find out what her savvy is. Will it be talking to animals? Seeing sounds? Only time will tell. Then tragedy strikes – her father is a car accident and is now in a coma. Will Mibs get a savvy that could save him?

Full of quirky characters and wild adventures, Savvy is the story of Mibs and her quest to save her father’s life. She is joined by her brother and a few new friends along the way, and somewhere between pink buses, flying pies, and police cars they must make their way to the hospital to find Mibs’ father and try to keep him alive.

Law, I. (2008). Savvy. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Awards: Newbery Honor 2009

 

This is a fun book about abilities and talents and family relationships. The growing friendship between Mibs and Will and Mibs and Bobbi are great examples of how people aren’t always who they seem to be, and sometimes a person just wants someone to see them and like them for who they really are. I’m really interested to see what Sampson’s savvy is, although it seems as though he already has inklings of it showing through in his behavior, even at his younger age.

A great group read and one that readers of all ages who enjoy a little light fantasy in their books will really enjoy.

Professional Reviews:

Grades 5-7. Upon turning 13, each member of the Beaumont family develops a supernatural ability, or savvy, which must then be tamed. Well aware of the problems savvys can bring (the family had to relocate when one child had difficulty controlling his storm-producing savvy), 12-year-old Mississippi (Mibs) awaits her birthday eagerly but with a bit of trepidation. Then Poppa is seriously injured in an accident far away, and Momma goes to his side, leaving Mibs and the rest of the family to cope with Mibs’ 13th birthday on their own. Initially believing that her savvy is the ability to restore life, Mibs sets her course for Poppa. Joined by her brothers and the local preacher’s kids, she sweet talks her way onto a traveling Bible salesman’s bus. On the journey, however, Mibs realizes her savvy isn’t what she thought, which opens the way for a number of lively adventures both geographic and emotional. Law’s storytelling is rollicking, her language imaginative, and her entire cast of whacky, yet believable characters delightful. Readers will want more from Law; her first book is both wholly engaging and lots of fun.

“The Black Prism” by Brent Weeks

“The Black Prism” by Brent Weeks

“The Black Prism” by Brent Weeks

I am an avid fantasy reader, having read books by JRR Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks, Margaret Weis, and Terry Hickman.

The Black Prism series is a must read for all fantasy lovers. The book is set in a world where being able to see color is everything. The magical system comes from those who are able to see the different shades of color in the color wheel. Sounds kind of lame, right? WRONG! It’s awesome. The story follows Kip, who is the outcast of his town and makes a living with his mom by scavenging old battle grounds. He later discovers he might also have the magical power of controlling color and creating with it.
He then begins his battle for his own confidence and saving his family and newfound friends from renegade magicians and political intrigue.

This book weaves action, adventure and finding out your true potential in great depth.

Brent Weeks is an author who is up there with all other fantasy authors. If you want a fast-paced, epic fantasy, this is a read for you.

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