The Dark Lord’s Daughter by Patricia Wrede Fantasy Tween * * * Stars (Pretty good) Kayla learns that she’s from another world and that she’s REALLY the daughter of the Dark Lord Xavriel of Zaradwin, and her given name is Xavrielina (lame). She and her adoptive family (mom & brother) are whisked (by magic) back to Zaradwin where Kayla is to become the new Dark Lady. Her mom gets EXTREMELY upset and protective and keeps … Read more
Camp So-and-So by Mary McCoy Fantasy Mystery * * * Stars (Pretty good) 25 girls end up at a weird summer camp where they are grouped into cabins of 5 and are forced to play out a series of stories for an audience of inhuman beings that take their entertainment from the experience (unbeknownst to the girls when they arrive). Cabin 1 has to compete in various normal camp activities (sports, arts & craft, entertainment), … Read more
Aru Shah and the End of Time Aru Shah series, book #1 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hinduism Supernatural Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) One day three of her classmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her lying. They don’t believe the “Diya of Bharata” in the museum is cursed, so they dare Aru to prove it. Overwhelmed, Aru lights the Diya with dire consequences, as she unwittingly frees the Sleeper, … Read more
Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor Fantasy Mystery Romance * * * Stars (Pretty good) Jani and her sister Zosa are living on their own and trying to make ends meet when Jani learns that the Hotel Magnifique (a hotel that magically travels around to different locations) is in town and that they are picking up guests and hiring staff and entertainers. She hopes that she and Zosa can work as hotel employees, but when … Read more
A Venom Dark and Sweet sequel to A Magic Steeped in Poison Judy I. Lin Fantasy * * * Stars (Pretty good) In the previous installment, the Emperor had just passed and his daughter was poised to take the throne and select a new shennong-shi (brewer of teas infused with magic). Ning was in the running for that position. Then everything fell apart when the Emperor’s brother (the General) staged a coup to retake the … Read more
Fairy Tale by Stephen King Adventure Fantasy * * * * Stars (Great!) Charlie Reade made a bargain with the universe to pay it back if his father stopped drinking and he finds an opportunity to make good on his word when he rescues his cantankerous neighbor after a fall. Mr. Bowditch is old and grumpy and cherishes his independence, but he reluctantly accepts Charlie’s assistance when that seems to be the only way he … Read more
A Magic Steeped in Poison Book of Tea #1 by Judy Lin * * * * Stars (Great!) Tea laced with magic and a fantasy laced with romance, mystery, and suspense! Ning is competing for a court position, but she’s had to falsify some information in order to enter. She was NOT her mother’s apprentice – her sister was, but her sister is deathly ill from the same poison that ended their mother’s life. Ning … Read more
A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee Adventure Fantasy Supernatural * * * Stars (Pretty good) Miuko is unexpectedly cursed by a demon one night and has to flee from her home and try to find a way to break the curse before it completely consumes her. Her quest leads her far from home and gives her freedoms and experiences that she would never otherwise have had. When she finds herself in a position … Read more
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher Adventure Fantasy Romance * * * * Stars (Great!) When Princess Marra learns that her older sister is trapped in an abusive relationship, she vows to find a way to release her from her torment. This involves a lengthy quest to acquire the tools and companions she needs to do so – a bone dog, a gravewitch, her own fairy godmother (who is actually much better at curses than … Read more
The Theft of Sunlight Dauntless Path series, book #2 by Intisar Khanani Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) “The Theft of Sunlight” is a gorgeous and riveting story set against a dark, lush world inspired by middle eastern fantasy. Khanani spins a tale of intrigue, captivating you in the deceivingly glittering palaces and ethereal beauty of Menaiya, all whilst a chilling secret lurks just beyond the next page. Amraeya ni Ansarim has … Read more