Title: The Cure for Dreaming
Author: Cat Winters (Twitter)
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publish Date: October 14, 2014
Genre: YA, Historical Fantasy
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

Olivia Mead is a headstrong, independent girl—a suffragist—in an age that prefers its girls to be docile. It’s 1900 in Oregon, and Olivia’s father, concerned that she’s headed for trouble, convinces a stage mesmerist to try to hypnotize the rebellion out of her. But the hypnotist, an intriguing young man named Henri Reverie, gives her a terrible gift instead: she’s able to see people’s true natures, manifesting as visions of darkness and goodness, while also unable to speak her true thoughts out loud.

These supernatural challenges only make Olivia more determined to speak her mind, and so she’s drawn into a dangerous relationship with the hypnotist and his mysterious motives, all while secretly fighting for the rights of women. Winters breathes new life into history once again with an atmospheric, vividly real story, including archival photos and art from the period throughout.

Cat Winters is the type of author who, when she crafts a new novel, you can't help but stand up and take notice. After reading The Cure for Dreaming, I am completely certain of this. It's no secret that I'm a fan of paranormal novels, and I've always loved historical fiction, but there's something about this novel that creates such a rich, intoxicating blend of the two that just captures you wholeheartedly. This is the type of novel that whisks you back to another time and place, but it gives you the a rich added layer by adding that deceitful paranormal element that really makes you think twice. Done this beautifully though, you can't help but be mesmerized and under its spell, as well.

The Cure for Dreaming was such a multi-faceted novel that it's truly difficult to break it down into the story structure, but in terms of plot, it's one of the most original and fascinating I've read in a long while. We're given a young protagonist who dreams of a better life, a father who is so afraid of losing his only daughter that he'll manipulate her into staying quiet and a mysterious hypnotist who could change everything forever. I was completely enthralled by how vivid and real this time period seemed, and I was thoroughly impressed by the detail that Ms. Winters put into her story. We weren't simply offered a time period with no real backing. Rather, the time and place are as powerful as the characters themselves - oppressive, overbearing and the driving force of change in our characters' lives. By offering us this black and white backdrop with characters full of life and colour, we can see these stark contrasts in all their glory.

Olivia was the perfect heroine for this story. Rather than painting her simply as a rebellious teen with lofty dreams, we see her as this multi-faceted young lady with dreams of more than what she's privy to in her everyday life. In start contrast, we're given her father, rigid and uptight, who's both unwilling and unable to see the beauty of his daughter's dreams and instead hires a hypnotist to cure her of her dreams of grandeur. I wanted so badly to hate him throughout the entire novel, but there was a deep-seeded sadness within him that sort of spoke to me through it all. And, of course, The Cure for Dreaming gives us Henri, our hypnotist who sets the story in motion. There was something beautiful, dark and mysterious about his character, but as his relationship and the truth of his plan is unraveled, we can't help but be mesmerized.

The Cure for Dreaming is the type of story that will ultimately suck you in from start to finish. Ms. Winters does an incredible job, as usual, of painting the perfect setup for well-developed characters to bloom and flourish through the story. And, in the end, it really won me over from start to finish. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and historical fiction stories.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. 

Title: Sekret
Author: Lindsay Smith (Twitter)
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publish: April 1, 2014
Genre: YA, Historical Thriller, Sci-Fi
Pages: 337
Source: Publisher

An empty mind is a safe mind. Yulia's father always taught her to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive the harsh realities of Soviet Russia. But when she's captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she's thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power.

Yulia quickly realizes she can trust no one--not her KGB superiors or the other operatives vying for her attention--and must rely on her own wits and skills to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.

Historical fiction is the type of genre that has the ability to morph into other genres, giving readers sweeping stories that are rich, imaginative, soulful and, at times, terrifying. Sekret is a perfect example of such a novel. Weaving Russian cultural history into a powerful thriller that's complete with science fiction elements, Lindsay Smith spins us a story that's original enough to keep us guessing, but still based in reality enough to ensure that we're invested in the tale from the start.

Sekret starts fast right out of the gate, thrusting us into a world of action and adventure that makes it difficult to keep up at times. However, the world created is so vivid and alive that we can't help but become utterly involved in this story of geneticists, government testing, psychic abilities, spies and drama. The beauty of the storyline is simple though. Ms. Smith takes those historical elements that we might recall from school - characters like Gagarin and Khrushchev - and breathes new life into them. Animated and alive, these characters interact with those in the book, seamlessly merging fact and fiction and, often times, making us question what's real and what really isn't. Perhaps even more challenging and well-executed, however, was the author's ability to pain America as the enemy, simply by convincing us so well of all the circumstances in Soviet Russia.

Yulia was a fantastic character to follow. In a novel that might have otherwise been tricky to relate to, we're presented with a strong, level-headed heroine that is more than capable of taking care of herself. It's rare to see a character fully capable of taking care of herself, but in Sekret, we watch as Yulia never strays from her convictions, always puts family first and relies heavily upon her common sense and wisdom gained through life. In many ways, she read like an old soul, and it was a pleasure to really get to know her through the novel.

I will, however, say that I think the love triangle within Sekret actually hurt the novel. I understood the setup behind it, but I also thing that it was somewhat unnecessary. This is the type of story in which one love arc, if any, might be necessary, if only to add a little extra heart and compassion into a dramatic story. It felt a bit out of place and, if I'm entirely honest, it didn't feel nearly developed enough to be completely necessary. Furthermore, I do wish that, at times, action and espionage elements of the story were more fleshed out. We're given an incredibly imaginative and powerful backdrop, and I wanted a little extra oompf from the action, as well.

Overall though, I quite enjoyed Sekret, despite a few hiccups along the way. I appreciate the fact that Ms. Smith treats us as smart readers and doesn't dumb things down for us - a rarity in historical fiction. I give this book a high 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy historical fiction, science fiction and thrillers.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Prisoner of Night and Fog

Author: Anne Blankman (Twitter)

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Publish Date: April 22, 2014

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction

Pages: 416

In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her "uncle" Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf's, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet. Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler. And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can't stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can't help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she's been taught to believe about Jews.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she's always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

I'm always on the lookout for a good historical fiction novel, and I've found that some of the most powerful books I've ever been read have been through this time period and the holocaust. I love the idea of a girl inside the horrors that engulfed Nazi Germany and, if it's done well, it could be a really profound read. I really hope that the romance balances the rest of the storyline well. Fingers crossed, right? What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. 

Title: Catherine
Author: April Lindner (Twitter)
Publisher: Poppy
Publish Date: January 2, 2013
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Catherine is tired of struggling musicians befriending her just so they can get a gig at her Dad’s famous Manhattan club, The Underground. Then she meets mysterious Hence, an unbelievably passionate and talented musician on the brink of success. As their relationship grows, both are swept away in a fiery romance. But when their love is tested by a cruel whim of fate, will pride keep them apart?

Chelsea has always believed that her mom died of a sudden illness, until she finds a letter her dad has kept from her for years—a letter from her mom, Catherine, who didn’t die: She disappeared. Driven by unanswered questions, Chelsea sets out to look for her—starting with the return address on the letter: The Underground.

It should be said, first and foremost, that despite the fact that Wuthering Heights is a classic, I think much of the storyline actually escaped me as a reader. I simply don't think I understood the complexity of the novel, which was, in large part, why I was so very excited to read Catherine by April Lindner. Ms. Lindner has this innate ability to bring the classics to life in a way that makes me appreciate the original, while I'm becoming fully invested in the contemporary retelling. Crafting a story with a careful balance of new and old, these classical retellings simply dust off the cobwebs and bring the story back to life.

I often find with reimagined stories that authors lose crucial bits of their predecessors, which irreparably damage the novel. Catherine though, manages to hold fast to the integrity of the novel, but still manages to interject its in unique flair and flavour to what could have easily become a tired story. I found that much of the first half of the novel adhered rather strictly to that of Wuthering Heights, but once the story, the background and the mystery were set up, the story took on a bit of a life of its own, and taking us on a new sort of adventure that really helps us better understand the nature of the mystery. 

Chelsea and Catherine were worthy characters in their own right in this novel, as well. Alternating between their voices by chapter, it was an interesting twist on the classic that offered me far better insight than the original, thus giving me much more of a reason to become invested in the novel. Catherine's point of view seemed to set the stage in the past for the events in the present, while Chelsea's voice moved the pace of the story and the mystery along, injecting it with life as the story progressed. 

Reimagined classics will always face a bit of a dichotomy in their readership, if only because of those who are staunch supporters of the classics. What I enjoyed about Catherine is the fact that Ms. Lindner utilized her creative license in the best possible way by borrowing the most important pieces of Wuthering Heights, then interjecting them into an otherwise modern tale. By doing so, Catherine was transformed into a masterpiece in and of itself, alive with romance, drama, mystery and intrigue. Plus, while I had issues with some very unlikable characters in the classic. Ms. Lindner's characters are much more accessible and alive.

Overall, I think that Catherine might be Ms. Lindner's best retelling yet. While there are some implausible moments, and I think that Catherine and Chelsea sounded a bit too similar at times, I really, really enjoyed the story as a whole. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, and contemporary fiction - especially those who enjoy reimagined classics.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: The Madman's Daughter
Author: Megan Shepherd (Twitter)
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction
Pages: 432
Source: Personal Copy

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

There is an inherent beauty to gothic novels that lies within the dark and brooding madness; because it's in that twisted maze of darkness that lies a faint glimmer of hope - and truth - that leads the story and the reader in the right direction throughout. The Madman's Daughter stood out for me from the young adult crowd because it's a rarity in which we see an author truly commit to a rather gruesome idea and take a no-holds-barred approach to the nature of the genre. Megan Shepherd has crafted a stunning novel that's powerful in its darkness, vivid in its intensity and wholeheartedly, unsettlingly incredible.

The Madman's Daughter reads much like the title implies. The story is a maze of intrigue and mystery and, at times, the complexity of it seems rather mad. We're given the story of a daughter that is trying to understand the true nature of her father who, for all intents and purposes, is a mad scientist and, in doing so, we're unwittingly swept up into the same whirlwind that Juliet lives everyday. It's an eerie concept to live in a world in which your father is the sole nature of your ruin, and Juliet's quiet resolve to uncover the truth was heartening and truly believable. She was a source of light in an eerie and subtly bleak novel.

The way in which the settings were presented to the reader within The Madman's Daughter is arguably one of the foremost strengths of the novel. The island is a brooding and horrific place, plagued by deformed creatures borne of a brilliantly mad mind. Time seems to stand still on the island, setting it vastly apart from Juliet's life in London and leaving us feeling incredibly isolated and trapped in the lair of a madman. With each twist and turn, I was left with more questions and, inevitably, more shocked by each revelation. The plot was so incredibly layered that, at times, some of the relationships in the novel seemed rather irrelevant.

That, unfortunately, leads me to my one qualm with the novel. The Madman's Daughter errs on the edge of perfection. In fact, it is precariously close to it, but the subtle love triangle between Juliet, Montgomery and Edward felt a bit out of place in such a stellar example of a gothic novel. Overall, the triangle wasn't overbearing, but I felt that it was almost an afterthought in terms of complexity since the rest of the story was so rich and layered. The tension was tangible at times, but there were hints of an instant connection that left a bit of bitter taste in my mouth.

Despite that singular flaw though, I found The Madman's Daughter to be a rich and utterly engrossing read. I think it's safe to say that gothic novels like this might just be my cup of tea, and I can't wait to read what's next to come in this story. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it fans of YA, especially those who enjoy historical fiction and gothic novels.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Sekret
Author: Lindsay Smith (Twitter)
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publish Date: April 15, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal Hist Fic
Pages: 352

Yulia’s father always taught her that an empty mind is a safe mind. She has to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive in Communist Russia, especially because she seems to be able to read the minds of the people she touches. When she’s captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she’s thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power where she can trust no one.

She certainly can’t trust Rostov, the cruel KGB operative running the psychic program. Or handsome Sergei who encourages her to cooperate with the KGB. Or brooding Valentin who tells her to rebel against them. And not the CIA, who have a psychic so powerful he can erase a person’s mind with his own thoughts. Yulia quickly learns she must rely on her own wits and power to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.

Okay, while I've said many times that I'm over paranormal books, Sekret might really be the change I need to get back into it! I love when authors push the boundaries of their genres and really mix and match. Adding a paranormal element to a thrilling part of history? That's sheer genius, I tell you! I cannot wait to see just how eerie and tenuous this book is...it could very well be awesome! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Vixen
Author: Jillian Larkin
Publisher: Delacorte BYR
Publish Date: December 14, 2010
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction
Pages: 421
Source: Personal Copy

Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun...or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden...

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry...

Gloria is a good girl. Hailing from a newly-rich family in Chicago, Gloria doesn't stray from the rules, and she certainly doesn't deviate from the norm. That doesn't, however, mean that she doesn't want more. She dreams of the beautiful hair and dresses. She longs for the parties and the fun, but at the end of the day, she's engaged to be married, and that's certain to tame her forever. But there's a chance, just a chance, that Gloria can enjoy her hey-dey before the the big day. Is it worth it though to risk it all, and will Clara, Lorraine and Gloria's friendship survive the drama of the the roaring twenties?

Confession time...I'm a tidbit obsessed with the the 20's era. There's something about the carefree, mobster mentality of that time period; the glitz, the glam, the excessiveness and grandeur of it all that is daring, provocative and decidedly alluring. Vixen by author, Jillian Larkin, takes the heart of the 20's and spills it onto the pages, immersing you in a world that's both enticing and liberating. Rich, vivid and alive, Vixen brings you back to a time that's a party on the outside, but is teeming with an undercurrent of drama...just waiting to suck you in.

I've waited so very long to read this one, and I'll admit that it's in large part due to the size of the book. It's not the longest book I've ever read, but with an endless review queue, it just never seemed to push its way to the top. I digress. Vixen brought out a mixed bag of emotions for me because it had some tremendously strong suits, but it also had some flaws, which undermined its ultimate potential. In terms of strength though, it must be noted that the author has done her homework about the time period because this book is alive. The backdrop for the story is alive with details, and we savour each and every one because they make it all the more exciting. I felt as though I was experiencing life within a speakeasy firsthand. From the perfectly coiffed hair, to the extravagant dresses, overflowing liquor, dancing and more, the 20's are completely and utterly alive in this book. However, this strength also served to be a bit of a downfall to Vixen for me, as well. To bring such great detail to the story, we're offered almost half the book in backstory and setting the scene. For this reason, I almost feel as though the characters, Gloria, Clara and Lorraine served only as supporting characters to the backdrop. Of the three girls, I found Gloria to be the most sympathetic. She was fun and spunky, but she also hesitated to deviate from the norm because of extenuating circumstances. That said, when she lets loose, she does so in full, and it's just as liberating for us. Clara was a mess, in my opinion. I could never really get a grasp on what she wanted - whether it was to redeem her character, or simply revert to her old ways. Lorraine, too, grated my nerves. While she was, perhaps, the most plausible, this girl was also quite unstable, which made her chapters unsettling. When I did close the book, I have to say that the 20's were more alive for me than the characters, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.

All in all, I really do like the setup for Vixen. I just wanted more from these characters because if it's a series in which I'm supposed to invest my time, I feel I should know the characters' motivations. I give this book a 3 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA and historical fiction.

Title: The Traitor in the Tunnel
Author: Y.S. Lee
Publisher: Candlewick
Publish Date: February 28, 2012
Genre: YA, Mystery, Hist-Fic
Pages: 373
Source: Author

Queen Victoria has a little problem: there's a petty thief at work in Buckingham Palace. Charged with discretion, the Agency puts quickwitted Mary Quinn on the case, where she must pose as a domestic while fending off the attentions of a feckless Prince of Wales. But when the prince witnesses the murder of one of his friends in an opium den, the potential for scandal looms large.

And Mary faces an even more unsettling possibility: the accused killer, a Chinese sailor imprisoned in the Tower of London, shares a name with her long-lost father. Meanwhile, engineer James Easton, Mary's onetime paramour, is at work shoring up the sewers beneath the palace, where an unexpected tunnel seems to be very much in use. Can Mary and James trust each other (and put their simmering feelings aside) long enough to solve the mystery and protect the Royal Family? Hoist on your waders for Mary's most personal case yet, where the stakes couldn't be higher - and she has everything to lose.

Mary Quinn has seen her fair share of crime and mystery, but things are about to get even stickier. Posing as a maid in Buckingham Palace, she must catch a petty thief plaguing the Queen and the royals. What she does not expect, however, is the sinister plot she uncovers; one that is far murkier and messier than she had originally anticipated. Now, Mary is up to her elbows in lies, gossip and deceit, and for some reason, the Agency is unusually silent. She must navigate her way through the mystery and corruption to discover the underlying issue of the crime, and she must solve it quickly because things are about to go from bad to worse.

I’ve always been a bit iffy on the whole mystery and crime-solving genre because, let’s be honest, sometimes these series get so played out halfway through, and yet the books just keep coming! I’m so excited to say that this is definitely not the case with The Traitor in the Tunnel, which is the third book in the Agency series. Somehow, veteran author Y.S. Lee continues to deliver the drama and intrigue with each installment, upping the ante every time. Rather than sticking to a formulaic pattern for her mysteries, she continues to deviate from the mold, offering touches of sleight of hand with each and every turn. It’s safe to say that this is one of maze of a mystery that will keep you on your toes.

Mary Quinn is, as ever, every bit the heroine. Never petty or meek, she’s a fighter, and her spirit resonates throughout The Traitor in the Tunnel. What’s best about her is that she truly thinks things through with every action she takes, and her thought processes are true to life. Furthermore, she has such a sharp tongue, and it really adds a touch of humour to an otherwise very serious plot. My favourite part of the series that continues through this installment is the fact that no matter how chaotic and messy the mystery becomes, there is a witty undertone that adds an air of lightness. Even better, the dialogue is honest, funny and really entertaining; keeping me invested the story line and the mystery, itself. Most of all, The Traitor in the Tunnel continues to bring 1850s London to life in a way that’s both completely enticing and realistic. I felt like I was living in Mary’s world, and I was invested in the mystery – and yes, I guessed everything wrong, yet again. The plotline branches out, encompassing a whole realm of possibilities, which could be confusing for some, but I felt it worked quite well, wrapping in a fast-paced, heart-pounding way.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by the third installment of the Agency series. Y.S. Lee continues to raise the stakes each time, and I’m officially completely hooked (not to say I wasn’t before). I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries and historical fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: The Faerie Ring
Author: Kiki Hamilton
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publish Date: September 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Historical, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

Tiki lives in a world of extremes. While Victorian London is alive with colour, hustle and bustle for those with plenty, those without are forced to live in the slums and do whatever they can to scrape by. An orphan and alone, Tiki is the latter, as is her "family" in Charing Cross - a whole group of orphans working to pick pockets and make enough to live day to day. But even so, money is scare, times are hard and Tiki never knows when her little bit of luck will run out. Then she happens upon the ring; a mysterious and beautiful ring belonging to the Queen, and she is presented with two choices. She can keep the ring and return it for the reward money, or she can venture further into a world of shaky alliances between humans and vengeful fey. Either way, Tiki's life is about to change forever, and she might not be who she thought she was.

Faerie stories are hit or miss for me. I'm not the type who loves glittering faeries born to be tedious little tricksters. Rather, I like my fey to be a bit heinous, a bit mad and whole lot dark and nasty. The Faerie Ring more than easily obliges all my criteria. Author Kiki Hamilton may have very well accomplished the impossible with The Faerie Ring, merging a young adult historical story with the paranormal. Two difficult genres to blend, The Faerie Ring brings the two together in a potent and intoxicating story of truth, dignity and the right to survive at all costs. Battle lines are easily drawn in The Faerie Ring, but peace is the more difficult path, and the tension, compassion and mystery overflow throughout the story.

Tiki is one of the most lovable and engaging heroines that I've read in a while. Right from the start, though she's strong and resilient, you can feel her anger at her situation. Though it simmers lightly below the surface, part of the beauty of The Faerie Ring was that you can sense that she will eventually reach her boiling point, and you're simply waiting to find out when. Despite her circumstances though, Tiki's love for her fellow orphans in Charing Cross was abundant, and the feeling left me feeling comforted by the sense that there was a rock for her charcter no matter where the action took us. In regards to the action, The Faerie Ring was a complete rollercoaster. Fast and furious, the plot is a whirlwind, sweeping us through Victorian London, all the while letting us taste the gritty air, view the extravagance of the wealthy and feel the acrid hatred between the humans and the fey. The transition between historical fiction and paranormal elements was flawless. The two were intertwined in a way that one would be incomplete without the other, which is a feat in and of itself. Furthermore, the full cast of characters in The Faerie Ring were wholly enmeshed in the ever-moving plot, driving it in the right direction from start to finish. I do have to say that Reiker was the one character that, though awesome, confused the heck out of me. I never knew what I was going to get from him, and I'll be honest and say I still had some questions at the end.

The Faerie Ring is a meticulous blend of all the elements of a great story - characters, plot and writing. Entertaining and engrossing from start to finish, it will have you guessing throughout. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA fiction, historical fiction and paranormal.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: A Temptation of Angels
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Dial BYR
Publish Date: March 20, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormalm HistFic
Pages: TBA

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility.

Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

First off, I'm a huge fan of Michelle Zink. She's an incredible author. Second of all, seriously? Look at that cover for A Temptation of Angels. I'm in lust with how dark and haunting it is. Plus, I really think I could love this take on angels. It sounds twisty and dark with a touch of something that's not quite right or good. Honestly, this one has all the makings for an incredible book, and I can't freaking wait to read it. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Legacy
Author: Cayla Kluver
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: June 21, 2011
Genre: YA, Historical Fantasy
Pages: 304
Source: Netgalley

The first boy disappeared on the day of his birth, on a night when the pale yellow moon of the nighttime sky turned red and bathed the heavens in the ghastly color of blood, on the same night the Kingdom of Cokyri abruptly ceased its merciless attack.

Across the land of Hytanica, under the shadow of the crimson moon, infant boys continued to vanish. Not until the blood had faded from the sky did the disappearances stop and the bodies of the murdered infants were found outside the gates of the city, a final word from the greatest enemy Hytanica had ever known. For the next sixteen years, peace reigned, but one mystery remained unsolved. The Cokyrians had abducted forty-nine newborns, but returned only forty-eight bodies.

Now, as seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica is besieged from all sides by suitors vying for the Throne, a teenage Cokyrian boy, Narian, is encountered within the walls of her Kingdom, a boy who will show Alera a world where women serve a purpose and not just a husband. As Narian helps Alera find her voice, she struggles against an arranged marriage that will shatter the life she has scarcely begun to live. And when Narian's shocking past is uncovered, and war with Cokyri looms once more, he must fight to defy a fate ordained at his birth.

Alera is the princess and heir to the throne of Hytanica, and now at age of seventeen, she has one year to find a suitable husband who meets her father's standards to rule the kingdom at her side. Unfortunately, there is only one such man that meets his standards, and Alera can't stand the mere sight of him. With her days of freedom numbered, Alera finds herself concentrating on political affairs once the Cokyrians begin infiltrating the palace. But there's a rumour floating around - there is a mole, and nobody is sure who they can trust anymore. Alera finds the one person who can tell her what she needs to know, Narian, and he's a Cokyrian. Though he's the enemy, and she's just a woman, she finds herself discovering a world that she's never known...and she was never supposed know.

I was, I must admit, first intrigued by Legacy based on the cover because I'm a huge cover slut. That said though, this book was so much more than the cover. Written by author, Cayla Kluver, when she was just fifteen years old, Legacy defies the author's age and fits well into the realm of historical fantasy - a difficult genre to write. With lyrical and poetic prose, a relatable and heartening protagonist and a world of adventure far more vast than the world we live in, Legacy has all the makings of a fantastic fictitious world. This coming-of-age tale is one filled from start to finish with mysteries, lies, intrigue and a touch of romance that blooms throughout.

Alera was a fabulous protagonist for Legacy. She was the perfect balance between snarky and tempestuous and quirky teen on the verge of adulthood. Because she was living in a world where women are inferior to men, Alera's struggle was that much more harrowing because you could sense her inner struggle to live up to her potential while trying to reconcile it with the values and beliefs under which she was raised. The introduction of Narian in Legacy was perfect to complement Alera's struggle. He was, technically, the enemy, but as a prisoner, Alera was given a unique upper hand that allowed her to sense the power she might have had if she'd been born into the Cokyrian society. Narian is making Alera grow up in the wake of the prophecy that could destroy Hytanica, and while Cokyri was supposed to be the enemy, I couldn't help but love them for what they did for women. From start to finish, the secondary characters in Legacy like Steldor, Alera's suitor, kept me guessing and longing desperately for book two. It's also important to note how thorough the world-building was. Clearly defined and illustrated, I felt like I was able to step into Alera's world, which is quite a feat.

I was a bit worried about the length of Legacy, but I didn't get bored on a single page, and it never felt tedious. All in all, I think Legacy was a beautiful read that deserves far more credit than it's received thus far. With two more books to come in the series, I'm eagerly anticipating what's next. I give this book a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend this book to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy historical fiction and fantasy, as well as fans of books like Graceling.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Wrapped
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Publisher: Atheneum
Published: May 24, 2011
Genre: YA, Hist-Fic
Pages: 256
Source: S&S Galley Grab

This is Agnes Wilkins’ debut season and already she’s attracting the attention of one of England’s most eligible and desirable men: Lord Showalter. He’s been quite forward about his intentions and Agnes finds this at once thrilling and terrifying. He is handsome and wealthy and has this quirky interest in helping England amass the world’s finest collection of Egyptian artifacts. It could be a good match—but everything Agnes knows about courtship and high society romance comes from A. Lady novels, and it seems to be a rule that men who are too good to be true are usually hiding something.

But, what Showalter is hiding is not crumbling finances or boarish behavior. He is deceiving the whole British Empire. He is spy working for Napoleon, his orders smuggled into London in Egyptian artifacts—like the one Agnes pockets while at a mummy unwrapping party at Showalter’s home. Her innocent interest in this trinket (and childish need to keep it) jump starts a chain of events that bring out dangerous characters, dangerous circumstances, and the biggest danger of all—true love.

Agnes is ready to enter society. It's 1815, and it's time for her to enjoy (and entertain) her first season of eligibility, which means she will have every opportunity to find a suitable husband with good intentions, wealth and interests. Lord Showalter is one such man, and he's got his eye on Agnes. When he invites her to a mummy-unrapping party, she accepts, sending her on a whirlwind adventure of lies, deceit and even the fate of England at Napoloeon's hand. Will she be able to stop the thievery and lies while maintaining her good name as a proper lady?

I don't read too much historical fiction. That's not to say I don't love historical fiction, it's just that I don't find too many that really break the mold. Wrapped has a great premise, and it's definitely one that I've never heard before, which intrigued me. Promising a plot full of twists and turns, as well as a lovable heroine, author Jennifer Bradbury has set up an adventure-filled novel that somehow manages to combine history and mummies into a cohesive and fun story.

Wrapped definitely didn't disappoint when it came to the main character. Agnes was seriously witty, and definitely more than what met the eye. She kept me guessing, and her little anecdotes added a touch of lighthearted hilarity to the story. Lord Showalter, though not nearly as deep, was a good character that perfectly Agnes's personality. I will, however, say that if you're looking for complete accuracy in the historical parts of the book, Wrapped won't meet your standards. The time period, though great for the story, wasn't entirely historically accurate. I will also say that, at times, I felt like the Jane Austen references within Wrapped were a bit too cluttered. That said, the tone throughout the book was fun, enjoyable and intriguing, so despite the somewhat obvious villain, the tone won out.

All in all, Wrapped is a fun read. It's not deep, and there was no real message hidden in multiple layers, but the plot was a nice, quick and simple read for me. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy lighthearted chick-lit and historical fiction.

I received this eARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Dark Mirror
Author: M.J. Putney
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Published: March 1, 2011
Genre: YA, Historical
Pages: 306
Source: Publisher

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.

Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted . . . by magic.

When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.

Tory has possessed magic her whole life, and she's fought to keep it hidden for the sake of her future and for the reputation of her family. Magic isn't a gift in her world, but rather a curse. Unwillingly forced to use it one day though, Tory is shunned to a school with others like herself where she will, hopefully, be taught to control it and learn to manage her powers so she can rejoin her family and rightful place in society. But Lackland Abbey is a whole new world of hidden doors, different times somehow within reach and world of possibilities Tory never thought possible. Should she look back, or is this her future now?

I have a bit of a penchant for histfic, and we all know that magic is a huge theme in the books I read - anything supernatural, really. Dark Mirror promised all of the above, and it most certainly didn't disappoint. Drawing me in with a tale of magic, time travel and powers beyond my imagination, Dark Mirror wove a new niche into a crammed paranormal genre. M.J. Putney created a story with a unique take on powers and blended them into a fast-paced plot full of action, twists and turns.

Dark Mirror, while definitely intriguing wasn't without its faults. Yes, it was fast-paced, but there were times when I felt it was too much so. The characters seemed to have an innate ability to do exactly what they needed/wanted to do with little or no resistance in a matter of pages. Colour me crazy, but while I like fast paced books, I also like fleshed out tension. It adds to the story. I also felt that the characters weren't too well-rounded. I "met" Tory, and I knew what drove her in a sense, but I never felt any deep emotion for her. All that said, I do like that the plot wrapped up nicely, giving closure and ending without a cliffhanger (halle-freakin-lujia). I also loved the time period - the descriptions and setting, in and of itself, was brilliant.

All in all, Dark Mirror was a fairly good read, and it was a nice start to a new series. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy the supernatural, paranormal and historical fiction genres.

I received this ARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Class Collision

Author: Annette Mackey

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Published: Aug. 13, 2010
Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 283

Source: Author

What if you didn't know your boyfriend was worth millions?

Born into wealth and privilege, David spends his days rattling the servants and torturing the maid until he is kidnapped for ransom and left for dead. Grueling years follow until he meets Linda. She's sassy, pigheaded, beautiful and way more than he can possibly handle. Hate, love and passion combine as he tries to win her heart. She sees him as a drifter. Little does she know he's a prince in disguise.

Taken from Goodreads.

Class Collision follows the story of David, born into a life of privilege, wealth, and notoriety – that is, until it’s all whisked away in an instant. David is kidnapped, held captive, then left for dead…but he doesn’t die. He survives and learns to live in his new life. It’s tedious, but it works. Then he meets Linda. Linda is gorgeous and precocious, thinks David is penniless, and for some reason, David is completely taken with her. Can the two find love in the uncertain times of the Great Depression, or will their collective secrets tear them apart before they truly connect?

I have a fascination with the time period of the Great Depression, so when I heard the setting of Class Collision, I was extremely excited to give it a go. Author, Annette Mackey has created a rich coming-of-age story that asks the age-old question – can money buy you happiness? Alive with detail and flowing prose, the story is filled to the brim with morals and values without ever feeling preachy or tedious. Rather, Class Collision lets love drive the plot of the story.

I’ll admit I didn’t know a thing about Class Collision when I first picked it up, but that didn’t hinder the story a single bit. David plays the likeable protagonist well, and we watch his transformation from a spoiled and arrogant child into a young man of integrity and grace. Linda’s transformation is slower and more defined, but every bit as poignant as David’s. Their journey to ultimate self-discovery of one another fuels the plot and value of Class Collision, breathing life into the story. There were a few spots that were a bit too descriptive for my taste, but overall, the balance between characters and plot was flawless. I also have to be nit-picky and say that I really dislike the cover...that said, the story far exceeds the cover.

I was definitely pleasantly surprised by just how beautiful Class Collision was. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I am definitely going to read the sequel in the Fall From Grace series, called Phoenix Rising. I would recommend this to both a YA and adult audience, especially for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, contemporary fiction, and historical fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.