There's something about magical stories that will always, always, always speak to me. It doesn't matter if I'm 28 or 48…I think that a good fantasy novel will always have my heart, regardless of the age range for which it was written. I've seen a lot of intriguing novels preparing to hit the market lately, too, so you'd better believe I'm getting more and more excited!

Title: The Girl at Midnight
Author: Melissa Grey (Twitter)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publish Date: April 28, 2015
Genre: YA, Fantasy,
Pages: 368

Beneath the streets of New York City live the Avicen, an ancient race of people with feathers for hair and magic running through their veins. Age-old enchantments keep them hidden from humans. All but one. Echo is a runaway pickpocket who survives by selling stolen treasures on the black market, and the Avicen are the only family she's ever known.

Echo is clever and daring, and at times she can be brash, but above all else she's fiercely loyal. So when a centuries-old war crests on the borders of her home, she decides it's time to act.

Legend has it that there is a way to end the conflict once and for all: find the Firebird, a mythical entity believed to possess power the likes of which the world has never seen. It will be no easy task, but if life as a thief has taught Echo anything, it's how to hunt down what she wants...and how to take it.

But some jobs aren't as straightforward as they seem. And this one might just set the world on fir

Magic! Enchantments! Lost races and black markets! All of this sounds like an amazing recipe for success to me, and honestly, The Girl at Midnight sounds like it pretty much has my heart already. Echo sounds like the type of protagonist for whom I could really get onboard, and knowing that you have a heroine to root for is half the battle, right? I'm ready for this adventure, and I only wish it was releasing much sooner! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

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

Title: The Dark World
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher

Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead.

Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

The Dark World is set in a very familiar city for many of us - New York City, which lends a touch of reality to an otherwise fantasy and paranormal-driven story. It must be said that I've steered clear of the genre as of late, simply because I've felt that the paranormal felt overdone and outplayed, but with an author like Cara Lynn Shultz at the helm, this novel begged a second look. From the start, it's clear to readers why Ms. Shultz is a fan favourite. With a clear, descriptive and distinct voice, she welcomes us into a world that's dark, alluring and seductive, all the while giving us a thrill ride of an adventure.

In many ways, I feel as though The Dark World succeeded. Paige was a fantastic protagonist with whom readers will easily empathize and associate. Her friendship with Dottie, the ghost, makes her quirky, likable and honest, all of which are characteristics I crave. Dottie, however, was a true delight, as well. She's the type of secondary character that shines so brightly that her light and her personality almost overshadowed that of Paige, until we watch as that light is slowly but surely dimmed throughout the story, giving us more resolve to better understand the Dark World. Enter Logan, and it seems like we have the perfect setup for a paranormal novel, since he's easily just as engaging as Paige.

With a backstory that rivals Paige's, Logan is brooding and handsome, but there's also a humour and flawed reality to his persona, as well, so as their relationship began to develop, I found myself rooting for them quite ardently. Therein, however, lies my one main issue with The Dark World. While we, thankfully, steer clear of the dreaded love triangle, Paige and Logan's connection and ensuing love story was so entirely all-consuming that I felt it began to overshadow the other, perhaps more pressing, elements of the novel. I found that while I was salivating for more details of the paranormal and the Dark World, we were instead given Paige or Logan's desire to better understand one another or to know that the other is safe. It was, frankly, an extremely co-dependent relationship that, to me, weighed the story down.

The Dark World offers us many glimmers of true brilliance though, as well. Just when we think we've seen it all from the paranormal genre, Ms. Shultz gives us powerful new abilities, dangerous demons and an underworld that's eerie and just enticing enough to make us want more. So many tantalizing details are offered up, and it's clear to readers that the Dark World is dark, disturbing and gruesome. However, the writing is done so well that it has a near-cinematic quality to it - offering us a very visceral world to explore. 

In the end, I really enjoyed The Dark World, though I felt at times that it was simply setting the stage for future novels, rather than allowing itself to stand on its own. I think that Ms. Shultz has the ability to spin a remarkable new series from this premise though, and I'm desperate to read on and further explore the Dark World and Paige's journey. I give this a high 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and fantasy.

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 Oversight
Author: Charlie Fletcher (Twitter)
Publisher: Orbit
Publish Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 464
Source: Publisher

Once the Oversight, the secret society that policed the lines between the mundane and the magic, counted hundreds of brave souls among its members. Now their numbers can be counted on a single hand.

When a vagabond brings a screaming girl to the Oversight's London headquarters, it seems their hopes for a new recruit will be fulfilled - but the girl is a trap.

As the borders between this world and the next begin to break down, murders erupt across the city, the Oversight are torn viciously apart, and their enemies close in for the final blow.

There are a few times when, as a book blogger, I'm incredibly surprised at just how well a novel sneaks up on me and surprises me in the best possible way. In the case of The Oversight, we have a novel that is virtually unheard of in the young adult community, but manages to offer readers a full-bodied fantasy novel complete with great characters, a historical setting that's every bit alive as the magic within and prose that will keep you hooked until the very end. Charlie Fletcher's novel is sure to captivate fans of fantasy and historical fiction, alike. 

The Oversight, rather than simply thrust readers into an unfamiliar world, allows us the time to grow within the story and understand the rich backstory that's provided. The secret Oversight society was created to prevent the merging of mundane and magical elements, and it carefully and articulately illustrates to readers the dire consequences if the two merge. I was quite amazed by the skill and ease at which Mr. Fletcher set the pacing of the novel. With a rich, clear tone, we're invited to a world that's mysterious, a tad broken, but one that's easy to become fully invested in, as well. Furthermore, the plot, the world and all the hidden secrets slowly but deliberately unfold, giving us access to the background and the mysteries within little by little. 

It must be said that The Oversight puts much more emphasis and weight on the plot development than the character development, but that's not to say that our characters aren't every bit as important, as well. For example, the interactions between the last Hand of the Oversight and Lucy, an orphan girl who ends up on their doorstep through conspiratorial circumstances, make these characters every bit alive, as well. Lucy was a broken, shell of a character, but as the novel progresses, we better understand both her background and her worth. Likewise, Sara's journey is a complicated one, but it's one that's intricately woven into the plot points themselves, which makes for quite an adventure.

I think that, perhaps, one of my favourite aspects of The Oversight, is that it doesn't shy away from its gothic roots at all. Rather, this is the type of novel that embraces the darkness of its circumstance, and little by little bleeds light and hope into the story of its characters. From the dangers lurking in the dark, to the desperate duty of the Oversight to protect the human population, it's a muddled but delicious mess of darkness that readers will become utterly intoxicated by.

Overall, I must say that I was entirely surprised by The Oversight. This is the type of novel that you can't help but become invested in from the start - and it's the type of book that will take you by surprise. I truly hope it garners more attention because, though I didn't expect anything, I was blown away by it. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy gothic fantasy and magic.

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: Troubled Waters
Author: Sharon Shinn
Publisher: Ace
Publish Date: October 5, 2010
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 391
Source: Personal Copy

Zoe Ardelay receives astonishing and unwelcome news: she has been chosen to become the king's fifth wife. Forced to go to the royal city, she manages to slip away and hide on the shores of the mighty river.

It's there that Zoe realizes she is a coru prime ruled by the elemental sign of water. She must return to the palace, not as an unwilling bride for the king, but a woman with power in her own right. But as Zoe unlocks more of the mysteries of her blood—and the secrets of the royal family—she must decide how to use her great power to rise above the deceptions and intrigue of the royal court.

Perhaps the most important part of an epic fantasy novel is the complexity and thoroughness of the world-building. Troubled Waters is the type of novel that completely excels in that department, giving readers a world that is accessible, tangible and powerful. Every element within the novel is thought out, well-crafted and offers us more than just the basics. From class divisions, to magic,  to alternate realities, Troubled Waters embraces all and somehow manages to make each part mesh together perfectly to create the type of fantasy story that you can't help but read.

Ms. Shinn, however, goes a step further and also ensures that the setting is of equal importance to the novel as the world-building. I could sense the stench of despair in the slums by the river, and I was enamored by the well-described opulence of the grand palace, as well. Zoe, our protagonist, is the reason why this story will remain with me though. She's beautifully flawed, and it's her imperfections that make her relatable and powerful. Furthermore, she had an aura of grace about her, as well as a rationale, intelligence and wit that fuels the adventurous plot.

A fantasy novel often has the ability to spin readers into the world in which its created, but Troubled Waters goes a step further, offering us glimpses of each caste, as well. I found it incredibly powerful that our characters actually fueled the plot, as well, which made them all the more valuable to the reader. With touches of political drama, as well as a thorough exploration (that manages to not be tedious) of power plays and the world of the King's court, there was simply so much going on that there never seemed to be a dull moment in the novel.

While romance seems to take center stage in many of the books I've read as of late, it was incredibly refreshing to read a story in which our protagonist is too level-headed to get swept away in the throes of passion. Yes, there is love, and there are delicate hints at a romance which serve to heighten the stakes of the story, but it's not the end-all, be-all of the novel. Rather, it's an added element which serves only to give readers a glimpse of compassion and a slow-building companionship.

Overall, I can't believe I've had this novel on my shelf for over 3 years, and I didn't pick it up. It's the type of fantasy novel that begs other such novels to pay attention to the details and give readers more of the world - and perhaps a little less drama. And, most of all, it's the type of book that I will most definitely re-read and recommend. I give this book a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of upper YA, especially those who enjoy strong fantasy novels. 

Title: Half Bad
Author: Sally Green (Twitter)
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Publish Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher

In modern-day England, witches live alongside humans: White witches, who are good; Black witches, who are evil; and fifteen-year-old Nathan, who is both. Nathan’s father is the world’s most powerful and cruel Black witch, and his mother is dead. He is hunted from all sides.

Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, Nathan must escape before his sixteenth birthday, at which point he will receive three gifts from his father and come into his own as a witch—or else he will die. But how can Nathan find his father when his every action is tracked, when there is no one safe to trust—not even family, not even the girl he loves?

There is something to be said for a novel that challenges its readers to think, as well as feel, while reading its pages. When an author chooses to break through the norm and give readers something more, asking that they become truly invested in a world that's entirely different than our own, they're asking us to have faith in them, their story and their ability to write. Sally Green is, without a doubt, a great fantasy writer. Though Half Bad is, admittedly, a challenge at times, there's a stunning complexity to it that is absolutely breathtaking and, as a reader, I've never been one to back down from a challenge, so this was definitely the book for me.

Half Bad offers readers a bit of a conundrum - and a challenge - from the start. Ms. Green writes much of the novel in second person narrative, which is definitely tricky at times, but something I can definitely appreciate. It's a challenging perspective to read and write from, so I'm certain some people felt an obvious disconnect. On the other hand, I appreciated the complexity of it, and I felt that was a sort of poetic nuance that really worked for me, heightening the storyline and forcing me to emote a lot more for our protagonist, Nathan. I've always been the type of reader that enjoys a good challenge, and if the author faces down their challenge, well, I can appreciate a novel a lot more.

The plot line of Half Bad was truly nothing short of exceptional. It would have been incredibly easy for Ms. Green to fall back on the age-old fantasy tale of witches, light vs. dark and the dichotomy between good and evil. Instead, we're offered a protagonist with whom we can't help but fall hopelessly in love as we watch heartache after heartache pummel him nearly into oblivion. Nathan was a passionate, believable, heartwrenching main character that made it nearly impossible for me to put the novel down, if only for the fact that I couldn't help but become invested in his plight, which is painful and horrific, at best. He is the perfect protagonist for our story, forcing readers to feel every ounce of his pain with him, all the while becoming fully enmeshed in the world within the book's pages.

I'll admit that I felt that Ms. Green's world-building lacked a bit of oomph at points. While cleverly-crafted, the reveal of many elements felt tedious and a bit drawn out at times. Once revealed though, it was easy to see why, exactly, Half Bad was created in this manner. As readers, we're forced to put aside our preconceived wants and wishes and take this story at face value, giving us the ride of a lifetime. It's a novel that embraces witches in a new sort of way - dark and mysterious and, at times, altogether evil. Black Witches and White Witches, all mixed together with the human world, gives us a whirlwind of adventure and drama that is exhilarating, painful and far too real at times, the latter element which is usually lacking in such stories much of the time.

Overall, I can understand the extreme divide between good and poor reviews of this book. Half Bad is a challenge, of course, but it's also a story that is well worth every bit of effort you put into reading it. The characters are, without a doubt, the highlight of the novel, and if you enjoy true depth to your books, this is the one for you. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to upper YA audiences, especially those who enjoy complex paranormal fiction and fantasy.

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: Lark Rising
Author: Sandra Waugh (Twitter)
Publisher: Random House BYR
Publish Date: September 23, 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 400

Lark has foreseen two things—she will fall for a young man with sage green eyes,and he will kill her. Sixteen-year-old Lark Carew is happiest close to home, tending her garden and gathering herbs for medicines. But when her Sight warns her that monsters called Troths will soon invade her village, Lark is summoned on a journey to seek help from the legendary Riders of Tarnec.

Little does she suspect that one of the Riders, Gharain, is the very man who has haunted her visions. Or that the people of Tarnec have called her there for another reason: Lark is the Guardian of Life, the first of four Guardians who must awaken their powers to recover four stolen amulets. Together, the amulets—Life, Death, Dark, and Light—keep the world in Balance. To take back the Life amulet, Lark will have to discover her true inner strength and give in to a love that she swears will be her downfall.

It's been a good long while since I read a legitimate high fantasy novel, and I must say that Lark Rising sounds exactly like the perfect book to get me back in the saddle. I love learning about new worlds, new cultures, new places and characters that are so vastly different from the people we see every day, and this seems like it will offer all that and more. With an element of drama and seemingly insatiable plot, you'd better believe I'm sold! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

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

Title: Witch Finder
Author: Ruth Warburton (Twitter)
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Publish Date: January 2, 2014
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Pages: 374
Source: Publisher

London. 1880. In the slums of Spitalfields apprentice blacksmith Luke is facing initiation into the Malleus Maleficorum, the fearsome brotherhood dedicated to hunting and killing witches.

Luke’s final test is to pick a name at random from the Book of Witches, a name he must track down and kill within a month, or face death himself. Luke knows that tonight will change his life forever. But when he picks out sixteen-year-old Rosa Greenwood, Luke has no idea that his task will be harder than he could ever imagine.

There's nothing quite like a forbidden romance unless, of course, you're talking about a forbidden romance in which the stakes are much higher, much more dire and play along a life-or-death balance. The beautiful and haunting thing, however, is that Witch Finder takes ups the ante even more, giving us a new take on the age-old witch hunts and sending us into what is inevitably a dark and terrifying spiral of lies and deception. Ruth Warburton brings 1880 London alive in a manner that is dark, bleak and altogether tragic in its own right, luring us into a web of lies that can only result in heartbreak and destruction. However, we're captivated, and we can't look away.

Witch Finder was a maze of complexities for me as a reader. On one hand, I can truly appreciate the author's writing style. Ms. Warburton is a master of plot-weaving, carefully balancing the faster elements with the slower ones and lingering upon those moments that draw out the tension and leave us wanting more. However, it must be said that I don't feel the historical setting was nearly as illustrated as it could, or should have been to support such a  story. In one of my favourite novels, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, the setting of the story was as significant as the characters within the story. That, in large part, is why the book felt so very real to me and worked so well in the end. With Witch Finder, however, it felt as though great, painstaking care was taking when developing the characters and personas of Luke, Rosa and the others, but setting took a noticeable back seat. 

Like I said though, the characters are the highlights of Witch Finder for me, and though Rosa's naivete was a bit trying for me at times, I can't help but feel for her character and her situation. There was a delicate air of vulnerability around her that perfectly complemented the tortured aspects of Luke's persona. While Rosa struggles to deal with painful life at home, all the while balancing immense power, Luke battles to maintain his sanity and his mission to avenge his parents. I was incredibly worried that the author would force us into an insta-love scenario in which Luke immediately stopped hunting the witch he absolutely had to save in order to survive, but I was thrilled to see that Ms. Warburton avoided that trap with ease. You could sense the connection between the two, and the connection was there, but like a cat and mouse game, we're forced to endure the back and forth until the ultimate reveal, which definitely added an element of fun and intrigue to the novel.

All in all, I can't say that Witch Finder was the best book I've ever read, and I do wish we'd had a bit more magic peppered throughout the pages, but it was a solid story with overall solid characters. I'd definitely read on and continue the series gladly, as the ending is not at all what I wanted or expected to read. I give this novel a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy fantasy novels.

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: Fates
Author: Lanie Bross
Publisher: Delacorte BYR
Publish Date: February 11, 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

She fell from her tranquil life in Pyralis Terra and found herself exiled to the human world. Her punishment? To make sure people’s fates unfold according to plan. Now, years later, Corinthe has one last assignment: kill Lucas Kaller. His death will be her ticket home.

But for the first time, Corinthe feels a tingle of doubt. It begins as a lump in her throat, then grows toward her heart, and suddenly she feels like she’s falling all over again—this time for a boy she knows she can never have. Because it is written: one of them must live, and one of them must die.

In a universe where every moment, every second, every fate has already been decided, where does love fit in?

Fates is a novel that sets itself apart, in large part, because of the writing, moreso than the actual story. Lanie Bross offers up to the YA readership a tale full of sweet romance, mystery, intrigue and danger, but does so all the while in a voice that is rich, decadent and lyrical. While the plot devices slowly unfurled through the novel, the words spun the story like music, and I have to say that it's been a while since I've read a full-on novel that reads much like poetry. It has a delicate quality as though each word was chosen with great care, and as a reader, I can definitely appreciate that.

I did have a few issues with the plot of Fates, however. While the novel offers us a truly engaging premise, I feel as though the book lacked in the actual execution of the plot. The ideas of the Guardians, Fates, Radicals and more was a solid setup, but I felt as though nothing was truly elaborated upon, and I think I was left with more questions than answers by the time that I reached the end of the novel. I think that, perhaps, this was a judgment call on the part of the author though, making certain that there will be unanswered questions with which to start the next story, so I can only hope and assume that we'll learn more in the next installments.

Corinthe was a tough character for me to get to know, as well, because she seems to err on the side of cold and holding us at arm's length for much of the novel. It was like a barricade against hurt, but it kept me from truly accessing her motivations and feelings at times. However, when Luc is added to the equation, I felt her slowly emerge from her shell, and she took her place within the novel as a sympathetic heroine. Luc though, wins top prize in terms of characters. He had such a strong aura of bravery and heroism that I couldn't help but become invested in his plight - perhaps moreso than in Corinthe's. There is a sweet romance in the novel that begins but never truly develops into something real, but I've begun to accept that this is often times the norm within the genre.

Overall though, Fates was a solid beginning to what could be a really exciting new series. While I had a few qualms with it, the writing made up for many of the flaws, and I'm curious enough to read on. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and fantasy 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: Above
Author: Leah Bobet (Twitter)
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Publish Date: April 1, 2012
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 368
Source: Personal Copy

Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee’s wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above—like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.

But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe’s history and the shadows’ attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home—not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.

Fantasy is one of those genres that either truly works for me, or it doesn't. When I began to read Above by Leah Bobet, I was extremely intrigued by the complexity of the synopsis, the premise and the overall idea of the novel. There is an inherent beauty to a novel that can can stray so far form the norm yet somehow still ground you essentially to the characters despite all the otherwise unrealistic elements. Above takes a unique approach to fantasy though, with a whimsical tone that offers us fragmented pieces of this alternate reality, but never quite fulfills the need that we, as readers, have to discover the beauty of this written world.

I rather liked Ms. Bobet's approach to Above.  However, I did struggle at times with separating the characters, the places, the powers and the backstory, as it's written very much in a voice that's true to the fantasy that this story is. The easiest way to describe it is that Above painted a pretty picture incredible picture for me, but I really struggled to ascertain the details, so I feel as though the story, the message and the overall beauty was somewhat hazy to me in the end. In all honesty, I cannot say that I truly got a handle on any of the characters' personas.

Despite my struggles to become truly invested in the story of Above though, it must be stated that Ms, Bobet's prose, if taken entirely at face value, was beautiful. It has a lyrical quality that feels closer to free-form speech than typical grammar. At first, I found it difficult to understand the tone and get to the clarity of the novel, but as I read further, I could easily recognize the haunting power in the words, alone. While I'm not sure I gleaned the entire story through the prose, I must say the author could make one very powerful poet.

I can tell that there is a powerful hidden message in this novel, as is evidenced by the author's rich writing style, but I'll admit that it would take a re-read for me to truly comprehend the depth of Above, and this is one of those novels that, while beautiful, it requires a lighter read following. I give it a high 3 out of 5 because it is really quite well-written, but though I loved Ms. Bobet's prose, the story didn't really speak to me. I recommend Above to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy rich fantasy.

Title: Conjured
Author: Sarah Beth Durst (Twitter)
Publisher: Walker Children's
Publish Date: September 3, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

Eve has a new home, a new face, and a new name—but no memories of her past. She’s been told that she's in a witness protection program. That she escaped a dangerous magic-wielding serial killer who still hunts her. The only thing she knows for sure is that there is something horrifying in her memories the people hiding her want to access—and there is nothing they won’t say—or do—to her to get her to remember.

At night she dreams of a tattered carnival tent and buttons being sewn into her skin. But during the day, she shelves books at the local library, trying to not let anyone know that she can do things—things like change the color of her eyes or walk through walls. When she does use her strange powers, she blacks out and is drawn into terrifying visions, returning to find that days or weeks have passed—and she’s lost all short-term memories. Eve must find out who and what she really is before the killer finds her—but the truth may be more dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined.

I have an odd fascination with all things dark and twisted when it comes to books, so it was no surprise to me that Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst spoke to me on some sadistic little level. Paranormal is one of those genres that I doubt will ever grow truly old if authors commit to taking a new stance and sort of blur the lines between subgenres. This is one of those novels that actually convinced me of this fact, if only because the author manages to create this beautiful and sinister melting pot of paranormal, magic and horror, giving readers a thrilling whodunit mystery all the while. 

This is not the first book I've read by Ms. Durst, and I'm familiar with her whirlwind writing style, which interjects a sort of realism to an otherwise otherworldly novel. Conjured flows fairly seamlessly, never faltering in terms of plot points, and while I was concerned about how we would be introduced to Eve's memory loss, I have to say that it was done really well. Eve's frustration and confusion is palpable, and it's as jarring to the reader as I'm sure it was for her. The author plays into this lack of information well, stringing us along as Eve discovers things, as well. In this way, the lack of foreboding really amps up the drama because, like Eve, we have no idea what's coming, or where she's come from.

Conjured is the type of book that makes it difficult to formulate an accurate portrayal of what exactly happened in the novel because it is completely and utterly trippy. From start to finish, this novel is a whirlwind of dark and brooding circus imagery, a creepy, atmospheric air to the setting and characters and, at times, this oppressing and overwhelming sense of limbo. Ultimately though, it's this smothering atmosphere that makes the story really soar because it is the murky details that really let the drama and danger shine through.

I did struggle with Eve at times though because, while it was understandable that the Witness Protection Program defined who she was at the start of the novel, I feel as though she lacked the ultimate growth that I'd hoped for in the end. I didn't see her personality fully come into its own, and I felt that, at times, she was overshadowed by the incredible stage that Ms. Durst created for the plot of the novel. Furthermore, we're offered a handful of secondary characters including a love interest, Alex, who felt a bit like afterthoughts at times. I want to get invested in a relationship between characters, but if we don't have the appropriate time to grow with them together, it simply doesn't work for me.

Despite these hiccups though, I thought Conjured was a pretty good read that really does offer the dark magic that readers are promised through the synopsis and cover and, in the end, that's what I wanted. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dark paranormal and fantasy 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: The Burning Sky
Author: Sherry Thomas (Twitter)
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: September 17, 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 464
Source: Publisher

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.

Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to avenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal. But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life.

Iolanthe has a powerful gift, and with it comes a powerful and extraordinarily intense destiny. She is prophesied to defeat a magic tyrant whom has long tormented her realm, but she's young, green and doesn't handle her temper well. Titus knows that she is the one that they have waited for, and he swears to protect Iolanthe at all costs, but such a promise does not come without its challenges. And love could very well ruin, rather than save, everything.

It's been a long while since I've read a young adult fantasy novel that has inspired me to write a true review. I often find them to be long-winded and redundant, so I actually hesitated to pick this one up. Sherry Thomas, however, surprised me with The Burning Sky - in the best possible way. Rich prose, a fantastical story alive with drama, magic, powers, deception and intrigue and a host of characters that inspire and fascinate us. The Burning Sky is a solid and engaging fantasy tale in which many a reader will easily lose themselves.

The Burning Sky was interesting to me in many ways, but perhaps most of all was the setting. Set in 1883, the novel takes place primarily at Eton College, we're given a very real and tangible backdrop which plays host to magic, incredible mythological beasts and powers beyond our wildest imagination. This unique and realistic setting grounds us, making readers feel as though, despite its fantasy genre, it could almost be real. The characters, however, are what brought the novel alive for me. Iolanthe was every bit the heroine. Full of immense power and responsibility, this girl is also believably flawed with real and tangible insecurities which make her more accessible to the reader. I also found a great relief in the fact that she had an intense gut reaction to the revelations of her destiny. While some novels might thrust their heroine into complete compliance with their fate, Iolanthe doubts her destiny and panics, giving us yet another reason to root for her to understand just how incredible she is. Titus was an enigma at the start of the novel. Seemingly arrogant, strong-willed and often quick to react to situations, I wasn't sure that I would be able to see any positives in his character, but through his encounters with Iolanthe, I gained better insight into his demeanor, as well as his end-goals. Moreover, as we discover more of his character and his motivations, we see that he's created a very careful mask with which he protects himself from the worst of their realm and help him to survive. The love element of The Burning Sky was done extremely well, too. As opposed to a quick, head-over-heels turn to love as we see in much of YA, Iolanthe and Titus have a burning, powerful tension and passion that rivals the danger they have to face every day. It adds an entirely different dimension to the novel, as well as sets up a powerful connection between to vastly different, but equally important, characters.

Overall, The Burning Sky was an absolutely fantastic read. Despite my initial reservations, I must say that I'm very much looking forward to continuing on with the story. I give it a 4 out of 5, only marking it down because of a bit of a lack of backstory as to the state of the realm, and I recommend it to all fans of YA fantasy.

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.

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: The Glass Casket
Author: McCormick Templeman (Twitter)
Publisher: Delacorte
Publish Date: February 11, 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 352

Death hasn’t visited Rowan Rose since it took her mother when Rowan was only a little girl. But that changes one bleak morning, when five horses and their riders thunder into her village and through the forest, disappearing into the hills. Days later, the riders’ bodies are found, and though no one can say for certain what happened in their final hours, their remains prove that whatever it was must have been brutal.

Rowan’s village was once a tranquil place, but now things have changed. Something has followed the path those riders made and has come down from the hills, through the forest, and into the village. Beast or man, it has brought death to Rowan’s door once again.

Only this time, its appetite is insatiable.

As someone with a penchant for eerie, slightly off-kilter reads, you'd better believe that the synopsis of The Glass Casket speaks to me. There's nothing quite like a fantasy book that meshes together a haunting fairy tale retelling with a touch of the paranormal, a hint of darkness and a whole lot of fantasy drama. Plus, it really doesn't hurt that the pop of colour on the cover of this one makes the already-impressive packaging even better. Trust me, I'll be salivating over this one until I get my hands on it! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Splintered
Author: A.G. Howard (Twitter)
Publisher: Amulet
Publish Date: January 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 371
Source: Publisher

Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers — precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

Alyssa's unique gift is probably really a curse, or so those who know her family actually would believe. Everyone has always told her that the whispers she hears aren't real, and acknowledging them will simply bring her to the same messy fate that befell her mother - life at a mental institution. But Alyssa never knew that this Wonderland that her ancestors spoke of was really real, or that it was a place more deadly and vicious than she could ever have imagined. To venture into the world is the only way she can save her family though, and Alyssa is read to do so at all costs.

First and perhaps foremost, let's take a moment of silence for the unbelievably stunning cover of Splintered. There is a wicked beauty to this novel, and A.G. Howard never once backs off the dark, twisted maze of undertones that whisk away to a familiar, albeit terrifyingly different, world of Wonderland. The author has crafted a brilliant novel that wrenches readers into what we've always considered to be a make-believe world, but manages to spellbind us with subtle treachery into believing that maybe, just maybe, Wonderland could actually be real. Vibrant, colourful and menacingly alive, Splintered will capture you from the start.

I lusted after this novel for months before I ever got my hands on it, and when I did, I was almost so excited that I was too scared to actually read it. But I did, and I'm glad that I did because from the second you open Splintered, you're sucked into a world from which you cannot escape. There's a subtle beauty and innocence to Alyssa's character that I really loved. Above all else, Alyssa wants to save her family, and to do so, she has to embrace this curse that has plagued her family for generations. Along the way, we get to see her discover her own true identity, her self-worth and the fact that she is actually far more powerful than she thinks. There's something magical in and of that, alone, that gets you truly invested in her journey. Wonderland, too, was incredible. Imagine the twisty, colourful and bright world you've always known when reading the classic tale. Now imagine that world on acid. Splintered is every bit the brilliantly macabre version of Wonderland, sucking you into a realm that's alive with twists and turns, terrifying creatures and enough drama to last a lifetime. I will say that I felt the plot diversions were a bit too hasty at times, and other times I felt as though I really wanted to flesh out the current details and plot points more, but I understand the hasty retreats to other aspects of the plot. The secondary characters are where my only real issue with Splintered lies. I felt that Jeb was a stereotype, and I wanted to see more from his character than this shell that we've become accustomed to in books. Morpheus is oddly sexy and he keeps you guessing throughout, but I wanted to know more about where his motivations came from. I can only hope we'll get more from him in the second book. Therein lies the issue though; Morpheus and Jeb were never really concrete characters in my mind, but we're given a love triangle in which we should side with one or the other. I couldn't decide because I don't feel like I ever really got to know them.

Despite these few issues, I loved the world of Splintered, and I can't wait to dive (pun intended) into book two. I give it a very high 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy the story of Alice in Wonderland, as well as fantasy.

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: Magisterium
Author: Jeff Hirsch (Twitter)
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: October 1, 2012
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 310
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Glenn Morgan has lived next to the Rift her entire life and has no idea of what might be on the other side of it. Glenn's only friend, Kevin, insists the fence holds back a world of monsters and witchcraft, but magic isn't for Glenn. She has enough problems with reality: Glenn's mother disappeared when she was six, and soon after, she lost her scientist father to his all-consuming work on the mysterious Project.

Glenn buries herself in her studies and dreams about the day she can escape. But when her father's work leads to his arrest, he gives Glenn a simple metal bracelet that will send Glenn and Kevin on the run---with only one place to go.

Glenn and her father live in Colloquium, the side of the planet that survived an apocalyptic event that split the world in two, killing half the planet. It isn't a perfect world, but it's endured, much like Glenn and her father have in their own small way. Ever since her mother left, Glenn's father changed, and she's desperate to escape to a space station far away from the memories she lives with every day. But things aren't bound to be that simple for Glenn. The government is after her father, and she and her friend Kevin have no choice but to escape through the rift to the destroyed other half of the planet...but there might just be more magic and mystery to the other side than she could have ever imagined.

Imagine a world that's broken - literally broken - and that is what the world of Magisterium presents for it's readers. In this brainchild of veteran author, Jeff Hirsch, we're given a story full of wonder, mystery and excitement, plus just a touch of dystopia in the aftermath of an unbelievably cataclysmic event. With a careful hand, readers are transported to a world magic comes standard and the grass really isn't all that green on the other side. Magisterium gives us just a sense of the age-old proverb to be careful what we wish for, then thrusts us into a whirlwind adventure that's unpredictable and enticing. 

There's so much about this book that I really enjoyed, but unfortunately, it's also one of those books where quite a bit of it left me feeling a bit blah. The premise of Magisterium is incredible. We're promised dual dimensions, which are extreme opposites of one another, which gives us the opportunity to explore two worlds instead of just one. In Colloquium, there's a sense of regime, and it's a bleak atmosphere that had me longing to see what was in Magisterium. I wasn't disappointed. This other dimension offers magic, battles, adventure and a fascinating history as to its existence. However, therein lies one of my biggest issues with Magisterium, as well. Much of the story teases us with alluring magical details, but then we're given a simple explanation as to events, and we have no real backstory to certain elements of the setup, as well. Events just happen. Things magically appear. We watch characters transform in this world with little or no coaxing at all, which left me, personally, in the lurch. Now, I will say that the author created a solid and empathetic character in Glenn, and I definitely felt as though I got to know her through the story, which was a redeeming factor for me. In the same breath though, Kevin felt very flat to me, and a lot of his actions and motivations felt extremely forced. Most of all though, I think that Magisterium had all the elements of a great story, but it rushed through parts that should have been more drawn out and played up, then it drew out the details I could have easily overlooked. 

Overall, I think that Magisterium is a pretty decent read despite its flaws, but it lacked some of the refined  plot elements that I seek in books these days. I give it a 3 out of 5, but I'm sure it will work better for others than it did for me. I recommend this book to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy fantasy. 

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.

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: Sorrow's Knot
Author: Erin Bow (Twitter)
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Publish Date: October 29, 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 368

In the world of Sorrow’s Knot, the dead do not rest easy. Every patch of shadow might be home to something hungry and nearly invisible, something deadly. The dead can only be repelled or destroyed with magically knotted cords and yarns. The women who tie these knots are called binders.

Otter is the daughter of Willow, a binder of great power. She’s a proud and privileged girl who takes it for granted that she will be a binder some day herself. But when Willow’s power begins to turn inward and tear her apart, Otter finds herself trapped with a responsibility she’s not ready for, and a power she no longer wants.

Okay, first and foremost...her name is Otter. Alright, perhaps that's not foremost, but let's be honest; that's awesome! I love how utterly original this one sounds, and I have a morbid fascination with zombie and the undead, so the concept of Sorrow's Knot one speaks to me. If we get what the premise offers, we might just have an incredible MC, a powerful journey of self-discovery and, perhaps, wonderful writing. Here's hoping! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Crewel
Author: Gennifer Albin
Publisher: FSG BYR
Publish Date: October 16, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Fantasy
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has always been special. When her parents discover her gift—the ability to weave the very fabric of reality—they train her to hide it. For good reason, they don’t want her to become a Spinster — one of the elite, beautiful, and deadly women who determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die.

Thrust into the opulent Western Coventry, Adelice will be tried, tested and tempted as she navigates the deadly politics at play behind its walls. Now caught in a web of lies and forbidden romance, she must unravel the sinister truth behind her own unspeakable power. Her world is hanging by a thread, and Adelice, alone, can decide to save it — or destroy it.

Adelice lives a careful lie. She always had, and she's been taught that she will probably always need to. She must always fake ignorance, feign normalcy and, without a doubt, never use her powerful ability to weave, or create the fabric of reality. To do so, for many, would mean endless riches, power and wealth, but for Adelice, it means entrapment. She'll be destined forever to play the hand of a god - determining the future for all, but never having her family and those she loves for herself. But one simple slip-up sets forth a chain reaction that ignites Adelice's destiny and giving her a chance to either save or end the world as they know it.

Ok, first off...what a seriously cool concept! I mean, I'm sure that I've heard touches of this storyline in fairytales and whatnot, but wow. I really love the utter originality of the mere idea behind it. So, you can understand my apprehension to read the book. What if it didn't live up? Can you imagine the letdown? Gennifer Albin skillfully meshed together a whirlwind plot, lovable characters, a heroine worth believing in and, most of all, a beautiful combination of internal and external struggles. With a deft hand, Crewel sweeps you up in its pages, guaranteeing one heck of an adventure.

There was so much that went right with Crewel and, for the most part, I really loved this book. The storyline was fantastic. Each plot point was carefully developed, thought-out and led directly to the next piece. Foreshadowing was light, but just enough to keep me on my toes. Adelice was a great heroine, and I found it incredibly simple to become invested in her plight. She was strong and brave, and I never found her too be cloying or too much, if that makes sense. Likewise, the love interest, Jost, was sweet and simple, just whetting my appetite but never actually giving me exactly what I wanted. In a world of YA fiction where insta-love dominates, this was wholly refreshing. I will say, however, that I did have a bit of an issue with the world-building of Crewel. We're given immense details with the power-players in the book, such as the Spinsters, but I felt that sometimes the world, itself, played second-fiddle to the story, and I would have loved to see the backdrop of this eerie dystopia been pronounced and developed just a bit more.

Overall, however, I found Crewel to be an extremely engaging and unique read, despite its flaws. I love the concept, and the ending left me wanting more, so I'm definitely excited for the next installment in the series. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian and fantasy stories.

I received this book free of charge 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: Poison
Author: Bridget Zinn
Publisher: Hyperion Children's
Publish Date: March 12, 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 288

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart… misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

First of all, you guys know how much I love quick-witted heroines and fun, engaging MCs, right? Well, that should be combination enough for me to be in love with Poison before ever having read it. Kyra sounds like perfection - steadfast, strong and heroic. Plus, there's a pig on the cover, guys. A pig. Sold. Really though, I enjoy a good fantasy novel that offers action and adventure but never takes itself too seriously. This one sounds like it might just fit the bill. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

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: Magisterium
Author: Jeff Hirsch
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: October 1, 2012
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Pages: 320

Sixteen-year-old Glenn Morgan has lived next to the Rift her entire life and has no idea of what might be on the other side of it. Glenn's only friend, Kevin, insists the fence holds back a world of monsters and witchcraft, but magic isn't for Glenn.

She has enough problems with reality: Glenn's mother disappeared when she was six, and soon after, she lost her scientist father to his all-consuming work on the mysterious Project. Glenn buries herself in her studies and dreams about the day she can escape. But when her father's work leads to his arrest, he gives Glenn a simple metal bracelet that will send Glenn and Kevin on the run---with only one place to go.

First off, let's take a moment and drool over that holy gorgeous cover, shall we? Seriously. It's fresh, it's new, it's dark (my type) and I'm in love with it. Then, it's got an interesting premise that promises a little bit of everything I love from sci-fi to fantasy. I also love that Glenn sounds like a worthy heroine, and that makes me want to read Magisterium even more. I snagged this one at BEA, and I'm so excited to start reading it soon! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?