Will is a Goth who sees ghosts. Alona is a cheerleader who met an early demise. They’ve forged an awkward relationship built on opposites attracting and cooperation, which serves them well as they help other ghosts gain closure. But now there’s a new girl mucking things up, and she introduces Will to an entire society of ghost whisperers. While they provide him with insight into his abilities, they don’t seem all that altruistic. Meanwhile, Alona becomes trapped in the body of a comatose friend, a fate worse than death. It’s time for them both to figure out what they really want. This charming romantic comedy has surprising depths, and plenty of soul.
Archive for category Young Adult
When Kylie Galen is sent to Shadows Fall, a camp for troubled teens, she figures it’s because she screwed up once too often. The truth is, it’s secretly a camp for supernatural teenagers learning how to control their natures and fit in. Thing is, Kylie isn’t supernatural, or so she thinks. As she gets to know her fellow campers, she discovers the truth of her heritage, even as she juggles her attraction to a werewolf she’s known for years, and a half-Fae boy whose charm is irresistible. There’s trouble afoot at the camp, and Kylie may be the key to fixing things. With a memorable narrative voice and an entertaining setup, this coming-of-age romp is a breath of fresh air.
Evie’s attempts to lead a normal high school life after quitting her job with the International Paranormal Containment Agency seem doomed to failure when paranormals start attacking her at random, and her old boss all but begs her to come back as a freelancer, much to the dismay of Evie’s shapeshifter boyfriend. Unable to turn her back on friends and duty, Evie tries to balance the aspects of her life with little success. Now she’s dealing with fairies again, learning more about her past than she ever expected, and up to her eyeballs in trouble. Though a bit angsty, Evie’s an enjoyable heroine, and her fast-paced Buffyesque adventures make for a good read.
Finlay Jayne is a young woman with a secret: a dark side which exhibits a violent streak and superhuman strength. On the run from a previous employer, she’s rescued by Duke Griffin King, who, like his friends, possesses unusual powers. Even as they try to understand Finlay’s true nature, the small group struggles with internal turmoil and external threats, locked into a game of wits with the insidious Mechanist. In this quirky, exciting vision of an alternate Victorian England, automatons and dirigibles mix with superpowers and teen drama. With its comic book elements, steampunk trappings and romance sensibilities, this playful adventure marks the start of a fun new series.
Cassel Sharpe has problems: The girl he wants has been cursed to love him against her will, he’s secretly a powerful curse worker, and his family has been using him without his knowledge. Extricating himself from this mess will take some doing, and that’s before the Feds pull him in to help investigate and avenge his brother’s murder. Unfortunately, he’s short on people he can trust, torn between family and the law, and running short on time. Intricately-plotted and full of sharp turns, this is one twisted tale of magical crime and punishment, mixing urban fantasy with a hint of noir.
In this hypnotic, oft-dazzling homage to old-school childrens’ fantasy such as The Phantom Tollbooth, Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland, Valente both embraces and subverts genre tropes. September, a resourceful girl from Nebraska, is whisked away to Fairyland one day. There, she enjoys a series of perilous and whimsical adventures, including questing for magical artifacts and defying a tyrannical ruler. With strange new friends at her side, September sets off to save Fairyland, embracing her own strengths and weaknesses. Complex and beautiful, lyrical and poignant, this tale is an instant classic.
On the run after the death of the Emperor and the slaughter of her fellow Dragoneyes, Eona is caught in the middle of a rebellion, both figurehead and target. Only one man can teach her how to use her new powers in time to save the empire: Lord Ido, the disgraced Dragoneye who engineered his fellows’ downfall, currently held captive by the wicked false Emperor Sethon. In an epic struggle for survival, Eona must rescue her enemy, master her abilities, and unlock a centuries-old mystery involving her own ancestor. This fascinating sequel to Eon combines Chinese myth, wuxia action, magic, romance, and gender issues, producing a densely-packed, richly-told story.
The Kingdom has been in upheaval for years, plagued by bizarre weather, failing crops, and unnatural creatures. An emissary from the Fae invites human representatives to meet with their Queen, to restore the balance. Among those who are chosen are Kaede, daughter of the Chancellor, and Taisin, a powerful sage-in-training. The perils of the road are many, and slowly the two girls fall for one another, a bond which proves life-saving when they confront the true threat to two kingdoms. This gorgeous fantasy combines heart-pounding adventure and gentle romance. Filled with lush imagery and lovely words, it’s a genuine treat.
Rosalinda Fitzroy has just woken up from sixty-two years in stasis, only to discover that everyone she knew is dead, and society has changed greatly. As the last member of a once-powerful family, she’ll inherit the world’s most powerful company when she comes of age. Until then, she has to adjust and rediscover herself, free at last from her domineering parents and their unreal expectations, free to pursue her own dreams. But with an unstoppable killer stalking her, that freedom may be short-lived. As she struggles to stay alive, the mystery of her past unfolds, revealing romance and tragedy. This futuristic riff on Sleeping Beauty combines an interesting setting with a fast-paced plot and complex characters, making for a satisfying read.
When Catlyn Youngblood and her brothers move to the tiny town of Lost Lake, Florida, she hopes that this will be the end of their constant moving for a while. Unfortunately, the siblings get a cool welcome from their new neighbors, for reasons unknown. It all changes when Catlyn has a chance meeting with the mysterious Jesse Raven one night, and they forge a clandestine friendship that soon deepens. Unfortunately, their romance is forbidden by both familes. Jesse Raven is a vampire, while the Youngbloods are descended from one of history’s greatest hunters, and there’s bad blood between the two clans. As Jesse and Catlyn defy those who would keep them apart, more secrets come to light, potentially dooming their love. Coming off as Twilight crossed with Romeo and Juliet, this YA debut for Viehl has a lot of appeal and some genuinely surprising twists.