Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Faerie, Wicked Lovely
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Hunger for nourishment. Hunger for touch. Hunger to belong. Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers. Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death. Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

This is the fourth book in the Wicked Lovely series. Ani is much more than she seems and very few people know. Devlin was sent to kill her years ago but had made a promise not to. Now the two are going to have to make some drastic decisions. As they work together things that they thought get turned on their head. And if they don’t hurry Faerie will be no more. Of all the books so far I have to say this is my favorite. I loved Ani she is such a great character. When we see in this book you find so much more depth. Devlin who you’re not at all sure what he is up to keeps you on your toes the whole way through the story. This is a brilliant story and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series, Darkest Mercy.

Publisher: Harper Teen
ISBN: 0061659223
Pages: 352
Series: Wicked Lovely
Volume: 4

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Faerie, Tales of Faery
Rating: 5 out of 5 StarsBack Cover: Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone – but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he’d ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen. Aislinn never expected to rule very creatures who’d always terrified her – but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she’d ever imagined.

This is the third book in the Wicked Lovely series. I have to say I love Melissa’s writings style. Like the other two books in her Tales of Faery, this just shows you a new side. We get to meet the fourth court, the one that actually is in Faerie. This Queen is not like any that we have seen. She is both strong and yet has a sweet side. Seth’’s decision to become a Faery wasn’t all that shocking. His love for Aislinn shows through time and again. I am interested where this is going as Keenan has just made a mess of everything with all those who at sometime loved him. I can’t wait to read more in, Darkest Mercy. 
Publisher: Harper TeenISBN: 0061214701
Pages: 352
Series: Wicked Lovely
Volume: 3

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Faerie, Tales of Faery

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow. Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life. The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .

Unlike Wicked Lovely this centers around a new triad of characters. We again see Leslie, Aislinn’s Friend who struggles with her feelings for Niall. I love how the two struggled over their feeling for one another. This could be considered Urban fantasy, as it takes place in current times with the Fay all around. Melissa writes about a world of many Fay courts. I found this a very enjoyable story. Wondering what the Dark King was to do as his love for Leslie grew. My heart went out to Niall as he struggled. And then having to let go of the one he loved. It’s a must read for anyone who love reading about Faeries. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Fragile Eternity.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061214701

Pages: 352

Series: Wicked Lovely

Volume: 2

Snow White and Rose Red by Patricia C. Wrede

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; Retelling of Snow White and Rose Red, Fairy Tale, Faerie, Magic

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Not all fairy tales are set in “Once Upon a Time.” Welcome to a magical Elizabethan England. The Queen of Faerie has two half-mortal sons. Hugh is content to stay in Faerie, but John feels compelled to roam mortal lands, returning home to visit between Hallowe’en and May Eve. Then, because the beautiful but willful spirit Madini wishes to see all ties between Faerie and mortal lands severed forever, he is forbidden to leave home again. Snow White and Rose Red live on the edge of the forest that conceals the ever-shifting, elusive border of Faerie. They know enough about Faerie lands and mortal magic to be most concerned when they find two human sorcerers setting spells near the Faerie border on the day of All Hallows. And when the kindly, intelligent black bear wanders into their cottage some months later, they do not realize the connection between his plight and the sorcery they saw in the forest…

This is one of my favorite fairy tales growing up, about twin sisters helping out a prince. The retelling is rich set in Elizabethan England, so it may be hard for some to understand the speech. But it is a magical tale that Patricia weaves adding in a touch of Faerie. I found that it was just as good as the original fairy tale I loves as a child. I like that she also added Robin and all his mischief that comes wherever he goes. There is great beauty in this story and I found it very enjoyable.

Publisher: Firebird Fantasy

ISBN: 0142411213

Pages: 288

Series:

Volume:

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Faerie, Magic, Fairy, Books of Faerie

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: In this mesmerizing sequel to Lament, James Morgan’s almost unearthly gift for music has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. As James and Nuala collaborate on a musical composition, it unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration – and love. But James is soon haunted by fiery visions of death, telling him that Nuala is being hunted by the fey. To save her, he plunges into a soul-searching battle with the Queen of the Fey.

This started soon after the end of Lament. Deirdre and James are now at a school just for music. This story is from James’s perspective. James doesn’t quite fit in and his teacher are keeping a very close eye on him. He meets a faerie who is a muse but the very dangerous kind. Things start to move fast. Dee seems to be different. And there is so much that is happening. This is just as dark and beautiful as Lament. Nuala is a great character. I absolutely love this story. I hope to read a more of this world. Maggie is an absolutely brilliant writer. I love everything that she writes. She is one of my most favorite authors. Everyone should read her work.

Publisher: Flux

ISBN: 0738714844

Pages: 360

Series: Books of Faerie

Volume: 2

Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Faerie, Magic, Fairy, Books of Faerie

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Don’t you know what happens to cloverhends who cannot control the fey? Sixteen-year-old Deidre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She’s about to find out she’s also a cloverhand – one who can see faeries. Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the Faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing for summer weren’t so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn’t exactly what she had in mind.

This is the first book in the series Books of Faerie. It is the kind of Faerie that was told long ago. It’s darker than the ones that you normally grew up with. Deirdre is a great harp musician who turns out to also be a cloverhand. Luke is the mysterious male that Deirdre can’t stop thinking about. As time goes own strange things keep happening. This story is amazing. There are so many twists and turns that takes your breath away. It’s dark and beautiful and I love the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Ballad.

Publisher: Flux

ISBN: 0738713708

Pages: 325

Series: Books of Faerie

Volume: 1

The House of Gaian by Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Faerie, Magic, Tir Alainn Trilogy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: It began as a witch-hunt. But the Master Inquisitor’s plans to eliminate all traces of female power in the world have expanded all traces of female power in the world have expanded to crushing the Sylvalan barons who oppose him – and to destroying the wellspring of magic in the Mother’s Hills. Faced with the evil, human, witches, and the Fae become uneasy allies. But even together, they aren’t strong enough to stand against the armies the Inquisitors are gathering. So they look for help from their last possible ally. The House of Gaian. The reclusive witches who rule the Mother’s Hills. The witches powerful enough to create a world – or to destroy one…And the witches’ long-held creed “Do no harm” is about to give way to a more important one: Survive.

This is the climactic end of the Tir Alainn trilogy. The Lightbring has learned that  Ari and her Neall are alive. As the Master Inquistor changes the one Fae that he is afraid of the hunter has promised to take care of things. When I learned what that meant it brought me to tears. The power shifts amongst the Fae, and yet some will not except what is to come. But what blew me away was when they woke Mother’s Hill. The story is so complex and you can’t seem to get enough. Again Anne has done it again with this complete trilogy. It’s one that should be read time and again. I can’t say it enough time that this is one to read and have on your shelves.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451459423

Pages: 432

Series: Tir Alainn Trilogy

Volume: 3

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Faerie, Tales of Faery

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries. Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries. Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention. Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens. Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer. But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires. Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything. Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

This is a great new Faery Tale. Keenan is reminded me of a very young Puck, while Aislinn is a very strong willed girl. She knows what she wants and isn’t bothered with asking for it. There are many things about this story that draw you in. It is a well thought out world and all the characters are fully formed. This Faery court is very different than the others that I have read. The new Summer King being a child from the last Summer King and current Winter Queen, was a great twist. I truly enjoyed reading this. Melissa Marr is one of those great writers that you just want to read over and over again. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Ink Exchange.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061214671

Pages: 352

Series: Wicked Lovely

Volume: 1

The Dreaming Place by Charles de Lint

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Magic, Faerie, Demons, Otherworld, Spirits

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Magic beckons… magic threatens. A young woman locked in rage yet seeking magic, Ash is drawn into a wondrous Otherworld of totems and dryads, living tarots and mystic charms. But while Ash walks among the spirits, her cousin Nina is being stalked by an Otherworld demon – a Manitou who can force her mind and soul into the bodies of beasts. Now, Ash must somehow reach inside herself, past her anger, to tap the full power of her magic – and save Nina before she becomes the manitou’s weapon, turning the faerie realm into an arctic wasteland.

This is a book of magic. The cousins Nina and Ash, who couldn’t be any more different. One who wishes that she could have the magic that seems to come to her cousin Nina. Not that Nina knows anything about it, she is terrified of what is happening to her. I loved how visual this story is. There is so much going on but it is so well done you know can’t put it down. I have told many others that they need to read this story. It is one that will take you on a journey of magic and family.

Publisher: Firebird Fantasy

ISBN: 014230218X

Pages: 160

Series: Newford

Volume: 2

Shadows and Light by Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Faerie, Magic, Tir Alainn Trilogy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Ever since the slaughter of the witches, the Fae – who should be shielding their long-lost cousins from danger – have ignored the needs of the res of the world. And shadows are again gathering in the eastern villages – dark, potent shadows that threaten the lives of every witch, woman, and Fae. Only three Fae can stand against the growing madness and help prevent more bloodshed – the Bard, the Muse, and the Gatherer of Souls. Aiden, the Bard, knows how desperately the world depends upon the Fae’s protection. But the Fae refuse to heed his warnings about the wickedness lurking amid the trees. Now Aiden and his one true love – Lyrra, the Muse – must embark on a perilous journey to find the one Fae who can convince the rest to leave their secure perches to save the witches and mortals. Because if the Fae don’t act soon, no one will survive…

This story changes the main characters to Aiden and Lyrra, whom we met in the first story. As they travel around to help save both the witches and the Fae. They are trying to figure out what they need to do. All the while Aiden just wants to make Lyrra safe. And tell her to be his wife which isn’t done in the Fae’s world. I love the way the to of them interact together. You get to see a side of the Fae that is very different. I found the whole thing very enjoyable. I can't wait to read the last book of this trilogy, The House of Gaian.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451458990

Pages: 432

Series: Tir Alainn Trilogy

Volume: 2

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal; Faerie, Faeriewalker, Magic, Avalon

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Normal: It’s all she’s ever wanted to be, but it couldn’t be further from her grasp… Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble.  When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she’s had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.  Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she’ll never have a chance with… until she does.  Caught between two worlds, Dana isn’t sure where she’ll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again…

This is the first book in the Faeriewalker series. Dana thought nothing could be worse than living with her mother who is an alcoholic. She runs away from home to go and find her father. But once there she is there, nothing seems to be going right. With an unwelcoming aunt, people trying to kill her and she doesn’t know who to trust. This is a very fast paced book but instead of feeling like your hair is on fire trying to keep up it written brilliantly. I have to say that as much as I liked the main characters it’s the supporting ones that truly make this story shin. This is a book that I absolutely love and can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Shadowspell.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

ISBN: 0312575939

Pages: 304

Series: Faeriewalker

Volume: 1

The Pillars of the World by Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Faerie, Magic, Tir Alainn Trilogy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The Trees Whisper of Danger…The youngest in a long line of witches, Ari senses that things are changing – changing for the worse. For generations, her kin have tended the Old Places, keeping the land safe and fertile. But with the Summer Moon, the mood of her neighbors has soured. And Ari is no longer safe. The Fae have long ignored what occurs in the mortal world, passing through on their shadowy roads only long enough to amuse themselves. But the roads are slowly disappearing, leaving the Fae Clans isolated and alone. Where harmony between the spiritual and the natural has always reigned, a dissonant chord now rings in the ears of both Fae and mortal. And when murmurs of a witch-hunt hum through the town, some begin to wonder if the different omens are notes in the same tune.

Ari is a great character who is strong and one that learns fast of the Fae around her home. She is befriended by The Huntress. As well as the lover of the Lightbringer. Neall who has always been in love with Ari, just didn’t have the courage to tell her. The Fae are great but I love the dynamic between Neall and Ari. They just seemed to fit from the start. The whole thing with the witch-hunters was well written. I loved how this world just unfolded and look forward to reading the next book in the series, Shadows and Light.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451458508

Pages: 432

Series: Tir Alainn Trilogy

Volume: 1

The Wild Wood by Charles de Lint

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Faerie

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: “You must remember…” Back in Print for the first time in ten years, this original novel stands among the finest of Charles de Lint’s early works. Eithnie is a young painter who is acclaimed by the art world until the critics start noticing that her work has lost the animating passion that had set her apart from the crowd. She returns to her cabin in Canada’s remote woods, hoping to find a place where she can seek solitude and focus on her art. At first, Eithnie’s muse remains elusive, but then beautiful and disturbing creatures start slipping into her sketches unbidden. The following days bring strange visitors bearing cryptic messages indicating that Eithnie may be bound by a promise made in a forgotten, magical childhood. The world of Faerie is clearly reaching out to her for help, and her ability to figure out what they need may mark the difference between their survival…and their doom.

This is one of those stories that is extremely visual. You can’t help but feel like you are a part of the story. The imagery is so strong that after reading this I dreamed of magical forests for two weeks strait. Charles has a way of making you feel that when you read one of his stories its not just a story but an experience that you are going through. And you come out the other end changed in some fashion. The character Eithnie is at first scared of this dark strange creatures that she keeps on seeing and soon interacting with. But she realizes that she must help them to survive. This was a story that I can’t count how many times I have read it, but it is one of my favorite ones. I think that everyone should at least read it once.

Publisher: Thom Doherty Associates

ISBN: 0765302586

Pages: 208

Series:

Volume:

Tam Lin by Pamela Dean

Genre: Fantasy; Faerie & Magic

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; 1970s

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: In the ancient Scottish ballad "Tam Lin," headstrong Janet defies Tam Lin to walk in her own land of Carterhaugh . . . and then must battle the Queen of Faery for possession of her lover’s body and soul. In this version of "Tam Lin," masterfully crafted by Pamela Dean, Janet is a college student, "Carterhaugh" is Carter Hall at the university where her father teaches, and Tam Lin is a boy named Thomas Lane. Set against the backdrop of the early 1970s, imbued with wit, poetry, romance, and magic, Tam Lin has become a cult classic—and once you begin reading, you’ll know why. This reissue features an updated introduction by the book’s original editor, the acclaimed Terri Windling.

This is a retelling but it’s of a ballad. That being said the story is written to be more like a fairy tale. Janet is off to collage where her father teaches. She is a literary person who gets to read all her way through school, which is fine by her. The story begins with her moving into the dorms and meeting her two roommates. But there are some stories about their room having a ghost and a few other odd things. It has a huge mystery that keeps you guessing throughout the story, which is set in the 1970’s. That being said you can still connect with the characters. I really like the relationships within the story. None of them are perfect and you see how they each have their struggles. I really loved reading this book, and am looking forward to reading it again.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 014240652X

Pages: 480

Series:

Volume: