Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; People with Abilities

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight--she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

This is Kristin Cashore’s first novel, and it’s a page turner. It is set up in a fantasy world where some people are graced with an ability. It can be anything from an increased sense of hearing to the ability to kill. I truly enjoyed the main character. Her struggle with her grace and how she tries to make up for what she is ordered to do. The world in which the story takes place is compelling. Prince Po is a brilliant character that has his own growth throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading Fire.

Publisher: Graphia

ISBN: 0547258305

Pages: 480

Series: Graceling Realm

Volume: 1

Witch Fury by Anya Bast

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches and Demons

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Sarafina Connell is having the worst week of her life. It takes an even darker turn when an infamous playboy kidnaps her and reveals a world she never knew existed…It’s a world where magick is real, and where Sarafina is given a chance to join a secret cabal that is bent on gaining absolute power. They could use a woman like her – a witch with an untapped gift for creating fire. But she isn’t about to get in league with the devil. Rescued from her captors, Sarafina is introduced to a coven that is duty-bound to fight the forces of darkness. She’s pleased that her savior is the imposingly seductive Theo - until the trust between them goes up in flames. However, as the war between good and evil is waged, Sarafina and Theo realize they have no choice but to unite in the battle for supremacy – that’s getting hotter by the minute.

So this is the ending to the Elemental witches. Ok so its not totally you need to go to Anya Bast’s page as there is a short story that takes place after this. But as far as the printed books it seems that this is the end. While I am sad to see the end I did love how Anya finished off the series. Sarafina is another kick but character who burns hot all around. And you get to see more of Theo. Theo was the most tortured character in this series, or at least that is my opinion. But what a great character. And the dialog between these two is almost spit fire. I thought that this ending didn’t disappoint at all. I think anyone who is interested in a great paranormal romance about witches needs to add this to their shelves. Now even though there isn’t any more elemental witches she is working on Wicked Enchantment dealing with Fairies. I am looking forward to that as I love Anya’s writing and the Fay.

As an added bonus I have included a review of her downloadable free short story Micah’s Magick.

This is Micah’s and Emily’s story you can get it on Anya Bast’s webpage for free. But it has spoilers in it so read the books first. It’s a nice little rap up for Micah. And Emily is very sweet. Download a copy for yourself.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 042522869X

Pages: 320

Series: Elemental Witches

Volume: 4 & 4.5