Libyrinth by Pearl North

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, People with Abilities

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: On a world far from Earth, thousands of years from now, Haly lives in the Libyrinth, a library so vast people sometimes get lost in it and never come out again. A clerk to the Libyrarian Selene, she and all the Libyrinth’s residents are dedicated to protecting the books, for within them rests the sum of all human knowledge brought from Earth in the distant past. But Haly is different. She, unlike, all the others, hears the books. When she is near one, it literally speaks to her and only to her. This is her deepest secret, a source of comfort and of shame. Only her two closest friends – Clauda, a kitchen servant, and Nod, one of the Libyrinth’s diminutive imps – know the truth about her. When Haly discovers a plot by the book-hating Eradicants to destroy the Libyrinth completely, she and Clauda go with Selene to the Queen of Ilysies for help in preventing the Eradicants’ plot. But before they can reach Ilysies, they are attacked by Eradicants. Haly is captured, while Clauda and Selene escape. Thus begins a journey Haly could never have imagined. For she discovers that the Eradicants, while they hate and fear books, love the wisdom within them and, as Singers, cherish knowledge as much as any Libyrarian. But more important, she discovers her true destiny, a strange and wonderful fate that will change the future of life for the entire world.

Libyrinth is the first book in This is one of those stories that once you get started don’t stop. Haly has my dream super power, well at least it was when I couldn’t read. Well and it would be cool now so I know which books I will like. The entire adventure that the characters go through trying to save the things that they love is amazing. I found this to be a very phenomenal story. The change of perspective from one character to the other is brilliant. There is no confusion at all. It is something that you will want to read again and again. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, The Boy from Ilysies.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765320967

Pages: 336

Series: Libyrinth

Volume: 1

The Wish List by Gabi Stevens

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Fairy Godmothers, Magic, Wizards, Sorcerers, Time of Transition Trilogy

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Kristin Montgomery is more than a little shocked when her aunts inform her they’re fairy godmothers. Worse, after dropping that bombshell they hand her a wand and head off on a world cruise. Now Kristin’s uncomplicated life as a CPA in San Diego has disappeared like magic and she not only has to deal with her burgeoning magical powers, but also a reluctant—and distractingly sexy—magical arbiter. Tennyson Ritter is a historian. A scholar by choice, he is yanked from his studies to act as arbiter for the newly chosen fairy godmother. He doesn’t want to waste his time with a woman who doesn’t know anything about magic or the magical world, but soon the beguiling Kristin draws him away from his books and into her life. But before Kristin can hone her skills and pass the tests necessary to fully claim her powers, she and Tennyson must work together to defend the world – both magical and human – against those that would claim her powers for their own.

This is the first in the Time of Transition Trilogy. Kristin thought that she was just going to have a nice visit with her aunts. But soon learns that she is a fairy godmother and a Rare One no less. Her arbiter Tennyson isn’t too happy about his new job. But they are learning that they have to break some rules to make sure that they can make sure that their way of life keeps going. As the two work together they learn more and more everyday about the magic that Kristin possesses. This story is one that makes you guess what is to happen until the very end. I love the characters in this book. Kristin is not someone who is just going to sit quietly. I love Tennyson, he is a great character. One that you can’t help but like, smart, sexy and very good at what he does. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Spellbound.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765365030

Pages: 384

Series: Time of Transition Trilogy

Volume: 1

Enchanter by Sara Douglass

Genre: Fantasy; Axis’s Trilogy, Magic, Magical Creatures

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Axis is a true hero, in every sense of the word. On his shoulders lies the double burden of prophecy and war. Having fulfilled the first part of the prophecy by becoming the StarMan, he now must reunite the three races inhabiting his world. It is his destiny to lead an army against his evil half-brother, to regain control of Tencendor, once the greatest land is the world. It is his destiny to be caught between the two women he loves, one the epitome of gentility, beauty, and intelligence, the other a fierce warrior with a cunning wit. And it is his destiny to be thwarted at every turn by the vicious Goragel, an insane monster bent on destroying all that Axis works to preserve…

This is the second book in the Axis Trilogy. As Axis, Faraday, Azhure move closer to their destiny they all learn that things are not as they seem. The prophecy is not telling the whole truth and they are all beginning to understand it now. The story is building off of what the first one started. There is so much going on that you won’t want to stop reading once you have started. The love triangle between Axis, Faraday and Azhure is heart breaking. But it also helps in defining the characters. Throughout the story I felt as though I was there along with the characters. I love this book and can’t wait to see read the next book, Starman.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765341964

Pages: 688

Series: Axis

Volume: 2

Redeeming the Lost by Elizabeth Kerner

Genre: Fantasy; Dragons, The Tale of Lanen Kaelar, Demons, Magic

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The prophecies are coming true and the ancient race of the Kantri-or true dragons-have come back to the world of Men. It was through the actions of Young Lanen Kaelar that the Kantri were reminded of the larger world. It was bravery (and a mad belief in the old tales) that caused the young woman to start a perilous journey to find the great dragons of legend. In doing so, she found not only the reality of the myth but her own true love. He was the great Dragon King, an immensely powerful creature out of time who ultimately chose life over death, a puny mortal form rather than the power of a kingship to be with this most extraordinary woman. As he is Dragon in Man's form, the being known as Varien has risked much to stay by Lanen's side. Their haven destroyed, the Kantri have chosen instead of seeking a new home to return to the land of their greatest defeat and to the fear of the people who rejected their aid so long ago. They bring ancient power and knowledge and the Kantri have come to see what the "littlings" have made of their world. And much of what they find distresses them. For humans have squandered much of their heritage, the small dragons that were left behind are little more than cattle...and there are those who do remember the ancient ways...and have allied themselves with the race of demons who long to destroy all the world. The Kantri are disturbed and look to Varien and Lanen help them redeem what has been lost so long ago and make the world right again. But Lanen is captured by the human demon-master Berys, who seeks to corrupt the ancient prophecy. He will try to use Lanen's new-found powers to gain control of the very fabric of the universe and in doing so, secure the demon forces of the otherworld and rule forever. It is up to her true love Varien and one of the most unlikely alliances ever seen to rescue Lanen. And if Varien fails, not only will Lanen's life and the fates of his beloved Kantri hang in the balance. For the stage is now set for a confrontation between the forces of light and darkness...and if the good fail, not only will the Kantri fail but the human world will be doomed as well…

This is the final book in the Tale of Lanen Kaelar. As much as I didn’t like the second book this third was much better. It brought a good conclusion to the trilogy. I enjoyed it when Lanen finally met her mother for the first time. And how they resolved a bunch of the issues. But it still paled in comparison to the first book. I wouldn’t say it is the best fantasy trilogy out there but as dragon stories go it's  not bad at all.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0812568761

Pages: 400

Series: The Tale of Lanen Kaelar

Volume: 3

The Lesser Kindred by Elizabeth Kerner

Genre: Fantasy; Dragons, The Tale of Lanen Kaelar, Demons, Magic

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The stunning sequel to Elizabeth Kerner's Song in the Silence, The Lesser Kindred continues the story of Lanen Kaelar, a young woman who embarked on a search for the great dragons of legend and discovered not only the reality of the myth but her own true love. The course of happiness is not an easy one, however, and Lanen must make some hard choices. Her decisions could spell the salvation of an entire race--but at the cost of all she holds dear.

I had been waiting for this sequel for years. Looking forward  to see what was going to happen to Lanen and Varien. Their travels back home and going forward. It's sad to say that this did not impress me. I thought that this could have been better. It fell short in many different ways. I can only hope that the final book in this series, Redeeming The Lost will be much better.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0812568753

Pages: 448

Series: The Tale of Lanen Kaelar

Volume: 2

Eve of Darkness by S. J. Day

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Angels, Demons, Werewolves, Nix, Magic, A Marked Novel

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Cursed by God, hunted by demons, desired by Cain and Abel... All in a day's work. For Evangeline Hollis, a long-ago fling with a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks just became a disaster of biblical proportions. One night with a leather-clad man of mystery has led to a divine punishment: the Mark of Cain. Thrust into a world where sinners are drafted to kill demons, Eve knows her learning curve must be short. A longtime agnostic, she begrudgingly maneuvers through a celestial bureaucracy where she is a valuable but ill-treated pawn. She's also become the latest point of contention in the oldest case of sibling rivalry in history...But she'll worry about all that later. Right now she's more concerned with learning to kill while staying alive. And saving the soul she'd never quite believed she had.

The book is the first in a Marked series. Eve has an evening with one guy and her world turns upside down. And having Alec Cain come back in her life wasn’t something she ever expected. Now Eve has to go kill things that go bump in the night so she can save her own soul. I found this to be a great twist on the biblical tales, showing that even today good and evil are fighting without the white gloves. I thought it was very imaginative storytelling. I couldn’t put the book down once I started it. I look forward in reading the next book in this series, Eve of Destruction.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765360411

Pages: 368

Series: Marked

Volume: 1

Kushiel’s Avatar by Jacqueline Carey

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Angels

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good ... and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay is a woman pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Her path has been strange and dangerous, and through it all the devoted swordsman Joscelin has been at her side. Her very nature is a torturous thing for them both, but he is sworn to her and he has never violated his vow: to protect and serve. But Phèdre's plans put Joscelin's pledge to the test, for she has never forgotten her childhood friend Hyacinthe. She has spent ten long years searching for the key to free him from his eternal indenture, a bargain he struck with the gods-- to take Phèdre's place as a sacrifice and save a nation. Phèdre cannot forgive-- herself or the gods. She is determined to seize one last hope to redeem her friend, even of it means her death. The search will bring Phèdre and Joscelin across the world, to distant courts where madness reigns and souls are currency, and down a fabled river to a land forgotten by most of the world. And to a power so mighty that none dare speak its name.

Phèdre’s adventures near destroy her and Joscelin. The story takes a dark turn but then are able to turn it all around. While they try to save Hyacinthe and a small boy. They don’t know what their own future is going to hold. The way Phèdre does everything to try and help those that she loves is epic. It is a page turning story that you will be surprised at every turn. It wraps in a nice neat bow. It is an amazing writing that is a must read. I am looking forward to reading the next trilogy, Imriel's Trilogy.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765347539

Pages: 768

Series: Phèdre's Trilogy

Volume: 3

Prophecy by Elizabeth Haydon

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Dragons, Time Travel

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: In Rhapsody, a fellowship was forged-- three companions who, through great adversity, became a force to be reckoned with: Rhapsody the Singer; Achmed the assassin-king; and Grunthor, the giant Sergeant-Major. Prophecy continues their powerful epic. Driven by a prophetic vision, Rhapsody races to rescue a religious leader while Achmed and Grunthor seek the F'dor-- an ancient and powerful demon. These companions may be destined to fulfill The Prophecy of the Three, but their time is running short. They must find their elusive enemy before his darkness consumes them all.

This is the second book in this brilliant fantastical saga. Rhapsody is truly coming into her own. While Achmed and Grunthor are building themselves a place in this new world. They want to protect what is their own which Rhapsody falls in that category. While working with their friends they push forward. This is one of those tales that you really won’t stop reading till you get to the end. There is much that is going on and you want to take it all in. I loved this book and its great characters. The story is one that will take you for a brilliant ride. I can’t wait to read the next book, Destiny.

Publisher: Tor

ISBN: 0812570820

Pages: 736

Series: Symphony of Ages

Volume: 2

The Wayfarer Redemption by Sara Douglass

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Magical Creatures

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: For a thousand years the Acharites have lived prosperous lives, protected by vast and insurmountable mountains and the powerful Seneschal, guardians of the mysterious Way of the Plow and the intermediaries with the great got Artor. But now Achar’s security is threatened as a millennia-old prophecy predicting the return of the Forbidden Ones flares into life. An unnatural winter grips the land as the Ice Lord Gorgrael moves his armies of demonic wraiths and IceWorms south. Achar crumbles under Gorgrael’s murderous onslaught: it seems that no one can stop him. Faraday, betrothed of Achar’s War Lord, Duke Borneheld, is as frightened as everyone else. While fleeing to safety with Axis, legendary leader of the Axe-Wielders and hated half-brother of Borneheld, Faraday leans that all she has been taught about her people’s history has been based on lies. Leaving the company of Axis – a man she secretly loves, although it would mean his death to reveal it – Faraday embarks on a journey that will forever change both her life and those of her people

This is the beginning of the Axis’s Trilogy, in which we follow a multitude of characters. Faraday the beautiful woman who is frightened but also strong. Axis who is already a legendary leader. As well as Duke Borneheld and many others. Things are changing between the three races that live here. There is complexity and diversity within the story as well. This is not a light book it will suck you in and take you on a great adventure. I loved this story as it was so rich and well written. I can’t wait to read the second book in the trilogy, Enchanter.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765341301

Pages: 672

Series: Axis

Volume: 1

Song in the Silence by Elizabeth Kerner

Genre: Fantasy; Dragons, The Tale of Lanen Kaelar, Demons, Magic

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Lanen Kaelar has dreamed of dragons all her life. But not just dreaming, for Lanen believes in dragons. Her family mocks her that dragons are just a silly myth. A legend. But Lanen knows better. And she means to prove it. One day she sets out on a dangerous voyage to the remote West to find the land of the True Dragons. What she discovers is a land of real dragons more beautiful-and surprising-than any dream she could have imagined.

This isn’t like your average dragon story. Lanen Kaelar is one of those female leads that does what she wants after realizing that she can. She is such a strong character and very intelligent.  The relationship that she has with the dragons is brilliant. I love how they interact with one another. The build up on this story is amazing. I told everyone about it the first time I read it. This was a great story and I can't wait to read the next in the series, The Lesser Kindred.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765342685

Pages: 352

Series: The Tale of Lanen Kaelar

Volume: 1

Rhapsody by Elizabeth Haydon

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Dragons, Immortals, Time Travel

Sub Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Rhapsody is a woman, a Singer of some talent, who is swept up into events of world-shattering import. On the run from an old romantic interest who won’t take no for an answer, Rhapsody literally bumps into a couple of shady characters: half-breeds who come to her rescue in the nick of time. Only the rescue turns into an abduction, and Rhapsody soon finds herself dragged along on an epic voyage, one that spans centuries and ranges across a wonder-filled fantasy world – a world so real you can hear the sweet music of Rhapsody’s audade and smell the smoldering forges deep within the Cauldron.

This is the first story in an ongoing epic fantasy series. Rhapsody is someone who can use her words to mean something. After an unexpected encounter with Achmed and Grunthor she is now run for their lives, not entirely of her own free will. But it is the beginning of a great adventure through the world. The way this book takes you in is unlike any that I have ever encountered. There are many more characters in this brilliantly written epic story. As you follow their journey you can’t help but to fall in love with them. I love this book and look forward to where the story will go from here. I can't wait to read the next book, Prophecy.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0812570812

Pages: 672

Series: Symphony of Ages

Volume: 1

Kushiel’s Chosen by Jacqueline Carey

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Angels

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Mighty Kushiel, of rod and weal Late of the brazen portals With blood-tipp'd dart a wound unhealed Pricks the eyen of chosen mortals. The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassed beauty and grace. The inhabiting race rose from the seed of angels and men, and they live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay was sold into indentured servitude as a child. Her bond was purchased by a nobleman, the first to recognize that she is one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. He trained Phèdre in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber--and, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. When she stumbled upon a plot that threatened the very foundations of her homeland, she gave up almost everything she held dear to save it. She survived, and lived to have others tell her story, and if they embellished the tale with fabric of mythical splendor, they weren't far off the mark. The hands of the gods weigh heavily upon Phèdre's brow, and they are not finished with her. While the young queen who sits upon the throne is well loved by the people, there are those who believe another should wear the crown... and those who escaped the wrath of the mighty are not yet done with their schemes for power and revenge.

This is the second book in the series. And sometimes when you read an ongoing series the second book is almost a throw-away. This is so not one of those times. This delves into deeper intrigue. Phèdre again must step up to help her Queen and country. Her old enemies have new plans and hope to hurt her with them as well. This just keeps getting better where you can’t wait to see where this is going to go next. High adventure that just won’t stop. Jacqueline is one of those writers that you can’t wait to read her next book, Kushiel’s Avatar.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765345048

Pages: 704

Series: Phèdre's Trilogy

Volume: 2

To The King A Daughter by Andre Norton and Sasha Miller

Genre: Fantasy; Magic

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan: the four powers of the world, all once great and mighty, now yielding to the effects of centuries of war. A King of Oak and a Queen of Yew sit on the thrones of the land--the King is a drunken lout, the Queen a magical schemer. Ash and Rowan are nearly dead, their totem trees in the sacred square withering away to nothing. Allis falling into place for the power-hungry Queen Ysa, who will stop at nothing to ensure the continuation of her line. Only one thing may stand in her way: a long-ago prophesy that Daughter of Ash will one day rise again to reclaim her rightful place on the throne. But deep in the swamps, in the care of the witch-healer all need and all fear, there is a young girl-woman who can not be the witch's daughter; a girl who by virtue of her beauty and elegance, and simmering power, can only be a Daughter of Ash, the one who will rise to fulfill the prophecy--and the destiny of her birthright.

This is the first book in the Oak, Yew, Ash and Rowan Cycle. It follows Ashen as she discovers where she comes from. But as she begins to learning of her new surroundings, things aren’t what they appear to be. Others try and make sure that she cannot come into her power, she grows into whom she is to become. This is a brilliant fantasy novel. It takes you on a journey that is breathtaking. I love the characters and the twist near the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Knight or Knave.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0312873360

Pages: 320

Series: The Cycle of Oak, Yew, Ash, and Rowan

Volume: 1

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey

Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Angels
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The land of Terre d'Ange is a place of unsurpassing beauty and grace. It is said that angels found the land and saw it was good...and the ensuing race that rose from the seed of angels and men live by one simple rule: Love as thou wilt. Phèdre nó Delaunay is a young woman who was born with a scarlet mote in her left eye. Sold into indentured servitude as a child, her bond is purchased by Anafiel Delaunay, a nobleman with very a special mission...and the first one to recognize who and what she is: one pricked by Kushiel's Dart, chosen to forever experience pain and pleasure as one. Phèdre is trained equally in the courtly arts and the talents of the bedchamber, but, above all, the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Almost as talented a spy as she is courtesan, Phèdre stumbles upon a plot that threatens the very foundations of her homeland. Treachery sets her on her path; love and honor goad her further. And in the doing, it will take her to the edge of despair...and beyond. Hateful friend, loving enemy, beloved assassin; they can all wear the same glittering mask in this world, and Phèdre will get but one chance to save all that she holds dear.

Phèdre nó Delaunay is not your likely hero. And yet she is smart and willing to take on the role. This is a great story that hold intrigue and adventure. This is one of those stories that creates full characters both for the main and back ground characters. I love these kinds of stories. The world that this is set in is one that you can almost touch, it seems that real. The writing is beautiful and well done. This first story starts with Phèdre as a child growing into an adult. I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series, Kushiel’s Chosen

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765342987

Pages: 928

Series: Phèdre's Trilogy

Volume: 1

A Matter of Magic by Patricia C. Wrede

Genre: Fantasy; Magic

Sub Genre: Historical Fantasy; London

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: When a stranger offers her a small fortune to break into a traveling magician’s wagon, Kim doesn’t hesitate. Having grown up a waif in the dirty streets of London, Kim isn’t above a bit of breaking-and-entering. A hard life and lean times have schooled her in one lesson: steal from them before they steal from you. But when the magician catches her in the act, Kim thinks she’s done for. Until he suggests she become his apprentice; then the real trouble begins. Kim soon finds herself entangled with murderers, thieves, and cloak-and-dagger politics, all while trying to learn how to become both a proper lady and a magician in her own right. Magic and intrigue go hand in hand in Mairelon the Magician and The Magician’s Ward, two fast-paced novels filled with mystery and romance, set against the intricate backdrop of Regency England.

This story is actually a reprint of Mairelon the Magician and The Magician’s Ward in one book. First off before I even start about this book I have to say I love the new cover for this book. This story opens with Kim trying to take something from Mairelon. But soon after catching her he desides that she would be perfect for his own uses. Using her street smarts and his magic they make a great team. The story is set in a fanciful Victorian England that takes some of the aspects of reality and fantasy to make an amazing story. I love reading both of these books as I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading it. Both Kim and Mairelon brilliant characters who you can’t help but fall in love with. Patricia’s writing pulls the reader into the story and keeps them there on bated breath.

Publisher: TOR

ISBN: 0765326329

Pages: 448

Series: A Matter of Magic

Volume: 1 & 2

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: