Kiss of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Vampires, Immortals, Time travel, Gods, Magic
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Dear Reader, What do you get when you have one immortal Viking warrior no one can remember five minutes after he leaves their presence, a princess on the run for her life, and one seriously annoyed demigod? Basically, you get my life. It started out simple enough. One night I went to save a woman in trouble. The next thing I knew, the doorway to hell had opened and out stepped Daimons-vampires the likes of which I'd never seen before. Led by the son of Apollo, they are out to end the curse that has banished them all to darkness. The only problem with that is they have to kill Cassandra Peters to do it and if she dies, so dies the sun, the earth and all who dwell here. Life's just a bowl full of cherries, ain't it? Brought together by fate, it's now my job to protect a daughter of the very race I have been hunting for centuries. Neither of us dares to trust the other. But she is the only one who remembers me... More than that, with her courage and strength, she is the only one who has ever touched a heart that I thought had died centuries ago. The only way for a Dark-Hunter to regain his soul is through the love of a woman. But what happens when that woman isn't exactly human? Wulf Tryggvasen

This is the ninth story in the Dark Hunters series. Wulf has this little problem no one remembers him after he leaves, unless your blood related to him. Then he meets Cassandra who actually does remember him. The only thing is she’s supposed to die soon and a group of soul sucking beings is trying to kill her in order to kill Apollo. This is addition to the Dark Hunters is brilliant. It puts a twist on things and there is another pantheon introduced into the series. I love how Wulf interacts with everyone. He can be a hard warrior and then the most protective person for those he cares about. This is one of my favorite stories in the series and I can’t wait to read the next one, Night Play.

Publisher: St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312992416
Pages: 384
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 10

Infamous by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Gods, Vampires, Time Travel, Were-People, Demons, Magic
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The world has fallen in love with Nick Gautier and the Dark-Hunters. Now Nick’s saga continues in the next eagerly anticipated volume... Go to school. Get good grades. Stay out of trouble. That’s the mandate for most kids. But Nick Gautier isn’t the average teenager. He’s a boy with a destiny not even he fully understands. And his first mandate is to stay alive while everyone, even his own father, tries to kill him. He’s learned to annihilate zombies and raise the dead, divination and clairvoyance, so why is learning to drive and keep a girlfriend so dang hard? But that isn’t the primary skill he has to master. Survival is. And in order to survive, his next lesson makes all the others pale in comparison. He is on the brink of becoming either the greatest hero mankind has ever known. Or he’ll be the one who ends the world. With enemies new and old gathering forces, he will have to call on every part of himself to fight or he’ll lose everyone he cares about. Even himself.

This is the third book in the Chronicles of Nick. In this book there is so much going on and it doesn’t help when he gets in trouble with his mom. This is one of those books that once you start it you can’t put it down. Learning more about what is going on and some of the changes that are taking place because of things being changed by future Nick’s tampering. So much is going on including see more of his father. I really like were this story is going and how it show some of the characters that we have grown to love in a whole new light. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Inferno.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250002826
Pages: 480
Series: Chronicles of Nick
Volume: 3

Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Gods, Immortals, Shapeshifters, Time Travel
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Zarek’s point of view: Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude. Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don’t suffer from my insanity – I enjoy every minute of it. Trust: I can’t trust anyone…not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to put a hurt on anyone who gets in my way. Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I’m tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled – I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters. Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?

This story actually comes after the short story in Midnight Pleasures and is also in Dark Bites, but is considered the 8th book in the Dark Hunter series. Zarek has always been a loner. He doesn’t play nice with others and is against the world as he feels that it hasn’t really given him anything. Astrid is a sister to the fates and a judge of the Dark-Hunters. She is still in need of protection as she has not spent much time on earth. This is one of the stories of redemption in the Dark-Hunter’s world. Both characters are perfect for one another. I really like this story because the Zarek is a more complex character, you really can’t fit him into a little box. Getting to see more of the world of the Gods brilliantly written. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Kiss of the Night.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0312984839
Pages: 368
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 8

Destiny by Elizabeth Haydon

Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Dragons
Sub Genre: Science Fiction, Time Travel
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: To stand against the F'dor--an ancient, vile being intent on destroying the world--a fellowship has been forged: Rhapsody, a Singer of great talent and beauty; Achmed, an assassin with unearthly talents; and Grunthor, a giant of jolly disposition and lethal skill with weapons. Driven by prophetic visions, the three know that time is running short, know that they must find their elusive enemy before his darkness consumes them all. But after their final, brutal confrontation with the F'dor, their world crosses the threshold of disaster and faces utter oblivion. The action reaches a fevered pitch, achieving a crescendo of tragedy, love, and triumph of human spirit over world-shattering cataclysm. With death at hand and the world crumbling at their feet, these three will finally discover their true Destiny.

This is the third book in Symphony of Ages series. Rhapsody, Achmed and Grunthor have gone through so much and yet there is so much more to come for them. The epic fantasy of this series I more than I can convey. Many things that you have been wondering about are answered here. I can’t wait to see where this world will go from here as it seems like it wrapped up beautifully. The next book in this series is, Requiem for the Sun.

Publisher: Tor
ISBN: 978-0812570830
Pages: 864
Series: Symphony of Ages
Volume: 3

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Gods, Vampires, Time Travel, Were-People, Demons, Magic
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul. His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him. But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...

This is the second book in the Chronicles of Nick. Nick is hoping life will start to normalize, even though he is now working for a vampire and his mom is working for shapeshifters. Then there is a coach that wants to befriend Nick which is a little weird. There is so much going on in this book and you begin to see how dynamic this world is. Nick is growing as a character and you see a little bit of the character that he becomes in the adult series. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Infamous.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250002826
Pages: 432
Series: Chronicles of Nick
Volume: 2

Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Gods, Immortals, Shapeshifters, Time Travel
Sub Genre: Urban FantasyRating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Dear Reader, Life is great for me. I have my chicory coffee, my warm beignets, and my best friend on the cell phone. Once the sun goes down, I am the baddest thing prowling the night: I command the elements, and I know no fear. For centuries, I've protected the innocent and watched over the mankind, making sure they are safe in a world where nothing is ever certain. All I want in return is a hot babe in a red dress, who wants nothing more from me then one night. Instead, I get a runaway Mardi Gras float that tries to turn me into roadkill and a beautiful woman who saves my life but can't remember where she put my pants. Flamboyant and extravagant, Sunshine Runningwolf should be the perfect woman for me. She wants nothing past tonight, no ties, no long-term commitments. But every time I look at her, I start yearning for dreams that I buried centuries ago. With her unconventional ways and ability to baffle me, Sunshine is the one person I find myself needing. But for me to love her would mean her death. I am cursed never to know peace or happiness-not so long as my enemy waits in the night to destroy us both. -Talon of the Morrigantes

This is the sixth book in the Dark Hunter series and it belongs to Talon and Sunshine’s story. This brings in the Celtic gods to the story. You get to see other sides to characters that you have already fallen in love with. Sunshine is bubbly and fun not looking for any long term relationships. While Talon who hasn’t wanted a relationship with anyone, that is until he meets Sunshine. I love the new Gods that are introduced. This story has it all love, Armageddon, friendship, so much. It is another page turner that you’ll not want to put it down till you’re done. I can’t wait to read what is going to happen next in this very dynamic world in Dance with the Devil the next book of this great series.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0312984820
Pages: 416
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 6

Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Gods, Immortals, Shapeshifters, Time Travel
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Dear Reader: Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power? That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minutes of it. Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. Or in Amanda's case, one buttoned all the way up to her chin. She's smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal -- in other words, me. My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Yet every time I look at her, I find myself wanting to try again. Wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist. Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there's any way a woman like Amanda can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he's not sure it will ever beat again. – Kyrian of Thrace

This is the fourth book in the Dark Hunter series, but it is the first story where we get to see an actual Dark Hunter. There are so many characters that we get to see again as well as meet so many different ones. The Devereaux girls are scary and just awesome. Then we get to meet Kyrian who is Julian of Macedon best friend from his past life. Amanda deals with mistaken identity from her identical sister. When things start to come after Amanda, Kyrian must protect her from the other things that go bump in the night. This is one of my favorite couples of this series. So much is going on but it’s all so good. It’s a total page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Night Embrace.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0312979983
Pages: 323
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 4

Dragonswan by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Greek Gods, Immortals, Shapeshifters, Time Travel
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Beautiful scholar Channon MacRea has spent years studying the legendary Dragon Tapestry, devoting days and nights to deciphering the impenetrable Old English symbolism. Then one evening the unnaturally handsome Sebastian appears. He claims to hold the key to solving the key to solving the tapestry’s mysteries. Bearing magnificently taut and tanned flesh marked by intriguing scars of battle, he also claims to be a dragon slayer trapped between two worlds. For Channon there’s only one way to finally uncover the secrets of the intricate embroidery – by following the seductive stranger into a fantastic alternate world of magic, danger, and erotic adventure.

This is another story that is part of Dark Hunter series and is printed in In Other Worls with 2 other shorts, they don’t actually have a Dark Hunter in this story either. It is also a short story that was printed on a short run in its own little book. But even for it being a short one it still is a great story. We get to meet some of the were-hunters, and these ones are dragons, which I loved. It is a beautiful story and very sweet. I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading the next book in the series, Night Pleasures.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0425233200
Pages: 304
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 2

Midnight Magic by Rebecca York, Susan Kearney, Jeanie London

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Time Travel

Sub Genre: Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Science Fiction

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: A magical painting, a mystical gateway… Legend has it that a heartbroken artist used magical paint to create the beautiful “Midnight Magic”--and then stepped into the painting and was never seen again. Or so Sara Drimmon is told when she visits the Second Chance Gallery in Rebecca York's "Second Chance." Sara experiences the magic for herself when the painting sends her into her own past and gives her a second chance with her first love. Then it's Sara's turn to introduce someone to the painting--and she chooses Merline, a beautiful singer who's lost her voice. In Susan Kearney's "Ulterior Motives," the painting sends Merline thousands of years into the future, where she is no longer a superstar. Is Merline ready to trade stardom for love? In Jeanie London's "Temptation," an artist urges Nina de Lacy to look deeply into the painting. But Nina has her own magical way of seeing into the souls of men--and now she must choose between the destiny “Midnight Magic” offers her and the two men who wait for her to tell them their future…

This is a great anthology that circles on its own. Each story is connected to the painting Midnight Magic. The first sends Sara back in time. While the second one sends Merline 300 years into the future. And the last starts in the 1700’s but ending in 2006. The way that the stories are written they flow seamlessly into one another. I really enjoy how each one was so different and yet you could see where the story was to go. It was very imaginative and entertaining. This is one that is a good tale for whatever ails you, as there is Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Science Fiction and Paranormal all wrapped under one book.

Publisher: Tor Romance

ISBN: 0765354853

Pages: 352

Series:

Volume: 

Charmed by Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle, Lori Forster, Eileen Wilks, Julie Beard

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Time Travel, Future, Ghosts, Witches, Genies

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: When the darkness holds the most tantalizing of possibilities, what goes bump in the night may be the man of your dreams…Everything is possible and nothing is as it seems in four enchanting tales brimming with romance, passion, and a touch of wonder. From a marriage of convenience between a psychic archeologist and her bodyguard in a galaxy far, far away to ancient Britain and a dashing knight wounded in the service of King Arthur, from a house haunted by two mischievous ghosts to a woman torn between her fiance and a seductive djinn, you'll be bewitched, beguiled, and bedazzled as four of today's most popular authors cast their most potent love spells…

Now I did write about the first story in this anthology Bridal Jitters, the others in this book are just as good. Man in the Mirror takes us to the time of King Arthur’s court and back. While Tangled Dreams mixes in ghosts and two new lovers. Pandora’s Bottle is about a brides choice. Even though they are short stories they are so well written and capture your attention right away. I found each one endearing. I really loved this book, as each story was so different.

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 0425171299

Pages: 352

Series:

Volume: 

The Heart of Stars by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, Time Travel, Rhiannon's Ride

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: With the leading clan bitterly split and the court torn apart, only fierce, half-human Rhiannon and her winged mare have any chance of rescuing Princess Olwynne and her twin brother. But what duty requires, the heart may regret… The Heart of Stars. An evil necromancer has kidnapped the royal twins, plotting to spill their blood for revenge, and to restore his own family to life. Chaos reigns in the capital, and Rhiannon finds herself burdened with a heavy charge: to save the one woman she hates above all others. It will not be easy to forgive or forget that Olwynne attempted to steal Rhiannon’s true love, the handsome apprentice-witch Lewen – especially since it seems that Olwynne may still be her rival for his affections. As the necromancer’s intrigues grow more desperate, Rhiannon fears that saving the princess could mean risking everything. Lewen, her mare, her freedom, and even her own life.

This is the final book in the Rhiannon's Ride series. Rhiannon has to go and save Olwynne the woman whom she hates and not only that but she has to go back in time to do it. With everything that is going on my heart went out to so many characters. My old favorite, Isabeau has her own hard choices and demons to fight. The story is all so well written. I did cry at some parts as not everyone gets a happy ending. I really could not put this book down until it was done. Kate Forsyth creates these beautifully complex worlds that suck you in. I love reading her writing and hope to see more about the world of Eileanan.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451461444

Pages: 448

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

Volume: 3

Be Careful What You Wish For by D. L. Cochio

Genre: Children

Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Time Travel

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Best Friends, Emily and Megan, are thrilled to find out that the amulet they bought at a Medieval Fair is supposed to make wishes come true. The magical amulet sends the girls on a fantastic journey back in time to 15^th century England, where they encounter a host of unforgettable characters. Anne and her cousin, Richard, help the girls to try to uncover the truth about the amulet. Will they find the answers they need to return to their own time? Can they avoid being caught? Join the girls and their new friends in this exciting adventure back in time.

This is a children’s book, that being said I feel that it is a great quick read that has all the great elements that are in a good story. I think this is a great story to read to younger kids as it is something that adults will love too. I really liked this story.

Publisher: Publish America

ISBN: 1592861725

Pages: 75

Series:

Volume:

The Shining City by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, Time Travel, Rhiannon's Ride

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Rhiannon, a wild and fierce half-human girl, tamed a winged horse to escape the vicious satyricorn tribe who raised her. In the human world, the handsome apprentice-witch Lewen has convinced her to stay with him and learn to use her strong magical talents. But before her training can commence, Rhiannon must answer for her past crime in…The Shining City. Imprisoned in Sorrowgate Tower, Rhiannon awaits trial for murder and treason. While her days are spent in anticipation of Lewen’s visits, her nights are haunted by the malevolent ghost of a dead queen, hungry to live again. But not many care to listen to the prophetic dreams of a girl who has already been convicted in most people’s mind. Then Lewen begins to cool toward her, and Rhiannon suspects one of the princesses has worked a spell to steal his heart. In a world filled with dark spirits and forbidden magic, conspiracy and intrigue, Rhiannon vows to win back her lover and escape once more, to save the land before it’s too late…

This is the second book in the Rhiannon's Ride. Rhiannon stays with Lewen and even goes to the Shining City and becomes imprisoned. So much happens that Rhiannon can’t see but yet does as she is not fooled by the courtly people. Danger is all around everywhere and you don’t know where it is really coming from. This is such a rich tale that is being woven together. I do not like Olwynne. But then I don’t think you are supposed to. But seeing all of my favorite old characters again was great. I enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to see how everything will work itself out in the next book, The Heart of Stars.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451460804

Pages: 544

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

Volume: 2

The Tower of Ravens by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, Time Travel, Rhiannon's Ride

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: One-Horn’s daughter is not like the others of her king. Born of a human father, she lacks the horns so prized by her people and is scorned even by her own mother. Her only chance for escape is to capture one of the legendary flying horses and ride it to freedom – if she can stay on its back long enough. And so this strange, feral girl begins a dangerous journey of love, death, and betrayal that will earn her a new name – Rhiannon, the rider no one can catch. Found wounded, she is rescued and taken to the home of Lewen, a young man just beginning to understand his own magical potential as an apprentice-witch. Rhiannon soon becomes fascinated with the human world…and Lewen. Together they travel through a land where the dead walk and ghosts haunt the living, a place where Rhiannon encounters dark forces that endanger all of Eileanan. But to save the land, she must convince Lewen and the other apprentice-witches to trust her word of the wild half-human girl…

This is the first book in a spin off series, Rhiannon's Ride, that takes place after the six book series The Witches of Eileanan. This is years later where the children of many of the characters are now young adults. Rhiannon is more of a wild girl then human. She is even skittish around people. But Lewen wins her over and they become friends. There is a lot that is going on during this story. The world of Eileanan has changed since last we have seen it. But it is still full of magic and mystery. I loved reading about this new character. She has a fire about her that Kate Forsyth’s other characters hadn't possessed in the other series. I loved reading this continuation of the world of Eileanan with a whole new main character. . I can't wait to read the next book in this series, The Shining City.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451460324

Pages: 448

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

Volume: 1

Old Magic by Marianne Curley

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches, Magic, Time Travel, High School

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Jarrod Thornton is mesmerizing, but Kate Warren doesn’t know why. The moment the new guy walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and intense about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod unknowingly conjures up a freak thunderstorm inside their classroom. Jarrod doesn’t believe in the paranormal. When Kate tries to convince him that he has extraordinary powers that need to be harnessed, he only puts up with her “hocus pocus” notions because he find her captivating. However, the dangerous, uncontrolled strengthening of his gift finally convinces Jarrod that he must take Kate’s theories seriously. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey – one which will unravel the mystery that has haunted Jarrod’s family for generations and pit the teens against immense forces in a battle to undo the past and reshape the future.

Jarrod is the new kid that has moved around so much he just want to stop and settle down, make friends that he can keep. Kate has grown up know what she is, a witch. She upon meeting Jarrod she knows that he is just like her. Jarrod on the other hand take some time to convince. The story is so imaginative. It deals with the high school peer pressure and being a little different than everyone else. I love how the relationship evolves between Kate and Jarrod. Also the way this story is written where the perspective changes from one to the other. I couldn’t wait to see where the story was going to end up. I really loved how this story came together. A truly enjoyable book.

Publisher: Simon Pulse

ISBN: 1416989919

Pages: 369

Series:

Volume:

The Named by Marianne Curley

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal; People with Abilities, Time Travel, Magic, The Guardians of Time

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Ethan is a member of the Named, sworn to fight the Order of Chaos, an evil group determined to permanently change the course of history. But he is also a normal high school student trying desperately to keep up with his homework and fit in. When he is assigned to mentor Isabel, a cute classmate and future member of the Named, the line between his two lives begins to blur. So begins an epic quest as Ethan, Isabel, and others travel through time to battle dark forces and protect the future.

This is the first book in the Guardians of Time trilogy. Ethan has being training to fight against the Order of Chaos since the death of his sister. Now he is getting an apprentice his old best friend’s little sister Isabel. As the two work together and learn that there is more to what is going on, including a prophecy. This is a great tale that takes you along for the ride. As the characters learn more about one another it only adds more to the tale. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one, The Dark.

Publisher: Bloomsbury

ISBN: 1599905434

Pages: 352

Series: Guardians of Time Trilogy

Volume: 1

Saving Juliet by Suzanne Selfors

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Time Travel, Shakespeare, Theater

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Two Juliets, both alike in desperation… Seventeen-year-old Mimi Wallingford, of the Broadway Wallingfords, has a life most girls can only dream of – complete with the starring role in her family’s production of Romeo and Juliet. But acting is not her dream, and she’s fighting for the right to trade her script for a scalpel and become a doctor. Fourteen-year-old Juliet Capulet, of the Verona Capulets, has lived a lonely life – imprisoned by the feud that consumes her family and by her iron-fisted mother’s forcing her into an unwanted marriage. She will do anything to avoid her betrothed, even if it requires faking a boil on her bottom – or something more dangerous. During the play’s final performance, Mimi’s wish to get away actually comes true when she and her heartthrob costar, Troy Summer, are magically transported into Shakespeare’s Verona. Now that she knows the real Juliet, Mimi doesn’t want to stand by and allow the play to reach its tragic end. But if saving her new friend means changing the ending of the greatest love story of all time, will she and Troy ever make it back to Broadway?

Mimi has grown up in and around theater, and she hates it. Her Romeo is actually called Troy who is a pop star. As things go forward she and Troy go to the time of the real Romeo and Juliet. This is a great story that shows a new take on the great characters of Romeo and Juliet. The story is all told in the perspective of Mimi. It is such a change by using a classic tale that is so well known and putting a new twist on it. I really loved reading this story, as it takes Shakespeare and time travel together.

Publisher: Walker Publishing

ISBN: 0802798314

Pages: 272

Series:

Volume: 

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

Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Time Travel

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: “Your daughter will be one of the most powerful we have ever seen in this family. She will be a beacon for us all.” Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and on the day she was born, her grandmother proclaimed she would be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin’s magic never showed up. Now, seventeen years later, she spends most of her time at boarding school in Manhattan, where she can at least pretend to be normal. But during the summers, she’s forced to return home and work at her family’s bookstore/magic shop. One night a handsome young professor from New York University arrives in the shop and mistakes Tamsin for her extremely Talented older sister. For once, it’s Tamsin who’s being looked at with awe and admiration, and before she can stop herself, she agrees to find a family heirloom for him that was lost more than a century ago. But the search – and the stranger – prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, Ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her family, and unleash a power so strong and so vengeful that it could destroy them all.

This is one of the first urban fantasy stories about witches, that is written for young adults that I have seen. Tamsin is a beautiful character who feels like she’s not in the right family. That they even like to, through the fact that she doesn’t have magic in her face. Then things begin to change for her very fast, and they come one right after another. Soon not only is she treasure hunting but also trying to save her sister without destroying timelines. Gabriel is a brilliant love interest/partner for Tam. The two of them want to pursue their growing feelings for one another, but at the same time have to fix the problems that they have created. This is one of those stories that keeps you guessing what will happen. Tam's whole world changes after a chance encounter. And it just runs, but in a brilliantly written way. The characters are great and you really get a feel for them very quickly. I can't wait to see what happens next in Always a Witch.

Publisher: Clarion Books

ISBN: 0547417306

Pages: 312

Series: Witch

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