Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
308 pgs.
Target audience: Young Adult
Rating: Dragon

Synopsis from inside front cover

"It isn't easy being Sunday's child, not when you're the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday's only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes as a terrible tendency to come true.
     When Sunday meets an echanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night, Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland -- and a man Sunday's family despises.
     The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction to this prince she barely knows? and what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past -- and hers?"


First I must say that I simply adore fairy tales and the only thing better is retelling fairy tales and Alethea Kontis most definitely has the gift. From the synopsis you'd think it was a simple Frog Prince story, but oh no, this story is so much more. Into the love story of Sunday Woodcutter and her handsome frog turned prince, she weaves subtle hints and flavorings of many other tales including Cinderella, Princess and the Pea, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, Warrior Princess, Rumpelstiltskin, and The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. She does this so seemlessly throughout the book that you don't even notice at first -- it's just part of the story. This technique gives it depth and richness.

"Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace.
Wednesday's child is full of woe.
Thursday's child hsa far to go.
Friday's child is loving and giving.
Saturday's child works hard for a living.
But the child who is born on the Sabbath Day
Is blithe and bonny and good and gay."

I loved this verse and how the meanings were slowly revealed as the story progressed. I found myself going back and re-reading the lines when certain sisters were highlighted. The two meddling fairy godmothers good and evil were aptly named as Joy and Sorrow. All the threads are brought together in the end making this a wondrous, romatic and ethereal fantasy.I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to more from this author. Perfect for fans of Jessica Day George.

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Maze Runner by James Dashner
 400 pgs.
Targe audence: Young Adult
Rating: Dragon (would give even higher if I had a higher rating)

Synopsis from inside front cover
"When Thomas wakes up in thelift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is a blank. But he's not alone. When the lift's doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade - a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they've closed tight. And every 30 days anew boy h as been delivered in he lift.
Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up - the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more suprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind."


Wow, wow, wow is this book good! I listened to this on audio and it was amazing. What I liked first was that you are as clueless to what's going on as the protagonist, Thomas. The author doles out information very slowly so that you become so hopelessly hooked that you could not stop even if you wanted to. Twists and turns and unexpected revelations. Very suspenseful and thought provoking. The world of the glade and maze Dashner has created is brilliant and terrifying all at the same time. The characters seem real and you feel for them, well feel for most of them. I felt like I was going through the terror of their life and their desparate need for escape myself as I listened. I found myself looking for excuss to drive just to listen to it which is an absurd waste of gas, but I couldn't help it. It is that good. This is an absolute must for fans of Hunger Games.

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Dragonborn by Toby Forward
344 pgs
Target audience: Juvenile
Rating: Wizard

Synopsis from inside front cover
"When Flaxfield the great wizard dies, his apprentice, Sam, is left alone. Same has great power -- but he doesn't know it yet. All he knows is that he needs a new master if he wants to finish his education in magic. With his dragon, Starback, at his side, Sam sets out on his quest. But there are those who want Sam's power for themselves, dangerous forces that are waiting for an opportunity to attack....
And his dragon may not be able to save him."

This was a great beginning to a compelling new fantasy series. Sam starts out his journey with his loyal dragon, Starback, not knowing whom to trust.  I love the dragon and we find out more about Sam's connection with him as the story progresses. There are excerpts from his apprentice's notebook where he describes many of the magical creatures that inhabit the Deep World below with charming silliness. When Sam attempts to learn more magic at the college, he realizes that he has enemies there as well. The college library is fabulous with fake books hiding multiple secret rooms. What I wouldn't give to work there. Anyway, as the author sets up this world, things get a bit crammed with all the characters and their motivations. He does meander a bit in doing so, but just keep with it. I'm glad there is so much foundation building because that hints at how rich and comprehensive this series will be.

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Fairytale Keeper by Angela Cefalo (Gally copy)
267 pgs
Target audience: Young Adult
Rating: Wizard

Synopsis from back cover
"Snow White was a pet name her mother had given her, but her mother's dead now. Adelaide hates that name anyway. A rampant fever claimed Adelaide's mother just like a thousand others in Cologne where the people die without last rites and the dead are dumped in a large pit outside of the city walls. Adelaide's father is determined to obtain a funeral for his wife, but that requires bribing the parish priest, Father Soren. When Soren commits an unforgivable atrocity, he pushes Adelaide to her breaking point, but if she seeks justice against the cruel priest, she risks sacrificing everything: her father, her friends, her first love, and mabe even her life."

I liked the unusual nature of the fairytale retelling, where the protagonist, Adelaide, appears to be the source of all the Grimm's Tales. Cinderella, Snow White, and The Elves and the Shoemaker all make an appearance. Her father is the shoemaker, Adelaide is Snow White and her mother's beautiful cousin is the evil stepmother from Cinderella. It's a genuinely cool way to interweave more than one fairytale into your story. I did notice however that she also included the tale The Six Swans but there was no indication of that tale in the book. So I'm assuming that means it will appear in some way in the forthcoming titles in the series. The medieval Cologne setting was beautifully laid out and gave the stories depth and ambiance. I really liked the budding romance between Adelaide and Ivo. Ivo was hands down my favorite character in the book. I can so easily imagine him as any number of Grimm characters. It will be very interesting to see where he ends up. The corruption in the church was an intriguing thread in the storyline and I wonder if that will continue in the next installment.
I want to thank the author, Andrea Cefalo, for sending me a copy of this fabulous debut to enjoy and feature here on my blog.

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The Princess of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen
437 pgs
Target audience: 10-14
Rating: Wizard

Synopsis from inside front cover
"THE HUNDRED YEAR WAR WITH KRAGNIR IS OVER.
and Meg will soon be named the princess-heir of Trelian. But her connection to her dragon, Jakl, is making her parents' subjects uneasy. Will they ever accept this dragon princess as their future queen? It doesn't help that Meg is suffering horible nightmares and sudden, uncontrollable rages -- and with the link joining them, Jakl is feeling the rages, too. Meg is desperate to talk to Calen, to see if he can help her figure out what is happening and how to stop it before she or her dragon does something terrible...

Meanwhile, Calen is having troubles of his own. He's far away, gone off with mage Serek to receive his first true mage's mark. But his marking ceremony is disrupted by a mysterious magical attack, and ominous prophecies predict a terrifying new danger. The Magistratum's greatest enemy may soon reappear -- and the other mages believe that Calen himself may have a hand in his return!"

It has been awhile since I'd read The Dragon of Trelian but it didn't take me long to catch up and things kept coming back to me as I read. I do feel that it would be better to read them in order for the new reader. The author does a great job portraying Meg's conflict between becoming a fabulous princess-heir and making her parents proud and protecting her beloved dragon, Jakl. Of course it's this very conflict fueled by her nightmares and impetuous nature that puts her in real danger. The link Meg has with Jakl is believable and is becoming stronger every day. Calen is feeling restricted by his master and wants to learn more so he can prevent the odious Mage Krelig from returning and destroying everything. Will Calen escape the fate prophecy has foretold?The tension is palpable and slowly grows to a thrilling climax. Friendships are tested, families are torn apart, and the world teeters on the edge. I can't wait to see what comes in the next book.

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13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison
353 pgs.
Age 8-12
Rating: Wizard

Synopsis from back cover
"You don't always have to see to believe. Though her mother cannot see the evil fairies that rouse Tanya from her sleep, torturing her at the slightest mention of their existence, they are as real to the thirteen-year-old as anything she's ever known. If she could wish them away, she would, but it is she who is sent away -- to live at her grandmother's secluded countryside manor.

There is much to explore and even more to fear in the woods surrounding the estate. But the forest isn't the only source of dark secrets, and Tanya soon finds herself entangled in a mystery that could trap her in the fairy realm forever."

Harrison has delivered up a wonderful new fantasy series. There are two more after this one which I'll review once I get them read. The first thing I noticed about this story was the splendid sense of place. The descriptions of her grandmother's remote house and environs are painted so vividly and detailed that I have only to close my eyes to picture it perfectly. I love a strong female character and our heroine, Tanya, is just that. She doesn't give up when her constant battles with fairies wear on her mom's last nerve compelling her to send Tanya to her grandmother's. She doesn't give up when the mysteries at the house in the woods threaten to drive her mad if she doesn't solve them. She bands together with her cousin to solve the mystery of the children who keep going missing at the local hospital. Togther they battle long buried family secrets which are intrinsically entwined with the fairy problem. The author ties up enough of the many pieces of the puzzle at the end to satisfy the mystery solvers in us but leaves enough mystery to keep us coming back for more.

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The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz
117 pgs
Age 7-11
Rating: Wizard

Synopsis from back cover
"What would happe to a fairy if she lost her wings and could no longer fly? Flory, a young night fiary no taller than an acorn, is in just such a circumstance. What she discovers is that the world is very big and very, very dangerous. But Flory is fierce and willing to do whatever it takes to survive. If that means telling others wat to do, so be it. Skuggle, a squirrel ruled by his stomach, is an easy puppet. Flory soon finds, though, that not every creature is nearly as willing to bend to her demands."

This is a beautifully written and exquisitely illustrated tale of a night fairy who reluctantly becomes a day fairy to survive in the giant world she finds herself in. Flory enlists the help of a squirrel to access seed from a bird feeder, rescues a hummingbird and makes a deal with a spider. She is resourceful, brave, and genuine. As she becomes attuned with her own magic, she decides she likes being a day fairy and makes her home in the garden with her new friends. Schlitz skillfully explores the miniature fairy world and delivers a satisfying magical adventure.

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Princess of the Wild Swans by Diane Zahler
212 pgs.
age 8-12
Rating: Wizard

Synopsis from inside front cover
"Princess Meriel's brothers have been cursed. A terrible enchantmnt -- cast by their conniving new stepmother -- has transformed the handsome princes into swans. They now swim forlornly on a beautiful heart-shaped lake that lies just beyond the castle walls.
      Meriel will do whatever it takes to rescue her beloved brothers. But she must act quickly. If Heart Lake freezes, her brothers will be forced to fly south or perish.
      With help from her newfound friends Riona and Liam -- a pretty half-witch and her clever brother-- Meriel vows to finish a seemingly impossible task. If she completes it, her brothers may be saved.

But if she fails...

all will be lost."

I thoroughly enjoyed this rendition of the Grimm fairytale, The Seven Brothers. Meriel is a strong heroine whose love and fierce loyalty to her family drives her to finish the painful task of sewing shirts of cloth spun from the prickly nettles. Even though the brothers spend most of the story as swans, their individual traits are clearly drawn and easily transferred to swan form. The new queen, Lady Orianna,  is deliciously wicked and brings a new twist to the tale by using her power over the king to open the portal between the human and fairy world. I liked how the threat of a winter freezing placed a deadline on Meriel's task. I especially loved how the town stood by the royal family and helped them defeat Orianna in the end. Granted Meriel couldn't be helped in the task of sewing the shirts to save her brothers, but she did get help in other ways which shows that a ruler who is fair, just and genuinely cares for his/her people is rewarded with loyalty. There is a touch of romantic interest between Meriel and Rionna's brother, Liam. This book is short but packed with adventure, peril and heroism. Fans of fairytale retellings will eat this book up. 

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Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist Book One: Flight of the Phoenix by R. L. LaFevers
134 pgs
Age 8-12
Rating - Wizard

Synopsis from back cover
"Nathaniel Fludd's life has taken a turn for the worst. With his parents declared lost at sea, the ten-year-old lands on the doorstep of a distant relation. Aunt Phil is the world's last remaining beastologist, and Nate learns he is expected to carry on in the family business. Before he can unpack his suitcase, Aunt Phil whisks him off on his first expedition -- to the sands of Arabia, where the world's only phoenix prepares to lay its new egg. When disaster strikes, Nate quickly finds himself alone. Will he be able to see the phoenix safely hatched, keep Greasle, his accidental pet gremlin, out of trouble, and rescue Aunt Phil from the Bedouin? If he fails, nothing will stand between the world's mythical creatures and extinction. Too bad Nate's not the sort of boy who enjoys adventure...yet."

This was a very enjoyable and clever book and an auspicious beginning to the Beastologist series. Many young children will find it easy to identify with young Nate. He feels a bit of a failure because he's convinced the adventure gene bypassed him all together. That all changes wen he's shipped off to live with a relative. His Aunt Phil, the world's last remaining beastologist, sort of reminds me of Sherlock Holmes because she's so focused on her latest job that without a second thought she whisks Nate off on his very first adventure in Arabia. There is plenty of humor and great illustrations. This is the story of a reluctant adventurer and an even more surprised hero. It's about discovering the bravery that was always there. Readers will also learn a bit about culture, mythology, history and geography. The author includes a glossary and maps.

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Fairy Lies by E. D. Baker
256 pgs.
Target audence" Age 8-12
Rating: Wizard

In this sequel to Fairy Wings, Tamisin, who has recently broken up with her cat goblin boyfriend, Jak, is kidnapped by fairies and taken to Oberon. Tamisin is not just any fairy, she's the daughter of Queen Titania and up until now has believed her father to be human. Oberon insists that Tamisin is his daughter and that he brought her to the fey world to bond with her good 'ole dad. Meanwhile Jak sets off on a quest to rescue her. At this point the story splits and alternates between Jak's ad Tamisin's adventures. The more time Tamisin spends three, the more muddled her thoughts become. There are encounters with trolls, goblins, sea monsters and a hidden enemy who wants to harm Tamisin. This is a fun book for fans of fairies. It is not necessary to read the first to enjoy this one.

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Storm Makers by Jennifer E. Smith
384 pgs.
Target audence: 8-12
Rating: Wizard

Twins, Simon and Ruby, don't know it yet but they have the ability to manipulate weather. Their parents move the family to a farm in the middle of nowhere so their mom can focus on painting and their dad can work on his many inventions. Things start to get interesting when a stranger mysteriously appears in the barn with an ominous message for the twins. The weather goes haywire with sudden gusts of wind and rainstorms, tornado warnings and the worst drought in a hundred years. They learn that there is  secret society of Storm Makers, people who contrl and tame the weather, and that Simon is one of them and needs training. Who knew right? Well, that's not the end of it. Naturally there's a rogue Storm Maker bent on using Simon's budding powers to punish humans for not respecting nature. Simon, Ruby and their new found Storm Maker friends race against time and truly horrific weather conditions to save the world. This was a fun, fast paced book with strong, believable characters. Recommend to fans of Savvy by Ingrid Law.

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The Humming Room by Ellen Potter
192 pgs.
Target audience: Age 8-12
Rating: Wizard

I absolutely loved this book. One of my favorite books growing up was The Secret Garden, so since this is an homage to that classic, I naturally I had to read it. Roo, orphaned when her parents are murdered, is packed off to live with an uncle in a mansion on the remote Cough Rock island. Her uncle stays away most of the time and Roo's only company is Miss Violet and Ms. Valentine who tells Roo all the hard and fast rules that MUST be obeyed. Roo is small and used to being alone. She loves to hide in small places and listen to the noises beneath the earth surface. The huge mansion, formerly a tuberculosis sanitarium, presents many mysteries ripe for her to solve. From the anguished cries of a young child to the strange humming noise reverberating through the very walls and secret boxes hidden in floorboards, Roo sets out to explore. She soon finds she has a cousin, Phillip, who remains sequestered in his sick room. She also becomes fascinated by a young boy who appears to just live in the wild, but turns out he is Sidh or fey. Roo befriends them both. But the biggest secret is discovered when she slides down the laundry shute only to land in what seems to be a long dead garden. Sound familiar? Together the three children work to revive the garden where other family secrets have been long buried. Even though Potter clearly brings elements directly from the original, she has created a singularly fresh tale. This book is shorter and more suspenseful with lovely gothic elements and a strong heroine. Highly recommended to middle grade readers.

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Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey
416 pgs.
Target audience: Young Adult
Rating: Dragon

This is an outstanding companion to Dragon's Keep although it can be enjoyed as a standalone book. The kingdom on Wilde Island, mourning its king and anxiously awaiting the return of the prince, is in the hands of the bloodthirsty and evil regent, Sackmoore. The fragile alliance between fairies, dragons and humans is strained. On one of the regent's witch hunts, Tess, who has the gift of firesight, is accused of witchery and is forced to flee with her two best friends, Poppy and Meg. They're offered shelter by a royal huntsman, Garth who is the younger prince in disguise. Tess soon discovers that her father is fey which explains her gift. The dragons play a larger role in the latter half of the story. The pace is slow at first but builds to an amazing climax keeping the reader riveted to the page. All the characters are fully drawn and come to life on the page.This is a must for epic fantasy lovers. There's romance, adventure, history, mythology and political intrigue all against a beautifully rendered medieval landscape. What more could you ask for?

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