Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves

2 stars In 1847 Britain, magic is all over high society. The upper class, or Luminate, have magical powers that let them control either illusions, elements, or feelings. Given power from the Binding, they are the only ones with magic, or at least, that's what most people believe. Anna is Barren, meaning she doesn't have …

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

4 stars Another year, another growing pile of Rick Riordan books I need to read. The Hidden Oracle, the first of Riordan's new spinoff series, The Hidden Oracle, involves Apollo, the god of music, healing, and archery, and his fall from grace (or rather, Olympus). He is cast down from Olympus and is stuck in …

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

4 stars Another stunning installement in J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay follows the happenings of magizoologist Newt Scamander in New York. When his magical suitcase of rare and unique creatures from the wizarding world, Newt Scamander is looking for a way to set one of his …

Even the Darkest Stars by Heather Fawcett

4 stars A fantasy debut with a unique premise, Even the Darkest Stars is a magical novel about mountain climbing, sisters, and witches. Kazmin is the youngest daughter of the tribe leader, and she's always dreamed of being a royal explorer for the Empire so she can climb the highest peaks and spy on enemies …

The Edge of Everything by Jeff Giles

3.5 stars The Edge of Everything is a paranormal fantasy revolving around our main female protagonist Zoe and the mysterious bounty hunter from the Lowlands she meets and names X. It's an edge-of-your-seat kind of urban fantasy that introduces magical and paranormal aspects to our modern world. I enjoyed reading this novel--the action and adventure …

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

3.5 stars Three Dark Crowns is a fantasy novel about three queens, Katharine, Arsinoe, and Mirabella, who have to fight to the death for the crown when they turn sixteen. This has been the tradition on the island of Fennbirn for many years as in each generation, female triplets are born with magical gifts. There …

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

4.5 stars An enticing, fantastical adventure, Caraval will capture the hearts of readers looking for intrigue, magic, and misdirection. Scarlett Dragna lives in a world where one can encounter magic in the annual show Caraval where the audience participates in the show. She's dreamed of receiving an invitation for years, and when it finally comes …

Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast

5 stars Prendergast's Zero Repeat Forever is an enticing science fiction novel centering about an invasion of Earth by these alien creatures dubbed the Nahx. Raven and a group of other minor delinquents were preparing to be camp counselors for a summer camp when the invasion happened. Now, they're stuck in the middle of nowhere …

Nemesis by Brendan Reichs

4.5 stars Nemesis is a thrilling novel about a girl and boy in the midst of a government conspiracy in the tiny, isolated town of Fire Lake in Idaho. Min has been murdered on her even numbered birthdays ever since she was eight. A man in shiny leather shoes and reflective glasses always comes to …

DRC: Heir of Illaria by Dyan Chick

2.5 stars Heir of Illaria by Dyan Chick is a fantasy novel about a peasant girl, Wilona, who discovers that she's the one true heir of the Kingdom of Illaria which is ruled by her nefarious necromancer uncle. After her grandmother is murdered and she barely manages to escape, she is taken under the wing …